Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Another "Big Purple" Milestone


The "Otalia" fansite, Big Purple Dreams, surpassed 3,000 members earlier today. I have never seen any soap fan website grow this much this quickly. The site has only been around for four months. Seeing fans from all over the world get drawn into the love story of Olivia and Natalia on GUIDING LIGHT just proves the point that if you write a compelling story, you actually have a chance to attract new viewers.

I've also never seen a fansite for anything that was seemingly 100% positive like this one. Major kudos for these folks for channeling any bump in the road into positive action.

Unfortunately a lot of these fans are not included in the outdated Nielsen ratings which uses a statistical sample of people to determine what we are all watching.

For comparison, the official Telenext Media messaage board for both GUIDING LIGHT and AS THE WORLD TURNS has 3,626 members as of this posting. Soon the Big Purple Dreams site will zoom past that number.

As a side note, the Keep GUIDING LIGHT petition is now approaching 13,000 signatures.

87 comments:

  1. That is awesome- I love that site, and it has the most dedicated, pleasant, NICE fans ever. Congrats to the fandom and to Destini- the fearless leader!

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  2. This site is amazing! The people are great and they all have the same amazing love for Otalia!

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  3. Thank you so much, Roger! You are a big part of the reason we have done so well. Working with us and sharing the Otalia love.

    We are so happy to be a small part in the Otalia family. Soaps fans or not we love the writing, the acting and the commitment from everyone at GL to this truly transcendent storyline.

    The is classic soap story-telling as it was meant to be and proof positive that people will respond to quality drama and a positive message from fans.

    I could not be more proud to be a part of such a site and such a group of people.

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  4. BPD is a positive community that welcomes all and who are passionate and loving. It's a family! Stop by, you wont be disappointed!

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  5. BPD is such an amazing community of people around the world who all come together for the love of a story. If only CBS could see just how many loyal fans support Guiding Light and their number one couple-Otalia! I'm a proud member of BPD! here's to 3000 and here's to 3000 more! :)
    Thank you Destini for all you to bring Big Purple Dreams to life!

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  6. That's great!! :D
    Otalia and the Big Purple Dreams site and group are amazing! <3

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  8. So... BPD surpasses BOTH boards? Wow. That is impressive indeed, didn't know that. Otalia FTW!

    I wish that the Nielsen ratings would make way for something ANYTHING better that what it is right now. It's so outdated, it isn't even remotely funny anymore.

    CBS, scratch your heads and see, REALLY SEE, because right now? You're missing the Guiding Light.

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  9. Thanks,Roger, for recognizing the BPD for the wonderful positive community that it is. I am beaming with pride to be involved and I can't wait to see what the future holds for Otalia and GL.

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  10. Thx for the article Roger! I'm so proud to be a member of the BPD board. Otalia is the best storyline ever to grace daytime tv! Crystal Chappell is a Goddess!
    Congrats Destini and all the other mods on a job well done! Is that champagne I see? I have a feeling the Purple bar will be packed tonite! Cheers, the 1st round is on CC lol's.

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  11. Roger, you're such a good friend to us, thank you.

    I'm one of those people not being counted by Nielsen Shmielsen and I hate that. I just hope the new network actually gets the appeal of new media and how to utilize them for advertising.

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  12. Thanks for posting this, Roger, and for being such a vocal supporter. It's amazing how this fanbase has grown yet it still feels like a family over on BPD. We are a force to be reckoned with and people are just beginning to find that out.

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  13. Woohoo! Thanks for the shoutout to the BPD, Roger! It's nice to be a part of something so positive.

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  14. Yay!! It's so amazing to be a part of BPD... everyone is so nice and encouraging :)

    We love you over there, Roger ♥

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  15. Hi Roger!

    This show is drawing in people from all over the place because it's good old fashioned soap writing and acting as it was meant to be!

    Thank you for being an advocate not just for Otalia, but for Guiding Light as well.

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  16. Love Big Purple it's the best place on the net. My Otalia obsession has an outlet. I'm very happy Otalia Nut in the BPD asylum.

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  17. I heart BPD just as much as I heart Otalia themselves. It is a great website with really great people. Thanks for supporting it.

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  18. Thanks Roger! Can't say enough about how wonderful it is to be a part of BPD. We truly are one big purple family!

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  19. Thanks for the hoorah Roger!!! This board is what is because of this storyline... we are filled with love and respect the very same ideals JLH, CC, JL and EW are presenting to us!

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  20. I watch a lot of TV. And spend a lot of time online. It's a long time since anything has moved me like the Otalia storyline, and I'm loving the atmosphere at the BPD. Congrats to Destini and friends for bringing us together and letting us know about this story in the first place.

    And yes, I'm in New Zealand, where Guiding Light has never played. Maybe it'll be accessible here from it's next network.

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  21. thanks for the shout out roger. we are growing my leaps and bounds over at the BPD.

    since last tuesday, we have added 100 new registered members every day. we are organizing a big purple army of motivated positive people who are excited about the storyline and willing to follow GL and Otalia to a new and improved home.

    as i know you are aware, we would be nothing without our leaders and support from people like you. they are the ones who keep us motivated and positive. so this milestone (just a brief hooray on the way to 5000) is there's.

    congrats destini! and mel! and christi! we are the ones who are proud to be members of this great family you created.

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  22. Big Purple is a great fan site but only because the people at GL have given us such a wonderful story to rally behind. Otalia sells itself!

    But kudos to Destini and her partners in "Otalia Love" for providing such an enthusiastic, safe, and positive place for people to relish Otalia!

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  23. Thank you Roger! We really appreciate everything you're doing for our girls and the BPD. I don't know if anyone has mentioned this, but i thought you should know you made the BPD-english dictionary!

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  24. Thanks for the shout out Roger! BPD is an extraordinary place! Congrats to Desti, Mel, Christi, and everyone else who makes it possible for us all to snuggle up together on the couch in our living room!

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  25. Roger, you've done such great things on spreading the news of BPD, so we thank you! This story is more than worth the attention it's getting, and you were totally right-- if you write a compelling story, you will attract new viewers! And THIS is one compelling story!

    Thanks for all your love to the BPD!

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  26. This is so wonderful! It's a testament to the wonderful storyline and the amazing fanbase it's created. BPD is a truly amazing place. A place where people of all nationalities, religions, and orientations come together in the name of love. Because that's what Otalia is above all else - a love story.

    Thanks for all the support Roger! And Desti - CONGRATULATIONS, you are amazing!

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  27. Roger, you support has meant so much to all of us during this frantic time... fighting for something you love, especially when it is a TV show or a fictional couple can feel isolated and lonely...

    Thanks to Big Purple and blogs liek yours; it is a lot easier to feel apart of this amazing effort!

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  28. Thanks Roger! The Big Purple Dreams website is just an amazing place and I love that everyone keeps things so positive no matter what. It's become a real community and it's growing every day. I'm sure 3k is only the beginning.

    And I'm not a bit surprised either tha this fandom has grown so much. People recognize good writing and good storytelling along with good acting and chemistry. We're not blind, we've got eyes and ears :D

    Destini - our fearless leader - deserves some major props too, for keeping it so positive and being so dedicated to the fandom, spreading the word. And really, every single member of the BPD deserves some kudos.

    And you Roger, for giving us some love like this. Grouphug Roger, y'all, grouphug!

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  29. Now that's a fan base!! Congrats to BPD, GL, Otalia and everyone involved. You guys deserve all the praise in the world.

    Who's having more fun now?

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  30. BPD is my online home. Thank goodness I get to choose this family with which to spend my nights and days. We have our different opinions and our different voices, but we have one purpose... loving Otalia with all our hearts.

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  31. Thank you Roger for your consistent positive coverage of Otalia and the BPD fandom. BPD is a safe and supportive environment and we get kicked if we venture into the negative. You think I am kidding.

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  32. Congrats on this! It's not often that a fan site can grow so quickly and with such dedication. The fans on that site are always unfailingly polite, respectful, and articulate. They also not only love Otalia, but ALL of GL and know other storylines, and can speak on them- that is quite unusual when it comes to fandoms who are built around a particular pairing.

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  33. The BPD Board is a magic place. Otalia is a magic TV Story.
    And the Otaliaholics are magic fans. Thank you to Desti and the rest of the crew. Team International.

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  34. The Big Purple is takin' over the world (cue Pinky and the Brain theme song)!

    Thanks to Destini and all of those who got this crazy thing off the ground, and thanks Roger for always having some positive words!

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  35. Roger if I weren't already married I'd be falling for you! Thanks for all of your positive comments regarding Otalia and for your kind words about BPD! GL is truly inspiring right now. It's not hard for this BPD member to stay motivated everyday to save a show that's telling one of the greatest love stories ever told on television!

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  36. Thank you Roger for a great article. Thank you also to Crystal Chappell, Jessica Leccia and the writers at Guiding Light. Without them we wouldn't have this amazing story line to follow and lose sleep over. And a HUGE thank you to Destini for bringing us the Big Purple Dream. I love being part of this Family! Congratulations on getting your 3000th member.

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  37. Zoom...zoom...zoom! Thank you Roger for being our purple partner!

    I can honestly say I'm so proud to be a member of BPD! We are committed to spreading the love of Otalia and saving Guiding Light!

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  38. Roger, thanks a million for the shout out for the Big Purple Dreams site. Destini and her merry band do an AMAZING job in not only keeping the board updated (I swear only Reuters is as up-to-date as they are), but they also provide humour, direction, and give every person that joins a sense of belonging. I, for one, would have needed to be certified into some mental institution if I was to be going through this Otalia-itis on my own. And what is even more amazing is the fact that all these people involved in updating and maintaing this board, have their own day jobs to do. I am thrilled and delighted to be part of the board, and I am so thankful that someone else can see how great they are. Thank you, Roger :-)

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  39. BPD is an awesome site with an amazing group of people. We all have our love for Otalia in common. This storyline is touching a lot of people's hearts and I'm glad to see it getting such positive recognition.

    Thanks for the shout out, Roger and for always being so positive and supportive of Otalia.

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  40. I am so happy to be a part of BPD!
    Kudos to everyone on the board and especially Destini and the mods, for making the board such a loving, honest and respectful place.

    Thanks for the shoutout and everything you do for us, Roger!

    Now up to 5000, there's always room for more on The Big Purple Otalia Train of Love!

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  41. Roger, you too have a huge hand in the BPD community's reaching of this wonderful milestone. Thank you for all of the positive press, promotion, coverage and support surrounding GL and Otalia.

    This magnificently written, beautiful love story illustrates the point that love is universal. I believe that only love can save the world and Big Purple Dreams is the epitome of this same mantra.

    Destini and the administrators of the site have worked very hard and succeeded in creating something really special. BPDers are not only positive and passionate, but altruistic and dignified as well. I feel blessed to be a part of such a profound group of individuals.

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  42. Big Purple Dreams is full of talented, energetic, and enthusiastic fans. Each arrival has an unique way of showing their Otalia love - so glad I'm a part of it!! Thank you Destini for making that possible.

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  43. Roger,

    thank you for supporting this story and being part of the Big Purple Army. We are positive, we are loyal, we are dedicated (take note P&G). Big purple props to Destini for building this wonderful space!

    Otaliatis is catching like wildfire or the flu.

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  44. That is wonderful news. I am new to soaps and fansites and now can't seem to get enough of GL and BPD.

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  45. YAY big purple 3k!

    We couldn't do it without you Roger and everyone that makes BPD a wonderful family to be a part of.

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  46. Thanks for recognizing the milestone!!
    Big Purple Dreams has changed the way I look at soaps. It is so exciting to be able to share my love of Otalia with 2999 other people!

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  47. As a proud member of BPD, I'm so grateful I found this board. It's wonderful that people worldwide are drawn to the best love story out there. It shows that GL still has plenty of life left in her!

    Congrats to Mel, Desti, and Christi for creating such a welcoming place! I've made a lot of great friends there and looking forward to making more!

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  48. Thanks for the BPD love Roger!! You are the best!!

    The board growth is an outward sign of the brilliance of the Otalia story line!! And the positivity is directly a result of great mods on the boards! Thanks to them all!!

    The simple truth is "If you write it they will come!"

    No gimmicks, no quicky romances, no tantalizing girl on girl action just for ratings...

    Nothing but a beautiful love story grown out of real respect, caring, companionship and true attraction over a few months time. Performed with consumate perfection by Crystal Chappell and Jessica Leccia, and written by the awesome Jill Lorie Hurst and guided by Ellen Wheeler! Our growth is a tribute to them!!

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  49. I am a proud member of the BPD website and just want to say that beyond our love of Otalia, Crystal and Jessica the people on this website are some of the most intelligent, creative, caring people I have ever had the pleasure of communicating with. Prior to my joining the website I loved Otalia on my own but having 3000 others to share my thoughts and ideas with is truly a wonderful thing.

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  50. Thanks for marking BPD's milestone today. This is truly a positive, diverse, welcoming community and that starts at the top with Destini, Mel, and Christi and all those who keep this board running smoothly. I love your site and hope to be part of Otalia's fandom for a long time to come.

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  51. Where there is Otalia you will feel love, and the Big Purple Army is a river that flows of purple love! Thank you Roger & Kudos to Mel, Destini, and Christi the leaders of our Army!

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  52. BPD is an amazing place to hang out.Its full of crazy ,caring ,otalia loving ,respectful fans .Thanks roger !

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  53. Thnx Roger, you rock!

    Otalia is the best love story ever, and BPD is the best place to experience it. It's a big purple family that I'm fortunate to have found.

    Desti, Mel, Christi and gang...huge congrats to you. You've made it possible. Do you hear that...it's the sound of all of us giving you a big standing ovation.

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  54. Roger, thank you for giving a shout out to Big Purple Dreams. This is a positive fan base, growing by leaps and bounds.

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  55. Thanks for the shoutout Roger!

    I love the BPD site... and you're right, we're a big purple positive family! :)

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  56. Roger...thanks for the Love!!!
    BPD is such an amazing place.
    I'm so proud to be part of this family.
    Purple Love and Positivity...that's where we at!

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  57. Thanks Roger ...

    BPD is a very positive board. If one of the members gets "too close to the ledge" there is always another member there to pull them back.

    Also ... a big thank you to Destini. She has a special section entitled "A Word about Words" to keep us from getting out of hand and as a reminder to be respectful. You don't what Destini quoting a comment you posted and then writing "words everyone".

    You feel like you have just been sent to the principal's office.

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  58. Thanx for the article Roger!

    BPD is really and amazing cmmunity to be apart of. Everyone is always so positive and we have a great time. I am honored to be apart of this big purple family. Much thanx go out to Destini, Mel, Christi, and the rest of our awesome moderating team....keep the light shining.

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  59. This is one of the best run, well organized, nicely designed, classy fansites I've ever been on. I visit every day. It's a pleasure to view and hang out there. And I always find something to inform and amuse me. This is a great fandom, and an extremely intelligent one. The Play By Plays alone are worth the 'price' of admission and are in turn hilarious, touching, relevant, silly, freaked out, informative, incisive, scintillating, and even, at times, educational. How lucky are we to be able to enjoy this amazing story unfolding en masse. And talk about an energized fanbase...wow.
    --Jeanna

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  60. We do what we can at BPD, but thank you Roger for being a supporter of both GL and BPD. We appreciate all your love, and definitely for joining the podcast!

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  61. Thanks so much Roger for the BPD shout out and for showing Otalia so much love!

    This is an amazing fan base and I'm proud to be apart of such a nice, warm community!

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  62. Just goes to show that the Otalia fanbase no longer is just comprised of true believers who saw early signs of this relationship last year. The membership took a jump of about 600 over this week, because last week, GL, Crystal and Jessica delivered performances of a lifetime and we were all swept away by the pure beauty and heartbreak of it all. When these two are on screen together, your eyes cannot help but be completely captivated, and then the words and absolute conviction in their delivery, and you believe! You believe that a love story, this good, this compelling and this moving CAN be told on a soap, on television, and it just leaves you breathlessly hoping for more. This will go down in history as one of the greatest love stories ever told, and there's no doubt even more new audiences will come in droves. With storytelling this excellent, any and all doubt should fly by the wayside. Its just that damn good.

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  63. it's really idiotic ratings the one they're using. Lots of people is starting (or going back ) to watch the light, because of otalia,mostly but not only. PDB is a great place

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  64. Thanks Roger! As one of the members of BPD I am so proud of our site and what it represents. More sites should take the lead of Desti, Mel and Christi. Awesome all around!

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  65. Otalia is proof that if you show it, they will come.

    BPD is one of the most if not the most organized, positive, determined,and intelligent community out there. I'm happy to be a part of it. Props to the founders and leaders of the BPD community. It's a testament to the great storyline, acting and dedication of Otalia to be able to influence and put together a vast array of individuals. Thank you for this write-up.

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  66. I had been lurking in the other soap boards, but got tired of the negative people. That's why I went over to BPD. I'm glad I did as the people on the board are inciteful, funny, witty, and quite talented with producing fan vids.

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  67. Thank you Roger.

    I have never experienced such a friendly, positive and supportive site before. Destini, Mel, Christi and all the other people who run the board do an amazing job. The BPD feels like a global family and I am proud to be part of it.

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  68. I love the BPD. This site is amazing! There are such positive peoplehanging out there. It is so much fun to support a soap opera once again. This team of talented writers and actresses is unstoppable. And the BPD is a testamanet to the power of the internet. Who knows, maybe Guiding Light will break ground once again in the entertainment industry and lead the way with televising soaps on the internet.

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  69. Thanks for the PBD milestone update, Roger! Big Purple Dreams is the most positive, supportive, and well-run site I have ever belonged to. We are one big family radiating positivity and growing bigger every day. We love our Otalia love story--a story without labels, because you know, love is love and only love can change the world!

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  70. Thank you for the shout out for a wonderful, supportive, addictive fan site for Otalia!

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  71. This just shows how intelligent viewers will respond to a well-written story. For too many years we've been spoon fed stories that come out of nowhere and disappear just as quickly. This one is the kind of slow-building love story we've been waiting for. It's not about a same sex relationship for me...it's just a love story. Thank you, Roger, for shining the light on BPD again!

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  72. Thank you Roger, for the press! It's bloggers like you spreading the word that have helped fans find the site.

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  73. Thanks for helping spread the word about this wonderful show and awesome site and fandom. I just know we all will be around for a long,long, time and who knows where the membership count will go...the sky is the limit. Love will change the world:)

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  74. Thanks for the "nod", Roger! Because of folks like you, BPD has gained more visibility. The growth and continued success wouldn't be possible either if the core leadership of BPD - and by extension the members - weren't a seriously positive bunch. Spread the word about a great story, keep folks engaged and positive then more and more folks will gravitate that direction. I wonder how long it will take to really outgrow the current board! lol

    Thanks again Roger!

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  75. Thank you so much for your eloquent and passionate article about Otalia and the magnificent actresses who make Otalia real. They ooze chemistry and deserve all the accolades they are now getting. With help from extremely intelligent people like yourself, we will make a difference and keep the light shining.. Thank you again from Big Purple Dreams. We heart you!

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  76. BPD is the most amazing site. I have never encountered a more amazing group of people. They are intelligent, kind, talented and loving. I can't think of a more worthy group to carry the banner for Otalia.

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  77. Thanks for the shout out, Roger. I've never joined a board before in my life, but what a great place BPD is for a first timer. Destini and the admins and mods have done a great job at setting the tone of the board, the "Big Purple Living Room," if you will. Everyone treats everyone else with respect and it is just wonderful. And, I love that the goal is to always promote otalia and guidling light in a respectful manner.

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  78. The site is awesome, Desti rocks, the members are my family and we all do it for GL, CC and JL. Thanks for all you do to help keep Otalia in the spotlight.

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  79. Thanks for your continuous coverage of GL and BPD, Roger. And for participating at the site, yourself! A special shoutout to the person who started it all, Irna Phil...wait, Destini! Who knew one woman's obsession would end up being everyone's passion?

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  80. Thank-you so much for this Roger. Your continued support has meant the world.

    To those of you out there that are not yet a member of the Big Purple Dreams family, we would like to welcome you. It trully is a warm, inviting, positive family. Thank-you to Destini, Mel and Christi for what you have created. 5000 members here we come!

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  81. BPD is the most AMAZING forum I have EVER had the pleasure of joining. I've never witnessed such support and love in a fandom as I have with this one. In the short time I've been a member I can honestly say everyone feels like part of the family and I feel so happy and privilaged to be a part of it.

    Thank you Desti and the BPD team for creating such a positive place for us to come and share ourselves. We love you!

    Also, thank you, Roger for marking this occasion. <33

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  82. Roger, thanks so much for the coverage and shining a light on the BPD. It is truly a wonderful community that has brought together people from various backgrounds and has really created a family that I am proud to be a member of.

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  83. Thank you so much for your support Roger! This is fantasitic.

    I'm proud to be a member of the BPD community. They have become my second family. It is wonderful to be able to come together with people from all over the world and share our support, love and respect for the otalia story, everyone at GL and each other. CC and JL are goddesses!

    Congrats Destini and thank you for all that you do. Thanks again Roger!

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  84. Thank you so much Roger! As one of the 3000 members I feel so happy to have found this site and be part of the beautiful Otalia family. I am so passionate about Otalia. I feel i have fallen in love again and can't stop smiling. Being international viewer I feel blessed to discover the story and I did because of all the love that it is out there for Otalia.

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  85. Thank you so much, Roger. I joined the Big Purple Dreams on 15 February. It's been beautiful to see it grow into such an amazing, supportive community that, as the show as been doing, transcends gender, sexual orientation, spiritual and religious backgrounds. It's been an absolute joy to be part of such a community. Thank you so much to Destini for helping to start the board and for the many people who help run it, and to the amazing performances by Crystal and Jessica and the creative force behind it, Jill Lorie Hurst and Ellen Wheeler for whom we wouldn't all be here!

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  86. If you are not currently one of the purple peeps, come join us as we celebrate all things Otalia! Thanks to Destini & crew plus this article! The BPD community is like none other ... kudos to GL, Otalia, Crystal Chappell, Jessica Leccia, Jill Lorie Hurst, Ellen Wheeler, P&G, and Telenext for giving us this beautiful story and, subsequently, a reason to come together and tune in to GL every day! (tamelle)

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  87. This is a great community which is why I think more milestones will be coming. People there are thoughtful, articulate and fun. Purple has always been my favorite color and now BPD is one of my favorite places to visit.

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