Geoff wrote:

On a related topic, I have seen some "rose growing" artists attend many conventions while a book they work on remains months behind its publishing schedule -- if they can't get a book out on time should they be attending a con?  Shouldn't they be finishing the comic?  To put it in a different context I'll apply the same facts to my profession: if a lawyer failed to finish a brief that was due in Court the next day because there was a bar function he wanted to attend he would be screwed. He would face admonishment from the Court, the client and his employer -- to the point of being fired or sued for malpractice.  His professional duty is to finish the work when it is due.   

You're making too much sense Geoff. 

No autographs, no conversations, no portfolio reviews --- heck, there are some fans who fail to realize that even attending a convention at all is "above and beyond" for the talent.

****************

Except that marketing the product is in the writer/artist's best interest. If the books don't sell, the creator ultimately is out of a job. While some creators do enjoy meeting with fans, convention appearances aren't an altruistic act -- going out on the meet 'n' greet circuit is a vehicle to promote sales. In some cases, these signings may actually be paid appearances.

Stan, what's up with you?  How long have you been in the States?  Why don't you use capital letters?  Why don't you correct your sig line?  Why don't you tell us a little more about yourself?

Are you one of those people who tells a cop he can't give you a ticket because your taxes pay his salary?

I love this!  As an assistant principal in a public high school, you can imagine how many "taxpayers" I deal with.  I usually drop a little something about being a taxpayer myself, or living here too, or letting them know my daughter is in the school as well.  Instead, one day, I would like to simply ask the person who "pays my salary" for a raise.

Ah, I can see it now...

And for all you guys with the stacks of books to get signed at the next convention, the ones who have no desire to actually meet the person or to shake a hand and say thanks, watch out.  I am the guy behind you who likes to remind you how rude you are.  Do you think I care how much you paid for a golden ticket to get in early every day.  Loser.  You are still an asshole and need to be told.

One day I am going to get beat up.

...Pause (wait for it)...

One day.

;-)

mr. buchaman you cannot expect to have signs on your comic andother thing. these men write the comics and draw them and they do not owe you more then doing that. have some grateful respects!

*****************

Stan, I have plenty of respect for the folks who create the comics I enjoy so much. I just think that respect should work both ways, that's all.

I certainly have found that here at the JBF. Mr. Byrne has devoted countless hours to communicating with his fans and I'm certainly grateful (and appreciative_ for that.

By the way, why am I having flashbacks of those great old Iron Sheik interviews?

"Iran, numba one! Russia, numba one. Hoo-ess-aye, Slaughter Sergeant, Howdy Doody Bob Backlund, ack-pooey!"

Chris Hutton wrote: "Brian, how was DeForest Kelley? I've heard his friends describe him as sweet. I wonder how he was with fans. "

Hey Chris!  DeForest Kelley was seated at an autograph table with Dean Stockwell and several convention runners, staff, etc.  As I came up, he was talking to someone beside him, but did glance up to make eye contact as he signed the photo I'd handed to him.  I thanked him and he nodded.  Very brief, but also completely polite, given the context.  Dean Stockwell appeared to be ever so slightly more engaged with the people in line, but in truth, it was near the end of the day and both men seemed tired.

In my list of famous persons I've met, I can't believe I forgot to mention Curt Swan, Julius Schwartz, Neil Gaiman, Bob Layton, Steve Erwin, and Burne Hogarth.  My time spent working for the local comic retail empire had its share of bonuses!  Burne Hogarth's appearance consisted of a brief period of instruction by the artist on basic drawing techniques.  When he asked us in the small crowd to show him the way in which we held a pen, he looked at my grip and told me I would never learn how to draw with my hand that way.  Never.  My friends with me were a bit offended on my behalf and urged me to show him some of the work I'd brought, but I thought it impolite to dispute the point he was making to the "class" and it was a fun, memorable moment. He was more than happy to chat for a moment afterwards and personalize one of the two portfolios I purchased to my friend who was in a hospital after a car crash.

Curt Swan thought for certain that I was a collector he'd met in California who must have flown out to meet him here.  Hadn't I bought one or two things from him?  I expressed my sympathies to the fellow in California on his obvious disfigurement, but had to insist that I was just me... Swan was a very nice man who clearly made the effort to remember his fans.

Brian Hague: When he asked us in the small crowd to show him the way in which we held a pen, he looked at my grip and told me I would never learn how to draw with my hand that way.  Never.

Considering I met a man last year who does beautiful landscapes and wildlife drawings in pen and ink with his mouth due to the fact that he's paralyzed from the neck down, I'd say Burne Hogarth was full of it.  You draw how you draw.