Manatee Library King Appearance

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Fred Forbes

New Member
Sep 3, 2014
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Well, as a newbie, I guess I am not permitted to add to that thread so if interested, head on over there. As a long time King "constant reader" the way that disaster was handled was a real disappointment. Article today in the Bradenton Herald said that despite the prior announcement that public tickets would go one sale in November for his appearance in January, they have all been sold to "sponsors" for $200 to $10,000. My note to the reporter of the story -

My note to the reporter on today's story -

Thank you for the follow-up story on the King appearance.

Had it been me running the show, I would have set aside 120 of the seats for $500 sponsorship patrons and kept 250 seats for, say $35 for the public and allocated by random drawing so everyone has a chance.

Interesting that for an institution that is supposed to be as egalitarian as a library, it became "Got $250? Come on down, have a seat! All those people we promised a chance to buy in November? Too bad, so sad, you can watch it on TV with the rest of the hoi polloi!"

Talk about a "Let them eat cake!" moment!

Feel free to pass my comments on to Jane Plitt. [Head of the Library Association] If she wants to see me donate, I'll be glad to send her a video clip of me writing checks to other charities! She can run it on her TV.

Ironically, if they had mentioned that the only way to get a ticket was via a $200 sponsorship, I may have bought one as a special gift. Sorry I took them at their word, but that won't happen again.
 

Moderator

Ms. Mod
Administrator
Jul 10, 2006
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Maine
Welcome to the Board! I won't belabor the argument further but there are other comments in this thread as well. Since Steve was not the one deciding the logistics of the event but rather donating his time for what he believes to be a worthy cause, your comments about being unhappy and how to run future events would be better directed to the Library. From their press release of August 5th here is the information for how to contact them:

For more information on Manatee County Public Library System, visit www.mymanatee.org/library or follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mcpls or www.facebook.com/mcplsteens For more information on Manatee County Government, visit online at www.mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. You can also follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/manatee.county.fl and on Twitter, @ManateeGov.
 

Fred Forbes

New Member
Sep 3, 2014
2
7
77
Certainly not blaming Steve! While I appreciate his donation of time, the whole event was poorly planned and improperly marketed. As you point out, the fault of the Library Foundation staff, not him. Possible thought - if he sees the issues raised, he might consider a second night, more reasonably priced with tickets allocated via drawing. Library wins with more $$, we win because we might get to go, and Steve wins since he looks like a nicer guy than he already is! (If possible.)
 

GNTLGNT

The idiot is IN
Jun 15, 2007
87,651
358,754
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Cambridge, Ohio
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