Stephen King and Joe Hill appearing together...

[RC65]

Saw this on Twitter:

https://www.portersquarebooks.com/event/evening-joe-hill-stephen-king

I wonder if they’re planning on any other venues to tag-team promote their new books, THE INSTITUTE and FULL THROTTLE?

[Bev Vincent]

Saw this on Twitter:

https://www.portersquarebooks.com/event/evening-joe-hill-stephen-king

I wonder if they’re planning on any other venues to tag-team promote their new books, THE INSTITUTE and FULL THROTTLE?

I believe this is the only event they will be doing together.

[Garrell]

Wow, thanks for the info

[webstar1000]

Super bummed. I am busy and cannot go. That sounds like a blast!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[surly]

Saw this on Twitter:

https://www.portersquarebooks.com/event/evening-joe-hill-stephen-king

I wonder if they’re planning on any other venues to tag-team promote their new books, THE INSTITUTE and FULL THROTTLE?

I believe this is the only event they will be doing together.


'only event together...' Bev, does that mean you've heard King might be out on his own for some appearnces?

[webstar1000]

Saw this on Twitter:

https://www.portersquarebooks.com/event/evening-joe-hill-stephen-king

I wonder if they’re planning on any other venues to tag-team promote their new books, THE INSTITUTE and FULL THROTTLE?

I believe this is the only event they will be doing together.


'only event together...' Bev, does that mean you've heard King might be out on his own for some appearnces?

He always does a talk show or something is what I think I Bev is referring to


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Bev Vincent]

Saw this on Twitter:

https://www.portersquarebooks.com/event/evening-joe-hill-stephen-king

I wonder if they’re planning on any other venues to tag-team promote their new books, THE INSTITUTE and FULL THROTTLE?

I believe this is the only event they will be doing together.


'only event together...' Bev, does that mean you've heard King might be out on his own for some appearnces?

No, I think this is S. King's only event.

[Ricky]

Hmm...anyone thinking of going? It's tempting me...

[wizardsrainbow]

I'm going to try

[surly]

Well, I have a flight and a hotel booked so fingers crossed that I am able to get a ticket.

[EXPLORER]

Saw this on Twitter:

https://www.portersquarebooks.com/event/evening-joe-hill-stephen-king

I wonder if they’re planning on any other venues to tag-team promote their new books, THE INSTITUTE and FULL THROTTLE?

I believe this is the only event they will be doing together.


'only event together...' Bev, does that mean you've heard King might be out on his own for some appearnces?

He always does a talk show or something is what I think I Bev is referring to


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

King will be on "The View" on Wednesday 9/11/19

[EXPLORER]

Hmm...anyone thinking of going? It's tempting me...


I'm going to try


Well, I have a flight and a hotel booked so fingers crossed that I am able to get a ticket.

ALSO HAVE BOOKED FLIGHTS... SO now NEED to get tickets when come available.

[Kingfan24]

If I get deluxe tickets we will be there.

[Heather19]

I'm hoping to get tickets as well, can't wait!

[Ricky]

For those of you who made hotel reservations already (confident, are we? ;) ), where did you pick? Seems like a pricey area. Yikes.

[Randall Flagg]

The Four Seasons

[Beverly Marsh]

Wow. Flights and hotels already booked? Makes me wonder if there's some secret to getting tix us mere mortals need to know.

I'm a four hour drive so will definitely be trying! Deluxe or regular, doesn't really matter although deluxe would obviously be preferable. Just hoping to go!

[Kingfan24]

Just so everyone realizes - tickets do not go on sale tomorrow. You will receive a link if you signed up for the newsletter that will then go live Friday the 13th at noon.

[Ari_Racing]

If I get tickets, I'll travel from Argentina for the event :)

[Kingfan24]

I have yet to see an email from porter square books today.

[Randall Flagg]

Same here, but there is plenty of time left in the day.

[Randall Flagg]

Email just arrived.

[Beverly Marsh]

Got the email as well.
Just wanted to say Good Luck to everyone(although apparently some of you don't need it ;) )
One thing confuses me though... VFB sent out an email yesterday where you could reserve a signed copy of The Institution from this signing. How do they already know they're going to have signed copies?

[Kingfan24]

Got the email as well.
Just wanted to say Good Luck to everyone(although apparently some of you don't need it ;) )
One thing confuses me though... VFB sent out an email yesterday where you could reserve a signed copy of The Institution from this signing. How do they already know they're going to have signed copies?

I think they are counting chickens before they are hatched.

[BadHatHarry]

Site crashed for anyone else?

[Kingfan24]

Oh yeah. I figured this would happen.

[BadHatHarry]

How the hell do people not plan for this accordingly? I had two tickets in my cart when it crashed. DAMMIT.

[becca69]

Crashed with 2 tix in cart

[RichardX]

Site crashed for anyone else?

Yes, total disaster so far.

[Garrell]

Crashed with 2 tix in cart

same

[BadHatHarry]

This shouldn't be a surprise to vendors at this point in time.

[Heather19]

Same got 2 tickets in my cart, then wouldn't load :(

[Aremag]

First post as I've been more of a lurker. Paypal says my payment went through for deluxe ticket but I never was able to return to Porter Square's website so I think I'm in some kind of limbo.

Edit: I just got an email from PayPal with an order number so I guess maybe I got a ticket....

[Kingfan24]

Wow that’s lucky.

[Ari_Racing]

GOT 'EM!

[Aremag]

Managed to get back to the Porter Square website and I got a ticket. My first Stephen King autograph and a nice 4 hour drive to get it.

[Kingfan24]

at this point I am guessing the majority of us are SOL

[Robert Fulman]

I'm up to the "Review Order" step... Just keep refreshing.
Paid via Paypal. Just hoping I can get the bookstore website to load one more time for confirmation.

[Kingfan24]

It looks as if they deactivated the link to the page

[sharki69]

I'm up to the "Review Order" step... Just keep refreshing.
Paid via Paypal. Just hoping I can get the bookstore website to load one more time for confirmation.

Happened to me as well. Keep refreshing

[wizardsrainbow]

got to cart and was then rejected

[Kingfan24]

They disconnected the phone line to the store as well.

[becca69]

I see the cart but nothing.

[wizardsrainbow]

ok I'm not trying anymore

[BadHatHarry]

I'll never understand why small businesses who aren't equipped to handle this sort of thing insist on handling it themselves.

[Kingfan24]

ok I'm not trying anymore

Ditto - what a cluster

[Roseannebarr]

GOT 'EM!

Can i be your PLUS 1. :rock:

[BadHatHarry]

Holy shit. The two tickets that were in my cart that kept crashing - the site just came back up and accepted my order for two deluxe tickets. They've been in my cart for an hour.

[billstand]

Holy shit. The two tickets that were in my cart that kept crashing - the site just came back up and accepted my order for two deluxe tickets. They've been in my cart for an hour.


WOWZA - mine just went through too!! Persistence pays off

[sgc1999]

Had to keep refreshing every step of the way through checkout

[Heather19]

And 54 min later I think I finally got them!

[stm08007]

Holy shit. The two tickets that were in my cart that kept crashing - the site just came back up and accepted my order for two deluxe tickets. They've been in my cart for an hour.

very glad I saw your post, tried again (after having no luck for 45 mins), and got it pretty easily!

[Garrell]

Got 2

[Randall Flagg]

Snagged two tix

[RichardX]

How do you confirm that an order went through?

[becca69]

I got them. If they were in your cart before the crash keep trying.

[surly]

F####
my 1 ticket sat in the cart for an hour, and it says can't buy it.
Well, $1000+ spend on flight and hotel to boston, so it looks like i might just be doing some sightseeing instead. damn im disappointed

[Ari_Racing]

Got confirmation email and everything! YES!!!!!!!! YEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!

[surly]

I got them. If they were in your cart before the crash keep trying.

I had it in the cart since 12 and this is the note i am getting:
Sorry, you are trying to buy 1 x Deluxe Ticket: An Evening with Joe Hill & Stephen King and only -279 are available.

[Robert Fulman]

Now hopefully they don't determine that they sold 4 times too many tickets, so we start seeing mass cancellations.

[Randall Flagg]

How do you confirm that an order went through?
I received 3 emails. One from Paypal, and two from Porter Square Books.

[_PCC_]

I must have been the last guy to get tickets!

[Randall Flagg]

Got 2
What good will they do if you are in San Francisco at the time?

[Randall Flagg]

Now hopefully they don't determine that they sold 4 times too many tickets, so we start seeing mass cancellations.
Are you basing that on the -279 available that surly saw?

[Cwalker]

Took some refreshing and a small animal sacrifice, but got my 2.

EDIT: so i was one of the ones who got hosed by the oversell. No tickets for me. Now i really feel bad for the cat....

[surly]

Are people still able to check out?!?
Am i the only one that that can't? ouch

[Robert Fulman]

Now hopefully they don't determine that they sold 4 times too many tickets, so we start seeing mass cancellations.
Are you basing that on the -279 available that surly saw?Their website is kind of old school, and I was assuming that they didn't have a system in place to prevent too many items from being sold. I saw the -279 comment after I wrote mine; it certainly doesn't give me the warm and fuzzies.

[CyberGhostface]

F####
my 1 ticket sat in the cart for an hour, and it says can't buy it.
Well, $1000+ spend on flight and hotel to boston, so it looks like i might just be doing some sightseeing instead. damn im disappointed

You can still try to get tickets for the show and have a 50/50 shot of getting one signed book from one of them.

[Robert Fulman]

They just confirmed on Facebook that they oversold.

[Aremag]

Just got the 2nd email from Porter confirming my one ticket and apologizing for the frustration from the site crash.

[surly]

F####
my 1 ticket sat in the cart for an hour, and it says can't buy it.
Well, $1000+ spend on flight and hotel to boston, so it looks like i might just be doing some sightseeing instead. damn im disappointed

You can still try to get tickets for the show and have a 50/50 shot of getting one signed book from one of them.

Good thought, but they are sold out as well.

[BadHatHarry]

Did they say how long it will be until they confirm tickets? I need to book a flight.

[Beverly Marsh]

Uh oh.....hope some don't get cancelled.
What a mess. I gave up even trying for the deluxe and ordered two regular so I'm happy. A couple of friends of mine had the same issue. Tickets in cart, crash, yada yada but they were able to get them after a long while!

[Randall Flagg]

They just confirmed on Facebook that they oversold.
Ouch!

[BadHatHarry]

Just got a confirmation email for my tickets.

[Ari_Racing]

Got the second email with confirmation and saying sorry for the site crashes. :)
I also got my flights and the hotel reservation

[Dano]

I'm taking my failure to secure one as a sign! Definitely saved some money, LOL.

Dan

[Randall Flagg]

I asked on their FB page when a person can receive an email from an actual bookseller confirming or denying their order.
Myself, I'm not booking flights and stuff without truly being confirmed. I would hope they have it sorted out by the end of the day.

[BadHatHarry]

How easy is it to get to Somerville from Boston? I was thinking I'd fly up on Thursday and stay a couple nights with my wife.

[sharki69]

They oversold the event
My order number is 50239 and I got the confirmation email just now

People report order number 50800.... so the confirmation/completed email is what you are looking for

[stm08007]

The people who already got "second confirmations"-- what order number were you and roughly when did you place your order? (presumably their order numbers are just sequential)

[Kingfan24]

Mine is 50649 - completely expecting a cancellation.

[sharki69]

The people who already got "second confirmations"-- what order number were you and roughly when did you place your order? (presumably their order numbers are just sequential)

50239
The link went live 30 seconds before noon. I was 2 steps into the process at 12:00 pm, so I had some “advantage “. Completed the order around 12:15 pm

[stm08007]

The people who already got "second confirmations"-- what order number were you and roughly when did you place your order? (presumably their order numbers are just sequential)

50239
The link went live 30 seconds before noon. I was 2 steps into the process at 12:00 pm, so I had some “advantage “. Completed the order around 12:15 pm

that's semi reassuring... hopefully you were one of the first--- my order is well within 300 of yours

[becca69]

Haven’t gotten a second email. Does anyone know how many tickets were available?

[RichardX]

No email confirmation, but money has been deducted from my account. So not sure what that means. My guess is that a lot of happy people are in for a real disappointment. But at least we get to avoid Boston with its hellish traffic and roads.

[Kingfan24]

Haven’t gotten a second email. Does anyone know how many tickets were available?

If I had to venture a guess I would say 2-300 deluxe tickets.

[Randall Flagg]

<------50553

[BadHatHarry]

My order number was 50223 if that helps anyone.

[webstar1000]

I wouldn’t book anything. I just heard they oversold but over 400 tickets. Lol I would definitely wait


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Randall Flagg]

Just got the stock email saying they oversold, and to wait for a confirmation email before making travel plans.

[billstand]

Dear Readers,

From Porter Square Books--


First of all, our sincerest apologies for all of the frustration we caused by the crash of our website. We had been assured that it would be able to handle the traffic and clearly that was not the case. With the crash of the site, the stock settings failed as well and so many more orders were placed than we have tickets. We understand that's even worse than not getting through at all and again we apologize.

Here's the important info: You will get a SECOND email from a bookseller to confirm your purchase of a ticket or tickets. If you are making any travel plans, please wait until you have got that SECOND email. We are working through the orders as they were received and hope to fulfill all of those soon.

Those of you who were mistakenly sold a ticket or tickets, again we apologize. We know how angering it can be to feel as though you were that close to seeing one of your heroes. You will get an email with the cancellation notice later today after we have processed the other orders.

Again, we apologize. Thank you all for your patience and support.

[Robert Fulman]

How easy is it to get to Somerville from Boston? I was thinking I'd fly up on Thursday and stay a couple nights with my wife.
The Somerville Theater is in Davis Square, right down the street from the Davis subway stop on the Red Line. The Red Line goes right through Downtown Boston so, assuming you're okay with the subway, it would be quite convenient.

[sharki69]

50298 got confirmation email

[BadHatHarry]

Just to confirm, the second "you did it!" email is the one that says:

Congratulations! We have completed your order for 2 deluxe tickets to our event with Stephen King and Joe Hill in October. You will be getting an email closer to the event with more specific information and instructions. We will not be shipping the signed copies, so you must attend to pick up the books. We apologize for any frustration the site crash caused. Thank you for shopping with Porter Square Books. Best, Dina

Right? Given that it's both Friday the 13th and they had some earlier issues, I'd like to be 100% sure before spending a couple thousand bucks on flights and hotels.

[BadHatHarry]

How easy is it to get to Somerville from Boston? I was thinking I'd fly up on Thursday and stay a couple nights with my wife.
The Somerville Theater is in Davis Square, right down the street from the Davis subway stop on the Red Line. The Red Line goes right through Downtown Boston so, assuming you're okay with the subway, it would be quite convenient.

Oh, that's awesome. I'd rather not rent a car. How long is the ride?

[webstar1000]

Just got the stock email saying they oversold, and to wait for a confirmation email before making travel plans.

Yep seen that. I didn’t get tickets but hope all my brothers here did. Wasn’t in the cards for me this time:(


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Robert Fulman]

How easy is it to get to Somerville from Boston? I was thinking I'd fly up on Thursday and stay a couple nights with my wife.
The Somerville Theater is in Davis Square, right down the street from the Davis subway stop on the Red Line. The Red Line goes right through Downtown Boston so, assuming you're okay with the subway, it would be quite convenient.

Oh, that's awesome. I'd rather not rent a car. How long is the ride?
Depends on where you stay, but if you were at the lovely Omni Parker Hotel near Park Street, it would be about 20 minutes. If you stayed in Cambridge near Harvard, it would be 10 minutes.

[sharki69]

Just to confirm, the second "you did it!" email is the one that says:

Congratulations! We have completed your order for 2 deluxe tickets to our event with Stephen King and Joe Hill in October. You will be getting an email closer to the event with more specific information and instructions. We will not be shipping the signed copies, so you must attend to pick up the books. We apologize for any frustration the site crash caused. Thank you for shopping with Porter Square Books. Best, Dina

Right? Given that it's both Friday the 13th and they had some earlier issues, I'd like to be 100% sure before spending a couple thousand bucks on flights and hotels.

That’s the email
Also look at your order and you’ll see thishttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190913/739401e7913fca23e71a68382ad7dfcf.jpg

[Aremag]

Mine was 50220 and I got in at roughly 11:58AM.

[BadHatHarry]

How easy is it to get to Somerville from Boston? I was thinking I'd fly up on Thursday and stay a couple nights with my wife.
The Somerville Theater is in Davis Square, right down the street from the Davis subway stop on the Red Line. The Red Line goes right through Downtown Boston so, assuming you're okay with the subway, it would be quite convenient.

Oh, that's awesome. I'd rather not rent a car. How long is the ride?
Depends on where you stay, but if you were at the lovely Omni Parker Hotel near Park Street, it would be about 20 minutes. If you stayed in Cambridge near Harvard, it would be 10 minutes.

Excellent. I'll see what my wife wants to do. I assume stay in downtown so there's a bit more to do, but she may appreciate Cambridge, too.

[BadHatHarry]

Mine was 50220 and I got in at roughly 11:58AM.

It looks like, even if you were delayed an hour, they went by when you put the tickets in your cart. My number is 3 after yours, and I had mine ready to go by 11:01.

[Ari_Racing]

Mine was 50220 and I got in at roughly 11:58AM.

We completed the process almost at the same time. I got 50221
Confirmed tickets!

[RichardX]

The comment section of their facebook page is more entertaining than the book. So you could order before the link was supposed to go live at noon but not after? What a disaster. Congrats to you guys, but if I were the bookstore I would kick those out of the system.

[webstar1000]

The comment section of their facebook page is more entertaining than the book. So you could order before the link was supposed to go live at noon but not after? What a disaster. Congrats to you guys, but if I were the bookstore I would kick those out of the system.

Are they getting blasted?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[becca69]

I got this message:

Hi Rebecca, thanks for being in touch and for your understanding.
We are processing orders based on when tickets were added to carts and doing our utmost to give the first people in line the best chance.
Thanks for being in touch and for your understanding as we untangle this awful knot.
All the best, Leila

[Kingfan24]

What the fuck. - makes no sense whatsoever. I had tickets in my cart at 12:00 but didn’t complete an order until 12:45. How the hell do they know I had tickets in my cart at 12? Do they have my IP address or something?

[BadHatHarry]

How often does King do stuff like this, with his family?

[Beverly Marsh]

Are these oversells just for the deluxe tickets or are regular tix in jeopardy as well? I can't believe they would oversell just the deluxe by 400?!
I haven't gotten any emails about my Ticketmaster order so I hope those are safe.

[Garrell]

I was checking on the regular tics during this and they showed sold out very fast so I don't think they where oversold

[_PCC_]

Seriously! I had 10 windows open trying to get in. I had 2 in my cart at 12, but that was not the window I eventually used to get the tickets. Jeez man.

[Beverly Marsh]

I was checking on the regular tics during this and they showed sold out very fast so I don't think they where oversold

Okay good! Thank you

[webstar1000]

I was checking on the regular tics during this and they showed sold out very fast so I don't think they where oversold

Okay good! Thank you

I heard they sold out in 2 mins. I wonder how many are going to the venue in total.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Kingfan24]

If you haven’t received a confirmation you are SOL.

From FB:

We have now fulfilled all of the orders for deluxe Stephen King/Joe Hill tickets. Everyone who ordered will eventually get an email from us confirming cancellation & refunds. It will take us a bit to get to every order. If it were up to us & we're sure Joe & Stephen would agree, everyone would get to meet their heroes, the writers who shape & enrich their lives, but that is just not possible. We apologize again. And we thank you all for your patience, understanding, & support.

[Robert Fulman]

According to their website:
Our main theatre of 876 seats is sometimes available for rental. It is both a film space and a live theater space, with a full theatrical stage. The theater seats 383 on the orchestra level and the balance of 493 seats in the balcony. For General Admission shows, capacity is reduced to 850 seats.
I'm going to make the following bold predictions, based on nothing but pure guesswork and supposition:

The "deluxe" tickets sold on the book store's website are in the orchestra section. That means they sold 383 or fewer (probably fewer, as they set aside some for themselves).
The general admission tickets sold through Ticketmaster are in the balcony. I assume that reduction of 26 seats (from 876 to 850) happens because in a general admission show, the box seats aren't used. That would mean that 467 tickets were sold through Ticketmaster.

[Randall Flagg]

I'm not surprised that their website wasn't able to handle the traffic. Just the nature of a small business that rarely host events with such demand. It is a bit perturbing that apparently the site went live early, but congratulations to those who tried and succeeded early. As to the Facebook comments from people who booked flights etc. they aren't going to get much sympathy from the bookstore. Same with the suggestions that SK and JH sign an extra ~400 books. Hill would probably be open to the idea, but the way King is now about signing books, he'd probably decline and have ZERO sympathy for people who made non-refundable travel 2 minutes after their "order" went through.
It looks like I probably didn't succeed, but all I lost was an hour of time clicking refresh while I watched ESPN.

[Garrell]

Contact me for 2 "spare" deluxe tickets, must be 2 peeps. I will be mailing my ID with them.

[Garrell]

Jerome spoke first

[RichardX]

If you haven’t received a confirmation you are SOL.

From FB:

We have now fulfilled all of the orders for deluxe Stephen King/Joe Hill tickets. Everyone who ordered will eventually get an email from us confirming cancellation & refunds. It will take us a bit to get to every order. If it were up to us & we're sure Joe & Stephen would agree, everyone would get to meet their heroes, the writers who shape & enrich their lives, but that is just not possible. We apologize again. And we thank you all for your patience, understanding, & support.

Yes, I would boycott them but I've never heard of the store before. LOL. Now we have to attempt to unsubscribe from their newsletter that will constantly remind us of the exciting event we can't attend. We'll probably get that for the rest of our lives.

[Heather19]

No luck for me either. How quickly did ticketmaster tickets go? Guess I should have gone straight there. What a nightmare. I also opened up other screens the second the site crashed so I wonder if that pushed back my ticket number too?

[webstar1000]

Jerome spoke first

Damm he was fast. I thought I was.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Garrell]

He beat you and kingfan barely

[Randall Flagg]

I think Garrell oversold his tickets and many people are going to be getting an apology/denial letter:rolleyes2:

[Beverly Marsh]

According to their website:
Our main theatre of 876 seats is sometimes available for rental. It is both a film space and a live theater space, with a full theatrical stage. The theater seats 383 on the orchestra level and the balance of 493 seats in the balcony. For General Admission shows, capacity is reduced to 850 seats.
I'm going to make the following bold predictions, based on nothing but pure guesswork and supposition:

The "deluxe" tickets sold on the book store's website are in the orchestra section. That means they sold 383 or fewer (probably fewer, as they set aside some for themselves).
The general admission tickets sold through Ticketmaster are in the balcony. I assume that reduction of 26 seats (from 876 to 850) happens because in a general admission show, the box seats aren't used. That would mean that 467 tickets were sold through Ticketmaster.

Say if these numbers are close to being correct that means they each sign at least a guaranteed 300 or more for deluxe ticket holders. I can't imagine King will sign many more than that for the random ones? Possible 400 total leaving a little over 100 for random distribution?

[Garrell]

I already got my confirmation awhile back

[Garrell]

I think Garrell oversold his tickets and many people are going to be getting an apology/denial letter:rolleyes2:

lol

[surly]

Well, Im sure i will get past this...in time. Lots and lots of time. Maybe by Christmas copies will start to show up on ebay at non-gouging prices.
On the bright side, the trip is already booked and i do like Boston, so maybe i will finally get to meet some of you in person if there will be a pre/post gathering.

[Randall Flagg]

I really don't understand people who book a non-refundable trip 2 minutes after buying the tickets.



Usually one can get the best rate at a hotel by calling them direct. I got a great rate (cheaper than Expedia) at a nice hotel within 2 miles of the venue. AAA rate with a 24 hour cancellation.
If I booked a flight right now (not going to do it yet-the price is unlikely to change much if at all in the next 48 hours) on Expedia, I can cancel within 24 hours with zero penalty.
Same deal with a rental car. 24 hours or less cancellation with no penalty.

[surly]

...Because i wanted vacation either way, and i like visiting Boston in October.

[Randall Flagg]

...Because i wanted vacation either way, and i like visiting Boston in October.
That I understand. I was speaking more of people who posted on their FB page about how they are screwed.

[Aronstg]

...Because i wanted vacation either way, and i like visiting Boston in October.
That I understand. I was speaking more of people who posted on their FB page about how they are screwed.

I think those people are really disappointed in themselves for and are choosing to take out their frustration on someone else.

I understand people being disappointed here but very few of the commentators actually have valid points. I think the real failure is the fact that those who had their deluxe tickets cancelled didn't even have a chance to pick up a general ticket. That was where the bookstore really failed IMO.

[Randall Flagg]

I received my official declination email, and my Paypal refund.

Now I just have to dress up like Garrell.

[Randall Flagg]

In my life now, I'm not pessimistic, but I do prepare for the worst, and enjoy the best.

[becca69]

I received my official declination email, and my Paypal refund.

Now I just have to dress up like Garrell.

I guess I should be getting mine shortly.

[RichardX]

You might think some consideration would be made to obtain a few more signed books and just sell them to folks who they oversold tickets. The book store could explain the situation to King. How difficult would that be? The event is a month away. If King signed ten extra books a day for the next month, that would cover it. On some of these recent book tours, he signed 500 or so per event (and there were multiple events). Everyone would have walked away happy. I'm sure that won't happen, though.

[Kingfan24]

You might think some consideration would be made to obtain a few more signed books and just sell them to folks who they oversold tickets. The book store could explain the situation to King. How difficult would that be? The event is a month away. If King signed ten extra books a day for the next month, that would cover it. On some of these recent book tours, he signed 500 or so per event (and there were multiple events). Everyone would have walked away happy. I'm sure that won't happen, though.

Yeah no chance - these bookstore people think they are hot shit when it comes to these events.

[Roseannebarr]

I received my official declination email, and my Paypal refund.

Now I just have to dress up like Garrell.


Please bring an extra dress and wig. If my wife cancels are you willing to fill in for her too?

Garrell going? I met him at my first King event!

[Randall Flagg]

I received my official declination email, and my Paypal refund.

Now I just have to dress up like Garrell.


Please bring an extra dress and wig. If my wife cancels are you willing to fill in for her too?

Garrell going? I met him at my first King event!
If I even attempted to dress like your wife and she saw a picture of me looking fat and ugly in a terrible attempt to replicate her, she would divorce you.
Closest I could come would be this:


http://www.thedarktower.org/custom/images/1568413178-Mrs%20Roseannebarr.jpg

[Randall Flagg]

You might think some consideration would be made to obtain a few more signed books and just sell them to folks who they oversold tickets. The book store could explain the situation to King. How difficult would that be? The event is a month away. If King signed ten extra books a day for the next month, that would cover it. On some of these recent book tours, he signed 500 or so per event (and there were multiple events). Everyone would have walked away happy. I'm sure that won't happen, though.

Yeah no chance - these bookstore people think they are hot shit when it comes to these events.
Not to mention that my refund will take up to 5 days to post (Paypal rules, but still).

[Garrell]

LOL, looks better than me

[Room 217 Caretaker]

Oh lordy....why did I click on the hidden picture......why oh why oh why?

Mulleins

[webstar1000]

Congrats to all going!! I wish I was... sounds like it could be a little bit of a DT party in the house!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Roseannebarr]

I received my official declination email, and my Paypal refund.

Now I just have to dress up like Garrell.


Please bring an extra dress and wig. If my wife cancels are you willing to fill in for her too?

Garrell going? I met him at my first King event!
If I even attempted to dress like your wife and she saw a picture of me looking fat and ugly in a terrible attempt to replicate her, she would divorce you.
Closest I could come would be this:


http://www.thedarktower.org/custom/images/1568413178-Mrs%20Roseannebarr.jpg


Too funny. I was even warned NOT to open the spooler

[RichardX]

You might think some consideration would be made to obtain a few more signed books and just sell them to folks who they oversold tickets. The book store could explain the situation to King. How difficult would that be? The event is a month away. If King signed ten extra books a day for the next month, that would cover it. On some of these recent book tours, he signed 500 or so per event (and there were multiple events). Everyone would have walked away happy. I'm sure that won't happen, though.

Yeah no chance - these bookstore people think they are hot shit when it comes to these events.

It is mostly incompetence. They also have little reason to care. It is a one off type event. Most people who got screwed over are not customers of the bookstore but people from all over. Probably good intentions gone awry. King wants to help Hill and a bookstore out. He agrees to the event and leaves the details to them. They screw it up. King never knows otherwise because they are terrified of him. He shows up and does the gig. Never gives it a second thought. Thinks everyone is satisfied.

[Aronstg]

You might think some consideration would be made to obtain a few more signed books and just sell them to folks who they oversold tickets. The book store could explain the situation to King. How difficult would that be? The event is a month away. If King signed ten extra books a day for the next month, that would cover it. On some of these recent book tours, he signed 500 or so per event (and there were multiple events). Everyone would have walked away happy. I'm sure that won't happen, though.

Yeah no chance - these bookstore people think they are hot shit when it comes to these events.

It is mostly incompetence. They also have little reason to care. It is a one off type event. Most people who got screwed over are not customers of the bookstore but people from all over. Probably good intentions gone awry. King wants to help Hill and a bookstore out. He agrees to the event and leaves the details to them. They screw it up. King never knows otherwise because they are terrified of him. He shows up and does the gig. Never gives it a second thought. Thinks everyone is satisfied.

I think you are completely off on your assessment and it sounds like you've never frequented an independent bookstore in your entire life.

[BadHatHarry]

You might think some consideration would be made to obtain a few more signed books and just sell them to folks who they oversold tickets. The book store could explain the situation to King. How difficult would that be? The event is a month away. If King signed ten extra books a day for the next month, that would cover it. On some of these recent book tours, he signed 500 or so per event (and there were multiple events). Everyone would have walked away happy. I'm sure that won't happen, though.

Yeah no chance - these bookstore people think they are hot shit when it comes to these events.

It is mostly incompetence. They also have little reason to care. It is a one off type event. Most people who got screwed over are not customers of the bookstore but people from all over. Probably good intentions gone awry. King wants to help Hill and a bookstore out. He agrees to the event and leaves the details to them. They screw it up. King never knows otherwise because they are terrified of him. He shows up and does the gig. Never gives it a second thought. Thinks everyone is satisfied.

What are they supposed to do? Yeah, it sucks that their system crashed (apparently after their system folks reviewed it and said it should be fine), but it's not like they intended for that to happen. And it's not like they want bad press for themselves or King.

And most independent bookstores I know of bend over backwards and forwards to accommodate people - its why they are still around in this day and age.

[Robert Fulman]

Unpopular opinion: No one got "screwed over". They had 300 tickets (or whatever) to sell, and that's how many they sold. 2000 people (again, or whatever) hit the website at the same time and it crashed. Whenever something like this happens *cough*Joyland*cough* people think that they were personally jobbed. They think there should be do-over, which will only be fair if they end up with tickets. The reality is that everyone was going through the same exact thing today. The way in which the lucky ones were chosen was probably pretty darned random, and was probably the fairest way possible for choosing winners.

[Randall Flagg]

It is mostly incompetence. They also have little reason to care. It is a one off type event. Most people who got screwed over are not customers of the bookstore but people from all over. Probably good intentions gone awry. King wants to help Hill and a bookstore out. He agrees to the event and leaves the details to them. They screw it up. King never knows otherwise because they are terrified of him. He shows up and does the gig. Never gives it a second thought. Thinks everyone is satisfied.
I agree with your incompetence assessment (Incompetence: inability to do something successfully; ineptitude.). I disagree that they have little reason to care. I'm sure they are very unhappy with how the process went, however they have no one to blame but themselves Thus sincerely apologize and move on.


I agree that King himself (unless Marsha tells him) is unlikely to know about the fiasco, as the bookstore owners will be reticent to bring it up to the PTB in King's world. Plus, King in his new attitude about signing will flat out refuse to sign ~400 more books. He literally will be the cantankerous old man he has become and think or say "Tough Shit people. That's the new digital way. Next time go for a walk".

[BadHatHarry]

"Next time go for a walk".

Of all the people that shouldn't treat going for a walk lightly...

[Randall Flagg]

"Next time go for a walk".

Of all the people that shouldn't treat going for a walk lightly...
You caught the joke. Woo Hoo!

[RichardX]

You might think some consideration would be made to obtain a few more signed books and just sell them to folks who they oversold tickets. The book store could explain the situation to King. How difficult would that be? The event is a month away. If King signed ten extra books a day for the next month, that would cover it. On some of these recent book tours, he signed 500 or so per event (and there were multiple events). Everyone would have walked away happy. I'm sure that won't happen, though.

Yeah no chance - these bookstore people think they are hot shit when it comes to these events.

It is mostly incompetence. They also have little reason to care. It is a one off type event. Most people who got screwed over are not customers of the bookstore but people from all over. Probably good intentions gone awry. King wants to help Hill and a bookstore out. He agrees to the event and leaves the details to them. They screw it up. King never knows otherwise because they are terrified of him. He shows up and does the gig. Never gives it a second thought. Thinks everyone is satisfied.

What are they supposed to do? Yeah, it sucks that their system crashed (apparently after their system folks reviewed it and said it should be fine), but it's not like they intended for that to happen. And it's not like they want bad press for themselves or King.

And most independent bookstores I know of bend over backwards and forwards to accommodate people - its why they are still around in this day and age.

This is not a discussion as to the overall merits of independent bookstores to society but how this event was handled today by one store. What could they do? Maybe Ask King to sign some extra books and offer those to anyone who purchased tickets. He signed thousands in a recent tour. The notion that because they are an "independent bookstore" somehow exempts them from criticism doesn't cut it. They were obviously unprepared for this kind of event. It should not have come as a surprise that there was a large demand. The biggest screw up was not just the system crashing but telling people who tried for hours that they had finally purchased tickets and taken their money only to find out later they were out of luck.

[Kingfan24]

I still haven't received a confirmation or a cancellation. What a fuck up

[Randall Flagg]

He signed thousands in a recent tour.


In 2017 he did a tour and signed thousands of books. That tour (and the co-written book) was to promote Owen King (Stephen didn't need the tour).

Post that tour, King has made it clear he wants to spend his time writing, not signing.

I'd love it if King did more signing tours, but if given the choice of where I'd like to see King spend his golden years, I'd much rather more novels than tours.

[Kingfan24]

He signed thousands in a recent tour.


In 2017 he did a tour and signed thousands of books. That tour (and the co-written book) was to promote Owen King (Stephen didn't need the tour).

Post that tour, King has made it clear he wants to spend his time writing, not signing.

I'd love it if King did more signing tours, but if given the choice of where I'd like to see King spend his golden years, I'd much rather more novels than tours.

I would love to agree with you but his last few books have been flops for me. Really hoping the institute doesn’t suck.

[DoctorZaius]

I live 45 minutes away and couldn't get a whiff of a ticket - ugh.....

[Randall Flagg]

The Outsider was a good read. Obviously no signing tour. Elevation was a money grab (probably by the publisher, not King). Elevation should have been a bonus new story in a King short story collection, but of course the stand alone chapbook (hardback) made more money for all the parties involved (not the Constant Reader).

[Garrell]

Enjoyed Elevation. Loved The Outsider.

[Kingfan24]

The Outsider was a good read. Obviously no signing tour. Elevation was a money grab (probably by the publisher, not King). Elevation should have been a bonus new story in a King short story collection, but of course the stand alone chapbook (hardback) made more money for all the parties involved (not the Constant Reader).

I thought Outsider was just meh. I think it was predictable and twice as long as it should have been. I share your same feelings on elevation.

Just got my cancellation

[redsoxfan565]

It is mostly incompetence. They also have little reason to care. It is a one off type event. Most people who got screwed over are not customers of the bookstore but people from all over. Probably good intentions gone awry. King wants to help Hill and a bookstore out. He agrees to the event and leaves the details to them. They screw it up. King never knows otherwise because they are terrified of him. He shows up and does the gig. Never gives it a second thought. Thinks everyone is satisfied.
I agree with your incompetence assessment (Incompetence: inability to do something successfully; ineptitude.). I disagree that they have little reason to care. I'm sure they are very unhappy with how the process went, however they have no one to blame but themselves Thus sincerely apologize and move on.


I agree that King himself (unless Marsha tells him) is unlikely to know about the fiasco, as the bookstore owners will be reticent to bring it up to the PTB in King's world. Plus, King in his new attitude about signing will flat out refuse to sign ~400 more books. He literally will be the cantankerous old man he has become and think or say "Tough Shit people. That's the new digital way. Next time go for a walk".

Joe tweeted out about the crash, and Stephen retweeted him, so they know about the issues.

As much as you want to give the bookstore leniency here, they were ill-prepared for this, and decided to try to save money by doing it on their own. Anybody who knows anything about IT would tell you, that a little website like that would not be able to handle tens of thousands of requests per second.

[Kingfan24]

It is mostly incompetence. They also have little reason to care. It is a one off type event. Most people who got screwed over are not customers of the bookstore but people from all over. Probably good intentions gone awry. King wants to help Hill and a bookstore out. He agrees to the event and leaves the details to them. They screw it up. King never knows otherwise because they are terrified of him. He shows up and does the gig. Never gives it a second thought. Thinks everyone is satisfied.
I agree with your incompetence assessment (Incompetence: inability to do something successfully; ineptitude.). I disagree that they have little reason to care. I'm sure they are very unhappy with how the process went, however they have no one to blame but themselves Thus sincerely apologize and move on.


I agree that King himself (unless Marsha tells him) is unlikely to know about the fiasco, as the bookstore owners will be reticent to bring it up to the PTB in King's world. Plus, King in his new attitude about signing will flat out refuse to sign ~400 more books. He literally will be the cantankerous old man he has become and think or say "Tough Shit people. That's the new digital way. Next time go for a walk".

Joe tweeted out about the crash, and Stephen retweeted him, so they know about the issues.

As much as you want to give the bookstore leniency here, they were ill-prepared for this, and decided to try to save money by doing it on their own. Anybody who knows anything about IT would tell you, that a little website like that would not be able to handle tens of thousands of requests per second.

It’s sill unlikely anything is done about it.

[becca69]

My cancellation finally came thru. :cry:

[zelig]

My cancellation finally came thru. :cry:

What!? Don’t they know who they’re dealing with here???

[surly]

as one of the unlucky ones, im a little surprised at the backlash as the experience unfolded exactly the way i expected it would - better even. in all the time i have been at this, i dont know that there has ever been a King sale that didnt crash the system. in this case, however, the store did something unexpected: it seems pretty rare that users would still able to check out much later if the item was in the cart. to me, that means despite a little delay, the quickest people got the tickets which would have been the case whether the system crashed or not, so in my opinion the store should get some recognition rather than be chastised.

of course i am disappointed i didn't get a ticket but if i am honest with myself, my luck is the exact opposite of Ari’s and it was always a long shot. im content because i know now that there will be copies on the secondary market and maybe my luck will be better there.

either way, congrats to everyone that got a ticket. im a little envious but still happy for you and hope to finally get the chance to meet some of you there.

[becca69]

My cancellation finally came thru. :cry:

What!? Don’t they know who they’re dealing with here???

:ninja:

[Randall Flagg]

Do you think it would be a nice gesture to hold a lottery for the ~400 people that were oversold and perhaps give out 10 signed books?

[Kingfan24]

Do you think it would be a nice gesture to hold a lottery for the ~400 people that were oversold and perhaps give out 10 signed books?

I think that would piss people off even more seeing as if those people would have successfully gotten tickets they were guaranteed a signed book.

[Randall Flagg]

Do you think it would be a nice gesture to hold a lottery for the ~400 people that were oversold and perhaps give out 10 signed books?

I think that would piss people off even more seeing as if those people would have successfully gotten tickets they were guaranteed a signed book.
I suppose you could always decline to be in the lottery, and thus continue to be pissed off forever. It was just a thought, and I did ask for opinions. Hopefully a few more people will chime in.

[becca69]

Of course I think any gesture of good faith is welcome. There will always be those who can’t be appeased.

[Aremag]

I think a lottery for a few consolation prizes would be a positive gesture due to not the server crashing but the fact that inventory control broke. I also don't think some of the people crying about it don't deserve it. After reading the Facebook comments and people knowingly buying tickets when it said there was negative tickets available, crying and stamping their feet like spoiled children and just acting like they were owed a ticket no matter what.

I think I'm one of the people that some people were crying about that got in "early" but I thought most people knew that you never hit the link at exactly noon or whatever time. Be it concert tickets, limited edition records, Stephen King events, etc...you always start refreshing that page a few minutes before the scheduled time.

[lotuz]

Do you think it would be a nice gesture to hold a lottery for the ~400 people that were oversold and perhaps give out 10 signed books?

It seems to be the consensus that King will either be insulated from this whole incident and not know, or find out about it and not give a shit. Given that, I think a scenario where they say (a) "Hey Mr. King, please sign 400 books to make everyone happy" is impossible while a scenario where they say (b) "Hey Mr.King, we had some issues, will you please sign 10 more books" might actually happen. So for the sake of everyone in this thread I hope it's (b)!

Also, this was a crazy thread to follow... what a rollercoaster (and I didn't even have potential tickets on the line)

[burial]

Do you think it would be a nice gesture to hold a lottery for the ~400 people that were oversold and perhaps give out 10 signed books?

at first glance it's a nice idea but...
I tried to get two tickets and wasn't able to checkout... and i was there in first minutes, tried few times. I tried, and tried i meantime i have seen some comments of people who succeeded...

Of course, as some of us mentioned, we are used to such things when it comes to lotteries of S/L's (etc "11/22/63") or event tickets. I wasn't surprised that there were problems.
I was not complaining, I was not crying... I kept in inside ;(

Then, they said that they oversell and not everyone who successfully made payment will receive their tickets. Wow - that sucks. But still - it was predictable.
If Scribner wasn't prepared for the lottery of SL "11/22/63" mentioned above and had to change the rules of the "lottery" in the middle of the process I'm not surprised now.

If there was supposed to be an additional lottery for those who paid and finally didn't qualify for tickets... well... why not for those who, most likely were at the ticket system first, and wasn't able to checkout?

I think some people (organizers and attendees) should leave it be and swallow this bitter pill...

I wish I was there with all of you (and this would be my first trip to US)... maybe another time

[RichardX]

It's interesting that so many people think it would be an enormous burden for King to sign 400 books. To such an extent that it would even impact his ability to write. My understanding is that on the last tour King would arrive before the event and sign the 500 books to be handed out that night. Someone opens them, slides it in front of him and he signs it. Like a machine. An hour or two max and it is done. I have no illusions whatsoever that will happen though. If everyone who wanted a signed book could get one, that would be great for us but the frenzy is something that is good for the book company and King's brand. I not saying it is intentional (the dreaded conspiracy theory) but a frenzy that crashes a server is good to promote his popularity.

With that said, I've still never received a confirmation or denial email from the store. They took my money though per my bank account. So I have no idea days later where it stands although 99.9% sure I'm of luck.

[tippy4]

It's interesting that so many people think it would be an enormous burden for King to sign 400 books. To such an extent that it would even impact his ability to write. My understanding is that on the last tour King would arrive before the event and sign the 500 books to be handed out that night. Someone opens them, slides it in front of him and he signs it. Like a machine. An hour or two max and it is done. I have no illusions whatsoever that will happen though. If everyone who wanted a signed book could get one, that would be great for us but the frenzy is something that is good for the book company and King's brand. I not saying it is intentional (the dreaded conspiracy theory) but a frenzy that crashes a server is good to promote his popularity.

With that said, I've still never received a confirmation or denial email from the store. They took my money though per my bank account. So I have no idea days later where it stands although 99.9% sure I'm of luck.

I don't think anybody here thinks it would be an "enormous burden"......he just does not want to do it and that is his prerogative.

Most of us here could probably afford to give $20 a week to a random homeless guy on the street and it would not be an enormous burden either (we've all seen each other's collections), but I doubt most of us do it.

No matter what......in either example there would be somebody who wants more.......and we all have to draw a line somewhere.

[Kingfan24]

It's interesting that so many people think it would be an enormous burden for King to sign 400 books. To such an extent that it would even impact his ability to write. My understanding is that on the last tour King would arrive before the event and sign the 500 books to be handed out that night. Someone opens them, slides it in front of him and he signs it. Like a machine. An hour or two max and it is done. I have no illusions whatsoever that will happen though. If everyone who wanted a signed book could get one, that would be great for us but the frenzy is something that is good for the book company and King's brand. I not saying it is intentional (the dreaded conspiracy theory) but a frenzy that crashes a server is good to promote his popularity.

With that said, I've still never received a confirmation or denial email from the store. They took my money though per my bank account. So I have no idea days later where it stands although 99.9% sure I'm of luck.

I don't think anybody here thinks it would be an "enormous burden"......he just does not want to do it and that is his prerogative.

Most of us here could probably afford to give $20 a week to a random homeless guy on the street and it would not be an enormous burden either (we've all seen each other's collections), but I doubt most of us do it.

No matter what......in either example there would be somebody who wants more.......and we all have to draw a line somewhere.

Nobody "wants more". What people wanted was a fair shake at getting tickets.

[tippy4]

It's interesting that so many people think it would be an enormous burden for King to sign 400 books. To such an extent that it would even impact his ability to write. My understanding is that on the last tour King would arrive before the event and sign the 500 books to be handed out that night. Someone opens them, slides it in front of him and he signs it. Like a machine. An hour or two max and it is done. I have no illusions whatsoever that will happen though. If everyone who wanted a signed book could get one, that would be great for us but the frenzy is something that is good for the book company and King's brand. I not saying it is intentional (the dreaded conspiracy theory) but a frenzy that crashes a server is good to promote his popularity.

With that said, I've still never received a confirmation or denial email from the store. They took my money though per my bank account. So I have no idea days later where it stands although 99.9% sure I'm of luck.

I don't think anybody here thinks it would be an "enormous burden"......he just does not want to do it and that is his prerogative.

Most of us here could probably afford to give $20 a week to a random homeless guy on the street and it would not be an enormous burden either (we've all seen each other's collections), but I doubt most of us do it.

No matter what......in either example there would be somebody who wants more.......and we all have to draw a line somewhere.

Nobody "wants more". What people wanted was a fair shake at getting tickets.

Not trying to be argumentative, and I am sympathetic to those who tried to get tickets and did not....but everyone did have a fair shake at getting tickets....as everyone had to deal with the same inadequate website.

Reading some of the posts here....it feels like a lot of folks feel that had the site worked properly, they would have gotten tickets.....and that is not necessarily the case.

I know it sucks that some people got confirmations only to then get an email saying that they didn't actually get tickets........but at the end of the day not getting tickets is not getting tickets....no matter how it happens.

[Rahfa]

Reading some of the posts here....it feels like a lot of folks feel that had the site worked properly, they would have gotten tickets.....and that is not necessarily the case.

I know it sucks that some people got confirmations only to then get an email saying that they didn't actually get tickets........but at the end of the day not getting tickets is not getting tickets....no matter how it happens.

Exactly - not so much here but the Facebook thread is hysterical - the entitlement, the whining, the crying. Pitiful. Here, fine, whatever - it's a thread devoted to complaining, and that's fine. But in public? What is wrong with these people?

Even if the website had worked perfectly, let's say there were 300 total deluxe tickets sold - that's only 150 people who can actually buy them (assuming 2 tix per person), but figure be conservative that 1000 people were trying to sign in at that time (it was obviously far more). 850 people would *still* be out of luck.

Yeah, it sucks to get the confirmation and THEN get screwed out of the ticket. But that's just life - you were still behind those 850 people (and it was actually way more). I do agree that it made the company look bad, not so much the crashed website, but the oversold tix. When I finally got through, it said a page like "you select 2 tix but there are -74 available" and then I knew what was up. I do not believe that PSB did anything but look at the timestamp of orders. (and if you signed in 'early,' that's not cheating -everybody knows how on-sale times work).

King wrote a book about this exact mentality of covetous and entitlement - "Needful Things." Anybody who spent more than 10 minutes genuinely upset about this needs to reevaluate their perspective.

The PSB Facebook thread is great - after reading it you will not want ANYBODY to get a signed book. Screw these selfish, whiny crybabies. Somebody even brought Kaepernick into it. Morons!

[Kingfan24]

Reading some of the posts here....it feels like a lot of folks feel that had the site worked properly, they would have gotten tickets.....and that is not necessarily the case.

I know it sucks that some people got confirmations only to then get an email saying that they didn't actually get tickets........but at the end of the day not getting tickets is not getting tickets....no matter how it happens.

Exactly - not so much here but the Facebook thread is hysterical - the entitlement, the whining, the crying. Pitiful. Here, fine, whatever - it's a thread devoted to complaining, and that's fine. But in public? What is wrong with these people?

Even if the website had worked perfectly, let's say there were 300 total deluxe tickets sold - that's only 150 people who can actually buy them (assuming 2 tix per person), but figure be conservative that 1000 people were trying to sign in at that time (it was obviously far more). 850 people would *still* be out of luck.

Yeah, it sucks to get the confirmation and THEN get screwed out of the ticket. But that's just life - you were still behind those 850 people (and it was actually way more). I do agree that it made the company look bad, not so much the crashed website, but the oversold tix. When I finally got through, it said a page like "you select 2 tix but there are -74 available" and then I knew what was up. I do not believe that PSB did anything but look at the timestamp of orders. (and if you signed in 'early,' that's not cheating -everybody knows how on-sale times work).

King wrote a book about this exact mentality of covetous and entitlement - "Needful Things." Anybody who spent more than 10 minutes genuinely upset about this needs to reevaluate their perspective.

The PSB Facebook thread is great - after reading it you will not want ANYBODY to get a signed book. Screw these selfish, whiny crybabies. Somebody even brought Kaepernick into it. Morons!

Oh please. People have a right to be upset. I seem to recall several king releases that a few people went ballistic about since there were website issues on release.

[M_O_O_N]

I missed out on the tickets, too. I believe the first number I saw was -101.

But then again I missed out on tickets to the Missoula, MT "Sleeping Beauties" event in 2017, too.

I'll just drown my sorrows with the money I saved not traveling across the county with a few more books and maybe going to see Mr. Hill when he comes to Portland, OR. later this month.

[webstar1000]

Reading some of the posts here....it feels like a lot of folks feel that had the site worked properly, they would have gotten tickets.....and that is not necessarily the case.

I know it sucks that some people got confirmations only to then get an email saying that they didn't actually get tickets........but at the end of the day not getting tickets is not getting tickets....no matter how it happens.

Exactly - not so much here but the Facebook thread is hysterical - the entitlement, the whining, the crying. Pitiful. Here, fine, whatever - it's a thread devoted to complaining, and that's fine. But in public? What is wrong with these people?

Even if the website had worked perfectly, let's say there were 300 total deluxe tickets sold - that's only 150 people who can actually buy them (assuming 2 tix per person), but figure be conservative that 1000 people were trying to sign in at that time (it was obviously far more). 850 people would *still* be out of luck.

Yeah, it sucks to get the confirmation and THEN get screwed out of the ticket. But that's just life - you were still behind those 850 people (and it was actually way more). I do agree that it made the company look bad, not so much the crashed website, but the oversold tix. When I finally got through, it said a page like "you select 2 tix but there are -74 available" and then I knew what was up. I do not believe that PSB did anything but look at the timestamp of orders. (and if you signed in 'early,' that's not cheating -everybody knows how on-sale times work).

King wrote a book about this exact mentality of covetous and entitlement - "Needful Things." Anybody who spent more than 10 minutes genuinely upset about this needs to reevaluate their perspective.

The PSB Facebook thread is great - after reading it you will not want ANYBODY to get a signed book. Screw these selfish, whiny crybabies. Somebody even brought Kaepernick into it. Morons!

Oh please. People have a right to be upset. I seem to recall several king releases that a few people went ballistic about since there were website issues on release.

I agree Nick. People do have a right to be pissed. Taking the money and giving hope like that for something that so many feel so passionately about.... then to rip it away? Yep, damm right they have a right. King collecting is an emotional thing as we all know.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[WeDealInLead]

Turn all the complainers into fertilizer and give it to King for his garden. It can be called The Garden of Entitled Narcissistic Assholes Who Wouldn't Shut the Fuck Up and Now They're Dead.

[M_O_O_N]

Turn all the complainers into fertilizer and give it to King for his garden. It can be called The Garden of Entitled Narcissistic Assholes Who Wouldn't Shut the Fuck Up and Now They're Dead.

I would buy a 10 pound bag if King would sign it.

[webstar1000]

Turn all the complainers into fertilizer and give it to King for his garden. It can be called The Garden of Entitled Narcissistic Assholes Who Wouldn't Shut the Fuck Up and Now They're Dead.

I would buy a 10 pound bag if King would sign it.

Lol


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Room 217 Caretaker]

Turn all the complainers into fertilizer and give it to King for his garden. It can be called The Garden of Entitled Narcissistic Assholes Who Wouldn't Shut the Fuck Up and Now They're Dead.

I would buy a 10 pound bag if King would sign it.

Lol


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I hear it's really good for growing delicious sweet corn.

Mulleins

[WeDealInLead]

It really is. It helps if you sprinkle a few complainy tears harvested at the peak hysteria stage. If we oversell by *cough* accident, we'll harvest more from the second generation.

[tippy4]

Welcome back rahfa....you have been missed sir!

[RichardX]

It's interesting that so many people think it would be an enormous burden for King to sign 400 books. To such an extent that it would even impact his ability to write. My understanding is that on the last tour King would arrive before the event and sign the 500 books to be handed out that night. Someone opens them, slides it in front of him and he signs it. Like a machine. An hour or two max and it is done. I have no illusions whatsoever that will happen though. If everyone who wanted a signed book could get one, that would be great for us but the frenzy is something that is good for the book company and King's brand. I not saying it is intentional (the dreaded conspiracy theory) but a frenzy that crashes a server is good to promote his popularity.

With that said, I've still never received a confirmation or denial email from the store. They took my money though per my bank account. So I have no idea days later where it stands although 99.9% sure I'm of luck.

I don't think anybody here thinks it would be an "enormous burden"......he just does not want to do it and that is his prerogative.

Most of us here could probably afford to give $20 a week to a random homeless guy on the street and it would not be an enormous burden either (we've all seen each other's collections), but I doubt most of us do it.

No matter what......in either example there would be somebody who wants more.......and we all have to draw a line somewhere.

As I said, I have no expectation whatsoever that King will sign any extra copies. He has no obligation to do so. It would be the right thing to do here but not happening. Just addressing the claim that I've seen many times that signing books is an onerous task that detracts from his ability to write. It would take him a couple of hours to sign books for those who purchased them.

btw: They still have my money and I haven't received an email. At what point do I have permission to complain?

[tippy4]

I would not complain at all.......as far as I am concerned you have a ticket.

Did you set up an account with them?

If you did you can check your order status and see it it says COMPLETED.

[Randall Flagg]

Just because someone thinks that you have a ticket isn't a good reason to make non-refundable travel reservations.

Point being, confirm before spending on travel.

[Heather19]

Out of curiosity, for those of you that had your tickets cancelled, did you see a neg number of tickets when you ordered? I never did, but was curious since some people have mentioned it.

Also I had a dream last night that I received another email from them saying that my tickets were confirmed, and hadn't been canceled. Too bad it was just a dream :lol:

[EXPLORER]

Out of curiosity, for those of you that had your tickets cancelled, did you see a neg number of tickets when you ordered? I never did, but was curious since some people have mentioned it.

Also I had a dream last night that I received another email from them saying that my tickets were confirmed, and hadn't been canceled. Too bad it was just a dream :lol:

"A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes"

[Roseannebarr]

Out of curiosity, for those of you that had your tickets cancelled, did you see a neg number of tickets when you ordered? I never did, but was curious since some people have mentioned it.

Also I had a dream last night that I received another email from them saying that my tickets were confirmed, and hadn't been canceled. Too bad it was just a dream :lol:

Yes! Negative number was showing. My friend had -277.

[Randall Flagg]

Mine never showed a negative number (I had already heard about that issue and was looking), but more order was cancelled.

[Randall Flagg]

Posted an Interview King did for The Observer on September 8, 2019 here (post 158) (http://www.thedarktower.org/palaver/showthread.php?21571-Stephen-King-s-new-novel-The-Institute-(September-10-2019)&p=1165834#post1165834).

[BadHatHarry]

Out of curiosity, for those of you that had your tickets cancelled, did you see a neg number of tickets when you ordered? I never did, but was curious since some people have mentioned it.

Also I had a dream last night that I received another email from them saying that my tickets were confirmed, and hadn't been canceled. Too bad it was just a dream :lol:

Is a dream a lie if it don't come true, or is it something worse?

[becca69]

Out of curiosity, for those of you that had your tickets cancelled, did you see a neg number of tickets when you ordered? I never did, but was curious since some people have mentioned it.

Also I had a dream last night that I received another email from them saying that my tickets were confirmed, and hadn't been canceled. Too bad it was just a dream :lol:

No, didn't see a negative.

[surly]

Out of curiosity, for those of you that had your tickets cancelled, did you see a neg number of tickets when you ordered? I never did, but was curious since some people have mentioned it.

Also I had a dream last night that I received another email from them saying that my tickets were confirmed, and hadn't been canceled. Too bad it was just a dream :lol:

No, didn't see a negative.

The negitive numbers didn't start showing up until they stopped accepting any orders.

[Heather19]

Out of curiosity, for those of you that had your tickets cancelled, did you see a neg number of tickets when you ordered? I never did, but was curious since some people have mentioned it.

Also I had a dream last night that I received another email from them saying that my tickets were confirmed, and hadn't been canceled. Too bad it was just a dream :lol:

"A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes"

I like that quote, sums it up perfectly.




Is a dream a lie if it don't come true, or is it something worse?
I know, I guess it was more a nightmare, it's like I was burned twice :lol:

[Kingfan24]

Mine never showed a negative number.

[Randall Flagg]

Out of curiosity, for those of you that had your tickets cancelled, did you see a neg number of tickets when you ordered? I never did, but was curious since some people have mentioned it.

Also I had a dream last night that I received another email from them saying that my tickets were confirmed, and hadn't been canceled. Too bad it was just a dream :lol:

Is a dream a lie if it don't come true, or is it something worse?

Depends on whether or not you have to change the sheets.

[Roseannebarr]

Out of curiosity, for those of you that had your tickets cancelled, did you see a neg number of tickets when you ordered? I never did, but was curious since some people have mentioned it.

Also I had a dream last night that I received another email from them saying that my tickets were confirmed, and hadn't been canceled. Too bad it was just a dream :lol:

No, didn't see a negative.

The negitive numbers didn't start showing up until they stopped accepting any orders.


our order was accepted and paid and then declined by the book store ORDER #50725

[Randall Flagg]

We are sort of beating a dead horse here. Unless you have something significant to add, please just let the thread be.

[Garrell]

Anyone that got tickets hear back from Porters yet? I haven't.

[Garrell]

Also....I am going, wife bought airline tickets for my birthday. From Indy to Cali, to Boston and back to Cali, then back home. All in one week. We are on vacation in Cali that week.

[Randall Flagg]

Lot of travel, but should be a fantastic vacation.

[Aremag]

Does anyone know how they are doing seating? Reserved seats based on order # or mad scramble free for all where people get trampled like its a 1979 Who show?

[Randall Flagg]

Wouldn't suprise me if it's assigned seating, then when you get there 3 people are assigned to your seat.

[tippy4]

Also....I am going, wife bought airline tickets for my birthday. From Indy to Cali, to Boston and back to Cali, then back home. All in one week. We are on vacation in Cali that week.

Cali .......as in California?

[Garrell]

Yep, my son, sister, grandson and others live there. Is where I went to High School and lived in the central valley a long time.

[Br!an]

Also....I am going, wife bought airline tickets for my birthday. From Indy to Cali, to Boston and back to Cali, then back home. All in one week. We are on vacation in Cali that week.

Cali .......as in California?

Isn't that a cartel in Mexico?

[sgc1999]

Also....I am going, wife bought airline tickets for my birthday. From Indy to Cali, to Boston and back to Cali, then back home. All in one week. We are on vacation in Cali that week.

Cali .......as in California?

Isn't that a cartel in Mexico?

Thats not funny...do you have any idea what they did to Rambo..

[Munnecom]

Is a dream a lie if it don't come true, or is it something worse?

My favourite line from my favourite song! :emot-cthulhu:

[superpm]

Here's the information I received to an email inquiry last week. Based on the response, there should be another email forthcoming to each ticket holder prior to the event.



"Hi Don, thanks for being in touch.
We will be sending out another email with more precise directions just before the event. We will be following a list and signing folks in at the theater. All seating is general admission (no assigned seating) and books will be distributed as you exit the event. We plan to open doors of the theater around 5:30pm.
Hope that helps and all best, Leila"




Does anyone know how they are doing seating? Reserved seats based on order # or mad scramble free for all where people get trampled like its a 1979 Who show?

[Aremag]

Oh it's been awhile since I had to queue up for an event. Guess I'll be heading up earlier than I planned.

[Garrell]

We are staying at Porter Square Hotel so we are close

[BadHatHarry]

I called to triple-confirm my reservation, but haven't heard anything yet from the store. I assume they'll send out something in October proper. Glad we booked an early flight if they are opening doors at 5:30.

We decided to make a mini-vacation out of it, too. Took a couple days off work, put the kids in storage, and have a night couple nights in decent weather. Taking the train from our hotel to the event, but we're in downtown Boston, so it shouldn't be too long to get there.

[surly]

I will likely post this one or twice more before the date, but wanted to throw it out to the universe:

I imagine that some of you may have secured an extra deluxe ticket with the intention of selling the second copy. Although I was not lucky enough to get a ticket, I will be in town for the event and would be looking to purchase a signed copy on site and save the hassle of shipping. If anyone might be interested in selling their extra copy after the event, send me a PM and we can talk.

[Roseannebarr]

GOT 'EM!

Can i be your PLUS 1. :rock:

More negative feedback for me! I guess my emoji did not express enough sarcasm from me and my excitement for Ari. Who is a very nice guy! I would like the chicken that posted to let me know who he is. So I don’t ever send him anything! Or respond to his post! Such a chicken and ruins my sarcastic fun! Just be a man and quit hiding behind a curtain

[Ari_Racing]

I can't give you more positive points at this stage, Glenn. :D Thanks for your comment

(just in case, no, I wasn't. I never gave neg points.)

[Garrell]

Anyone heard from Porter Square about our tickets yet?

[Roseannebarr]

I can't give you more positive points at this stage, Glenn. :D Thanks for your comment

(just in case, no, I wasn't. I never gave neg points.)


I never give NEG rep. I think it is CHICKEN S. (I think I narrowed it down to 3).

but I knew it wasn't you. :panic:

[Garrell]

UPDATE
Just got off the phone with them and nothing as been sent yet. They said most likely it will be a list with names on it for entry.

[superpm]

The person who planned to attend this event with me had to cancel due to a work conflict. So I have one (1) DELUXE Ticket to the event that I am willing to sell to a forum member. I will accept offers via PM until 6pm EDT, October 3rd. Best offer gets the ticket. - SOLD



Best,


Don

[Beverly Marsh]

Almost here! Hope to meet some of you in person. Of course you don't know what I look like and vice versa, lol, but hey, if you see a group of folks sitting in chairs playing IT monopoly that's us! Come say hi!
Hope everyone has a blast and for those random regular tickets(like me!) good luck on getting a signed copy!

[Aremag]

Has anyone received any follow up email from Porter Square Books about the event?

[Ari_Racing]

I didn't. I wrote them an email today since I'm flying tomorrow.

[webstar1000]

I do not know anyone that has gotten their tickets yet!

[Roseannebarr]

Everything will be explained in an EMAIL from Porter Square Books. Email should be sent later this afternoon.

If you bought tickets from Ticketmaster and asked for hard copy tickets you should have received them a few weeks ago.

Deluxe tickets, I printed out my confirmation number and put them in an envelope. Originally, they planned to check each individual with ID and make us wait in line. I don't think much will change with that plan. they will tell us where to go and time they open the doors.

[Room 217 Caretaker]

Look forward to seeing pictures from the event and hearing all the fun stories.

Wish I could have made this trip.

Have fun everyone.

Mulleins

[Roseannebarr]

From PORTER SQUARE BOOKS:


At the theater, we will have a Deluxe Ticket Holders table in the lobby, to the left of the entrance by the concessions stand, for deluxe ticket holders to check in. Please bring your ID and have your order confirmation number handy. We will be checking your name off of our list of deluxe ticket holders, so your name must be on our list. (Contact us directly if you’re concerned that the name on the list is not the correct one.) If you have two tickets, you must have your guest with you as you check in. Once we’ve checked you on our list, we’ll hand you a ticket for entry into the event and put a wristband on you that will allow you to pick up your books at the end of the evening.

At the conclusion of the talk, you will return to this same Deluxe Ticket Holders table in the lobby in order to pick up your signed books. You will need to show your wristband so do not remove it before the event ends! Please bear in mind that while we’ll be getting your books to you as quickly as we can, given the size of the event, there may be some wait time. (Feel free to hang out in your seats to avoid the rush of traffic when the event ends – your signed copies are guaranteed.)

Have a question you’d like to ask Stephen or Joe? We’ll have index cards on hand as you enter where you can write your questions. Make sure to get your index card to a staff member before the event begins and we’ll hand them all over to the authors, who just might choose yours!

A few reminders about our event, as per the guidelines we put out when tickets went on sale:
• No recording or photography during the event is permitted.
• We will not be shipping books from the event, and no late or early pick up is allowed. Everyone will get their books at the end of the evening. You must pick up your books at the event itself, in person; we’re unfortunately unable to make any exceptions.
• All seating is general admission.
• We will not be issuing refunds – so plan to be there!
Please respect your fellow attendees by following these guidelines, which we’ve set in place in order to ensure that everyone has a wonderful evening surrounded by fellow fans of these brilliant writers.

[Ari_Racing]

No pics? Come on! Just one at least :D

[wizardsrainbow]

I am just back from 2 week holiday. I will be attending tomorrow night (as a guest) of someone here. I hope to meet/see some of you there.

[RichardX]

Sounds like the Beantown weather is going to be a bear. Talking power outages and airport delays. Hold on to your books.

[EXPLORER]

Sounds like the Beantown weather is going to be a bear. Talking power outages and airport delays. Hold on to your books.…
Our flight arrived early,, Ran into a couple tdters already hope to share time with others tonight/tomorrow.

[surly]

got in this afternoon. its grey and drizzly but so far the weather is holding.
is there a rally point others are meeting at?

[willie3]

I am just back from 2 week holiday. I will be attending tomorrow night (as a guest) of someone here. I hope to meet/see some of you there.

My lovely wife and I fly in tomorrow, David looking forward to seeing you again, been way too long.
Going to try and shake Ari’s hand, maybe some of that good karma will transfer.

[Garrell]

Got to SFO a little early. On our way to Boston. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191010/e1156ed45478c29988061b5e4a984ae3.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191010/09b950360d420a77cde211a56d3323a4.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[stm08007]

From PORTER SQUARE BOOKS:


At the theater, we will have a Deluxe Ticket Holders table in the lobby, to the left of the entrance by the concessions stand, for deluxe ticket holders to check in. Please bring your ID and have your order confirmation number handy. We will be checking your name off of our list of deluxe ticket holders, so your name must be on our list. (Contact us directly if you’re concerned that the name on the list is not the correct one.) If you have two tickets, you must have your guest with you as you check in. Once we’ve checked you on our list, we’ll hand you a ticket for entry into the event and put a wristband on you that will allow you to pick up your books at the end of the evening.

At the conclusion of the talk, you will return to this same Deluxe Ticket Holders table in the lobby in order to pick up your signed books. You will need to show your wristband so do not remove it before the event ends! Please bear in mind that while we’ll be getting your books to you as quickly as we can, given the size of the event, there may be some wait time. (Feel free to hang out in your seats to avoid the rush of traffic when the event ends – your signed copies are guaranteed.)

Have a question you’d like to ask Stephen or Joe? We’ll have index cards on hand as you enter where you can write your questions. Make sure to get your index card to a staff member before the event begins and we’ll hand them all over to the authors, who just might choose yours!

A few reminders about our event, as per the guidelines we put out when tickets went on sale:
• No recording or photography during the event is permitted.
• We will not be shipping books from the event, and no late or early pick up is allowed. Everyone will get their books at the end of the evening. You must pick up your books at the event itself, in person; we’re unfortunately unable to make any exceptions.
• All seating is general admission.
• We will not be issuing refunds – so plan to be there!
Please respect your fellow attendees by following these guidelines, which we’ve set in place in order to ensure that everyone has a wonderful evening surrounded by fellow fans of these brilliant writers.

Was this sent to everyone? I did not get an email with this info.... (But my order did go through)
Also never been to an event like this--- I take it that it isn't worthwhile to bring in another book in hopes that he signs books at the end?

[Randall Flagg]

The only reason to bring another book (any title), is if you have an inkling where you might find SK before or after the event. Getting another book signed AT the actual event is almost always impossible.

[Randall Flagg]

Received this email from the ABA:


We’re so sorry,
On Friday, September 13, 2019, at noon (EST) tickets for an event with Stephen King and Joe Hill went on sale on PorterSquareBooks.com (http://portersquarebooks.com). Within minutes the Porter Square Books website crashed and remained down for almost an hour.
The PorterSquareBooks.com (http://portersquarebooks.com) website is hosted by the American Booksellers Association (ABA) as part of our IndieCommerce, e-commerce service for independent booksellers. We run the servers and the software for the Porter Square Books website. The responsibility for the September 13 PorterSquareBooks.com (http://portersquarebooks.com) outage lies solely with the IndieCommerce platform.
On behalf of Porter Square Books ABA apologizes for the inconvenience and frustration that this outage may have caused you. To show our sincere regret for this outage, we would like to offer you a $20 gift code/card.
We’ve set up a web page just for you, where you can select a preferred independent bookstore to issue you your gift code. Once you have made your selection, you will receive a confirmation email.
Again, our sincerest apology for this incident. If you have any questions, please feel free to email or call me.
Kind Regards,
Phillip Davies
Phillip Davies | Director

[Aremag]

It’s a little chilly at the end of the line but at least it’s not raining.

[Garrell]

Eating at Oath pizzas round the corner before we go


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BadHatHarry]

Theater is packed already and it’s still quite a while until showtime. The line was long way early!!

[sentinel]

Received this email from the ABA:


We’re so sorry,
On Friday, September 13, 2019, at noon (EST) tickets for an event with Stephen King and Joe Hill went on sale on PorterSquareBooks.com (http://portersquarebooks.com). Within minutes the Porter Square Books website crashed and remained down for almost an hour.
The PorterSquareBooks.com (http://portersquarebooks.com) website is hosted by the American Booksellers Association (ABA) as part of our IndieCommerce, e-commerce service for independent booksellers. We run the servers and the software for the Porter Square Books website. The responsibility for the September 13 PorterSquareBooks.com (http://portersquarebooks.com) outage lies solely with the IndieCommerce platform.
On behalf of Porter Square Books ABA apologizes for the inconvenience and frustration that this outage may have caused you. To show our sincere regret for this outage, we would like to offer you a $20 gift code/card.
We’ve set up a web page just for you, where you can select a preferred independent bookstore to issue you your gift code. Once you have made your selection, you will receive a confirmation email.
Again, our sincerest apology for this incident. If you have any questions, please feel free to email or call me.
Kind Regards,
Phillip Davies
Phillip Davies | Director

Hey Jerome,
Was there a link to a website?
I didn't even get this and I had the tickets in the basket but could never get confirmation.
-K

[Br!an]

No pre-show meet-ups?

[Garrell]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191011/1379e5c9614174ee8971aac1e755ca6b.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191011/8cc302a12cb3d950b55df0db5a2e8361.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191011/eb04c91ea865b4a74889e25f03b0821f.jpg


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[Room 217 Caretaker]

Wow!

Mulleins

[Br!an]

Nice!

[Aronstg]

I'm looking forward to hearing how the speaking engagement went. I imagine it was a fun night to hear those two talk.

[Garrell]

I'm looking forward to hearing how the speaking engagement went. I imagine it was a fun night to hear those two talk.
Was an absolute blast. They played off each other like Laurel and Hardy. They were on stage for an hour and half. Great q&a stuff between each other. Porter Square Books said they were recording it and it would be available somewhere. Was also really cool to see some tdt.org peeps. Paul Trembley was in the house also according to Mr. King. Would have been nice to meet him.

[EXPLORER]

I'm looking forward to hearing how the speaking engagement went. I imagine it was a fun night to hear those two talk. Very good interaction between the Father and Son. Better questions from one-another than those picked from the audience.