I'm a strange case because my first meeting with a comic pro was at a train station where JB picked me and some other JPFers for lunch. So that was a whole different dynamic than most interactions between a fan and a pro.

My first con was last year when B. Diddy's Scatterbrain was released, and I went down to wish him well and check out the scene. I brought an autograph book in the hopes that I could meet some of the artists I respect and have a quick word with them as they signed my book, and maybe get a sketch or two. In general, I was able to do just that, and had nice interactions with Terry Austin, Jim Starlin, Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez, and a bunch of others.

Some of the "fans" were incredibly annoying, tho, and seemed to think that they were at a collectible factory. The one I remember most clearly was the guy who was rolling a suitcase full of hardcovers and TPBs in line to meet Walter Simonson. When he got to the front of the line, he put book after book in front of poor Uncle Walt for signatures, without a single word of "I enjoy your work" or anything like that. He was quite obviously getting the signatures only for their resale value. Walter must truly be the most patient, kind person on the face of the earth, because I was ready to clock the guy and I was simply in line behind him.

I give any pro who is willing to put up with these jerks a lot of credit. I expect that the conventions were more fun when youngsters made up more of the fan base. Any truth to that, JB? (Or other pros in the audience?)

Fans:  Remember, these guys didn't ask to be your personal hero.

Creators:  Remember, to some of these guys, you're their hero.

Unfortunately, creators have to greet sincere fans after having to deal with impolite opportunists making a buck off of their fame.

People have good days, people have bad days, make the best of it.

When I gush over an artist at a con, all that I expect is a simple "thanks", "cool", or "you're welcome" before they try to sell me something.  If they don't have time to listen to me at all, that's cool as well.  Just so they're reasonably polite about it.  I'd guess that they'd expect the same courtesy from me.

I have a hundred good fan/creator stories for every bad one, but the guy whose only response to my praise was a snarky, "well, you don't have all of my work unless you buy this."  Still sticks in my craw.

Luckily, on that particular day, Joe Staton was the next table over and gave me a smile and a thumbs up when I thanked him for creating Huntress.

Civility does go both ways and I do believe that there is an objective standard of what is civil when dealing with reasonable people.  I think we'd all agree that the Author's behavior in the example that started the thread was pretty poor.  We'd also agree that fans who ask for autographs from people who are at dinner or using the bathroom are out of line.  If the person on either side of the line crosses it, they should not be surprised by the results. 

PS.  I recently purchased all of the Fables TPBs based on the recomendations of other members of the Forum and I'd sign off on any raise Mr. Willingham would request. 

QUOTE: saw John Lithgow on the CBS lot once...he was outside a soundstage walking toward me...head down reading something.  he glanced up and caught my gaze...i said "hey, how ya' doing" and he immediate returned his gaze to what he was reading. was he being rude...maybe.  or maybe he was reading lines and getting into character.  all in the eye of the beholder.

This is how any person that was properly raised acts in this situation.

Person: Hey how ya doin?

Other Person: Just fine, thank you for asking.

QUOTE: i knew a lady that worked on a lighting crew.  she was measuring out a mark on a star trek film.  rule of thumb...don't touch the talent when doing such things.  she made a boo-boo.  she touched shatner's foot.  he was mid conversation, didn't miss a beat and proceeded to step on her hand.  was it rude?  maybe...but totally shatner and i personally love the man for it.

Person: Im very sorry for stepping on your foot..

Other person: Thats okay.

This is how any person that was properly raised acts in this situation.

Person: Hey how ya doin?

Some of the bad behavior described isn't specific to celebrities.  Those of you that have worked in the service industry know that there are folks who just believe that they are above others and should not be required to show the lowly masses any respect.

Bill Murray was correct when he said that you can truly tell what kind of person someone is by the way that they treat their waiter or caddie (paraphasing).