oh my gosh I LOVE it.

I am a friend of Dan from MTV! YUP, people love him on TV but I get to love him in real life (proud of him, can ya tell?)

I am a fan of Oprah, Doctor Oz, Green Day, Obama, Ellen, oh the list goes on

I am a star because I am excellent at sewing. Honestly my friends all wish I would turn into a Disney mouse and make clothes for them all day!

Wow.. this was a deep post.. and bravo for the Erykah Badu poem.. it’s like I could feel the words flowing through my body. And I can say I am truly a friend to my roommate, my best friend, my round for life, the one that gave me my nickname Bear lol. At one point, I went through that stage where I sort of envied him.. I got him a job at the place where I was viewed as a king because I was the best worker. And with no experience and hella personality, he had taken over what I felt like was my kingdom that I worked so hard to build. But one day I was at work.. and I saw how happy he was… and it was like my eyes were opened and I realized that everything I was angry or jealous about was pointless.. I mean who cared?…Steak ‘n’ Shake? What did it really matter?… I guess that was the day I finally reached my stage of maturity. We had both came from the same projects, directly across the street from each other. I stopped being a hater and started actually being a friend, like he had always seen me to be in the first place. I realized I should’ve been more concerned that I helped him out in the first place,and thankful that he did not act brand new on me. And since then, he is the closest person to me, we have a duplex together – out of the hood – who would’ve ever thought it? And ironically, I AM a star to him. A few weeks ago, he actually admitted it, telling me that seeing me work so hard and taking care of my family legally motivated him to get off the corner and make something of himself. He says I have some of the strongest work qualities he’s ever seen, and that it’s easy to see why I always maintain a leadership role so quickly. I have to say it’s still shocking to believe, seeing in how I always looked up to him in school. I never thought of myself to be a leader. To hear him say that he wanted to have the qualities that I had, and be as optimistic and positive as me is still kind of a crazy idea to me. It’s funny how that works out sometimes. And I can honestly say that I am a fan of this local poet who got published – Tony Black. He graduated from my high school a few years before me, and he’s already had 3 poetry books published, 3. I even got him to help me with my senior project in high school, hoping that some kind of deal would come out of it. And that was wrong of me – because he was actually trying to be a friend helping out, and I was being a fan, I didn’t speak to him for a while when I saw that he was not trying to help me get published by the people that published his writings… but like Ms. Boodram, I realized I was being petty and I too had missed his work, so I was a fan once again. Three weeks ago, he actually invited me to one of his readings and actually set it up for me to read one of my poems – which is something I never do. But I did it, and I loved it (Even though I froze up on stage the first minute and was hella nervous)

oh my gosh I love this article Shannon. It just put so much into perspective for me!
Prime example;
I am OBSESSED with Darren Hayes (former lead singer of Savage Garden, now brilliant solo artist). He’s honestly one of my idols. His albums are pure genius, his shows are literally mind-blowing, and ever since I started recording music, everyone has always told me I sound like him. So cut to now, met him 3 times, several mutual friends, and here I am, total mess, constant Tweets, Myspace messages, etc. I had one of our mutual friends send him my new album last week, and I am consequently checking my DMs on Twitter, eagerly awaiting his copious notes and words of amazement/admiration.

Thank you for helping me realize that I am his fan, not his friend, and not his star. Wow! Enlightenment

Thank you!!!

im a friend to my friends. lol idk how else to answer that. although in my mind, you and I are besties but in reality im more of a fan.
im a star b/c im a boss at wii tennis and basketball.

i’ve had that video in my ipod for a couple of years Nice post btw!
i’m a good friend to my close circle of friends and my family. I’ve never gotten into any fights with them, so i hope that means i’m a good friend.lol
I’m a fan of YOU TWO, vashtie, santigold, and a few others. If their work inspires me, motivates me, or i feel connected some how to what they stand for as a person, then i automatically become a fan (not a stalker fan, just regular.haha)
I’m not a “star” i perfer Erykah’s “Artist” instead. I am an Artist. Painter. I like when people like my work, or when i sell a painting. i feel appreciated. thats always nice! lol

I LOVE this post! What great food for thought.

I think the thing about seeing your friends succeed is really hard, but the other part of it is that you get to see what happens AFTER someone’s dream comes true. We all go around thinking, “If only _____ would happen, then I’d be happy.” We learn from our successful friends that this is not always the case, and while success can be great, life still goes on afterwards with its own challenges.

In terms of stardom, I’ve got to admit I’m struggling there right now. It’s like I’ve run out of obstacles and excuses to write, and now I’m just scared to start because I’ve started so many times and it never went anywhere. This is the week though. In fact, this is the day. Next time you make a Journey To post, I’ll have something to say.

You really are a huge motivational force yourself, Shannon. Seeing you go after what you want and make new goals really makes people evaluate their own dreams and life, and think, “What should *I* be doing these days?”

“Friend: The other day I got done on my knees” *immature muffled laughter*

I think there’s 2 sides to this though. A good amount of people who do ‘make it’ seem to turn around and forget about any assistance they were given to get there. That really bothers me. Any success I’ve enjoyed thus far that has garnered me a plea for assistance from others, I always dignify. It irritates me when I read about established artists not giving a few pointers to younger ones. At the very least, give back what you were given so the cipher completes.

There’s a saying that semi-pertains to this that I’ll likely massacre, but anyway: “A truly honorable man grows the tree in his garden, knowing he’ll never sit in its shade.”

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Andrea Lewis, Shannon Boodram and A WILD GRL 4TRU., Britney Darmanin. Britney Darmanin said: Awesome read.. Friend, fan or star? http://tinyurl.com/y8az2ld @thosegirlsrwild [...]

Friend/sometimes silent supporter to: among others, my best bud, Courtney, from back home in Arkansas, my ex who’s living it up right now, a friend I had in high school who’s doing well but turned into quite the ass as a result (I still wish him the best.), and this girl I worked with in college whose smarts and worldliness have taken her all the way to a stint working in the White House.

Fan: of a slew of people, typically the artsy types. The only thing I seek from ’stars’ is the entertainment and inspiration. I don’t feel as if they owe me anything (but because they’ve chosen to share their work, they are open to critique). The only thing I ask of them is what I believe can help them push their art/message…which is what I’d want someone to do for me if they wanted to. If a ’star’ I admire wants help pubbing their project, I’m in. (Note: When it comes to people in your daily ‘real’ life, confusing “being a ‘fan’” with “loving” will mess you up every time.)

I’m not so into hardcore networking, so someone else would probably be better at ‘working’ the few connections I do have. I try to avoid forcing my own work onto people: “Hey, read my poem!! Can you talk to your publisher about me!?!” There are people I have a kind of access to whose work knocks me over, but at this age, I wouldn’t repeatedly contact them for the sole purpose of getting further in a field.

[lol @ “This racist trick!" - went right there right off the bat]

Star/Artist: I don’t feel starry at all. I want people to appreciate my work, but I’ve always felt strange when people praise it…especially when it’s coming from people I’m a fan[atic] of or it’s for something I’ve done that I don’t think is that incredible. Weird?

I’m also confused by people who think I have my life together, that I’m doing great things, and consider me a role model of sorts. I’d like to be that put together, but really, I’m in the no this, no that, no clue club with you, and that’s without the book publication…lol

whoa, reality check. thank you.

@Marcus you must have a great book inside of you. Wonderful insight, I really enjoyed reading your story.
Would LOVE to see you start a Journey to Becoming a Stage Poet. ..something to think about

@ Simon. I think it’s good to harass and great to be persistent BUT just don’t get mad if you’re not getting the response as quickly as you’d like. You said it perfect:
I am his fan, not his friend, and not his star.
But that can change but if it doesn’t, it’s not all for nothing. By the way I can’t WAIT to hear your music. Andrea said it’s incredible

@Carissa lol we’re friends BUT I’m too old to be your bestie lol. I think of you as a partner in crime and lil sister. Me and andrea are so thankful to have you our lives. Real talk, you are so motivating and I wish I had the drive that you do when I was your age.

@B.Denise… so you sell your work. WELL then that makes you a STAR ARTIST! Also wow thanks for the shoutout

@Shayla I am honestly willing to do whatever it takes to help get your work out there. You are tremendously talented, I tell you that all the time but believe me! Actually can you do me a fav and resend your short story? I can’t find it in my e-mail!
http://adelaidepoet.blogspot.com/ < -- exceptional

@ C Double that's true but the point I am making is that, while every star/ artist/ leader SHOULD try and help his/ her predecessors, if they don't that isn't a reason to boycott their product that you enjoy. It's a moral duty, not their responsibility to give every person who writes them, some kind of advice or a chance.
As per usuale thanks for not participating in the question as to not reveal a damn thing about yourself. Oh and I wanted to fyi you The Walrus is an upstanding Canadian Magazine, that is worshiped by journalists. So for someone to suggest you sited content from that magazine is not an insult. If I suggested you got your material from TVO Kids then maybe that would be "hurtful."

http://www.walrusmagazine.com

I have those moments, but I’m otherwise a really good friend…I’m working on being an even better one..

now I am a star, my light shines brighter everyday… ^_^ I will be that actor/indie movie director/writer in the coming years, I’ve got that faith…

and I’m a fan of you guys. :p Because once again, I love the passion and the good vibes I get from this site. again , thanks. =]

Hey Shannnnn! I’m so glad the video inspired you and made you think as much as it did me. Glad to call you a friend =)

I am sometimes afraid of my own honesty. However, there have been several times in my life that I have realized…..
I am that friend! I was that person who took a side step so that others may have the opportunity that I sought first. I cannot count the times that I have sat aside while others have benefited from a piece of information ….
But I slowly realized that I may be that Ugly! But I have matured in a lot of ways. And I remember the kind saying what is for you no one can take it away! I believe that we choose a path but most of it is directed by the virtue of our own choices. I chose to share information with my friends. I chose to give them the same opportunity that I had. At the end, it was my decision. Nonetheless, I may not have ended up on the side I hoped but I still ended up making a wise choice. Not only have I seen my friend suceed but, now she is at the top of her game! I am thankful that I may see it through someone else’s eyes because one day I will see it through my own.

Love the POST!!!!!!!!

I’m a friend to a few people close to me. Fortunate to have their advice and honoured when the ask the same of me. I wish them much success. However, I hope that same demeanour is presented to those I don’t know yet, those I’ve just met, and those whom I’ll never meet.

I’m a fan of people who recognize they have the ears of of many and use that to influence and inspire. People like Queen Rania of Jordan, NY college radio DJ Jay Smooth, and Swedish statistics and medicine professor Has Rosling. People who command attention in unique ways and often leave me choked up at the message they’ve delivered.

A star? I honestly struggle with this one. I suppose my e-personality is that of a band member/DJ, and yet I feel there’s a certain shelf-life with those labels. I’m a man who thinks big, who sees being wrong not as a defeat but as an opportunity to learn, and someone who values creating opportunities for others above all else. Even if I’m only to end up as a cog in a wheel, best believe I’ll be the best cog you’ve ever come across, and that wheel will be steered in the right direction.

I’m also a star at the original Mario Kart for Super Nintendo.

This post is so deep. Words can’t even convey!

@shannon i’ve only sold about two, and not for much money. lol. but the fact that some one is willing to buy ur work is a good feeling

I believe this is a Wow posting. I absolutely love this! I think everyone in life comes to a point in their lives when they really negotiate whether they are going to be the friend or be ‘ugly’.

Social comments and analytics for this post…

This post was mentioned on Twitter by missandrealewis: New blog post: Think About it Mondays: Are you a Friend, Fan or Star? http://bit.ly/dgJ1av...

I love Erykah Badu for real…such a strong woman, definitely a bright light.

Not long before I graduated high school a couple friends of mine were supposed to meet me downtown to hit try our hand at the nightlife and expose ourselves the wonderful world of dating. I had pay as you go mins back then and used every single one calling them because I was in the area we agreed to meet but couldn’t find them. I paid into the club we said we’d check out to find them. I wasn’t going to them but was determined to so anyway, I’d blow off steam and we’d go hammer back some drinks. All would’ve been forgiven. Instead I spent the night looking for them until I realized I’d be stranded downtown unless I left… Good thing there was no shortage of cabs because the subway had closed by then and I was high school kid alone and nowhere near as comfortable being DT as I am now.
I didn’t hear from either friend after that and waited several days to see what they’d do. They didn’t call me back or my house to see where I’d been, if I got home or if I was alive. And that really pissed me off- so I leapt from the shadows (with an email) and they had no real excuse save for they tried to find me. One was really sorry and the other was glib and inconsiderate as always so I cut them both off. A year or two passed and I realized that I should forgive the friend who actually apologized because he never burned me before whereas the other had burned me a number of times in the past. I truly missed his friendship so I reached out, apologized for my anger (eventually) and we started talking again. Fast forward a few more years and now we’re good friends again, and I was right to trust him because he’s never burned me period. We’re better friends now and I’m really glad I opened up to trusting him again.
My name is Chris and I am a friend.

I first met hip hop when I was 7 or 8 hanging out with my babysitters grandson in their basement watching Rap city…I was entranced and instantly tuned my ears for that raw bombastic coming at cha $#!t thanks to Leaders of the new school, a tribe called quest, De La Soul, Rakim & Eric B, Heavy D and Dream warriors…for me set the tone of the beginning of my love for hip hop at young age and would lay dormant until I needed it the most again (cue high school and eventual move out to east Durham). When I moved out east with my family I was pretty much on my own and social separated from everyone I knew in high school, but the transition and journey through OCAD was much easier because I would discover the genius of Nas, Common, Tupac, Biggie, Snoop, Madlib, Doom, Percee P, the members of the Wu tang clan, and none other than James Dewitt Yancy, but to fellow heads we knew him as Jay Dee or J Dilla. Thus began my adventures of time travellin thru the ages of music, from the blues to the Beatles and all thru Motown. Damn, Hip hop saved and helped get me through…and the story continues. My name is Chris and I AM A FAN.

I remember the first moment of joy I had drawing something that looked like it did in my head…I was in grade 2. Ever since I could hold a pencil or crayon or pastel or brush, creating was always something that could make me feel good about myself even when it felt like I couldn’t do anything else right. And having people acknowledge and value what I did at a young age sparked something inside and it became the thing I would always come back to. So I kept doing it and looked to dozens of artists past and present for inspiration guidance. When I made the choice to become a professional I held comic book artists in the highest regard and I set out to be just like them. There wasn’t one artist in the industry whose style and body of work I couldn’t identify. Jim Lee, Lee Bermejo, Chris Cross, Alex Ross, Darryl Banks, Joe Madureira, J Scott Campbell, Humberto Ramos, Frank Miller, Mike Wieringo, Will Eisner, and Jae Lee to name a few. I’ve been to a number of comic conventions and art shows in my life and had the opportunity to speak with Industry professionals and a couple of my artistic heroes although I may have been too star struck to really ask for advice. I did get some feedback from Karl Kerschl, and after looking through my work he simply told me to “draw without fear”. That was one of the coolest and empowering criticisms Id been given, and dammit I strive to create without fear, or fear of being incomplete artistically. I think about where I am in my journey as a creative and how I’m using my talent, and I’m trying to be honest with myself because I don’t want to regret anything I do ever. My name is Chris and I am an artist.

I think I’m in love with this community right here hahaha.

awww how sweet. That really means a lot to me.
I really appreciate our friendship b/c practically 5 seconds ago i was just a fan.

Thanks for recognizing the star in me.

[...] thosegirlsarewild.com » Think About it Mondays: Are you a Friend … [...]

@ B.DeniSE

Get you fork up and stay hungry!! I find its easier to get paid for a project someone commissions you for rather than the things you do for YOU dig? I find I’m too attached to my own work (Im working on that), but when something “belongs” to someone else, pay me for my time and Im good haha

Wow, this is an awesome post! Shannon, you’re amazing!

My address is Winner’s Circle…true story…and the rest I’ll come back to, maybe.

Dear Mike. This is now the intellectual property of shannon boodram:
I’m a man who thinks big, who sees being wrong not as a defeat but as an opportunity to learn, and someone who values creating opportunities for others above all else. Even if I’m only to end up as a cog in a wheel, best believe I’ll be the best cog you’ve ever come across, and that wheel will be steered in the right direction.

HOW CLEVER!!

Teresa your firstname is my middlename, that makes YOU awesome

Thanks J SIMONE!!!

@Neosoul I hope everyone read that comment, what a joy! I loved this visual to:
I remember the first moment of joy I had drawing something that looked like it did in my head…I was in grade 2

I can picture that moment in my head. Actually maybe that might be a good idea for an art piece? Sounds magical

Crystal you WOULD live on Winner’s Circle. I find myself talking about how much I love you, all the time lol REAL TALK

@Neosouleskimo Word! i feel you on that one! yeah, i’m too attached to any of my work.It feels like i gave birth to it and i dont wanna give it up for adoption.haha! but i’ma stay hungry! best believe that!!

@ B.DeniSE Do it!! Although you already kinda are!!

@ Shannon aww you’re way too kind. Hmmm, thats also an interesting idea that could easliy turn into a personal piece. I’ll give it some thought.

Ha, you can have that Shannon. Have fun with it.