Wow!
First, I can’t believe more than a month has went by without an update on the site!
Hopefully, that will NEVER happen again.
Needless to say, things have been very busy for me both work wise and the little thing we call “life!”
I just wanted to put in my plug for MegaCon next week!
This time next week, I’ll be set-up in Orlando at section/table: White 12. My regular spot at MegaCon for the past 5 years, I think!
I will be sketching, offering a few different types and prices for each level of sketch. Information will be available at the show.
Signing books will also be available on a limited basis, and I’ve yet to decide if I will be charging or not.
A few things have made me ponder the decision above.
- People abusing *free* signatures from me
- Flippers who put the signed books on eBay
- Seeing the same people bring up the same dozen books for signing
- Using to much time signing books and leaving no time for sketches
These are just a few things that over the last few years I have ran into and need to address it. I will either decide to sign during specific times, like a half hour at the start of the day and the end and a limit of 3 books per person…or, I will perhaps institute a pay per signature policy.
Mostly, I do enjoy signing books for fans who really want the books signed, but just last year I signed an entire run of Secret Wars [multiple copies of issue #8 in there...hmmm...], The Punisher Mini-Series and my 3 year run on Batman, along with a few other “choice” books for a “fan” and later found out that the person had put them on eBay!
Needless to say, having them put on eBay, the time and the effort that I spent signing 50+ books for ONE person, wasn’t what I thot the “fan” wanted to do with the books he had collected since he was a youngster.
I understand that I have been very lucky to have worked on so many great runs and series of comic books. But it has also become a bane of sorts when I see a long box with my name on it and am asked to sign them all, by an innocent looking person, who seems to know the work and talk about the great memories they have about the books.
You all, the readers of my blog/site, know that I am very easy to deal with and try and go above and beyond the call of making my fans happy. So, it’s tough for me to say “no” but reality sets in when my best intentions are used by few.
One bad apple does spoil the whole bunch…sad to say.
So, I will talk with some confidants on my “new” signature policy. Limit, charge or maybe a combination of both? I’m not sure yet.
I am sure that I’m very excited to do my first show this year! I love MegaCon and for some reason, this year has me really looking forward to doing it!
Maybe I’m feeling a bit nostalgic myself about the past?
If you’re going to be there…drop by table: White 12 and say “HI!”
Thx-
- John
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Little John
Hey John,
Great to see an update from you. Any word on resuming the UStream broadcasts yet?
LJ
John
All I can say is hopefully soon, Little John!
I have an obligation to complete the “commissions” list here first, at least the *paid* ones, before I feel I can start any new things.
But, I might Ustream those for fun!
Thx for asking.
Wrothy
Hi John
Sorry to hear about the bad apple/s – there always seem to be people out there who will take advantage wherever they can.
For my two cents, I would say go for a limit of three books per person. If they want more than that signed, then charge them or ask for a donation to Hero Initiative. Just try and get the convention organisers to make the information available up-front so that fans can make the decision on what to get signed before they turn up to the con.
John
That’s why I’m putting it out now. So people can read about the frustrations of it. I’m leaning on the time and minimum amount of books. I love to chat to my fans and sign books, but these days, more and more, you just never know what’s a true story and what’s not. The flippers do their homework, some even send kids up to get something signed. I’ve had some young kids come up with a few books and just hand them to me for signing. After I sign them they run off…probably back to the “dealer” who promised them something at their table if they went and had something signed. I am doing a “CGC” signing the day before, but that’s “up-front” and a business deal. So the difference is clear. Thx!
mike cross
Well, i flipped that captain canuck sketch into a frame and now it’s on my wall, but i guess that doesn’t count. I say go for a 3 book limit, or charge. I see people charging for less these days, or maybe make sure the signatures are personalized perhaps? To Mike, Love, John Beatty 2010, or something like that.
Keith
I would limit it to 3 a people, but I definitely see where you’re coming from. People flip sketches all the time. Ebay will be loaded with stuff on March 15th with people coming from Megacon and Emerald City.
Also, as a fan that usually brings one or two books for signatures, I hate standing behind the guy with a long box full of books to sign.
I’ll be at Megacon on Saturday, and look forward to seeing you there.
Brian Jones
I have had one book or item to get signed and got stuck behind some guy with a loooooooooong box of comics to get signed…and yeah, you just know he is not keeping them all for himself. I think a 3 per person is a great idea and each addittional book a fee…except for e-listers of course ;P
Also I’m a little creeped out that Mike wants you to sign stuff to him “Love, John Beatty” LOL
John
Keith-
I think that’s the way I’m going to go. Also, I want to sign in the morning and before I shut down for the day. Good way to warm up and wind down!
Brian-
E-List members DO have benefits!!!
I will sign all of Mike’s stuff “Love, John Beatty” from now on…can’t wait to do another sketch for him and *sign* it!
mike cross
it’s the little things that keeps us coming back for more.
John
I appreciate it all!