My trip to Maine this weekend, I want your input!!

[jchanic]

When I spoke to the guy at the bookstore when I purchased my tickets, he was surprised I was coming up from MD. He mentioned that someone was coming from NC as well, shame its just to sell and not value the experience. It is impossible to stop this kind of thing, and honestly it only bothers me because it takes the experience away from a true fan.

I have to disagree with you regarding the selling of extra signed books in the secondary market. This benefits us, who can't travel but want a book. If I could get there, I would; but I can't, so the only way I can get a book is via the secondary market. I am a true fan.

John

 

[Machine's Way]

I have to disagree with you regarding the selling of extra signed books in the secondary market. This benefits us, who can't travel but want a book. If I could get there, I would; but I can't, so the only way I can get a book is via the secondary market. I am a true fan.

John

I understand what you are saying. I wasn't meaning that the person who purchases the book isn't a true fan, in fact you must be to spend that much on a book. I was saying that there are only 500 people able to attend this event. There are true fans out there that wanted a ticket, could afford a ticket but it sold out, and there are certainly a small amount of people that are attending for the sole purpose of a resale and to make some money. Never read a SK book and could careless about meeting the man. I feel this robs some true fans of a book they will cherish and more importantly a moment with the man that they are obviously a fan of. There are signed editions put out by several sources like Cemetery dance, that a fan can purchase a legit SK autographed book from. I actually don't even care about people selling the books on ebay, ect. its their book they are free to do with it as they want. If there is a market there will be sellers. I just feel bad for the fans that miss out on the event itself to people straight looking to profit.

 

[RichardX]

I understand what you are saying. I wasn't meaning that the person who purchases the book isn't a true fan, in fact you must be to spend that much on a book. I was saying that there are only 500 people able to attend this event. There are true fans out there that wanted a ticket, could afford a ticket but it sold out, and there are certainly a small amount of people that are attending for the sole purpose of a resale and to make some money. Never read a SK book and could careless about meeting the man. I feel this robs some true fans of a book they will cherish and more importantly a moment with the man that they are obviously a fan of. There are signed editions put out by several sources like Cemetery dance, that a fan can purchase a legit SK autographed book from. I actually don't even care about people selling the books on ebay, ect. its their book they are free to do with it as they want. If there is a market there will be sellers. I just feel bad for the fans that miss out on the event itself to people straight looking to profit.

That might be true in some instances but not this one. The tickets were available for weeks. Bridgton is not an easy place to get too. It also was not widely advertised outside the local area. Anyone coming from a long distance has to be a fan and may not be able to afford the trip absent selling their extra copy to cover expenses.

 

[Machine's Way]

That might be true in some instances but not this one. The tickets were available for weeks. Bridgton is not an easy place to get too. It also was not widely advertised outside the local area. Anyone coming from a long distance has to be a fan and may not be able to afford the trip absent selling their extra copy to cover expenses.

But who gets an "extra copy"? you could buy two tickets sure, but each had to be attached to a person who shows their ID. I guess if you just brought a friend along for the ride and had them get one for you.

 

[RichardX]

But who gets an "extra copy"? you could buy two tickets sure, but each had to be attached to a person who shows their ID. I guess if you just brought a friend along for the ride and had them get one for you.

Two tickets means in many instances attending with a spouse. So one family leaves with two signed copies of the same book. Ironically, the reselling problem would be mitigated if they would allow any book to be signed and not just the new book. The one ticket, one book rule. In that situation, for those of us who are strictly collectors and not sellers, you walk away with two different signed books. So fewer extras to sell. Among those I know that are attending from long distances are among the biggest King fans. You would have to be to drive for hours or even days, pay for hotels, take time off from work etc to stand in front of SK for about the 1.5 seconds it takes to sign your book.

 

[hossenpepper]

But who gets an "extra copy"? you could buy two tickets sure, but each had to be attached to a person who shows their ID. I guess if you just brought a friend along for the ride and had them get one for you.

I have at both signings I have gone to. One I sent to a friend for Christmas and the other I sent to a big time fan that is one of my best friends for his 40th birthday. In both cases, people overheard me saying one copy was to give to someone and they offered me over $500 cash on the spot. Both times, I told them $5K and it was theirs. Neither of them thought it was very funny.

At the 11/22/63 signing, the guy who was first in line was part of a group of people who travel around to signings and sell the books on eBay. That day they were also getting signed copies from Bill Clinton somewhere else. It kinda pissed me off, but it does benefit some who can't get there but want one. Plus Miss Mod isn't nice enough to talk SK into signing all our books for us. What a meanie!

 

[hossenpepper]

Two tickets means in many instances attending with a spouse. So one family leaves with two signed copies of the same book. Ironically, the reselling problem would be mitigated if they would allow any book to be signed and not just the new book. The one ticket, one book rule. In that situation, for those of us who are strictly collectors and not sellers, you walk away with two different signed books. So fewer extras to sell. Among those I know that are attending from long distances are among the biggest King fans. You would have to be to drive for hours or even days, pay for hotels, take time off from work etc to stand in front of SK for about the 1.5 seconds it takes to sign your book.

I have found if you are polite and positive, Mr. King will indeed indulge you for a bit longer and even takes pictures with some. He wouldn't take one with me though. I guess I am too pretty.

 

[Machine's Way]

Two tickets means in many instances attending with a spouse. So one family leaves with two signed copies of the same book. Ironically, the reselling problem would be mitigated if they would allow any book to be signed and not just the new book. The one ticket, one book rule. In that situation, for those of us who are strictly collectors and not sellers, you walk away with two different signed books. So fewer extras to sell. Among those I know that are attending from long distances are among the biggest King fans. You would have to be to drive for hours or even days, pay for hotels, take time off from work etc to stand in front of SK for about the 1.5 seconds it takes to sign your book.

So wish it was the case to get another book signed as well. Or like you said, one book one signature, don't matter what book as long as you purchased the current book being sold. Anyways, they are what they are and I'm just happy to attend.

 

[notebookgirl]

I just went to Ogunquit, Maine last week. About two hours away from where you are staying. The beaches are beautiful and COLD — leg numbing, in fact! It was well worth the trip though!

 

[not_nadine]

I just went to Ogunquit, Maine last week. About two hours away from where you are staying. The beaches are beautiful and COLD — leg numbing, in fact! It was well worth the trip though!

Ohh! Did you run into Frannie?

 

[notebookgirl]

Ohh! Did you run into Frannie?

Ha! Good one! I need to read "The Stand" again! It has been at least a decade! I tried to read it in paperback last year, but the type was too small and driving me crazy so I stopped. I finally have it in hardcover. (the uncut version). I actually should have read it before I went. Barnacles!

 

[ChicagoMolly]

I drove thru Ogunquit. It was very cool~ there it was, just like he said Only, everybody was alive

 

[RichardX]

Very fun and well organized event in Bridgton. Ticketed events are the way to go. No standing in line all night with a risk of not getting a book. King was vey gracious and friendly. The only complaints were from the older ladies who were told they couldn't carry their purses. It took me four days and about 20 hours in the car but I got my signed books. The traffic in Mass is awful. My sympathy to anyone who drives there.

 

[Moderator]

Very fun and well organized event in Bridgton. Ticketed events are the way to go. No standing in line all night with a risk of not getting a book. King was vey gracious and friendly. The only complaints were from the older ladies who were told they couldn't carry their purses. It took me four days and about 20 hours in the car but I got my signed books. The traffic in Mass is awful. My sympathy to anyone who drives there.

It's one of several reasons why I moved back to Maine. Seriously.

 

[roseannebarr]

The Bridgton Event was excellent. Please tell Mr. King thank you on my behalf! Even though i thanked him at lease 10 times already. He does not have to do it, but as a huge fan i truly appreciate his time for doing this. He signed 500 books in 1 hour and 47 minutes. That averages out to 12 seconds per person, but i did not see any one complaining. Only smiles and excitement!! and appreciation.

My personal opinion is, people are going to sell extra copies, they want to recoup travel expenses. PERSONALLY, i work at a bar to finance my trips (and i am poor in money, but rich in SK signed books) and i will NEVER EVER sell an extra Stephen King book. If my wife attends an event with me, and we get an extra copy, i trade with a member here or on another site for other signed or coveted books. At this event, SK signed finders keepers for me and i now have all his full length novels signed.

I still need Blockade Billy, Silver Bullett and My Pretty Pony. HINT HINT to the moderators here! I only need these 3 to complete a life long obsession!

Thanks again to MS. MOD for all your work and MR KING for PART TWO of an excellent trilogy!!! I loved FINDERS KEEPERS. Especially the ending!!!!!!!

 

[Machine's Way]

I had an excellent time in Maine and the signing was great!! I will make a longer post hopefully today or tomorrow for those of you who want my opinion slash summary of my trip along with photos.

 

[Neesy]

Very fun and well organized event in Bridgton. Ticketed events are the way to go. No standing in line all night with a risk of not getting a book. King was vey gracious and friendly. The only complaints were from the older ladies who were told they couldn't carry their purses. It took me four days and about 20 hours in the car but I got my signed books. The traffic in Mass is awful. My sympathy to anyone who drives there.

Why no purses? Did he think they might 'bonk' him on the head for all the swearing in his books?

Spoiler

I am kidding of course - was it because of the worry over possible theft?

 

[Machine's Way]

Why no purses? Did he think they might 'bonk' him on the head for all the swearing in his books?

Spoiler

I am kidding of course - was it because of the worry over possible theft?

I am pretty sure it was to avoid people bringing other books in an attempt to get him to sign them on the spot and making for an uncomfortable situation for King and the people who put on the event. They let some purses in small ones, but even those were subject to search.

 

[drinkslinger]

I am pretty sure it was to avoid people bringing other books in an attempt to get him to sign them on the spot and making for an uncomfortable situation for King and the people who put on the event. They let some purses in small ones, but even those were subject to search.

I agree about the signing- what an experience! I want to echo roseannebarr's sentiments and express my thanks to Mr. King for taking the time to not only indulge his fans, but also to support a local business (Bridgton Books)!

I think you're right about the reason about the purse ban. I was able to take mine in, which isn't huge, but not exactly small either. I'm thankful that I didn't get any grief for it.

 

[drinkslinger]

Did you make it to the Maine Beer Company? If so, which beer was your favorite? I'm pretty partial to Beer 2 and Lunch. They're one of my favorite local brewers.