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Published: 11 July 2010

DWTS Message Board

 Each year the Dancing with Stars show has an official message board. The threads usually have a maximum of 300 comments before being forgotten and lost amid a miriad of threads. The year Dave appeared was different. The thread started by David's fans went over 5,000 comments and created a controversy in its self.

Below are an extra of just some of the comments - It gives a feel for what fans thought of his Dancing.

3:48PM 21-02-07

Re:David Graham

I'm an avid Dancing with the Stars watcher. On any other year of the show, Dave's first performance would have rated somewhere in the middle.

This year's show is different, three or four of the contestants put in a performance that that would have only been seen in the finals of previous shows.

For a self confessed non dancer, Dave put in a credible effort. The Dancing in the Summer Rain song fitted nicely into "rain breaking the drought" theme of the performance. There was complex choreography that Dave almost carried off. Even terrified, he still managed to smile his way through it.

He's a man on a mission - training hours have been extended - a lot of hard work is going in to doing the best he can.

Being himself in Big Brother hasn't really prepared him to compete on the confidence levels of the other seasoned celebrities - but that will improve on succeeding shows - provided he gets the chance.

It takes a lot of guts risking looking like an idiot in front of millions of people - and Dave - you never looked like an idiot.

7:55PM 21-02-07

Re:David Graham

"Hes a big sook.

I saw the spat he threw on BB, that was worthy of a golden globe.

Hes not much of a farmer either."

I get where the big sook opinion comes from.

But now you're an expert on farming practises?

I guess you reckon the 10,000's of drought affected farmers are "not much of a farmer" either because they can't control the weather.

Watch your crops whither, your paddocks turn to dust, your dams dry out and have to shoot your starving sheep before you start passing judgement on farmers.

11:24PM 21-02-07

Re:David Graham

Quote: The Cat252000

"I have nothing against him raising money for charity.

And i have lived on farms and gone through the same thing.

But im sure he could make more money modelling."

I guess if he was just interested in money maybe he should take up modelling again. Though there doesn't seem to be many successful 27 year old male models about - their use by date is even shorter than the girls.

He is a farmer effected by drought - he is trying to earn some money to keep the farm afloat - and because he has some celebrity status - he is using it to help other drought effected farmers.

And he is doing something he is not naturally good at. Even a half way decent performance takes so much more work than the other celebrities.

It takes massive courage to step on stage and run the risk of looking a goose in front of millions of people.

Maybe a bit short on talent - but no shortage of courage.

8:13PM 22-02-07

Re:David Graham

There are some really great positive comments on here. Even the ones that aren't fans certainly encourage the rest to get the love following in response. I'm sure Dave will take heart from your responses.

Some of the previous posters will know me well. I've never hidden behind a made up "Chat Name". I'm one of a large group of Dave's supporters since Big Brother.

We usually reside on the forum and chatrooms at www.farmerdave.com.au . Since Dave's unexpected inclusion in DWTS we tend to venture here as well.

Anyone that has visited Dave's official site at www.farmerdave.com.au will quickly realise Dave has a lot of loyal fans. The site was created and is maintained by a small group of dedicated volunteers. Dave has neither the resources nor the expertise to do the work himself.

I have known Dave personally for the last 6 months, through almost daily phone conversations about the site and even a little counselling during the break up with Sherif.

The point is I know Dave - he is the genuine guy your saw on Big Brother and the down to earth guy doing his best on DWTS.

He is very idealistic and sincere in his causes - even at his own detriment. He is so far out of his comfort zone in this show - and yet he puts on a smile and puts himself out there for all to judge.

He's out to save his farm and help other farmers in the same situation. The celebrity status he has gathered makes him very uncomfortable - but he is determined to put it to good use.

10:35PM 22-02-07

Re:David Graham

"anyone would think that i am bagging a member of your family..lol"

Yep - that's about the size of it - Dave has a pretty big extended family - most of them he's never met - but he has shared so much of himself that he feels like family to a lot of people

10:21AM 23-02-03

Re:David Graham

"I also thought he was about to cry."

Take from it from us who have watched Dave for many, many, many hours on the Big Brother live webstream, if he was going to have a cry - you'd know it for sure - he's no too precious about showing all his emotions in public.

11:30PM 24-02-07

Re:David Graham

So - do you get the impression Dave has lot of loyal friends and supporters, 'cause he sure does.

His last Christmas wasn't so good when the "love of his life" went sour, about the same time as his sheep were eating the last edible blades of grass on his farm.

Enough to destroy most, but not Dave.

Hundreds of people rallied to provide sponsored feed for the sheep to get them through until it rained.

DWTS provided Dave the opportunity to repay that generosity by raising the awareness of the plight of other farmers in still drought and raise much needed support funds.

Even with the recent rains - many farmers won't be able to sow crops or restock their properties for a long time. A lot have also accumulated significant debt just keeping things going through the long dry spell.

It will be a while before our rural sector will be back on its feet fully. In the mean time they need any help we can give.

So the farm boy may have two left feet, but he is really making up for lack of natural talent with plain old hard work and effort - and still looks like he's having a good time doing it.

GO DAVE.

To Vote: SMS DAVID to 19 19 77 or Call 1902 55 77 18

9:15PM 26-02-07

Re:David Graham

"catherinelou74 SAVE DAVE"

Another BB Fan. LOL

Very reminiscent of the Big Brother forums.

At last check Dave is still practising at 9 pm tonight. He is very determined to put on a better show tomorrow night.

He doesn't want to let down the farmers or the swag of friends, fans and supporters that got to know him through Big Brother.

Just do your best Dave - maybe Todd Mckenny will give you some decent marks for improvement - after all - that's what the show is all about - improving each week.

SMS DAVID to 19 19 77 or Call 1902 55 77 18

12:17AM 28-02-07

Re:David Graham

Great Work Dave - Big improvement on last week.

You did your fans proud.

Enjoy your Mum's visit.

8:54AM 28-02-07

Re:David Graham

"sickofcraptv

WHY IS DAVE EVEN ON THE SHOW? HE IS NOT A STARS BUTT.... "

Because Channel 7 could see what we see. A very likable bloke - hugely popular on Big Brother and judging on his performance in Deal or No Deal - great potential for a TV Career.

I guess Channel 7 was right because despite a very mediocre first dance performance, he was able to draw enough votes to stay out of the bottom two.

If "Most Improved" cards were being handed out, Dave would be first in line. It just shows that hard work and determination can overcome a lack of natural talent.

SMS DAVID to 19 19 77 or Call 1902 55 77 18

http://www.farmerdave.com.au

4:05PM 28-02-7

Re:David Graham 

"pantserina

Do you really think David is taking it seriously or it's still just the nerves?"

Dave is putting in very long hours of training. Not being a natural dancer means so much more effort to look half way decent on the floor.

Yet he still has a smile and looks like having he's having fun.

12:55PM 21-02-07

Re:David Graham

"wildlife_girl00

Then maybe 7 should change th ename of the show if they're not going to have proper 'celebrities'"

According to the Dictionary I looked up a celebrity is "a widely known person". Last year, during Big Brother, Dave spent nearly every night for three months on a lot of peoples TV screens. While being yourself in front of hidden TV cameras may not be the same sort of exposure the other celebrities have had over decades - it certainly made him widely known.

The big difference between Dave and the other celebrities is that we got to know Dave warts and all. We saw a happy Dave, the tearful Dave, Dave the educator, even Dave having a major meltdown.

He got to be a celebrity just being himself, not for playing a great character in a TV soap, or excelling at sport, or being an amazing songstress or articulate TV show host.

Just Dave, the sometimes dorky farmer, with a heart of gold.

Vote: SMS DAVID to 19 19 77 or Call 1902 55 77 18

2:32PM 1-03-07

Re:David Graham

"wildlife_girl00

He's a celebrity for doing nothing.

Most celebrities have to work hard and prove themselves to audiences....

Now you can become one by living wiht a bunch of people and sitting on there @ss all day for 'entertainment'"

At least you have decided Dave is a celebrity now. I guess that's a start. And welcome to the 21st century where ordinary people are becoming celebrities by just being themselves.

There is a price to pay for that celebrity status.

First you have to be willing to expose your life, emotions, personality (and sometimes body parts)to the scrutiny and judgement of the world at large. It can go badly wrong as two male Big Brother housemates discovered last year.

Secondly, reality TV stars don't tend to get paid very much unless they happen to win the show. So while they lose their privacy, they don't get the mega buck incomes that would make it worthwhile.

4:25PM 2-03-07

Re:David Graham

"wildlife_girl00

i say 'have to like him' because as I said, people jump down your throat if you dont like him!!"

You said you didn't like him a lot of posts ago. Now you're sounding like Perry on last years BB saying it again and again and again. We get it - you don't like him.

Just excuse us if we happen to say again and again how much we like him. At least we go to the trouble of giving a reason why we like him.

11:25PM 2-03-07

Re:David Graham

"supasal11

well i find it hard to fathom that someone so dedicated to his farm, helping other farmers, helping raise awareness about rural gay ppl that he finds the time to keep appearing on tv shows... i think he needs to go back to the farm and stay there.."

You raise a very good point supasal11.

And since you also know at lot of farmers worse off you'd know the answer.

Simply put - there not a great lot you can do a drought stricken farm. Once the feed and money runs out you can just sit back and watch your sheep die.

Or your can do what most farmers do - leave the family to run the farm and go into town to find any paying work you can yet to put food on the family table. If your really lucky you might earn enough to feed some sheep as well.

Since Dave wasn't eligible for a government handout he had little choice. You don't turn down a paying job on DWTS when your sheep are starving.

4:35PM 3-03-07

Re:David Graham

"thecat252000

Well i fail to see how dancing around the place is going to bring rain or feed to a farm."

Some of the steps in his first dance could well have been part of a rain dance. It must have worked because its been raining in a lot of places every since. LOL

Fortunately for Dave, hundreds of friends rallied to feed his sheep and Mother Nature decided to turn the water back on. Though there is still not much to do on the farm till the grasses grow back.

Every week Dave stays in the show he gets another opportunity to bring to public attention the real problems facing rural Australia. Even those areas that have received recent rain still wont be viable for months to come.

On the Dancing side he's gone from "some moments of an idea of something that eventually could happen" to "by George, I think you've nearly got it".

I don't think anyone would deny that he was the most improved dancer over the previous week.

11:16PM 3-03-07

Re:David Graham

"julz2good

One other thing, when DWTS first started I thought I heard him say that his friends forced him into going on BB (a show that is completely stupid, don't see the sense in it, but anyway, that's another tv station, the crap one) sorry, lol

I don't think I heard wrong."

You are right julz2good. He missed a flight and tagged along with some friends to the BB interviews to kill some time.

He probably wouldn't have accepted Big Brother except he got badly bashed outside a gay night club in Brisbane going to the aid of a friend. When Big Brother called he felt then he had a cause to promote.

1:44PM 5-03-07

Re:David Graham

Dave's had a big weekend participating in the Sydney Mardi Gras. He's also been putting in lots of dance practise for the salsa tomorrow night.

Last Wednesday Dave had a radical hair style change. The long locks so familiar to Big Brother viewers are gone. His mate - stylist Geoffrey Herberg, director of leading Brisbane salon, Chemistry for Hair came all the way down to Melbourne to create the new look.

You can get a sneak preview on the farmerdave website. http://www.farmerdave.com.au/images/haircut/haircu t.htm

Don't forget To Vote: SMS DAVID to 19 19 77 or Call 1902 55 77 18

http://www.farmerdave.com.au

10:14PM 5-03-07

Re:David Graham

While I don't like Pauline's politics I thought she was a gutsy performer. Think I may have even voted for her (on DWTS - no where else!!!!) And she did improve week by week.

Dave has the same kind of courage - and will get better at dancing with time and confidence.

He's there giving it his best shot - can't ask much more than that.

12:31AM 7-03-07

Re:David Graham

Great Work Dave. You gave it your best shot. There's more to being a celebrity that excelling at dancing.

Giving it a go and taking risks makes you one as well.

You have to wonder what makes those people with nothing better to but go around posting nasty comments so sour.

But the likes of wildlife_girl00 have their uses. It encourages good people to have a say in response.

10:37AM 7-03-07

Re:David Graham

Copy of message from Dave to his mates on farmerdave.com.au forum:

Thank you so much for your kind words everyone.

I just watched the clips...(video clips of the Salsa) and it is about time I believed in myself as you guys and Eliza do, I thought I was horrendous, but geez either its insane trick photography or I am actually a lot better then I think.

I will do you proud with the upcoming waltz and give it everything I have.

11:30AM 7-03-07

Re:David Graham

**blackecho13

oh i cant stand his stupid grin.... he is just gonna ride

on the gay vote...... sorry..im gay and he dont represent me......i found him an embarrassment on big brother...please dont let him lose it again ahhhhh**

The "Gay Vote" is a myth. People who are comfortable with being gay don't tend to think it's a big deal - certainly no reason to favour one contestant over another.

Like you, they vote for many different reasons. Some go for sex appeal (Jamie's Hot!!), some go for dancing talent (Go Tim and Kate).

Dave's appeal is to a very broad spectrum of the Australian public. Since it's not his dancing talent, and his sex appeal is not universal - it just might be they like the honest, Aussie bloke giving it his best shot.

One of the things that got Dave so far in Big Brother was an honesty of emotion that, like it or not, everyone could see.

It's that same honesty people can see here. Dave struggling with learning to dance, struggling with self confidence against seasoned professionals.

And yet he manages to put a great show and a friendly smile - while quietly terrified inside. True grit and courage.

1:11PM 9-03-07

Re:David Graham

Welcome back wildlife_girl00

On what basis shouldn't have Pauline been in the final.

She must have won the public vote. Gee - even I voted for her - and I dislike her politics intensely. But she gave it a real go - doing something so far out of her experience - you couldn't help but be impressed.

Tim & Jamie look so comfortable dancing that I find it hard to get involved in their journey.

And then there's David. I won't pretend to be recent fan. He won my admiration during Big Brother.

Here he is, the least talented dancer of the lot, giving it all he's got. And the public get it. He's stayed while better dancers have gone.

It's a rare combination of good looks; honesty, true courage and a real give it a go attitude.

It's not the sympathy vote he's getting - its good people rewarding his effort.

12:21AM 10-03-07

Re:David Graham

"whathappendave

He was in the radio not long now the message from Dave was Please vote for me if not I will have to go back to the farm. WTF I wonder if he really love so much his farm."

At the moment there is nothing to do on the farm.

The sheep has been moved to his parents farm where there is more grass. (they got more rain than Dave's farm)

It will be while before the ground recovers enough moisture to plant any new crops.

In the mean time Dave's earning an income by being on the show, perhaps not enough to cover the costs accumulated through the long dry spell, but better than nothing.

And the big bonus - being able to let everyone in Australia know how bad things have been for the farmers during the drought - and better yet - raising money through public voting to help those farmers.

So does Dave love his farm? - Hell yes. Any point being there now? - not really. Is he going to achieve more by staying on the show as long as possible? You tell me.

3:42PM 10-03-07

Re:David Graham

Is Dave a city boy?

That's an interesting question "whathappendave".

I've been working on Dave's website since October last year and have gotten to know him fairly well - as well as you can know someone separated by thousands of kilometres.

It started out simple enough, creating at website for an ex Big Brother housemate using his last "fifteen minutes of fame" to promote causes that were important to both of us.

The rights of same sex couples for a legal union and the high suicide rate of rural gays.

Dave was fairly optimistic that he could achieve these goals working through the National Party. Personally I thought he was nuts - my experience with the Joh Bjelke-Petersen's Nationals in QLD was anything but positive - however, the Young Nationals have adopted a same sex civil union policy across most of the country.

Last Christmas wasn't the best for Dave, and since it is public knowledge I can give you some idea what it was like.

Dave had come out of the Big Brother house on a high. The public had shown their acceptance of him by keeping him in the house for 100 days. The love of his life had waited and still wanted to be together. Great TV, but even better to be on the receiving end.

Things soured a little after that. The news from home wasn't as good. The drought had gotten worse, his crops had failed and two of his dogs had died from poison baits.

By Christmas bad had gotten worse. The sheep had eaten all the remaining grass, the dams were nearly dry and Dave was broke. Could things get worse? Yes they could - the love of his life had had enough and returned to the big smoke.

The tragedy of this story is that it is not unique, it's been happening all around rural Australia during this long drought.

Was Dave crushed? Judging by the pain in his voice on the phone I say he was.

But he didn't give up. He started to think of ways to save the farm. Since he was a leaser of the farm he wasn't eligible for government assistance.

His first idea of selling small bags of farm soil was unique. When I finished laughing he may have reconsidered. Bit hard to sell what was being blown by the wind to the neighbours properties for free.

The Farm Stay idea had merit; however a lot of red tape put that idea on hold. Besides, I visited the farm, holidaying on a drought stricken farm is not everyone's cup of tea. Snapping pictures of skinning, dying and dead sheep wouldn't appeal too many.

The last idea was a goer. Asking people to sponsor the sheep to keep them alive. Farmers are proud people, going cap in hand asking for help doesn't come easy.

But these were desperate times. The website proved the perfect platform. Within weeks, hundreds of people put their money where their heart was. The immediate crisis was solved.

The story may have ended there. The rains would have eventually come. He may have found a way to obtain more money to get the farm making an income again.

(Not likely considering how much he had already borrowed just keeping things going until then.)

Fate took another twist for Dave, an offer to join Dancing with the Stars. The farm boy who had been through so much was not only being giving a chance to earn

some real money, but to thank those sheep sponsors by raising awareness of drought issues to the national stage and raising much needed funds to help the farmers.

It's no secret that Dave has been struggling with this dancing gig. The training and discipline required is far for the experience of the farm boy who almost accidentally ended up in Big Brother. It doesn't help to have an exceptionally talented group of celebrities to compete against this year.

But Dave is a stayer. He's giving it all he's got, put in the hard yards to build from nothing some semblance of a reasonable dancer.

So if the young, single boy, far from home and family, wants to go out drinking and dancing on the weekend and let down what's left of his hair down a bit - I say he has earned it.

7:55PM 10-03-07

Re:David Graham

"whathappendave

oh its what you call ? Let down his hair.

Good he done that very well.

I probably see him tomorrow doing the same again and come Tuesday..... well you know the rest..."

I have no idea what you are trying to say or imply.

I do know Dave is in bed fast asleep most week nights by 8pm after a gruelling day of rehearsals, appearances and interviews.

And as far as I can tell, he doesn't get much free time on the weekends either.

Since you said you only get your information from what you read - I'd be interested to find out what paper or magazine goes to the trouble of keeping tabs on Dave's daily doings.

There are hardly any secrets left in Dave's closet left to expose to warrant that kind of attention.

11:49 AM 11-03-07

Re:David Graham

Dave's doing his bit to improve. He really wants to stay using his dancing skills rather than the public vote.

That's our Don Quixote. (look it up if you don't get the reference)

Anyway Dave - just keep getting better each week and we'll just do our best to keep you in.

SMS DAVID to 19 19 77 or Call 1902 55 77 18   http://www.farmerdave.com.au

6:18PM 11-03-07

Re:David Graham

Yeah, the last few months have been pretty tough for Dave. But he keeps bouncing back to tackle each new challenge.

3:41PM 12-03-07

Re:David Graham

Man of the Year?

Dave might be your typical Aussie battler and he certainly spends a lot of his free time supporting worthwhile charities.

But Man of the Year is a bit of a stretch :)

10:32PM 13-03-07

Re:David Graham

I don't know what it looked like in the studio - but on the TV Dave did pretty good.

I reckon he's getting better each time - not sure what Todd's problem is.

Anyway - for Dave fans there are pictures up already

http://www.farmerdave.com.au/DWTS/Show04/DWTS04.ht m

Courtesy of Dave's team a www.farmerdave.com.au

8:51AM 14-03-07

Re:David Graham

"yuri_bsc

The judges will be even harder next week as they try to get David out. Just watch. There will be more 3s next time, I think. His fans will have to vote even more to keep him in. It's between the judges and David's fans now."

I hope you are wrong "yuri_bsc". I would like to think the judges vote on the individual celebrities merits and not play favourites. It would be good to see them encourage those who are training very hard to improve each week and provide some constructive criticism rather than cheap pot shots.

Considering the exceptional standard of the majority of the celebrities this year it is particularly difficult for the less talented dancers to get their efforts and improvements recognised.

While Dave's fans would prefer Dave got through on recognition of his slow but steady improvement, we are more than ready to keep supporting him to give him that opportunity.

It's about more than just deserving charities - it's about making sure the battlers get a fair crack of the whip.

That said, it's certainly not hurting the cause of drought affected farmers to see Dave continue in the show.

And for those that say it's unfair that Dave should stay while better dancers get in the bottom two. DWTS is first and foremost entertainment. If you want a strict dancing competition, watch Strictly Dancing or go a watch live dance sports.

Dave's "success" so far on this show, like his success on Big Brother, is the ability to let us in on his journey. Not a plastic celebrity, but a flesh and blood person sharing honest emotions.

Considering he has keep out of the bottom two - despite low judge's scores - he must be taking a lot us on that journey with him.

SMS DAVID to 19 19 77 or Call 1902 55 77 18

http://farmerdave.com.au

11:57AM 14-03-07

Re:David Graham

If it was a pure talent contest - last year Tom Waterhouse would have stayed longer and Arianne would have won.

But it's about personality, trying hard and improving. The public can relate to and reward that. Technical aspects aren't a great concern to most viewers.

4:26PM 14-03-07

Re:David Graham

"nonnomoi

Kouta was stomping and plonkering. So awful."

When I said Arianne should have won just on talent, it doesn't mean I didn't think Kouta shouldn't have won.

Where as Arianne started at a high level - and had trouble maintaining it, Kouta continued improve all the way through and earned his title. A better dancer than

Arianne, probably not, but he took us on his journey and won our respect.

Dave's not the trained athlete Kouta was but he has that same spirit of giving it a go.

While Dave's willing to give it a go - we'll give it a go by supporting him.

SMS DAVID to 19 19 77 or Call 1902 55 77 18

http://farmerdave.com.au

4:26PM 15-03-07

Re:David Graham

"cod23ine

If this guy is a genuine outback farmer where does he get the blond tints in his hair from, secondly your to tall to sheer sheep mate your back would not last the first 50 in a mob."

The genuine out back sheep farmer's mate, an award winning hair stylist, flew all the way from Brisbane to Melbourne to do the job. Dave has mates all over the country willing to help out.

As for being a shearer, Dave said on last weeks show he wasn't very good at it. The fact is that farmers usually support a whole range of people including professional shearers. I wonder how those shearers are fairing while the farmers have had to de-stock their farms because of the lack of feed and water.

Droughts not only affect farmers but also a lot of skilled professionals who do various work on the farms. Large and small country towns also depend on the surrounding farms for their livelihood.

6:29PM 15-03-07

Re:David Graham

About Rhino Skins

These message boards have been a bit heated today I noticed.

I noticed one suggestion that celebrities should have skins as thick as rhinos because part of being celebrity is that you a bound to attract criticism deserved or otherwise. True enough I guess.

We know our Dave is a bit on the sensitive side and takes too much of that criticism on board sometimes.

But should he develop emotional calluses and be able to ignore that stuff?

The thing we love about Dave is that despite the self doubt and lack of confidence, when the bugle calls there's our Dave back on the front line ready to give it another go.

There is a short video on Farmer Dave's Blog page "Dave Comments on being in Mardi Gras" which says it all.

"Have you seen this, as if you wouldn't be a part of this, why would you sit on the sidelines when you could be part of anything. ..... You become part of something bigger than yourself."

Dave was a bit embarrassed by that clip - he reckoned he looked like he was high on something. Yes mate you were. High on Life.

Those few words struck a cord with me and I guess anyone else who hears it. It's one of reasons I'm not sitting on the sidelines anymore.

There are two sides of a sensitive nature - an infectious love of doing new stuff and being over critical of your own faults.

So Dave - just concentrate on learning that dance stuff, confidence will grow as your skills improve. Leave the critics to us - we are seasoned campaigners.

Don't worry about the public vote - by just being yourself they are voting in droves. You don't need fancy gimmicks - Team David have got it covered.

SMS DAVID to 19 19 77 or Call 1902 55 77 18

http://www.farmerdave.com.au

6:54PM 15-03-07

Re:David Graham 

This is the text content of a weekly newsletter sent out to nearly 500 of Dave's fans.

Give it your best shot mate!!

With the exceptional standard of the majority of the celebrities this year, it is particularly difficult for the dancers who have to work harder to get their efforts and improvements recognised.

While we would prefer Dave got through on recognition of his steady improvement, we have shown we are more than willing to support him and provide him the time to get better.

This show is about more than just technical ability and deserving charities - it's about making sure the battlers get a fair crack of the whip.

That said, it's certainly not hurting the cause of drought affected farmers through Dave's charity "Oz Care, Bush Connection" to see Dave continue in the show.

Dave's "success" so far on the show, like his success on Big Brother, is the ability to let us in on his journey. Not a plastic celebrity, but a flesh and blood person sharing honest emotions.

Since our voting has continued to keep out him out of the bottom two - despite low judge's scores - it's clear he's taking us on that journey with him.

Dave is already hard a work getting next Tuesday's Samba ready. He will be dancing to the song I'm Alive made famous by Celine Dion.

So let's give our David the best chance of competing with the dancing Goliaths by continuing our voting support.

And Dave, just concentrate on getting that dancing stuff right. Keep giving it your best shot. We'll look after voting to make sure you get a fair go. We're all cheering for you.

SMS DAVID to 19 19 77 or Call 1902 55 77 18

You can also help by downloading, printing and displaying "Vote for Farmer Dave" Poster.

From Team David

Visit Dave's Website at: http://www.farmerdave.com.au

------------------------- -----------

If you'd like to be added to the mailing list email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Team David is a small group of volunteers who maintain Dave's website.

7:03PM 15-03-07

Re:Series 6 chit chat

"pink_gallah

LOL Peter, the real worry is it's already had enough to get around this board at the moment with the same topic being recreated a 100 times. I find it extremely difficult to even find threads I have posted in only a couple of hours earlier!"

Good thing David fans are keeping mainly to the one thread.

It would be so much easier to have just a few "official" threads devoted to different subjects ie: one each of the contestants, one for Darryl and Sonia, one for the judges etc.

9:49AM 16-03-07

Re:Series 6 chit chat

Oddly enough it's the viewers that are keeping Dave there. So I don't think the producers will be too concerned about that.

I doubt many people go to the trouble of voting out of sympathy - Dave's appeal is much broader than that.

12:11 AM 17-03-07

Re:Series 6 chit chat

"tinasparkles2002

Even better what about a 'progressive Gay Gordons" rushes to the fallout shelter!"

A progressive Gay Gordons sounds like heaps of fun. Particularly if the boys wear kilts in the traditional manner and kick their legs up a lot.

Rushes for fallout shelter - oops its full of snipers

11:20AM 16-03-07

Re:Series 6 chit chat

In the end it will be the viewers/voters that decide whether the show is a dancing contest, a popularity contest or just good old fashioned entertainment.

If Dave stays in it will be because of the connection he has created with the public voters - the undefinable X factor that gets people involved.

Good old fashioned entertainment seems an odds on bet at the moment.

10:42AM 17-03-07

Re:Heard Dave interviewed today on 2UE

allie2026

1. The interviewer put it to him that he was being carried in the competition by a massive "gay" vote. Dave agreed with that and said that yes, he believed the gay community had gotten behind him and was voting for him in droves.

Interesting that Dave acknowledges the power of the "gay" voting bloc, whilst several posters on this site dismiss it as a myth. It's no myth. The same "gay" voting bloc that swept Ian Roberts into the Final in Series 2 will probably do the same for Dave this time around."

Since I'm one of the posters who dismiss that myth I should reply. I didn't hear the interview so I don't really know what Dave said or in what context.

So I'll comment on what I do know. First I should say I talk to Dave on a very regular basis - not trying to big note myself - just clarifying where my opinion comes from.

Last week Dave had no idea where all the votes came from and was genuinely surprised to stay. A constant theme of our conversations is don't worry about the votes Dave, just concentrate on those dance steps.

I sure when ever he goes out to a gay venue everyone comes up to say how they voted for him. He doesn't often go out anywhere more public these days. The risk of being mobbed is becoming more of a concern. It wouldn't be too hard to get a distorted view of your support base. Something I must remember to fix.

Being Dave's webmaster I get to meet some of the 600 to 700 visitors to his site each day. It's a vast range of people who gone to the trouble of finding the site.

Mostly straight, all ages - a huge lot of older people, a lot of rural people and yes quite a few gays - particularly mature aged ones. And so many of Dave's mates. How one boy can have so many mates still amazes me.

I meet a lot of people through work and shopping trips, mention Dave and the reaction is fairly consistent - "I voted for him - also loved him on Big Brother"

I'm sure there are plenty of gay voters, even some who may vote on sexuality.

10:50AM 17-03-07

Re:best dancer from the whole series

If they where simply judged by expert judges (no public voting involvement) the answer would be simple - the winner of each series.

Perhaps the question would have been better stated as "Who do you think was the best dancer ......"

The judgement is very subjective - I'd choose who made the hair on the back of my neck stand on end most frequently - though the night when Tom Williams started to strip I did loose any of that subjective stuff. Fortunately the dancing matched the body.

10:58AM 17-03-07

Re:Heard Dave interviewed today on 2UE

"allie2026

2. Dave admitted that despite practising all day, every day ,he finds it impossible to memorise the steps. He said that memorising routines was "completely beyond his memory skills" and he just couldn't do it. Amazing to think that a dance contest may well be won by someone who admits he cannot memorise a two-minute routine to save his life."

One of things about Dave is that despite all the obstacles, massive confidence issues, no natural talent etc, he still manages to turn up on the night, do a credible job and looks like he's have fun doing it.

All in spite of a recent break-up and a farm still verging on the brink of disaster.

How anyone performs under all that pressure still amazes and inspires me.

Perhaps you get an inkling of why Dave's fans are so devoted.

11:59AM 17-03-07

Re:best dancer from the whole series

My problem in choosing is (apart for a memory lapses) that most of the previous (and current) contestants had a least one memorable dance in them. (sometimes for the wrong reasons)

12:02AM 17-03-07

Re:David Graham

I must admit to watching Dancing with the Stars since it started 6 years ago. I can recognise a Waltz, a Viennese waltz, a Tango and a few others, but didn't until now know the difference between a Samba or Rumba either. (Not that that particularly worried me - I just enjoy watching the show.)

Anyway givemereality's helpful post inspired me to look into to it.

The videos I found at this site were very helpful.

Anyone interested in what a Samba is can check out these dance training videos.

http://www.ballroomdancers.com/Dances/dance_overvi ew.asp?Dance=SAM

And before any of the spoilers say Dave couldn't do it - let's wait and see. I'm sure he'll give it his best shot.

11:44AM 17-03-07

Re:David Graham

Seems like the "Smell a Rat" thread has been censored/deleted. Probably just as well considering the not so pleasant description of Dave's fans that was posted.

Seems that some of the locals are a little discomforted at the number and devotion of Dave's fans "invasion" of this message board.

We've had the audacity of parking our big, dusty, triple decker, sheep transporter truck amongst the shiny city cars, and the city cars are a little nervous.

Be unafraid people, we are a friendly bunch. Sure we are less concerned with the finer points of dance technique, but we love a good show and we love to see the little guy get a fair go.

Please be indulgent if some of the crew take exception to unjust swipes at our Dave - we all don't take it on the chin as well as Dave.

11:29 pm 17-03-07

Re:DWTS is not Enterainment

Without really wanting to start another debate: -

Like it or not - the public (or the unwashed masses if you prefer) do get to vote.

If they take a liking to someone - technical skills don't seem to count to highly. The worst thing the judges can do is ridicule a trier's effort. That's guaranteed to get more votes for that person. None of us are naive enough to believe the producers aren't banking on that. Controversy creates more viewers.

To remain viable all TV shows must make a profit. (except the ABC). They make money from advertising and to a lesser extent, the voting system. Advertisers only pay big money to be placed in top rating shows. If a pure dancesport show would rate highly enough it would be on a commercial channel - not the ABC.

Mass audiences (mobs if you like) want to be entertained. Very few would understand enough about dance technique to judge a contestant's dance skill. Nor would they care.

The few that bother to vote do so because of how they felt about a performance. Maybe they were impressed, entertained or just connected with a personality.

The camera operators usually portray the contestants in the best possible light. Viewers rarely see the sloppy footwork or other faults and are left to wonder what the judges are on about.

That said, although the best dancers don't always win - they usually do. Perhaps when it comes to the final the voters get more serious.

12:02PM 17-03-07

Re:David Graham

"coachjacki

I havent seen any detractors of David (but then again I havent bothered to read most of the posts in this thread so i might have missed some). I HAVE seen many posts having a go at how obsessive some of his fans are - and I think that's a valid comment to make.

Just because someone has a different opinion to you does not make it ok for you to start generalising that they are discriminatory/make fun of disabilities etc.

Perhaps you should pay more attention to your own words about David's example and start behaving with more "integrity""

Oh please coachjacki,

The censors have been working overtime deleting nasty anti Dave posts.

A message to "detractors" is hardly generalising.

Dave's in-box is just crammed full of messages from people whose lives Dave has touched. 100s.

Dave's no saint but he does seem to polarise opinion. Thankfully the vast majority have good opinions.

Someone expressing those good opinions is hardly behaving without integrity.

5:53PM 17-03-07

Re:Heard Dave interviewed today on 2UE

"mattsainsbury2001

It might be a bit of fun and entertainment to someone like David, but I really feel for Eliza."

I don't think David's having much fun. He was throwing up from nerves before the first dance. I've spoken to him on the phone plenty of times in the evening - he sounded so stuffed he was practically falling asleep as we talked. He mumbled something about every muscle in his body was killing him.

The only fun he's had so far is keeping the commitments he made before being asked to join DWTS. Mardi Gras and last weekends Big Gay Day & B105 FM Star Party in Brisbane.

I put my foot in it one day and said I was having some much fun keeping his website up-to-date. When he replied "when do I get to have some fun" - all I could think of to say was "when it's all over".

As for getting the weekends off - this weekend includes two long sessions with a specialist dance coach.

You might ask if he's having such a rough time, why doesn't he just quit. Dave's no quitter.

And we also feel for Eliza - she has her work well and truly cut out for her - and is doing an exceptional job with what she has to work with.

I don't think it will harm her reputation at all - particularly if all the work she and Dave is putting in eventually starts to pay off.

6:13PM 17-03-07

Re:Heard Dave interviewed today on 2UE

"allie2026

I think people are forgetting that Dave has had training in front of a camera - dozens of them in fact, for almost three solid months when he was in the BB house."

For the most part those cameras were hidden. They never saw a live audience until the day of their eviction. They were never required to act. So it is not really preparation for something like DWTS.

And you are right - Dave is really struggling to learn the routines - more so than the performances so far would indicate. It's not from the lack of hard work. Eliza & Dave has tried all sorts of methods to get it to sink in.

They both get so frustrated at times. Dave has to constantly battle the thought that he just can't do it.

Despite all that, he'll be there Tuesday night, putting on a big smile to cover his fear, and do the best he can.

The voters will see that courage and vote accordingly.

It's easy to do something you are good at, for more difficult to keep plugging away at something you're not.

6:21PM 17-03-07

Re:Heard Dave interviewed today on 2UE

"tinasparkles2002

tdbaker - not sure why Dave is complaining what he is experiencing is the reality for most dancers and the other competitors, its not all pretty dresses and lycra suits and great make up. It's really hard work and the body aches at the end of a hard training session."

He wasn't actually complaining - it was a private moment I guess I shouldn't have shared. The point I was making is that he is not treating the experience as a "bit of fun". That he is in fact working very hard - but it's not getting the results for the work put in yet.

11:38PM 17-03-07

Re:I am really struggling to understand

I think the reality is, and why there will never be total agreement, is the like the voting setup, the show is 50/50. Part dance sport - part entertainment. Hardly a scenario that's going to please long term dance enthusiasts.

50% The judges judging dance sport (though you really have to wonder about that)

50% the voting public on whatever appealed to them - ie the entertainment factor - whether they were impressed or connected to a personality.

Could we at least agree on that much.

10:30AM 18-03-07

Re:Enough of the negativity

"wildlife_girl00

besides, its not like they are profesionals, so they shouldnt take it to heart"

All the celebrities are real people and they all put in some measure of effort into their performance.

It would be extremely difficult to be told in front of millions "that was great - until you started dancing".

If they danced badly it should be up to the judges to guide them in which elements they should improve. (Or really badly - what to work on first.)

In Tim's case I don't think "we want something more" was particularly helpful.

It might help to educate the audience as well. It seems to me that "educational" type shows are becoming more popular than reality TV shows.

10:50AM 18-03-07

Re:David Graham

The word from Dave is that he is putting maximum effort into Tuesdays Samba. Hopefully doing well enough to end the debate over whether he should stay in the competition on dancing merit or voting appeal.

He also seems to have taken a more realistic approach to reading the odd negative post on various forums.

One person's opinion does not make the general view.

11:05AM 18-03-07

Re:Enough of the negativity

"yuri_bsc

Well put, tdbaker. Putting down celebrities and pros to create cheap entertainment is not on."

Thanks Yuri. And I do keeping forgetting the professional dance partners.

Excuse my bias for a moment. Eliza must have the most difficult task of the lot. Not only is she very beautiful and talented, but she must be the most patient.

Never once has she been criticised for "out dancing" her partner and showing up his flaws. That must be hard for such a talented dancer.

She continues to come up with routines, though kept in the range of her partners skills, that are elegant and entertaining.

Go Eliza.

11:26AM 18-03-07

Re:David Graham

"yuri_bsc

I think David will be so poor in either Samba or Rumba, we will see a 2 score. Don't worry, guys, his charm and the support from fans will take him to at least the semi finals."

I hope you are wrong for Dave's sake. He wants so much to do well on merit.

He entered the competition feeling a bit like an impostor amongst "real" celebrities.

Getting good scores from the judges would get it through his own head he has a right to be there.

He has a growing sense he doesn't want to let down Eliza or his supporters.

12:19 18-03-07

Re:I am really struggling to understand

"coachjacki

I am really struggling to understand why SOME people insist on turning the debate into a gay/anti-gay issue. "

I'm not sure where that thought is coming from. From the comments I've read or posted, "gay" doesn't seem to be an issue. There has been the odd bogus comment about the mythical "gay voting bloc" but no attacks on gays per se.

I understood the debate to be whether a celebrity should stay on viewer's votes versus dancing skill.

A legitimate debate considering the way the voting system works.

The voting system has been in place since the show started and there are numerous examples of celebrities staying on more than just dancing skill.

Whether Big Brother fans are welcome to post on this board is a separate issue. Dave came to the show with a lot of fans that got to know him from Big Brother. I'm fairly certain the producers were hoping to attract those fans.

It's up to the long term users of the board as to whether they take an elitist view and dismiss those people as an invasion of private space, or take the opportunity to create some new DWTS enthusiasts who might just learn something about dance technique.

12:46 18/03/07

Re:DWTS is not Enterainment

"mattsainsbury2001

And yes, my one and only point in this thread has been that the pro dancers take this show seriously and put their professional reputations, and potentially their careers on the line with this show."

0-0-0-0-0-0-0

You won at least one convert to that point of view.

Though I posted this comment elsewhere - its seems appropriate to repost it here.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0

And I do keeping forgetting the professional dance partners.

Excuse my bias for a moment. Eliza must have the most difficult task of the lot. Not only is she very beautiful and talented, but she must be the most patient.

Never once has she been criticised for "out dancing" her partner and showing up his flaws. That must be hard for such a talented dancer.

She continues to come up with routines, though kept in the range of her partners skills, that are elegant and entertaining.

Go Eliza.

3:47PM 18-03-07

Re:David Graham

I'm sure Dave would agree with the last two comments. He has been applying total focus on getting this next one right.

It did take the wind out of his sails to have tried so hard on the waltz and still get low scores.

We are certainly hoping he is a late bloomer and surprises us all.

What ever happens on Tuesday, Dave will do his best and we will support him.

SMS DAVID to 19 19 77 or Call 1902 55 77 18

http://www.farmerdave.com.au

4:09PM 18-03-07

Re:I am really struggling to understand

"allie2026

I agree that the judging/voting methodology of DWTS is skewed in favour of keeping popular contestants in rather than those of most ability."

_._._._._._._._._._

Only if the judges score on other than technique or "telling the story of the dance" - there seems a creeping X-factor into their scoring.

The X factor appears to be - the most humorous put down or open declarations of favouritism.

What the public vote on is anyone's guess - and priceless knowledge to the contestants. There are probably as many answers to that as there are voters. However two themes run strong - cutting down tall poppies and giving the underdog a fair go - both very Australian values.

(Tall poppies are usually people who seem arrogant and too full of themselves)

Why Dave danced for Dancing with the Stars

Thanks to the dedication of family and friends keeping the farm running during his absence, and the generosity of the sheep sponsors, Dave had opportunity to bring the plight of drought stricken farmers to the national stage and raise much needed funds to help other farmers through the public voting.

Although recent rains have improved the prospects of Dave's farm, not all farmers have yet been so fortunate. Thanks to the generosity of many people sponsoring his sheep, he was in a better position than he would have been otherwise. Even with the rain, it will be some time before his farm and other drought affected farms are able to create a viable income to support their custodians. A large number of farmers, including Dave, have accumulated significant debt just keeping things going through the long dry spell. Such debt will take many years of good seasons to clear.

Dave's selection for Dancing with the Stars was that golden opportunity for him to earn his own way, and at the same time, show his appreciation by helping out less fortunate farmers through his charity Bush Connection, from the proceeds of phone voting.

"Bush Connection is run by country people for country people. I find them absolutely vital for our community, they have assisted my family and fellow farmers through our hardships. This is the real reason why I?m doing the show,? he says. ?I want to raise the morale of people in the bush. Hopefully by seeing me on TV, they?ll realise they?re not alone and together we can raise a bit of money to help our farmers, who are really doing it tough?.

Sunrise Interview after Last Show

 

Your phone votes for Dave supported:

http://www.bushconnection.org.au	OZcare Bush Connection The OZcare Bush Connection supports rural families who are facing financial difficulties by providing assistance to address any immediate crisis and to put together an action plan to work towards a positive future. This support may include counseling, referral to services such as financial and legal support, information, advocacy, employment and training services.
Depression and the drought One million adults and 100,000 adolescents live with depression. Many of these are Australia's farmers.     SMH - Audio slideshow RAIN FROM NOWHERE by Murray Hartin His cattle didn't get a bid, they were fairly bloody poor, What was he going to do? He couldn't feed them anymore, The dams were all but dry, hay was thirteen bucks a bale, Last month's talk of rain was just a fairytale, His credit had run out, no chance to pay what's owed, Bad thoughts ran through his head as he drove down Gully Road "Geez, great grandad bought the place back in 1898, "Now I'm such a useless bastard, I'll have to shut the gate. "Can't support my wife and kids, not like dad and those before, "Christ, Grandma kept it going while Pop fought in the war." With depression now his master, he abandoned what was right, There's no place in life for failures, he'd end it all tonight. There were still some things to do, he'd have to shoot the cattle first, Of all the jobs he'd ever done, that would be the worst. He'd have a shower, watch the news, then they'd all sit down for tea Read his kids a bedtime story, watch some more TV, Kiss his wife goodnight, say he was off to shoot some roos Then in a paddock far away he'd blow away the blues. But he drove in the gate and stopped - as he always had To check the roadside mailbox - and found a letter from his Dad. Now his dad was not a writer, Mum did all the cards and mail But he knew the style from the notebooks that he used at cattle sales, He sensed the nature of its contents, felt moisture in his eyes, Just the fact his dad had written was enough to make him cry. "Son, I know it's bloody tough, it's a cruel and twisted game, "This life upon the land when you're screaming out for rain, "There's no candle in the darkness, not a single speck of light "But don't let the demon get you, you have to do what's right, "I don't know what's in your head but push the bad thoughts well away "See, you'll always have your family at the back end of the day "You have to talk to someone, and yes I know I rarely did "But you have to think about Fiona and think about the kids. "I'm worried about you son, you haven't rung for quite a while, "I know the road you're on 'cause I've walked every bloody mile. "The date? December 7 back in 1983, "Behind the shed I had the shotgun rested in the Brigalow tree. "See, I'd borrowed way too much to buy the Johnson place "Then it didn't rain for years and we got bombed by interest rates, "The bank was at the door, I didn't think I had a choice, "I began to squeeze the trigger - that's when I heard your voice. "You said 'Where are you Daddy? It's time to play our game' "' I've got Squatter all set up, you might get General Rain.' "It really was that close, you're the one that stopped me son, "And you're the one that taught me there's no answer in a gun. "Just remember people love you, good friends won't let you down. "Look, you might have to swallow pride and get a job in town, "Just 'til things come good, son, you've always got a choice "And when you get this letter ring me, 'cause I'd love to hear your voice." Well he cried and laughed and shook his head then put the truck in gear, Shut his eyes and hugged his dad in a vision that was clear, Dropped the cattle at the yards, put the truck away Filled the troughs the best he could and fed his last ten bales of hay. Then he strode towards the homestead, shoulders back and head held high, He still knew the road was tough but there was purpose in his eye. He called for his wife and children, who'd lived through all his pain, Hugs said more than words - he'd come back to them again, They talked of silver linings, how good times always follow bad, Then he walked towards the phone, picked it up and rang his Dad. And while the kids set up the Squatter, he hugged his wife again, Then they heard the roll of thunder and they smelt the smell of rain. Murray Hartin February 21, 2007 Muzza (Murray Hartin) was asked to pen something for the Salvation Army that can bring awareness to the general public about Rural suicide. Other work of Murray's including his monumental poem "Turbulence" will be available on his new website soon http://www.murrayhartin.com/
Every 4 days a farmer kills himself With the disastrous combination of persistent drought and growing debts, Australian farmers are doing it tougher than ever - so tough that many see suicide as their only escape, writes Bettina Arndt - Women's Weekly February 2007. See Story

The former model made his mark in 2006 on the controversial reality TV show. During his emotion-packed days in the compound, the modern cowboy came out to his housemates, winning fans across the country with his honesty and bravery. In that same year, he was the winner of Australia?s Brainiest BB06 Housemate. Before finding fame on Big Brother, he was managing his family?s 45,000 acre property in Goondiwindi, Queensland. As a youngster, David had dreams beyond the bush. In 1996, at age 17, he was accepted into university to study linguistics. He decided not to go to respect the wishes of his father, who didn?t want him working for anyone else. So he set up camp in the shearers? quarters, jackerooing for a few years. During trips to Sydney, the good-looking farmer was approached several times by modelling agents. This resulted in a mammoth 13-month world trip, appearing on catwalks and in magazines. He also traveled solo to many obscure parts of the globe including the Middle East, Mongolia and Tibet. When he came home to Australia, he returned to the farm to take the reigns of his family?s property. Like many farmers around the country, the drought is having devastating effects on his land. As a result, David will be dancing for Bush Connection.

Dave & Eliza - Click for large souvenir image

When she?s not dancing, Eliza Campagna is probably tearing around Sydney?s countryside on either her road or trail bike. Ironically, she loves the speed and thrill just as much as she adores the elegance of ballroom dancing in a sequinned gown. Eliza started jazz and tap dancing as a 10-year-old, and tried ballroom for the first time at age 12 ? inspired by the hit Baz Luhrmann movie Strictly Ballroom (which co-incidentally stars two Dancing judges and the show?s co-host Sonia Kruger). She was hooked. Eliza went on to be the Junior Superstars Modern Open Champion, Australian Junior World Representative, came eighth in Junior British World Championships, and was the East Coast Classic Junior Champion, National Capital Junior Champion, East Coast Classic Youth Champion and the National Capital Youth Champion. A professional make-up artist with the Australian College of Make Up and Special Effects, she has worked on many TV commercials and photo shoots. She also assisted in the extra's make up for The Mask 2 - The Son of Mask movie. Eliza, 24, has two spoilt, but very cute, Pomeranians; Simba and Bella. Eliza was in the last series of Dancing With The Stars partnering actor, Gary Sweet and the prevoius year, rugby league hunk Luke Ricketson.