You want me to pay for that?

It’s that time of year again. When the sci fi nerds and horror freaks come out and invade Toronto. This Saturday is FanExpo. I can’t wait to go. This year I will actually be going to some of the intimate and interactives and a workshop or two. I will definitely check out the Warner Bros. booth. And of course all those retailers. I might actually get the sword and dagger I’ve wanted for years.

And again this year some of the stars are charging for their autographs. Some are charging for photo ops. If Jensen Ackles charges for autographs, no one tell me. I don’t want to be disappointed in him too. I guess it’s just me but I thought giving autographs was part of their job description as celebrities. If anyone can give me a good reason as to why these celebrities find it necessary to charge their fans (the people who put them where they are) for the privilege of signing a picture or standing beside them for a few minutes, please post a comment. I won’t buy the whole “Well they can turn around and sell it on eBay for a profit” excuse. So what? Why does that justify taking $20-$25 from fans, some of whom probably don’t have a lot of money to begin with? Do the celebrities not get an appearance fee to attend these conventions? Do they give the money they charge for autographs and photo ops to charity? If so, sign me up. For that I would gladly pay.

One star who is not charging this year is Colin Ferguson of Eureka. It’s a pretty good show. I just started watching it myself, catching up on the episodes airing on SPACE. I’m just sorry he’s signing on Sunday. I won’t be there Sunday. But for anyone else, he’ll be signing at 4:00 pm at the SPACE booth.

Until next time…

Cindy