Twitter Pandemomium

George Shea has caused an uproar on Twitter by offering (to his followers only) special fan access to the July 4 Nathan's Famous hot dog-eating contest, including a pair of passes to the VIP area alongside eater friends and family, the first-ever "George Shea Judgeship," and an unprecedented fan introduction to the 20,000-plus fans live on stage.

Two lucky fans will watctch this event from the best seats in the house; one fan actually will serve as a judge, and, in an unprecedented move, one fan will be brought on stage and introduced to the live audience.

Shea, who is known as GCShea on Twitter, has created a community that can only be compared to the Colbert Nation, the loyal followers of the Colbert Report. Twitter was overwhelmed by traffic when Shea announced the fan news and reported a temporary slow down in service.