TerraHawk

But why? Is anyone else getting bored with announcement announcements? Just announce those you can already. Less work in the long run. Spread them out rather than put them all up at once.

Can't speak for the spring/summer event. But I've always found the Winter ones the most pleasant large scale signings I've been to. Putting an event a few weeks before them (so people have less money to spend?) would sound rather petty. But then it's all about location. More people have heard of the NE€.

I found it the other way round actually. the longest queue I was in the whole day was the Cashpoint. And it was a crowded event at times. But the guests were more spread out, so you weren't in the way of any other queues. More relaxed. Announcers telling you what was on, who was doing photos, talks etc. I'd say the stalls at that event were less professional; but that has its charm. If you want a shop visit the shop! I certainly spend more money on merchandise.

Torchwood was always due for 13 weeks starting January, they wouldn't want too much of an overlap with series IV of Doctor Who. Due late March/April. Even then putting Dr Who and Heroes on at the same time would result in less publicity for the later.

Store signings certianly, usually at least one a year.

I'll be doing the same TP event, but a detour via Coventry on my way back to Devon wouldn't be practical. In fact their Birminham event is only a week before the LF&CC so I might even miss that as well, two weekends in a row is a bit much. Depends who goes.

It's to keep them from blabbing storylines.

Supposedly their contracts prevent them doing conventions and the like, but HMV did get David and Freema in this month for a few hours. John Barrowman did LF&CC last year. He seems to be rather busy of late though!

I'm looking at attending about 9 events next year. Just two Showmasters (LF&CC, depending on guests), and maybe B7.

http://www.westpoint-devonshow.co.uk/venue.asp Westpoint is probably the only venue large enough to hold such an event in Exeter. It would be nice to go to an event that wasn't 3 hours each way minimum.

Darn, can't make those dates due to a Dr Who convention that weekend.

I'm from Essex as well, but I put Devon as that's where I've been for the past 7 years. I don't fit the mould either, but I was in M&S in Exeter once and there was an elderly guy badmouthing Essex an it's people. I just stood behind him with a sly grin on my face, but inside it was the only time I've ever had yobbish thoughts. So my sister's an Essex girl... and I work with two others in fact. So I have a saying Never underestimate an Essex Girl.

I'd have booked already had it been in the south, but by train from Devon Northampton is far enough to give me second thoughts.

If you do be sure to find a place with plenty of room, she does her sig as large as possible!

Surely July would be more apt, and since LF&CC is in July, that would be a better time and place for a reunion.

No it's not. I'm pretty sure Doctor Who can claim that title. Yeah but it took a break then started up again, Stargate SG-1 went for 10 full seasons without stopping. Doctor Who went 22 years without stopping, and even then that 22nd year was only an 18 month hiatus before continuing for another 4 years. It was on air 26 consecutive years. In terms of 'hour long' dramas Stargate wins, but in terms of episodes, Dr Who wins by miles.

I'd attend a Cardiff one for the right guests. Not as easy from the South West by train as London, but easier than Glasgow, Milton Keynes or Manchester Bristol or Exeter would be even better! But little chance of that!

I agree, a sign saying no flash photography would have made more of an impression. As it is I got one autograph for my sister. She'd have no proof other than my word it was signed by the person in question without a photo. Still there were ways.... Short of confiscating everyone's cameras - and for that matter mobile phones. And do hidden cameras cost that much these days? All they can do is ask, or throw you out.

Over £500 easily. No hotel expenses, and only two virtual ticket signers. Most was the Star Wars people, and most of them just the one each.

I did last year. No harm in asking.

Add all that up in Excel and it works out almost £1000, if you wanted one of each guest.

Not all the rebels were flying X-Wings, or even in the same colour flight suits!

Strictly speaking Brent never cancelled; the dates of the events just changed around him.

And two have been lost. Glad I met Ray at C:E, shame about Bronagh

It will probably be easier to get hold of them next year. Unfortunately.