Are You Ready For Some CONTROVERSY???

[filkertom]

Very serious question here, and I'd like you to help me think about all the possible ramifications.

I go to lots of cons. It's fun. It's my family. You know all that.

But it's also my job -- my best source of income. And, as much as I've cranked out albums the past few years (and I'm trying to get back to that, I have plans heh heh heh oh I have plans), lots of my regular fans have everything, or most of everything. Which is why I've been trying to break into new markets.

At GenCon, I did some busking, i.e., wandering around performing. I was permitted, nay encouraged, to set up a tip jar.

I think of Dean Hagland charging a separate admission for his improv shows; I think of celebs charging for pictures and autographs (something I will never, EVER do).

So.

If I passed a hat at my convention concerts, along with a little speech about This Is How I Make My Living (think of ren faires), would that be rude, unseemly, just plain wrong, etc., or long past due, or something else I'm not seeing?

ETA: 'Sfunny. I said "If I passed a hat" kinda as a throwaway, but it's turned into a valuable and clarifying part of the conversation. And I agree with you all: passing the hat is Right out. But I'm inclined towards a tip jar (Tim said this morning he doesn't see a problem with it, on the merch table just outside the door of the performance area), and several other ideas you've had are very good, and a few have spurred me towards more ideas. Thanks so much, and keep 'em comin'.

Comments

[the-magician.livejournal.com]

Ah, that's my squick point as well.

If you're invited to come entertain at a con, and they are comping your membership, paying expenses etc. then you're a "Pro" and then it's just agreeing with the concom about what you're allowed to do (other pros sell signed books, photos etc.)

If you're "just a filker" like the rest of us, at a filk-family con, then I would feel really uncomfortable about any of us asking for money (even totally voluntary) aside from things like auctions.

However, if you put a tip jar next to your box of CDs and maybe had a little stack of 3x5 cards with "I gave Tom Smith money and all I got was this lousy card" printed on it, then I'd stick money in the jar *every time* :-) ... you could write the name of the con on the card if they want collectibles, or sign the card ... costs you pennies gets you dollars, and everyone is open and clear about what it is and no squickiness :-)

Just my 2cents worth of course :-)

[filkertom.livejournal.com]

OMG, what a good idea. Either a year's worth of cons, or just any X number of cons, like a pizza card. Say, six in a year, or any ten, you get a free CD.

[tarsa.livejournal.com]

*THATS* a cool idea!!

Or, like a coffee house, having a "barista" keep a eye on the jar could be hysterical as well...


edited for lousy spelling