Marvel Decides Who The Real Fans Are...

I'm still collecting data on this matter. My opinion has moved around a bit. I used to be irritated by artists who complained about this stuff, but I'm starting to have a little more empathy for them.

There are exceptions, but most artists don't have a collector mentality. They are 'in' the business, and it's a different reality for them.

If I put myself in their shoes, I could see myself being fed up with a lot of things going on in this hobby.

From 'their' perspective, I think...
1) Despite statements to the contrary, they see that most SS books end up on eBay for sale.
2) They worry about 'real fans' who have much longer wait times because of all the dirty flippers in line.
3) They are irritated by someone who seems more concerned with the condition of the book and the placement of the signature rather than the content within.

I still think my idea about a separate commercial signing process is the way to go. This process could be done from the comfort of the artist's home, rather than at conventions.

I wonder how often people don't research , or care to research the creator's sig when making these windows. I can see how this may be irritating if some of these windows don't accommodate for the varying shapes and sizes. I hate having to cram my long signature in cramped spaces when they pop up on an application or whatever. I imagine several would irritate me, and it would be worse if there's a person in front of me expecting me to alter my natural signature. And, if on top of that, I have good reason for getting a "flipper" vibe (I'm sure some make it ridiculously obvious), I'm likely to form a point of view on it.

I do see this as an unfortunate situation for real fans in need of uber grade SS slabs. I also see flipping, and the long waits they make for real fans with 2 sentimental books they're just dying to speak with the creator about and hoping they'll still feel like sharing a few words with a fan by the time they get to the front, as an unfortunate situation.

I like Ditch's idea. And as long as the grading companies can still pitch their product at cons, minus the SS program (not saying that would be a piece of cake), they shouldn't feel too threatened. It will still be a pain in the ass for real fans wanting SS books (meaning long lines they'll still have to endure at these signings due to flippers), but... well, it's not perfect, but I think it sounds better.

I don't blame the artist/celebrity for getting irritated with some of these "fans".  I've seen people get really picky for the simplest of details and having to deal with that on a constant basis get irritating.  One of the dumbest case of just total disrespect for a celebrity was when I helped coordinate an event with Burt Ward.  He was nice enough to spend a few hours to autograph some books and anything anyone brought to the event to help raise money for charity i was supporting.  I had this one autograph seeker ask me in front of Burt, how she can get she be sure the autograph she received is authentic, even though the damn book was signed in front of her.  

When there is a perception of free money to be had, in this case an autographed Robin comic book by the actor who played him, people wind up showing their true greed.  I could tell there were some people who were genuinely there to meet and talk with Burt, but some were just trying to find a way to cash out on the free autographs.

What it comes down to is this: creators show up at cons to meet people interested in their work. If it's people interested to "make money"...well, the publishers, distributors, printers, and retailers are interested in "making money" off the creators, too.

It comes with the territory.

If they're only interested in meeting "real fans", perhaps they shouldn't sign at all...and some creators don't...and/or have a "real fan" test, or just suck it up and not get butthurt over the motives of people wanting to meet them and BE GLAD SOMEONE WANTS TO MEET THEM.

Crazy.

But, Jimenez said it's the windows that are the reason for his announcement, and I can understand that.

And I'm not saying I want the SS program to fail, if that's how it sounds. I own a couple and cracked a couple. I do see how people who are unable to attend shows or signings rely on them for sigs.
Still, I support the creator's decisions. It would be nice if whoever joins this movement[?] at least thinks it over seriously instead of just climbing on board. Individual experiences will probably play a big part in how they feel, obviously. If one creator, for whatever reason, had many more 'obnoxious' encounters, they'd probably have problem with the program. We're an emotional species.

It kinda makes me a little sad that there are fans that must or bust have their signatures in a slab. A signature commemorating what could be their only encounter in quality Mylite/AFBBs just isn't good enough. If that's their thing, that's their thing, but

Just pray these creators don't read the grading forums. Right or wrong, that would surely give them some kind of perspective.