TrekWeb received the following editorial report from an attendee at this weekend's Slanted Fedora convention in Las Vegas, NV. The attendee, Pat Wolf, was offended at the way the head promoter interacted with fans attending the convention. Pat feels so strongly about the apparent raucous handling of the event and the treatment of attendees that she has asked that her name and telephone number be attached to this report to certify its authenticity. As TrekWeb did not attend this convention, Pat's report does not reflect our views and this editorial is presented as a service to 'Trek' fans who are interested in attending conventions.
I recently attended the Star Trek 35th Anniversary Con in Las Vegas,
sponsored by Slanted Fedora. I can say, without a doubt, that Star Trek fans
are the most true blue fans out there. Where Trek is concerned, money seems
to be no object. This was surely the case at this recent convention.
Reserved tickets started at $500.00 and peaked out at over $1500.00. Of
course, that does not count spending another $300.00 plus for photos for the
stars to autograph, as well as the additional cost for the autographs
themselves in many cases. As with anything in this world, there were many
hidden costs. No one really seemed to mind opening their wallets day in and
day out. It was, afterall, a Star Trek Con.
All of our beloved Trek stars were gracious, appreciative, warm, and
friendly, with the exception of Gates McFadden, who just blew off the fans,
making little or no eye contact, and with not so much as even a thank you as
the fans moved through the autograph lines like cattle.
Along with the stars, a great deal of thanks should be given to the many
minions that volunteer their time and effort to Slanted Fedora to help
maintain some order as the fans are shuffled to and fro.
I have been on this earth for fifty one years, and just when I think I have
seen it all, something new comes along. I am referring to the lack of
respect that the Promoter of this Slanted Fedora con has for the people who
pay hundreds and thousands of dollars to attend conventions of this
magnitude. Over and over again during the entire four day con, Dave Scott,
the promoter continued to offend, insult, yell at, and threaten any loyal fan
that so much as asked a question. People were called ugly, were told that
they would be shot, were made fun of publicly, and belittled any time Mr.
Scott opened his mouth. We were reminded time and again, that when he raised
his hand we were to "shut our mouths". I forced myself to leave the room he
was in time and again, because he gave me a headache. I can't even remember
a time in my long life when my parents or a teacher ever spoke so harshly.
I must admit the lines moved slowly. I can tell you quite simply why. Mr.
Scott has blamed our beloved "Stars" for this... because they continue to
greet the fans and speak to us warmly; and, because the stars continue to
sign their full names when autographing phots and merchandise, rather than
abbreviate them. Mr. Scott, is indeed a rude man, as he shouted and barked
at people loudly, including Alexander Siddig who continued to sign his full
name rather than Sid. Imagine if you will this rude man yelling at OUR
George Takei for being too friendly and for writing too slowly. This is
greed at its very best!
Now you need to picture that the headline stars were in one room signing
autographs, and the other stars were signing in another room. Mr. Scott,
time and again, threatened to close down the room with the non headline
stars, because fans were complaining that the lines were moving slowly. He
time and again, suggested that he could care less about the "other stars in
the other room." Indeed he cared even less for the paying customers.
This convention was held at a hotel in Las Vegas that is suited more for a
Conference. It was a small place, so every fire code in the book was
violated at the whim of Mr. Scott. It was clear to this writer that in an
attempt to increase his own profit Mr. Scott reserved a smaller, less
appropriate location for his convention. This caused long lines, congestion,
and a considerable about of danger for those in attendance.
My experience with conventions has been that the "dealers" room is as
important a part of the convention as any other room that a guest may choose
to enter. Mr. Scott accepted the empty table fee from the dealers who
traveled from various parts of the country to share the good time with other
fans and to sell Trek memorabilia. I felt sorry for the dealers, when it
became apparent that this promoter, who was once a dealer himself, was not
encouraging fans to visit the dealers room, and actually went on record as
saying "you can go buy souveniers at an inflated price" by visiting the
dealers' room. This was the first con I attended where dealers were not
allowed time online for authographs unless they paid to attend. Truth be
told, most dealers were selling unsigned photos of the stars for $5.00, while
the promoter sold his for $6.00. In fact, I would add, that the promoter did
not allow the dealers' room to be opened early enough the first day for
people to purchase their photos there, forcing them to buy the poses from him.
I know that dealing with the public is not an easy job. Those who are
professional never show their stress. Mr. Scott was condescending,
offensive, rude, and at no time a professional. It is Paramount who chose
Slanted Fedora, so I assume that Paramount also has little or no regard for
the fans who remain loyal to Star Trek.
I am not one to complain without going on record. I will send this letter to
anyone who is willing to read it, in the hope that a greedy, rude person like
Mr. Scott does not get OUR business again.
Warm Regards,
Pat Wolf
Nevada
973-686-0231
