A co-worker's husband and young son drove to Celebration III on Saturday with some other friends. I was invited but couldn't make it. This morning I asked my co-worker how her husband and son enjoyed it. They didn't.
Everything started out fine. While they did have to wait in line, they were approached by someone offering them special passes for $5 dollars. These passes, I think from the Star Wars Fan Club got them access to see George Lucas give one of his three presentations. After this however, it was all downhill.
It was so crowded they could barely move. They were pushed and shoved by fellow 'fans' and in fact her son (who is 5 or 6) was pushed down numerous times. On one occasion, he was standing with one of the actors waiting to get his picture taken when two 'older' fans actually pushed the kid out of the way so they could get their picture taken. I mean COME ON! WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT ABOUT?!
Also, from what I understand, and one of you can correct me if I'm wrong, but they were guaranteed two of the special Darth Vader figures with the tickets they purchased. However, when they arrived to purchase them they were informed that they were sold out. Later in the day they saw numerous people carrying around cases of these figures. Cases! What kind of selfish asshole would have the nerve to carry that many around when so many other fans didn't receive any.
Also, the prices for some of the toys was twice as much than at a Wal-Mart down the road. How can these distributors justify charging so much? If it wasn't for the dedicated fan base of Star Wars to begin with they wouldn't have anything to sell. Instead of offering specials and one-of-a-kind collectibles, they rip us off any chance they get.
Some of you will undoubtably say that my friends had an unforunate experience and that you had a great time. But I know how some of these fanboys can get. I've been to my share of conventions. They become so self absorbed and pass themselves off as super important for some reason. Like the more time they've dedicated their life to (insert genre) the more privileges they should receive at these conventions or something. I can't explain their egos in these situations.
Now, I am a huge Star Wars fan. Really, I am. I grew up on it. I still have all the toys from when I was a kid and still follow the movies and everything, but this type of behavior makes me sick. A 'community' of fans shouldn't be pushing each other around and hording all the collectibles for themselves only to tun around and sell them to other fans. It should be a place where you feel more at home than at home. Surrounded by fellow enthusiasts you should be exchanging stories and phone numbers. But not anymore. You need to bring at least $500 cash and wait in line for days in advance to get anything at all.
Standing from a block away looking at the line of fans that stretches around the building I can only think "the RCA Dome...you will never find a more wretched hive of greed and selfishness."
Everything started out fine. While they did have to wait in line, they were approached by someone offering them special passes for $5 dollars. These passes, I think from the Star Wars Fan Club got them access to see George Lucas give one of his three presentations. After this however, it was all downhill.
It was so crowded they could barely move. They were pushed and shoved by fellow 'fans' and in fact her son (who is 5 or 6) was pushed down numerous times. On one occasion, he was standing with one of the actors waiting to get his picture taken when two 'older' fans actually pushed the kid out of the way so they could get their picture taken. I mean COME ON! WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT ABOUT?!
Also, from what I understand, and one of you can correct me if I'm wrong, but they were guaranteed two of the special Darth Vader figures with the tickets they purchased. However, when they arrived to purchase them they were informed that they were sold out. Later in the day they saw numerous people carrying around cases of these figures. Cases! What kind of selfish asshole would have the nerve to carry that many around when so many other fans didn't receive any.
Also, the prices for some of the toys was twice as much than at a Wal-Mart down the road. How can these distributors justify charging so much? If it wasn't for the dedicated fan base of Star Wars to begin with they wouldn't have anything to sell. Instead of offering specials and one-of-a-kind collectibles, they rip us off any chance they get.
Some of you will undoubtably say that my friends had an unforunate experience and that you had a great time. But I know how some of these fanboys can get. I've been to my share of conventions. They become so self absorbed and pass themselves off as super important for some reason. Like the more time they've dedicated their life to (insert genre) the more privileges they should receive at these conventions or something. I can't explain their egos in these situations.
Now, I am a huge Star Wars fan. Really, I am. I grew up on it. I still have all the toys from when I was a kid and still follow the movies and everything, but this type of behavior makes me sick. A 'community' of fans shouldn't be pushing each other around and hording all the collectibles for themselves only to tun around and sell them to other fans. It should be a place where you feel more at home than at home. Surrounded by fellow enthusiasts you should be exchanging stories and phone numbers. But not anymore. You need to bring at least $500 cash and wait in line for days in advance to get anything at all.
Standing from a block away looking at the line of fans that stretches around the building I can only think "the RCA Dome...you will never find a more wretched hive of greed and selfishness."
