The Cost Of Conventions

[filkertom]

There seems to be a bit of a kerfuffle, possibly with some impending blowback, regarding how much it costs to get everything you want from a con these days.

peacelovefandom, posting in con_central, points to an article noting that Patrick Stewart and Leonard Nimoy (who will both be at Dragon*Con) are charging a lot for their autographed photos and extra panels. As in, a lot. And being restrictive as to how many people can be in the photos.

There was also an article about TwiCon, which apparently is even more over the top. (I admit I have very little sympathy. When I heard that the con admission was $255.00, I knew that they knew they were trying to suck as much blood from their fan base as Edward Cullen would. They're hoping for one, maybe two years, depending on how the next movie does, and then gettin' while the gettin's good.)

For me, it's pretty easy, but then I'm not an autograph seeker or photo hound. I have a picture of Bill Mumy as Lennier; I have another picture of Frank Gorshin as the Riddler. Each cost me $20, which I thought was perfectly reasonable. If Patrick effing Stewart needs $200 for a snap with him, maybe his agent should see about bumping up his acting fees a touch.

How much is too much for you? Where do you cut back? Remember that there are many ancillary costs to a convention, most notably food, hotel, parking, and services such as internet. For many people, there's dealers' room and art show browsing, or a specific item you'd like to buy from a specific dealer or artist (or musician, which pays a lot of my bills, thanks). Gaming conventions have separate entry fees for many tournaments. There are the special things, like the photos and autographs. There are parties to be run, costumes to be created and displayed, charity and Interfilk auctions. And you'd be surprised how often you forget about travel expenses -- gas, Mickey D's, and the pop and chips on the road do all add up.

Comments

[hyrkanian.livejournal.com]

I've only paid for a photo with an actor/actress one time. That was $5.00, at Dragon*Con a few years ago, with Tricia Helfer. And the sign at her table said proceeds went to Hurricane Katrina relief, so that should pin down what year it was. She was quite nice in spite of me being a fangirl doofus. :D

I much prefer people like Hattie Hayridge, who always flags me down from across the room to squeee at my Smeg Off t-shirt and chat and offer to have photos with her for FREE. I hang out most cons with comic book artists that most con-goers wouldn't recognize except die-hard fans.