Saddest Alton Brown fan in the world

A few weeks ago I found out about a special on grilling that would give big fans, like me, the chance to meet their favorite hosts. All you had to do was ask your favorite host a question and make a video. When I saw Alton Brown on the list, I knew if I applied it would be simple for the selection committee. Despite my enthusiastic attempt I've been denied the opportunity by the Food Network. The network powers that be don't think I'm a big enough fan or that I'm worthy of this opportunity.

I got an email Tuesday from the casting company telling me the Food Network didn't select the video I made. I tried so hard to make this perfect so I'd get the chance to visit AB! When I talked with the Dear Food Network producer, she told me I'd be perfect match for Alton since I have all of his cookbooks, all of his shows on DVD, have attended his demos and I had learned so much from his shows. I certainly qualified as a big fan.

When it came time to make the video, I even included grill cam and oven cam in one. I had all of my cookbooks, all of my DVDs and even wore my FOA shirt for props! Yep, I thought I had it all sewed up. But in the back of my mind I knew the odds of my actually winning were not in my favor.

First, I knew that this special was being cast. That was my first strike because I have a face for radio. But I so hoped the big fan thing, remember the winner is going to be a big fan, would balance out everything and I would win. After all, I am AB's self proclaimed #1 fan so who else should win? Right?

I knew they wanted "helpless cooks." That was my second strike. My question wasn't clueless enough, apparently. The producer helped me to create an open ended question so AB could answer it. Then I threw in my own question about grilled pizza. That's how I worked the oven and grill cams in. Oh, I thought it was brilliant and going to be selected for certain.

Don't know where the third strike came from. But I got it. Somewhere. Kinda hit out of the blue.

Now someone else will get to spend the day with Alton, cooking and grilling.
Not me.
Not this huge AB fan.
Not the author of this blog dedicated to AB.
Not the webmaster of a fansite about all of AB's projects.
Nope, not me.
I'm out in the cold because the Food Network doesn't think I'm worthy to be in their special.

I don't know if I want to cry or be relieved not to be on national TV. I did want to win despite having to be on TV. I wanted to spend a few hours with AB at his studio, tell him about my blog and website, talk some about TV production, that's all I really wanted. Guess it was too much to ask?

If you'll excuse me, I think I may start crying now.

PS: I'm wondering who did get selected to be with Alton.