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The Worst Thing Cons Need to Fix This Year

The Worst Thing Cons Need to Fix This Year

Have you ever been to a convention? Seeing as how you’re here reading this, the answer is probably yes. After all, massive fan events and video games go hand in hand, since so many major actors provide voices for characters these days. There’s one thing about the experience that tarnishes the shiny allure of such event though, and those are the celebrity meet and greets.

At every convention, there’s sure to be an autograph section. It holds great allure, but also significant heartbreak. Why? Because such things are usually a rip-off. Events charge almost a week’s pay, maybe more, for a brief moment in time with a celebrity that might not even be worth the money.

Back in the summer, I was browsing the website for Wizard World Chicago . I wanted to see if anyone was actually affordable. Nathan Fillion, of Firefly , Castle , Halo , Destiny , and Saint’s Row: Gat Out of Hell . I entertained the thought of seeing him, until I learned an autograph or photo would be $100, and that his VIP Experience that gave an autograph, photo, and access to his panel (along with admission and some minor bonuses) was $350. No. I don’t care how cool he is. That’s just ridiculous.

Fillion is on the high end of this particular event, but that doesn’t mean the other autograph, photo, and VIP sessions are more affordable. An autograph from Sting, the wrestler, is $55. Bruce Campbell’s autograph is $40. Taking a picture with Michael “Yondu” Rooker is $60. (Two people or less in it, please!) At least Sting’s VIP Experience is a little more affordable, at $175 on special, but that doesn’t discount the fact that someone like Burt Reynolds is still able to command $200 for his VIP experience.

The Worst Thing Cons Need to Fix This Year

The thing is, these sessions sell out. As high as the fees may seem, people buy them. Proof of this are the Jeremy Renner autograph and photo opportunities. Both were $100 each at Wizard World Chicago. They’re sold out… but hey! If you’re okay with missing a car payment, you can still buy his $350 VIP experience!

Getting to meet a celebrity is exciting. It could be a once in a lifetime sort of experience. Acquiring some sort of memorabilia to commemorate the experience is great. But, do they really deserve these sorts of fees? Is a VIP Experience worth over $300? An autograph more than $50? Probably not, but as long as people keep paying for them, it’ll keep happening.

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