Explain Your Disdain For "eBay People"

[Cthulhu]

One of the reasons I joined this forum to get more information on Stephen King book signing events. Reading through some of the related threads, I noticed many posts from forum members that seemed to convey a dislike for what they called "eBay people".

So, just who are these "eBay people" and why all the hate for them?

Discuss...

[Moderator]

Those I have the problem with are the ones who knowingly attempt to sell forged autographs as genuine and those who attend signings with the sole intent of getting a signed book to make a profit, thereby preventing a true fan who wanted one for their personal collection from getting it.

[Cthulhu]

Those I have the problem with are the ones who knowingly attempt to sell forged autographs as genuine and those who attend signings with the sole intent of getting a signed book to make a profit, thereby preventing a true fan who wanted one for their personal collection from getting it.

Selling forgeries is obviously indefensible, but if someone sells an authentic autographed book on eBay, doesn't that book end up in the "personal collection" of a "true fan"?

I would imagine there are plenty of SK fans around the world that do not have the time nor the funds to attend one of his signings. Some may live in far-flung places like North Dakota or Idaho. Some may be physically incapable of making the journey. Do the "eBay people" not provide to them a valuable service by making an autographed SK book available to them?

[Moderator]

They only end up in a personal collection if the fan is willing to pay the inflated price. If someone is willing to spend the money to travel to a signing location rather than waiting for one that is closer, they may have spent more but they've also gotten a trip for themselves out of it so no I do not think that the "eBay people" are providing a service. They have still taken an opportunity to get a book signed and meet Steve in the process away from a true fan.

[Cthulhu]

They only end up in a personal collection if the fan is willing to pay the inflated price. If someone is willing to spend the money to travel to a signing location rather than waiting for one that is closer, they may have spent more but they've also gotten a trip for themselves out of it so no I do not think that the "eBay people" are providing a service. They have still taken an opportunity to get a book signed and meet Steve in the process away from a true fan.

What makes someone a "true fan"? Is there some sort of litmus test?

If the persons in question was a "true fan", wouldn't they have taken the time to call and get the tickets or show up early and get in line for the event?

I just don't understand the hate. Is it a anti-Capitalism thing?

[Moderator]

Chances are more likely that they couldn't go because their spot was already taken by one of the people who are using their "skills" to selflessly help their fellow humanity by gouging them on the sale of the book.

No, it's not about being anti-Capitalist. That's plain stupid. It's about feeling badly that someone who really wanted to go didn't get a chance to because of some jerk who is only out to make a buck. Just to be clear, if someone got their signed book because they wanted one signed by Steve for themselves or someone else who is a fan but then later on (not immediately after a signing) sells it, I don't have a problem with that. For me, it's about the original intent.

[PatInTheHat]

What makes someone a "true fan"? Is there some sort of litmus test?

If the persons in question was a "true fan", wouldn't they have taken the time to call and get the tickets or show up early and get in line for the event?

I just don't understand the hate. Is it a anti-Capitalism thing?

Nah, more of an anti-asshat thing, at least that's what I'm thinkin'.

[~Ally~]

If the persons in question was a "true fan", wouldn't they have taken the time to call and get the tickets or show up early and get in line for the event?

Hmm, methinks you already semi~answered this question yerself...

I would imagine there are plenty of SK fans around the world that do not have the time nor the funds to attend one of his signings. Some may live in far-flung places like North Dakota or Idaho. Some may be physically incapable of making the journey.

Ta~da! Now quit being so damn obtuse, your argumentative nature lately isn't impressing anybody!

[Cthulhu]

Nah, more of an anti-asshat thing, at least that's what I'm thinkin'.

I see. Those nasty "eBay people" are "[dirty word]". Truly insightful. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this subject.

[Cthulhu]

Hmm, methinks you already semi~answered this question yerself...

I just think if they were "true fans" they would have made the arrangements to attend the event.

I have been to two of Mr. King's signings. Both of them there were people just showing up at the last minute to get their books signed. No one was "bumped from their spot" as far as I could tell.

At the Atlanta Barnes and Noble during the UTD event in 2009, one guy just pulled up in the parking lot and said, "Who is in there? Oh, it's Stephen King? Awesome!" He went to the back of the line and got his book signed. There haven't been a bunch of SK fan sitting out in the parking lot pouting about how they did not get their book signed.

Ta~da! Now quit being so damn obtuse, your argumentative nature lately isn't impressing anybody!

I'm not being argumentative nor trying to impress anyone. I realize this message board likes to all join hands around the campfire and sing 'Kumbaya', but I assumed there would be room here for dissension or topics that not everyone can agree on. Are different ideas not welcome here?