I don't see that at all. It seems much more unlikely to me that someone would bother if they weren't going to be guaranteed a book. Seeing listings show up numerous times on Ebay even before the event because the person knew they had a signed book had a lot to do with the decision to go this way. Not everyone who goes to these has to travel distances to do so but if they do they're taking the same chance as everyone else who attends the event and can make the choice of whether they want to spend the money. If all they're interested in is a signed book and are spending that much money anyway, they might just as well go to a reputable dealer where they can buy an autographed book.
Book Tour Question(s)
- Thread starter misery chastain loves co.
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I can appreciate the difficulties of organizing these events. You are going to see some books on ebay, however, no matter how you handle these signings because they have a value. I can guarantee there will plenty from this book tour on ebay. It's a pointless struggle to stop that. And Ebay buying may be the only way some fans can ever get a signed book. It may even be a lot cheaper than buying tickets, travelling, taking time off from work, standing in line for hours etc. They will simply buy one on ebay. All that's been done here is to make it impossible for anyone other than the locals or random individuals to have a chance to get a signed copy at these events. For example, every college student in Austin has a chance to turn a quick profit on a book that some fans would have travelled great distances to add to their collection. There is no absolutely perfect way to do this given the demand. But there are certainly better ways than random distribution at the event. I wouldn't penalize the fans in a futile effort to hinder ebay sellers. A desire for a signed books is also not somehow mutually exclusive with appreciating an opportunity to see King in person. It's simply something that enhances that experience for many people as a traditional part of the author appearance. Otherwise you could watch on You Tube. I'm a big fan and don't mean to complain. I'll read the book and enjoy even if there are no signed copies, but I would also like one!
Objection noted but this is the way that we're likely to continue doing this as the way you're suggesting carried more problems than just the ebay issue for both us and the local venues. Everyone knows going in that they may get a signed book or they may not. It's then their choice whether or not they want to spend the money to go to an event. Most of the venues prefer to have the event available to the locals as they're more likely to be their customers. That's why the book signings events decided to require that the tickets be purchased at their store rather than offering phone or on-line sales. That wasn't our directive.
*sigh* I'm just feeling kind of tired, and don't even really want to read anymore. Or bathe - it's such a hassle. Can Steve fly to my house, give me the book for free (signed in my presence, of course), and perhaps read the thing aloud to me?
As someone who drove a bit to buy a ticket from a bookstore weeks before the reading, drove back for the reading and got in line hours before the event, and then didn't get a signed copy even though I was one of the first through the door, I still don't regret it because I got to see The Man in person (on the stage), and that was my goal. I understand the disappointment - I've felt it - but it's impossible to make everyone happy.
I feel same . . .
I've been in line with fans and that is one of the reason why I don't care for fans much . . .it seems that because they are a fan they feel as if they own a part of him. They want to own his shadow and even the stank out of his sh!t. The bitchin' I heard while standing in line made me want to bitch slap many of them.
I'm glad I'm not famous . . .
. . .I even heard someone say, 'We're the reason he's famous, why can't he at least . . .'
I had to really bite my tongue . . .he is famous because he is an amazing writer.
I had to really bite my tongue . . .he is famous because he is an amazing writer.
Not until you've bathed.
I get your meaning and agree with the premise but... Ewwwwww!
I'm a huge fan, but I'll pass on the stank!
It's been a long and rainy day here and there are a few points that grate on my Zen. Many have forgotten that these book signings and appearances are a gift from Stephen King to his Constant Readers. He gives freely of his time, his physical and mental wear to do them.
I question the statement : "otherwise you could watch on You Tube". Have you ever seen a Broadway play in person, experienced a sporting event in person, heard an orchestra live, or attended a lecture by famous professional( non writer)? How can you compare that experience to watching it on You Tube? I must have missed something.
A signed book is not necessarily a tradition- it is gift. Not every speaker provides signed copies of their work.
There are many things we desire in life-- we do not always receive them.
I had the privilege of hearing SK speak on a tour for UTD. It was truly a night to embrace and remember.
I hope you do get a signed book. I also hope it will treasured and never sold on ebay. If you don't, please enjoy the event and say Thankee Sai for the time he so freely gave.