Bitty bitty rant about cons and schtuff...

[ht_murray]

So, awhile back I said to Tracer, "We should run a race together." I suggested San Francisco, as it's only a half marathon, but it's a bad time of year for her, since she's finishing her studies and entering the job field in the spring. So, I scoured around for races toward the end of the year, that hopefully we could get into through a charity group, because a lot of races fill up fast, and there's no other way to run in them without qualifying except through a charity. Plus, I need the motivation of helping out a charity to keep me lacing up my sneakers. I stumbled across the site for Chicago Bank of America Marathon in October. I said, haha, it's in October. They moved Chicago Con to October this year, instead of November. What would that say if both fell on the same weekend?

And you know what? They do. It seems like, poetic, ya know, full circle. I met Tracer on a Supernatural forum way back in season one. She PM'ed me to tell me that I made her spit Dr. Pepper on her keyboard, and now I owed her a new one, and it was the song that never ends, because we've never NOT been in contact with each other since then. I wouldn't hesitate to call her my best friend even though we've never, EVER met in person. So, of course, the chance to run in a race together, to finally come together in order to do something that monumental and spiritual, AND celebrate the thing that brought us together and has been a spiritual journey in and of itself just seemed too much of an omen to pass up.



So, why have I been to the Creation site three times, loaded up my cart with a Sunday General Admission, Jared autograph, and Misha autograph (since we likely won't finish the race in time to get there for photographs or anything else that weekend) and then chickened out before checking out? I just want to get there to see a panel and maybe get the guys to sign my race bib. That's not asking too much, is it?

It's just... God, it's a lot of money. A General admission ticket for one day in the nosebleed section and a couple of autographs comes to almost the cost of a Gold Pass at a Twilight convention. But not at a Supernatural convention. Pisses me off that the prices keep going through the roof, and the same people keep buying up the tickets no matter what the price so people who just want a nice moment in time cannot afford to do it. You win. You're obviously better fans and more deserving than I am. WAAAH! Excuse me if I'm feeling a little left out at the moment. Yes, cue the chorus us WAAAAHH. I bust my butt working, and I work HARD. I run 7 to 10 miles before going into work just to get enough endorphins in my system not to stroke out while I'm there and to train for the race. But I'm just a peon because money is actually not all that easy to come by.


When it comes down to it, I'll probably suck it up and buy the tickets, because it IS about the experience and sharing something with my best friend that's spiritual and monumental in both our lives. And the important point of the weekend is raising the money for charity and running the race. It's about the training and bonding. The convention is just a nice bonus. But it's awfully ugly mark to put on an otherwise awesome memory.

That being said, I'm half finished with the next chapter of Digging Deep. I might find fandom an unfair and often unfun place to hang out, but that doesn't mean I'll stop contributing. I love the boys, the show, and my flist too much. *smooshes*

Comments

[chemm80]

Pisses me off that the prices keep going through the roof, and the same people keep buying up the tickets no matter what the price so people who just want a nice moment in time cannot afford to do it. And why do people keep paying it? For the same panels and the same questions?

I know what you mean. I've already posted about my last con experience (almost a year ago now), so I'll just say that I'm really over that. I just wanted to go somewhere with my daughter and have a good time, like we did at the Dallas con, which was small and a ton of fun even though Jensen wasn't there. But LA was huge and annoying and just not really that much fun. We've decided next time we go that far, we're going to spend (much less of) our money to just go see Steve Carlson in concert or something. It was good to have that con experience, and I enjoyed seeing the Js onstage, especially together, but from now on it's gonna be about the hanging out.

Good luck on your training and everything. *hugs*

[heather03nmg.livejournal.com]

I love you dearly honey but that statement you made about cons kinda hurt my feelings.
At first I started going because I wanted to meet the boys and I did and it was great. But than I also made the most amazing friends with other fans and even some of the guests. Plus it's a great vacation to look forward to. And I work hard during the year to afford it all. And yes, the prices are ridiculous but I have no regrets.

And if you truly want to go than do it. You deserve a special treat.

[tru-faith-lost.livejournal.com]

I know. I know it probably will hurt several people's feelings, but you and I have talked about it before, and you know how I feel. And I know you're not going there so that you have some kind of "exclusive" content to draw other fans to you.

And you know I love love you more than Sam and Dean.

Doesn't mean I can't feel like there'd be more opportunities for people like me if the same people didn't go every time and keep giving them license to raise the prices.

And deserving a treat doesn't mean it's okay to just blow money I need for other things.

[tru-faith-lost.livejournal.com]

Yeah, you know, the hanging out is exactly what I was looking forward to, because, like I said, Tracer and I have never met in person,and it would be the most awesome thing ever to be able to hang out somewhere in the vicinity of the thing that brought us together. Last time I went to a con, my seat was miles away from anyone I knew, and so I mostly ended up waiting for autographs and stuff all by myself and sitting through the panels by myself, and I felt like crap, so the rest of the time I spent sleeping. I loved hanging out in the room with Heather. I just kinda wish I'd been up for more excursions outside the room.

Like you said, I'd like to go for just an autograph and a panel or two. Sucks that the prices for Supernatural make it nearly impossible to even do that. :/

[heather03nmg.livejournal.com]

I do know that a lot of people go for the same reasons I do. To see friends.

And the prices are steep for gold tickets but when you add in the costs of admission, autographs, and the beloved breakfast with the J's than it really is worth the value. Photo op costs are ridiculous. But also, the J's get paid my yearly salary to attend one con and Creation does need to pay them and make a profit.

I can see your point but unfortunately the show will probably only last one more season so I can't see the want/need for tickets declining.

And sometimes in life you need to say screw it and go for it. You only get one go around and you need to be happy too.
But if you can't make it to Chicago con than you can send your item to me and I'll get it signed in LA next year if the boys sign up for another. Because I love you.

[heather03nmg.livejournal.com]

And for the record, Creation actually picked a hotel in Chicago (not the suburbs) this year so you can leave the room and do stuff. That's why I prefer LA and Vancouver because you're not trapped in the hotel.

[chemm80]

Yes, and I find myself super irritated with the thought of giving even one more cent of my money to that greedy Creation bunch.

[tru-faith-lost.livejournal.com]

That's why I love you. LOL. And I might just take you up on it. I was hoping to meet Misha just once, but I really don't know if I can afford that. I have vet bills and fences to fix. Sigh. Maybe I'll just buy the 50.00 admission ticket and then stand in line to ask 'em a question. I can see me now, "Uh, I don't really have a question, but I got here late, and my seat really sucked, so I decided to stand. HI!"

[unplugged32.livejournal.com]

I took my kids overseas for Asylum. It was insane, cost us a FORTUNE but I wouldn't trade a minute of it for anything in the world. Fandom annoys me sometimes, but I've gotten to that 'I don't care' place because the show pleases me, the boys please me, and no one is harshing my squee!!

{{squishes}}

[tru-faith-lost.livejournal.com]

That sounds promising, because I was already wondering where the Charity will be putting us for the race and how much time we'd have to spend on the train to even get there. I think, through the charity, we'll already be spending time at the big expo and whatnot.

[heather03nmg.livejournal.com]

Awesome. Hopefully somebody will post that on YouTube.

And I love you the mostest. So there.

[tru-faith-lost.livejournal.com]

LOL. You think I could get a hug for that? Without asking, I mean, cuz you know, asking for a hug is tantamount to treason. I'd be stoned. LOL. I could give 'em my finisher's medal. Oh wait, not allowed to give gifts either. LOL. I'll just have to be cute and naive, see what happens. :P

Nuh-uh. I love you mostest. Still looking for that fork v-gift. I'm gonna have to ask Frank about that.

[tru-faith-lost.livejournal.com]

I usually do pretty well with the 'I don't care' attitude myself. It just bugs me that I'm such a chicken about buying the damned tickets and yet feel like I HAVE to do it now or they will all be gone. *clings*

You are awesome. I wish I could meet YOU at one of these things. I'd trade a JPad auto for that. :P

[tru-faith-lost.livejournal.com]

A-MEN!

[heather03nmg.livejournal.com]

Just buy the cheap ticket and one photo op with Misha. That man is a hugger. Though he mocks me every time he sees me...maybe he doesn't deserve any more hugs.

[tru-faith-lost.livejournal.com]

I doubt we'll be there in time for any photo ops. Race time is 7:30 a.m. Our corral probably won't cross the start line for at least ten minutes after that, and then allow 4 to five hours to run the race. 1:00 would be the earliest we'd get there, and that's only if we run really fast, get our chips taken off and our medals and don't shower before we hop the train. LOL. My guess is we'd only catch the tail end of a panel or two and the autograph session.

[tru-faith-lost.livejournal.com]

And who wouldn't mock you? You thrive on the mockery, yes?

[heather03nmg.livejournal.com]

It's true. That's why I keep you around.
And come to think of it, I have been mocked by Jared, Jensen, Jim, and Misha. Plus I'm giving them money.
It's ok, I give as good as I get baby.

[tru-faith-lost.livejournal.com]

Mmm, so I hear. LOL.

[heather03nmg.livejournal.com]

I have no idea what you're referring to.
*adjusts halo*

[tru-faith-lost.livejournal.com]

Adjusting it with your tail, I presume. :P

[ysbail.livejournal.com]

I've attended 4 conventions and every time I go I say NEVER AGAIN.

The Asylum cons, I admit, have been like little reunions for me. I had Lj friends I met in person for the first time at the first one, and made more friends while there, so every Asylum since (even though it was completely nuts) was really an excuse to get together with them. There are TWO Asylum cons this year - and I'm going to neither. I'll miss those girls, terribly.

And then I went to Vancouver. My first Creation con - and I couldn't believe the prices. I mean, it was expensive to get to Vancouver anyway, so I used it as my first real vacation for 5 years that didn't involve visiting family. There were Asylum/Lj friends there, and it was great to see them. Not sure it would've been the same without them, but then I got ill and I'll blame that for me not having the world's greatest experience.

Within weeks of me getting home I noticed that not only were next year's VanCon tickets and photo ops sold out, but the price for them were astronomical. Creation really do use the conventions as a licence to print money. I'll say its true of Creation, but I know some other con organisers have run cons at a loss ... which is insanely crazy and why anyone would do that is beyond me.

Anyway - Rome is going to be my last convention (and I mean it this time). I'm looking forward to the vacation, but I don't know what it'll be like without my friends in attendance. I mean I do know a couple of people who are going but ... well ... we'll see.

And now I've stopped talking about myself (obviously self obsessed here) I'll say I totally understand where you're coming from. I think there are some people who spend tens of thousands of dollars on their congoing experiences, travelling from one to the next ... and it does make it more difficult for fans who haven't been before to even go. I mean they sell tickets at one con for the next - if that's not setting themselves up for repeat visitors, what is? And if everyone who attended one con wanted to repeat, well then there are no longer ANY tickets available for con virgins.

If you wanted people to vote I'd say do the run, do the con. If all Creation cons are the same then autograph sessions go on for HOURS and HOURS. I mean, I think poor Jim Beaver got RSI in Vancouver - he was signing for about 7 hours, I think. At least you'll be in Chicago already so you've not got that expense to tag onto the con price...

And I bet you want me to shut up now so I will.

Oh - and YAY for more 'Digging Deep'

[unplugged32.livejournal.com]

Awww, I'd love to meet you, babe:) I'm pretty adventurous; if I can find the money, you never know when me and my kids might show up at a Con near you!!!

{{snuggles}}

[almightyspaz.livejournal.com]

Heh, whenever I get money it goes to school. I could never see myself spending money on a con for one tv show. I'd probably go to comic con or something.

[calamitycrow.livejournal.com]

((kitty smishes you))

hmmm, my human tries to stays far, far away form the conventions, but yes, the high price of the current conventions is totally astronomical.

so (puts chin on paws) how is the training going?

[jane-eyre.livejournal.com]

I can really relate to you about the cons. I think that's actually one of the hardest things about this fandom for me is the fact that I know I can't afford to go to a con and in this fandom it's almost like you're not a true fan if you haven't paid out all that money to see the actors in person.

However, that being said I really think you'll regret it if you don't put out the money for the con since you'll be in the same city anyway. It really is like destiny.

[starry-ice.livejournal.com]

I know what you mean about the cost. And for me it's not even about affording it; I just don't see the value of that kind of spending. A friend of mine and I were talking about possibly going to a convention, and I just couldn't justify that kind of expense for one weekend. Not when everything adds up to a trip somewhere overseas for like a week. I mean, I know it's my own spending priority and others will think the one weekend is worth an overseas trip. But I guess I'm just not that fannish enough to want to pay that much...

And I think it's terrible that Creation keeps upping the cost and taking advantage of the fraction of the SPN fanbase willing to continuously pay for these events. It's really very sad...

[vanae.livejournal.com]

Well, I guess I'm kinda lucky in that I'd never even contemplate spending that kind of money on a con for anything. I've been to LotR cons in the past which didn't even cost half of the asking price here and even that seemed pricey to me. I get that there's a certain draw to cons and they are fun and there's a certain atmosphere and... sense of unity. Fans meeting fans and having fun is the best thing ever. It's just... the panels I can understand paying for because they're a form of entertainment (or lecture) but not so much the rest. Paying to meet someone is kinda ridiculous when you think about it (I'm fine with the expenses being paid off, flights and hotel rooms etc. but beyond that? Nah). Don't know... just don't think you get your money's worth. At the same time, though, I can't honestly say that I wouldn't consider going if I happened to be in the area (I live in Denmark, the chance would be so slim and a once in a life time opportunity for me to be around other fans). Perhaps, I might opt for just meeting other fans for dinner or something instead. Anyway, if you feel like it'll be a great experience and that you can afford to splash out a little, I say go for it. You deserve to treat yourself to something that you really want, if you you really want it.

[sexytexanjra.livejournal.com]

I desperately wanted to go to see the Js at the Sydney Con last april, but given that Sydney is still over 2,000kms from where I am in Australia it would have cost me anywhere between $2,000 to $4,000 for travel, accommodation and tickets, so yeah didn't happen as other things are a priority for that much money!

I was really shocked at the prices of the tickets at the different Cons and as much as I'd love to experience a Con I don't think it's gonna happen!

It is very cool that you will get to run with Tracer. There are a few people in fandom that I would dearly love to meet one day and it would be especially nice to do it where SPN fans are not a minority! LOL!

I really hope you guys get to go and have a fantastic time with the race. I'm sure it will all be an absolutely amazing experience.

*hugs*

[ewanspotter.livejournal.com]

I was ticked that the photo tickets sold out so fast for LA. That, and the general admission for Sunday (the boy's day) also raised. Ridiculous. So I really, really do feel your pain.