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These types of practice are normal in the business world, but have not been (and complete disregards) tradition in the convention scene. It does not cater or service the fans.
Personally, I won't pay for an autograph or a photo op because it would make me feel like a fool and I honestly can't think of a single celebrity that would overcome that feeling. But, as long as plenty of fans will do so, the evolution toward seeing "fans as a source of revenue" will continue. The only thing that will make it stop if for people to just balk and not pay.
I agree with this, it feels very foolish to pay for a photo or autograph. I've only ever considered it once and it was for Nichelle Nichols b/c she's such an icon and history-maker. I know she didn't come out of Star Trek with the kind of deals celebrities get today and I wouldn't mind paying her for the opportunity. Current celebrities though? Give me a break. No way man. They are already making more per year than I've made so far in my entire life. Nope.
I think think the unfortunate prospect here is that if this succeeds financially, it sets a precedent for more panels that might have been part of the convention to get set aside as separate events with separate tickets.I certainly have attended "one man show" type events on Broadway and Off-Broadway. I went to Hugh Jackman's years ago. It was good. But, this seems like a trial balloon to see if they can move some events from being part of the convention to being a separate charge.