Digilady: On behalf of ElitesTV, I would like to welcome Shannon of the runaway ABC hit show, the Bachelor. We will be taking questions momentarily, so get them ready.
Digilady: hiya Shannon :) shannon_bach: okay, this is my first time to chat
Digilady: We will open the room at the end of the chat, and you'll all be able to tell Shannon hello :) shannon_bach: :)
Elyza: Tell us how you applied for the show? Was it an application, tape—what were all the things you had to do just to get on the show? shannon_bach: I heard about an open casting call that was being held at a bar across the street from where I live so I thought, hey, why not
Digilady: what was the audition like? shannon_bach: we just had to fill out a some paperwork and then they had a recruiter there to interview people. He just skipped my interview and invited me to the callbacks the next day
Elyza: what happened then? shannon_bach: I promise, this whole time, I am never really thinking that I am going to make it. Even when they flew me to LA for the final call backs, I still didn't think they would pick me!
Digilady: :) but they did. shannon_bach: Then I got the call after Christmas that I needed to start packing...
Elyza: What did they do at the final callbacks? Interview you? Meet execs? I am asking because other people here are applying shannon_bach: Right, good question! Well, before they flew us out to LA we had to take a drug and STD test... and they only asked you out there if you passed those test!
Elyza: What happened during your interview with Steph and Sam? Did you think you bonded with them? Do you think that Alex already told them he liked you? Did you get any special vibes? shannon_bach: Then we had a 600 question pshyc test that we had to take, then you met with the producers of the show and they taped you while they asked you some questions. I loved Sam and Steph, they made me like Alex even more b/c I got along so well with them. Strange questions... not at all, it was very conversational with the producers, they were so welcoming.
FlexKavana: Hey shannon -- it's Flex from los angeles... if you had to choose between Alex and The Rock.... who would you choose and why? shannon_bach: Hey M... ;) That is a tough one. They both have great qualities, ha ha ha
Digilady: ;) Here is the one everyone is asking: Anjanette: What didn't you want to say to Alex and/or the national TV audience when he asked you what your rules were that you had earlier referred to and how they pertained to sex? I must say I thought you should have answered the question because he was TRYING to get to know you, but I understand how private it can be also. Thanks. shannon_bach: I answered EVERY question Alex had for me... I just didn't always do it in front of the camera. I know that he needed to have answers to those questions, I just had to find the right time to tell him and it wasn't always right when he asked them ;)
Elyza: Here is another important question--were you SGO77 on the ABC message board (it's closing tomorrow)? shannon_bach: Yes, I was/am sgo77 and that is the only thing I sign in as... Trista called me Saturday night and said that someone was pretending to be me!
Elyza: That was fun with both of you on the board! shannon_bach: We had a great time! Trista is so sweet, we really got along well.
Amazing_Mel: Hello Shannon. I would like to ask your opinion about Alex being jealous over Avery. Thanks. I found it pitiful. shannon_bach: HA ha ha. Well, really the only parts of the hometown visit that they showed where the parts with Avery. Alex and I did so much more than that, it was so frustratingn to watch Digilady: editing? What did we not see? shannon_bach: When I got up to go play with Avery and left Alex sitting there, we were all about to get up and go eat. Of course they cut that out. Then alex and I went for a walk just us, no avery, so we could really talk. they also cut out the whole dinner portion with my friends...
susan6: Please "dish" tell us about the real Alex.. :):) shannon_bach: Alex really is a nice guy. He was put in a very uncomfortable situation so it was hard to know if I was really getting to know him or the tv version of him
Vikki: Shannon, would you participate in another show? shannon_bach: Ha! I have learned so much about "reality" tv b/c of this experience and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I would not want to be on another reality tv show in addition to this though. One is enough!
susan6: HI Shannon. Are you seeing anyone right now ? shannon_bach: HUMMMMM ;) that is a great question! I am at my friends house right now using his computer, but I dont know if we are anything more than that... I am in NO rush to jump back into the dating scene after all of this
Digilady: nervous now, after all this? has life changed? shannon_bach: Life hasn't changed much, but I look at things differently. I am always thinking before I open my mouth now, where as before I tended to work more off the cuff. People stop me all over the place to ask about the show, but so far it has been fun
nj20: Shannon, this guy thinks that a REAL gentleman -might- have given the "spend-a-night" envelope to you, as part of the show... but would have told you that -HE- didn't think it was the right thing to do - how would you have reacted to that? shannon_bach: I wish that I just would have gotten a heads up on that dumb card. I was just shocked and embarrassed and I didnt want peole to think that I would stay the night with him, but I didn't think I had a choice to not go in there. I would have like Alex to have acted the way you suggested nj, I think that would have made the situation so much better. I also could have handled it better on my part too though :). Digilady: (think you handled it fine)
Amazing_Mel: Shannon I would like to know if you thought about slapping Alex? I would have. Thanks shannon_bach: :)
melyrh: Were you, or any of the other contestants scripted in any way for the sake of appearance? shannon_bach: Never... I just didn't want to leave and never know if he sent me home b/c I said it would be okay with me or if he just didn't feel it. He replied with a bit of both, so I am glad I asked. And we weren't scripted, but I definitely felt pressure...
Elyza: Shannon, what really happened on the View? Was Alex Kingston odd in the green room or say anything? How did it feel to be called such a thing on national TV? Did the View call you later and apologize or anything? shannon_bach: dont get me started on Alex Kingston! Elyza: did the View apologize? shannon_bach: Trista called me and told me as I was getting on the plane, I had no idea that was going on b/c they send you straight to your car after your portion is finished. Then I saw the episode and I was in shock b/c she was so nice to me in the green room!
Ace_SFCA: Shannon: It seems like most of the conversations Alex had (or tried to have) with the girls were about sex. Did you manage to have any meaningful discussion with him about other, normal everyday things like children, careers, politics, hobbies, etc? Did his answers have any depth or sincerity to them? shannon_bach: Alex and I talked about so much more than sex. We talked about life, what we wanted as far as children, religion, pets;)
TonyBologna: Hi Shannon. :* What do you aspire to? Who is Shannon and who would she like to be? shannon_bach: Hi Tony. I aspire to be happy. I never knew that a job had so much control over my personality and happiness. I have learned alot about what I dont want to be in these last 2 years out of school
bartski: How disappointed were you when Alex did not you the 3rd rose? shannon_bach: Okay, that was 2 months ago, so now I am 100% sure that he made the right decision. I did listen to my post invitation night interview and I said that I would have accepted the rose if he offered. Hindsight is 20/20 and I am so happy that he didn't offer the rose b/c at that point, we both knew that it wouldn't work, but I dont guess I would have been strong enough to say no, even though I should have Digilady: applaud your honesty, from all of us :)
Elyza: First, ale14 says hi and wants you to know she is here. Second, I was at the taping of the reunion show (kept trying to get your attention for the first 15 minutes then I gave up). You were treated like a queen that day. Which was a better day--the Escada date or the Reunion Show? shannon_bach: Hi ALE! And honestly, the reunion show was my favorite for so many reasons. Finally, we could all be together again and it is so great to talk about my experiences on the show with people that lived it also! Dont get me wrong, Escada was pretty dreamlike, but I would pick the reunion show :) ale14: hi Shannon
phusion: Shannon, do you still keep in touch with the HOT LeNease? If Alex's choice turned out to be the "wrong one" and he wanted you to give him another try, would you do it or would you tell him to "talk to the hand"? Thanks... u r the best. shannon_bach: Yes, I do talk to LaNease, she is wonderful! And, Alex would never ask for another try with me. We both know that it would never work with us. I do expect that we will stay friends though. You know, some people you connect with and others you feel like you can't live without them. I definately connected with Alex, but as friends. I know the feeling is mutual. Digilady: you heard from him, at all? shannon_bach: I wrote Alex a letter the day that I left the show and just explained everything. Why I didn't sit on the bench, blah blah blah. He called me after he got that letter and we were both in agreement that it all worked out for the best!
jonbeniceguy: Shannon, Hello. Are you currently receiving a lot of mail from "other prospective" bachelors? If so, do you intend to respond or will you be looking like anyone else does that isn't in the national spot light? shannon_bach: I have had some very nice emails passed to me and it is so flattering, but I dont know if I am up for anymore Blind Dates after all that!
tankers11: what was amanda really like, since you roommed with her? do you think alex and her will last? shannon_bach: Amanda is a wonderful person. We hit it off from the minute we found out we were rooming together. I didn't get to talk much b/c I left for Vegas right when we moved in. I didn't get home until like 4am and I was dreading going into our room b/c I had left my half in a mess. Well, I walked in and Amanda had cleaned up all my stuff and had my bed turned down for me! She is obviously very sweet. I also know that she might be young, but she knows what she is looking for. She has had so many life experience already and when she met Alex, she knew. I think it will work, I hope it will!
milkshaky: Did you ever get sick of the cameras and people following you around? shannon_bach: It was so weird at first, but then, I became such good friends with all the crew that I wanted them around ;). They were the only peole that I could talk to since we weren't allowed to use the phone to call family or friends. So they became my friends and family and I still keep in touch with most of them...
onebigmoviefan: Jill and I believe you when you say the edting was brutal. Have people been unkind with their comments to you, and how do you handle it? shannon_bach: shannon_bach: Have people been unkind!!! That is an understatement if I have every heard one! I can't believe that peole actually take time out of there lives to try and bring me down. Thank goodness I am much stronger than I ever imagined when I had come to that and I have laughed it all off. They have no idea who I am, but my friends and family do and that is really all that matters! Thanks!
JPB610: Shannon, I wanted to express that I thought you stood up for what you believe in. I am sure your parents were very proud of you. Can you tell us what you are looking for in a relationship? Any interest on appearing on Survivor :) ? shannon_bach: :) Are you kidding, could you really see me on Survivor! shannon_bach: That was the best laugh I have gotten in a long time. I am very anti eating bugs :)! I think that it would be a great experience, but I wonder if I would make it. And yes, my parents are both so proud... That also makes all the negative comments easier to take.
onebigmoviefan: Hi Shannon, you so sweet to call us yesterday. Would you please confirm that you called people from The Bachelor Chat Message Board. People have called me a liar. Thanks! (Jeff & Jill) shannon_bach: Jeff and Jill, how are you! And, yes, I did call them and I specifically didnt block my caller id, so you could see that it was me. Yall are so sweet! I'm sorry people didn't believe you!
Edwyn: Ask Shannon "If there had been more time and more privacy, would there have been a chance that it would have worked out? shannon_bach: I always told Alex that I wish we would have met at a bar b/c I wondered if we would have even noticed eachother. I think that Alex and I would have gotten along much better if we hadn't been so rushed, but I know we wouldn't have ended up together. It just wasn't meant to be.
SMGARIES: Have you seen Alex around Texas recently? and what traits or qualities do you like about Alex? shannon_bach: Nope, I have 't seen alex period since he walked me to my limo the night I left. Alex and I shared a lot of common interest as to how we like to spend our free time. We both are movie junkies and we have tons of friends that take up all of our time.
JenniferM: Can you just ask her if she felt Amanda was sincere and real or playing to Alex to win? shannon_bach: I think that Amanda really does like Alex. Is she in love? Only she can answer that, but I noticed something between them from the beginning. I even told Alex, that if I were him, I would marry Amanda, ha ha ha
Rebeccah: How do you feel that the way the show portrayed you differs from how you really are? Do you think the show was true to life as it went or did they edit it for the ratings? shannon_bach: I was so happy with the first couple of episodes, b/c it was me they were showing for the most part. Then, I was shocked at how much power they had in the last episodes, very scary!
t-bear: Shannon, did you get to keep the jewlery Alex gave you on your special date? shannon_bach: I didn't get to keep anything at all from that date. I did get to keep most of my ski stuff though and really, I will get much more use out of that!
fan4you: Do you know if he kept the compass? I thought it was the most romantic part of the show!! shannon_bach: oh, thanks! I think he did. It was so funny b/c when he met all of my friends, they asked if I gave him anything (they knew before I left) and he was like, hummm, I cant remember! He had already forgotten, ha!
truth2lies118: ask: Why did you decide to go on this show and compete against 24 other girls for a man when you probably knew there'd be a few who would be willing to go, shall we say above and beyond.... what you feel is correct to your moral standards? shannon_bach: I know! I kept thinking that I would probably get cut the first night! I never really got past that... I was so surprised when all the girls where trading stories though, I didnt have any!
annaandmelanie: Shannon, First I would like to say that I thought you left with great dignity. Also, how hard has it been returning to normal life in Dallas? shannon_bach: Thank you. I was so happy to come home to my family and friends, but Alex told them all that the show would be over after Valentines and I was home before that so I couldn't call anyone for a few days and it was pretty depressing. After that, I was so happy to be back in normal life!
cmha819: As a fellow Aggie, I am proud of how you represented us! Do your morals and ethics come from a strong religious background? shannon_bach: I am religious, but I am far from perfect! I just have an unbelievable respect for my parents and I would never do anything to embarress them.
JodyGBaby: Is Amanda and Alex still together? I heard they were scene in Disney fighting. shannon_bach: I think that if they are fighting, it is just because of all the stress from their situation. I just talked to Amanda pretty recently and she is still planning to move to LA to be with Alex, so as far as I know, things are still great Digilady: that's good news.
Elyza: What is it like to be interviewed by Diane Sawyer, the ladies of the view, and stay in those NY hotel suites shannon_bach: I loved NYC! I have never been and then getting to do those shows on top of it was amazing! I also met up with Trista and Amy for dinner and it was so nice to just hang up... no pressure. Digilady: Is Trista ok? After she lost? shannon_bach: She is great now. I know that she was just surprised that he had completely led her on though. She really thought that he was telling her the truth when he said she was the one. That is why I get so mad that he led everyone on... not just me. It is hard enough to get dumbed on national tv, then to be lied to on top of it... Digilady: Shannon, that has to majorly rough. At least now, you set the record straight.
Elyza: Which of the women are closest to you now? Who are you planning to visit soon? shannon_bach: Well, I just saw Trista, so I am headed to California next. I talk to Christina quite a bit too. Plus, so many of the girls are out there. I am meeting all the Dallas girls tomorrow for dinner also. We really did all stay friends :)
blahbl: Would you think of participating in the new show, "The Bachelorette", and if asked would you do it? shannon_bach: heck no! I cant date more than one person at a time. I guess I could, but I would just feel too bad about it. I am a one man woman and I prefer my men to be one women men!
seeing_eye: Shannon, you were the most beautiful woman on that show. Too bad you and Alex did not work out. How did you keep your secret for so long until the final show aired? Were you on a contract saying you could not say anything or you would be sued? shannon_bach: If we let anything leak out, we would be sued for 5 million dollars! that was pretty good motivation to keep my mouth shut.
HiCynthia13: Shannon did you get the compass idea from the movie "Out of Africa?" shannon_bach: no, I was actually trying to find something small enough that I could keep it in my purse so if i decided not to give it to him,no one would know. I was walking through the mall and I just saw it... very random
Elyza: Did you have any idea that you would be one of the stars of the show? Did you know before you were selected for the individual date? Any clues at all? shannon_bach: I loved sam and steph, but I couldn't tell if they really got to know me from the few questions they asked. I know that we hit it off after they already made their decision, but I was thought I was on the group date when Trista got her box. I thought they might have given the other individual date to Kim. Elyza: Why Kim? shannon_bach: They cut it out, but when the girls opened the group date box and we all figured out that I was on the last date with Alex, I got up and hugged Sam and steph... that was the safest place in the room at that moment! Ha
Digilady: OK, we so thank you for your time... and hope you'd come back! I know this has worn you out. SO, I'd like to open to the room so they can say goodnight. Again, thanks for being so patient with us :) longggg chat! ready for the madness? shannon_bach: no, thank you! I'm scared! Ha. Okay, that was crazy! Y’all are all so nice! Well some of you, ha!
Elyza: The ABC board is closing tomorrow shannon_bach: is it really! that is sad, what will I do at work when I am bored!
ETV2: shannon, a lot of the visitors wanted to pass on well wishes to you shannon_bach: I hope I dont run into Alex Kingston anytime soon ;) Elyza: If I see her again, I will give her my thoughts!
blahbl: Shannon: how old are you? shannon_bach: I am 24
OPRAH_WINFREY: Do you like Dr. Phill? Come see my show. You can get in with out tickets vwbugz: is that really oprah? lol :P shannon_bach: I wish that was oprah!
Herky: Shannon, have you ever been to pittsburgh? shannon_bach: I'll be out there soon to see Christina
onebigmoviefan: Shannon do you have your own computer? J&J shannon_bach: I do, I just have dial up though and I didn't think I could keep up... good thing I came to a friends
FlexKavana: u want a copy of the new elvis costello -- got it blasting rigth now :) shannon_bach: yep, send it to me ;)
TexasHenleyFan: Do you regret doing the show? shannon_bach: I get upset at the editing, but overall it was so worth it
OPRAH_WINFREY: Because of Shannon's unbelief she's uninvited she really eeded Dr. Phill too!!! shannon_bach: Sorry Oprah, I had no place to say what you would or wouldn't do... people do that to me all the time now , sorry ;)
ransom: how long ago was the show taped? shannon_bach: We finished taping at the begining of Feb
matzmum: shannon - i missed part of the chat (had to put the baby to bed). Did you ever discuss what was up with not wanting to get in the hot tub? shannon_bach: Yep...
Gette: Shannon, again :), who did you feel became your closest friend on the show? TexasHenleyFan: Were you all really friends living in the house together? shannon_bach: I would say that trista and I understand eachother the best b/c no one else got to know alex as well as us (except amanda) and then christina is great also
rjb: What radio station can we email you shannon_bach: kdge... the edge FreqNC: Shannon, can you send me a smiley face so I know you can hear us still shannon_bach: :)
Elyza: Shannon, thanks for getting Elitestv on KDGE! shannon_bach: Thank all of you for caring enough to listen! Yall are so nice! t-bear: friendly people in here :)
melyrh: SHANNON.... Check your GO.COM mailbox. shannon_bach: oh, I forgot I had a go.com mailbox! melyrh: Elyza... If you have an ABC ID for the message boards, you have a go.com email account
iLoveRealityTV: Shannon, what is your all time favorite movie? shannon_bach: I love so many movies, it is too hard to pick!
Carla-P: Have you ever visited Napa, Calif? shannon_bach: I want to visit napa so bad! I love wine
How many people did Alex sleep with? shannon_bach: Alex slept with 2 people... they both talked about it openly on other shows
Bryon: Shannon, I know you don't have time to read this entire message live during the chat so after this is over and you are reading this on the printout. I'm 33 years old and live in the Bay Area. I loved the show and you were the highlight. I'm a independant filmmaker and maybe someday if you decide to pursue acting you may be in one of my projects. Who knows? Wouldn't this be funny to talk about in a few
Shannon, you must have a headache from this! shannon_bach: I DO have a head ache... my friend is TRYING to play the guitar and he isn't very good! ha
fan4you: You and Chris Harrison really got along...you should host the next Bachelor with him. shannon_bach: I love Chris H... he is the sweetest guy and such a family man
shannon_bach: Do any of the other girls have a site yet? Digilady: not yet shannon.
SMGARIES: SHANNON WHICH BODY PART DID YOU FIND VER....OF ALEX? shannon_bach: I liked Alex's shape. I like broad shoulders and a narrower waist... he had that. Is that what you are asking?
kahbgsu: shannon, i was wondering who you thought Alex should have chosen? shannon_bach: I think that him picking amanda was the best choice for him
Guest 55231: What was your major in college? shannon_bach: I was a finance major and have my series 7 and 63 (brokerage licenses). I was a full fledge broker and I want out of the financial industry. I wouldn't mind a financial position with in a company, but my job leaves much to be desired! ;)
Elyza: Here’s something just posted from the ABC message board: ‘It definitely got crazy towards the end, but I don't think it sucked at all. I found Shannon funny and poised, as usual, quite in tune with my impressions of her when I saw her on the show. She handled the questions extremely well, and what I liked was how well she spoke of the other girls on the show. The fact that she's making the effort to keep in touch with the other girls is nice.”
m00a: Did you see all the messages I posted about your radio interview? shannon_bach: oh, was that you! Thank you so much m00a, I wanted to thank you for that.
Guest38351: Shannon would you have said "yes" to Alex if he propose to you on the last episo. Shannon_bach: We talked about that, and I said it would be a great story to tell the grandkids if it worked, but if it didn't how horrible. I think we were in agreement that an engagement would be too soon
shannon_bach: hey, does anyone know who made that website for me? I would love to thank them (and find out where it went, ha! jm100jm: Was it a nice looking website?
liquidcindy: you have to send me your fave links..fave pics..bio..stuff like that.. shannon_bach: Yall dont have to make me a website! I Ks_4_Amanda: They want to make you one out of respect & caring :) shannon_bach: yes
AmandainTx: Yesterday on the board she called me 1st to verify her...we also e-mailed. I just received an e-mail with her personal information that has been posted somewhere...I'm scared shannon_bach: oh no. I will let her know. Okay, I am calling trista now. I just left Trista a message.
Guest52674: i talked to trista yesterday from the message board and she said you are her great friend shannon_bach: she didn't answer
FreqNC: Shannon, say hi to Amy for me, I'm from chicago shannon_bach: I will , I just talked to amy today also
The_Rose: shannon,i like your sister fr your hometown visit,is she married or available? pls answer.i have been asling this questions???????? shannon_bach: she is married and that was her daughter, sorry!
Guest38351: you still keep in touch with the girls from the show? shannon_bach: yes, almost all of them. They have all been so busy with all this coming to an end dimoe: did you get to keep any of the outfits you wore? were the ones you wore at the rose ceremonies given to you too?? plase answer i have to leave soon shannon_bach: all the clothes are mine (I bought them before the show) except the escada stuff and the ski stuff...
liquidcindy: that was the last 3 right during the rose thing shannon_bach: which was that? Black tube dress?
onebigmivefan: Jill wants to know what is your favorite Ice Cream? Do you have one? J&J shannon_bach: I love ice cream period!!!! Digilady: mine is chocolate! with hot fudge. man now I am starving ale14: mine is mint choclate chip shannon_bach: i am adicted to ice cream. I like all kinds, but peppermint is a good fall back when I cant decide
shannon_bach: trista just called me back melyrh: Shannon... IS Trista bachelorette2? m00a: Trista is Bachelorette2 shannon_bach: where did you see trista stuff? m00a: Bachelorette2 on ABC Boards shannon_bach: yep that is her
onebigmivefan: Shannon, Jill says you and Trista should apply for the Amazing Race. You get to travel the world together. You guys would be fun to watch as partners! J&J
jm100jm: Is Dallas a nice place? AmandainTx: Dallas is nice but sometimes too Hot shannon_bach: too hot and sticky!
m00a: What's your favorite Mexican Restaurant shannon_bach: I love Mexican food. Papacitas is very good, so is uncle julio's m00a: I knew you like Mexican food, that's why I supported you! shannon_bach: ha, thanks m00
onebigmivefan: Shannon you need a good friend in the computer industry. A website is a must for you! J&J melyrh: lol, Harry... ShannonOliver.com domain was bought already shannon_bach: I know, I dont know who bought it
Digilady: try shannon_Oliver.com ale14: I can't believ there is 82 people still on this chat
shannon_bach: ale, thanks so much for coming :) ale14: you have been very sweet to me. A good pen pal. ;) shannon_bach: You had me with your wedding pics, I still think that is such a great story ale14: hee hee
AmandainTx: Bye Shannon see you around Collin Creek, Stonebriar or the new one...what's it name Willow Bend shannon_bach: oh, amanda, you know me well! shannon_bach: my order... North park, stonebriar, galleria (just because of the new banana :))
onebigmivefan: Shannon, Jill says you should be the host of the next Bachelor Show. J&J. shannon_bach: chris is so happy with his job, I could never. although I would have lots of advice to give ;) dimoe: i think you will be offered to be the host of bacherlorette
shannon_bach: bye. Okay, guys, I am about to leave. Thanks so much to Elites tv for setting this up! Thanks to everyone who came to the chat room :) Thanks to Elitestv for letting me get some of the behind the scences stuff out there ;)
MRMOJO: Shannon, I haven't piped up until now. I went from adoring you to being fed up with you. Now I'm all the way back to adoring you again. Thanks for setting the record straight. Best of luck in everything, I'll be rooting for you. onebigmivefan: This is the longest chat I have ever seen online. Shannon you have stamina. J&J mindyi: Shannon - really enjoyed reading the chat - you seem like a really sweet person and I really wish you well!
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