A while back it was mentioned about the possibility of an "installment" plan sort of thing given the cost of the tickets. I am really gunshy about fan-run conventions now due to something that happened to me this past year. Let me reiterate that I do not for one second believe anything like this would happen with this convention or committee, but only to explain why I am hesitant to part with my money two years in advance of the Con.
In February I purchased a $250 ticket to the Minnesota Sci-Fi Fantasy Festival to be held Labor Day weekend. In July, we learned through the Tolkien Gathering site that the SF3 had been cancelled. Much speculation and rumors ensued, particularly when some fans learned from Billy Boyd at ELF:NYC that they (he and his people) had heard no such thing. Nor had the hotel. Then, the convention planners/hosts posted online that yes, due to poor ticket sales, the convention had been cancelled. They promised everyone would receive their money back by Thanksgiving.
It's now nearing Christmas and not one person has seen a dime, and the convention planners have vanished off the face of the earth. Naturally, 60 days after the point of sale (or appearance on statement), all dispute rights are GONE. So I have had no recourse through PayPal, nor through any bank/EFT/credit card companies. Complaints have been filed with the BBB, FBI, and PayPal, but it's unlikely any of us will see our money again. I'm out $250 that I could have used for this Convention.
:deep breath:
Soooo, I share my story to explain why I am hesitant to purchase a ticket two years in advance, yet I would still like to attend. If I'm able to attend (of which at this point I am not sure--nor do I know at this point in time if I'd be buying one or two tickets!), I'd also be interested in volunteering.
Thank you.
In February I purchased a $250 ticket to the Minnesota Sci-Fi Fantasy Festival to be held Labor Day weekend. In July, we learned through the Tolkien Gathering site that the SF3 had been cancelled. Much speculation and rumors ensued, particularly when some fans learned from Billy Boyd at ELF:NYC that they (he and his people) had heard no such thing. Nor had the hotel. Then, the convention planners/hosts posted online that yes, due to poor ticket sales, the convention had been cancelled. They promised everyone would receive their money back by Thanksgiving.
It's now nearing Christmas and not one person has seen a dime, and the convention planners have vanished off the face of the earth. Naturally, 60 days after the point of sale (or appearance on statement), all dispute rights are GONE. So I have had no recourse through PayPal, nor through any bank/EFT/credit card companies. Complaints have been filed with the BBB, FBI, and PayPal, but it's unlikely any of us will see our money again. I'm out $250 that I could have used for this Convention.
:deep breath:
Soooo, I share my story to explain why I am hesitant to purchase a ticket two years in advance, yet I would still like to attend. If I'm able to attend (of which at this point I am not sure--nor do I know at this point in time if I'd be buying one or two tickets!), I'd also be interested in volunteering.
Thank you.