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scalping...



On the distatsteful issue of ticket scalping, Bob Hundertmark spake:

>>I couldn't disagree more strongly.  What happens often times, is the
>>promoter, the hall, and other non-artist types get, as part of their
>>compensation, maybe a 1,000 tickets per night.  The best seats.
>>Factored into their compensation at cost.  then, they wholesale them
>>out at say $20.00 over face and make a quick $20,000.00 a night.

To which Alan McKendree replied:

>I wonder whether you know this, or have just heard it somewhere.  For one
>thing, selling tickets at more than face value _is_ illegal in may cities,
>making it unlikely that the people you mention would be able to sell mass
>quantities at more than face value.


Yes, Alan, I actually know this from -personal experience-.  I believe it was
also referred to in sworn testimony in the Congressional Hearings on
Ticketmaster.  and btw, who do you think diverted those first ten rows of
Hootie Tickets?

Alan again spake:
>I assume that you therefore refuse to pay more than face for a ticket.

To which I reply:
Yes Alan, I do.  Actually, in over 20 years of very active concert going, I
did pay more than face -once-.  I haven't completely ruled it out, but I do
disdain it immensely.

Again, Alan on the subject of scalping:
>You may not like the market but it's the hallmark of freedom.  Anyone care
>to join me in A Quick One?  <cue music> "God bless America..."

As you point out, scalping is illegal in the vast majority of instances that
it occurs.  It is as much the hallmark of freedom as illegal drug dealing, or
semi-legal scams such as "credit repair" and such, all purely market driven
enterprises.  Its as American and Patriotic as organized crime (which, btw,
is actively involved in the scalping business.  this again from direct
personal experience, not just hearsay).


Anyone have Saturday Night tickets for face value?  I need to be in front of
the soundboard on the floor...?

Bob Hundertmark