It was announced 3 weeks ago that Stephen King would be giving a speech at Manatee Performing Arts Center and tickets would be made available to the public. I marked my calendar and was so excited I planned on getting in line for a chance at tickets for me and my husband.. I have read all Stephen king's books. I am a huge fan and was looking forward to actually get to hear a speech live. It was just announced in the paper that all the tickets were sold to corporate sponsors before being made available to the public so no tickets are left for the public to buy. Bradenton has a lot of disappointed fans. Once again the rich get to see him while his true fans get left out.
Upcoming speech at Manatee Performing Arts Center
- Thread starter Galaxi
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I hadn't heard that. Will get in touch with them to verify--that would be a lot of corporate sponsors but how they'll be distributing their tickets I also do not have information. I feel it's also important for those not familiar with this event to know it is a fundraising effort for the Manatee County's public library system.
Looks like it is a fundraising event for the public library and that it has indeed sold out. The second article linked explains the situation.
Bradenton Local News | Bradenton Herald & Lakewood Ranch Herald
Bradenton Local News | Bradenton Herald & Lakewood Ranch Herald
Bradenton Local News | Bradenton Herald & Lakewood Ranch Herald
Bradenton Local News | Bradenton Herald & Lakewood Ranch Herald
Thanks, Sunny!
One of the reasons we hadn't made a public announcement about this event was because they wanted to keep it local and with the limited number of seats available we knew it would sell out quickly as it was. Putting out a News story on Steve's site or Facebook page would have caused major problems for them to deal with all the requests that would have come in.
You're welcome...I just did a quick Google, and there it was.
That's why included the second link with the explanation....it made perfect sense after reading the article.
I completely agree with you about not announcing it on the web site and FB page......and I so admire Steve for being willing to help raise library funds when he can....Since I can't hug his neck and thank him, you do it for me, OK? Tell him that Sunny says "Hey"....and say it with my accent, if you would
Libraries were a big part of both his and Tabby's life growing up and are a favorite charity for them now that they can give back.You're welcome...I just did a quick Google, and there it was.
That's why included the second link with the explanation....it made perfect sense after reading the article.
I completely agree with you about not announcing it on the web site and FB page......and I so admire Steve for being willing to help raise library funds when he can....Since I can't hug his neck and thank him, you do it for me, OK? Tell him that Sunny says "Hey"....and say it with my accent, if you would
The hug will have to wait until October when I get back to the office but I'll pass along the "Hey" in the meantime.
That really is disappointing
I wonder what the sponsors are going to do with the tickets?Perhaps it won't make any difference but thought I should also point out that the sponsors paid significantly more than the usual ticket price for one of Stephen's speaking events which was necessary in order to raise the amount they needed with only that few tickets available.
ThankeeLibraries were a big part of both his and Tabby's life growing up and are a favorite charity for them now that they can give back.
The hug will have to wait until October when I get back to the office but I'll pass along the "Hey" in the meantime.
Waiting on the hug until October is fine.....it will still save me the time and expense of delivering it myself.....
Give yourself a hug and some daisies from me as well
Thankee
Waiting on the hug until October is fine.....it will still save me the time and expense of delivering it myself.....
Give yourself a hug and some daisies from me as well
I think that it does make a huge difference. I know how disappointed some folks will be, and I would be disappointed at first, too.....but the important thing to remember is that this is not actually a book signing event or an event for "just fans", it is a fundraising event, and in order to raise the needed funds for the library, and with limited availability, they did the best they could possibly do.
I hate it when sponsors steal some of the limelight... Look at us! We're contributing too! We bought up all the tickets and we might give some away for free! (not because we care, because its good PR and great advertising).
I might need to adjust my attitude, I woke up crabby lol
I might need to adjust my attitude, I woke up crabby lol
I do understand what you're saying but I'm thinking at least in the case of the teens they're sponsoring who might not otherwise have been able to go won't really care, they'll just be happy they're getting to go.
I'm thinking that it will be pretty easy to sneak in. The Manatee security are big fellas, but they have poor eyesight and are pretty slow. Unless this is being held underwater of course..........
This event is more a fund raiser/ charity event. I doubt many constant readers could afford the price those sponsors paid for a ticket. The idea was to raise as much money as possible for the library. And it appears they will do just that.
We might also take a look at the fact that originally Steve planned a non book tour year. Yet, he is giving up his private time to do one for Revival, and his Constant Readers. Book tours can be very exhausting. A charity event on a one night event. He can go home relax, be with family/ a tour means plane rides, hotels, and schedules.
Maybe SK could lightly mention to the sponsors that they are allowed to contribute to the library without riding on his coattails.
I need to go back to bed and get up on the other side
I need to go back to bed and get up on the other side
I don't think that matters to Steve but I could see that it might bother the library system that they don't get donations like that otherwise. Bottom line is the library is getting the funds they need. There are other events that fans can attend and no matter what, there is rarely an event at which all the people who want to see Steve get the opportunity because seats fill quickly. And if you've ever followed the Hot Topics, you'll know that the fact that I'm defending corporate sponsors isn't easy.Maybe SK could lightly mention to the sponsors that they are allowed to contribute to the library without riding on his coattails.
I need to go back to bed and get up on the other side
Hope you get a better night's sleep tonight.
I just found out that Neil Gaiman is doing one of these here in November for our schools/libraries, but the tickets are $$$. Hoping I get my next royalty check before they sell out--I'm gonna call it a Christmas present to me
I do appreciate when authors do this to support public education (and libraries definitely fit the description), but it is disheartening to be a reader and there is just no way you can go. It does seem that this is another area where those with the most $ reap the most benefit. On the other hand, both of my kids have had a chance to meet favorite authors (Neil Shusterman and Jay Asher) because part of the program was for those authors to meet with/talk to a selected group of students without cost to the students or schools.
I do appreciate when authors do this to support public education (and libraries definitely fit the description), but it is disheartening to be a reader and there is just no way you can go. It does seem that this is another area where those with the most $ reap the most benefit. On the other hand, both of my kids have had a chance to meet favorite authors (Neil Shusterman and Jay Asher) because part of the program was for those authors to meet with/talk to a selected group of students without cost to the students or schools.
Then they shouldn't have announced 3 weeks ago that it was a public event and that tickets would be available to the public. I had it marked on my calendar and planned on trying to be the first in line. It was an incredible disappointment to not even have a chance to try and buy a ticket. Now it just comes off and another way the rich reap the benefits while loyal fans who buy all his books are left in the cold.