41 replies to this topic

[gilgalad70]

Hmm, so we charge people to go into shopping malls now do we? On top of the parking fee? Do we get Stormtroopers at every gate with cattle prods asking if people want to buy an autograph with their weekly shopping, and if not, tell them to 'go away and come back later'? Memorabilia is in a convention centre, where you go specifically to a show. The cons at Heathrow, won't be attended by casual shoppers, Collectormania might be. As well as a few fanboys, perhaps

People will soon be telling stories of how nasty evil dealers were taking up space that they would have taken up with guest X discussing where Servalan was dissing Gandalf in an Ewoks's outfit, and he was still seen wearing a Rolex watch in frame 2342 (widescreen Extended edition only). Dealers that had stall, like those who had their logos behind Carrie and Billy Dee (in full on Alexander O'Neal mode!) pay shed loads to sponsor the show. That helps hire the Hall space, and makes inroads to pay for the guest's fees. If there were no sponsors, there'd be no guests, and then where would the mini-hobbits and elves get their kicks?

25 quid for Carrie Fisher? She was aking A LOT more than that at San Diego in the Summer. Think how much it would have been on QVC or Ideal World? 70 quid for 'original Star Wars' crewmembers, a throw, or 15 for George Takei or Walter Koenig in Milton Keynes. With the added bonus with many of the guys, you can personalise it to 'nearly' anything you want.

Heck, you could have taken up the offer of those comedians that trundle past the show that say they'll sign anything for 15 quid. How I laugh!

One thing I found interesting was how many of the Star Wars guys like Rusty, Richard and co, were 'asking' 10 a throw, Royd Tolkien was 'asking' 15. Also, a regular observation was at the NEC, Dave Prowse charges more, and gets a HUGE crowd, yet at most Collectormanias he charges less, and usually gets less takers.

I'm lead to believe that at the Heathrow cons, you pay a whacking great big upfront fee, and then have long queues for 'free' autographs.

I believe Book signings are a good place for 'free' autographs. But then, you do have to buy the book, and who'd really want a first edition Tolkien book.. You know, I was pasing down the high street in Dullesville, Tx and you know I saw Carrie Fisher, Billy Boyd, Verne Troyer, Brent Spiner, and they all begged me to take their signed photos, in fact THEY were paying ME to do it! then the tablet started to wear off, and I realised you wouldn't see that group outside of a convention, as a group, and they Definitely wouldn't pay you to take their autographs...!

[Father Coop]

As a frequent attendee of Heathrow conventions the upfront fee is very reasonable for what you get.

The queues are easy and called in batches according to your convention ticket number.

Father Coop...a true Con Whore!!!