Ok, not that anyone cares, but I'll toss in my comments along with everyone else.
For the record, I've been to all of Greg's Fanfests, also the Tampa WrestleReunion and also several CAC events in Vegas and a bunch of "autograph" shows in general. for Greg's shows, I drive over from Atlanta. Sometimes I stay at the Host Hotels and sometime I stay close by and use the money savings to offset the cost of the show.
1. So far, each of Greg's show has been and improvement over the prior show, better organized, more talent, and always something new.
2. Numbered VIP tickets was great. Perhaps it was because I was #17 but I really enjoyed it.
3. If I pay for an autograph (directly to the talent or via a ticket to the event from Greg, ) it's mine to do with as I please.
4. Some people feel that these wrestlers "owe" something to the fans. Yes, to an extent, but also remember, most of these vintage stars are no long getting any money from Wrestling or sale of all the aftermarket DVDs and VHS Tapes people are all selling.
Events like Fanfest are one of the few opportunities to make a few bucks from their reputation, and we should support them if we are real fans.
5. There are a lot of people that complain about the WWF.WWF, and want the Fanfest to only be in Charlotte and only for NWA and ...and ...and....
Well, the truth is, much of the success of this last show was new talent, some WWF stars, and new faces. Greg, keep it coming! The talent pool is limited if we place all the limitations on keeping this "Old school" etc, and most people will eventually tire of seeing the same old starts each time and stop attending. We can kill this golden goose if we work at it.
Yes, DC/VA is a bit far from Atlanta for a drive, but I'll probably figure a way to get there for another of Greg's shows. Maybe Greg will give perfect attendance awards one of these days! ;D
6. We are all adults and lets not expect Greg to personally handle or be responsible for each and every person at the event. Someone is a jerk, leave them alone. You don't like Nutley or whatever, he's such a small player in the whole event, just get over it.
7. I am all IN FAVOR of outside (pay) talent attending the shows. Greg can't afford to keep bringing in name talent and filling up 3 or 4 full stages of signers and keep the cost down.
A few clues:
A. I'm sure that Greg has to pay the vast majority (if not all) of the talent that signs autographs up on the stage. They agree to sign for a period of time and Greg sets the rules on how many signatures we can get.
B. If some wrestling talent is NOT on the stage at some point and mainly sitting at one table with books or photos...and accompanied by an aggressive spouse or a publisher that drools everytime you walk by and look at the table.....they are probably CHARGING for autographs and photos. (Notable exception is the classy J.J.Dillon,...yes, his table was hawking his book but he also would gladly sign photos for free. I even tried to pay him and he refused. Nice man.)
If you don't want to pay, don't bother them or don't bitch if they want payment.
C. If you are polite, have one item and you're cordial when you approach them for an autograph, most (even some of the "fee" signers) will give you a free autograph. (Dory very graciously signed an old 8x10 I had, and Ivory signed as well.) Bobby Heenan signed 2 items for me on stage and then later signed 2 of his books that I had brought.
D. I'm not interested in paying for Photos with the stars, but again, they are probably getting paid for this event so when people complain about not getting free photos with these people.....remember, we have created this beast ourselves. Why do it for free when they can charge for it? (It's probably also only fair to this vendors that are paying for the talent's time to only sell these photo ops.) Remember, if they don't make money at their booths, they won't be back next time with different talent.
...Well, that should be enough to stir up the pot.
Just another man's opinions,
Fred, Atl
