I finally got off my butt and attended my first taping last November because I wanted to experience the show live - the excitement, the history, and of course, watch Bob Barker in person. And while I sure wouldn't mind hearing my name called, it's never been a requirement to enjoy the experience - not the first time, not the second time, not this last time, and not the upcoming trip in August...
And, honestly, the biggest reason I'd ever want to be picked is just the experience of actually PLAYING. Outside of cash, what would I really need? I don't drive, so it's not like I'm going there with the hopes of winning a car. A computer? I build my own, and am quite pleased with that arrangement. Lovely furniture, but where would I put it in this rather small apartment?
Well, okay, one of those TV's would be nice, yes... Couldn't go wrong there, I suppose.
And a karaoke system? Between the two Madonnas (me, and that slightly more famous one from Michigan), I think we combine for -3.5 octaves - and she has 1.5 of them.
For those of you out there who think Madonna Ciccone can't sing, be very grateful you haven't heard me.
Sometimes, I fear I'd freak out Bob and Roger and everyone else if I ever got up on stage. I'd be one of the very few contestants in recent history flipping out because I get to PLAY a pricing game, not because "Holy cow, I can win that!" I'd be more amped up over the idea (if I got luck enough to ever play one of these particular games) of playing Hole In One, or Punchboard, or Clock Game (you know, to show viewers how it's done), or Check Game (ditto) than the prizes actually being offered.
But, then, I'm weird that way...
But, you're right. Just being in that audience, watching the show live, watching the WGMC in action in person? It's a blast.. That alone has been so much fun that I've lost my voice three times in the last six months, and will lose it again in August.
...That is, if I don't permanently lose it on June 3 first.