February 16, 2006
Morning Roundup: The Pre-Sale Edition
A couple of months back we posted information on a pre-sale for tickets to see the Foo Fighters in a special, one night only show at the 9:30 Club. Needless to say, our decision wasn't met with kind words from the band's "real" fans, who proceeded to leave us all types of dirty comments and even went as far as to post the address of yours truly on a 9:30 Club Forum thread. So when we heard of the pre-sale starting today at 10 a.m. for the April 11 Death Cab for Cutie and Franz Ferdinand at DAR Constitution Hall, we pretty quickly decided that someone else should get crapped on for revealing the pre-sale's password. Did you read D.C. Metblogs today?
Williams Promotes Rent Control Test: D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams has started promoting a plan by which access to rent controlled housing units in the District would be linked to the income of prospective tenants, writes the Post. Under his plan, new renters would have to verify their income to ensure that they pay no more than 30 percent of their income in rent. The city's rent control law covers 100,000 units in the District, and is currently undergoing a series of changes under the leadership of Council-member Jim Graham (D-Ward 1).
Robberies Rise on Metro: While overall ridership has increased and serious crime decreased on Metro in the last year, the amount of robberies increased 10 percent, reports the Examiner. According to Metro Transit Police, there were 328 robberies among 1,144 serious crimes reported in 2005, with North face jackets and iPods remaining the chief targets. The rise in robberies parallels similar increases in the District and Prince George's County.
Fairfax County Hearts Pedestrians: Fairfax County officials have announced a multi-year, multi-million dollar campaign to lower the amount of pedestrian deaths in the county, writes NBC 4. Concerned with the 15 people that died trying to cross roads in the county last year, officials are planning on spending $60 million over the next decade on pedestrian safety initiatives, including building a $5 million pedestrian bridge over a stretch of Route 50.
Briefly Noted: Cropp campaign contributions audited ... Air Force Memorial construction moves forward ... National Zoo begins accepting old cell phones ... Amish buggy involved in serious accident ... Maryland Governor not confident in state's voting system.
Picture snapped by mobileOpus.
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Nothing mentioned on DC USA in the Heights?
http://columbiaheightsdc.com
Funny thing is, I got my 9:30 club post about the pre-sale today, and the first thought that came to my mind, sadly was, did DCist announce it and give away the password. And while it didn't do that exactly, sure enough, right on the first blog of the day, here's how to get your password. While I completely agree that you should let people know of events, I don't think it's right to give away the pre-sale info. If you wern't smart enough to sign up for the 9:30 list by now, then you shouldn't be rewarded with pre-sale info. If they want the pre-sale info, send them to the 9:30 website and tell them to sign up. Let 9:30 give the password away not you.
yes, because the true test of real fandom is whether or not you figured out the closely guarded mystic secret that is the (*whispering*) 930 club listserv. shhhhhhhhh
Actually no, I didn't say anything about the "true test of real fandom", what I said is if you wern't smart enough to sign up for the 9:30 list, then why should you get the password.
sorry that should be, weren't and not wern't.
All is forgive, the 930 club will host Cowboy Mouth in March!!!
Where'd they go? It's 10. The only link I see is not for me, unless I got a leg amputated that is.
Well, as of 10:06, there weren't even any single tickets left. I find that a little hard to believe.
Ah well.
Don't freak out. I actually was able to get tickets. Sec J, Row M. Literally some of the worst seats in Constitution Hall. Needless to say, I passed on them. Moral of the story: Presale tickets for non-general admission tickets are a waste of time.
But, DCist, you are completely wrong about posting presale info. Seriously. You're alienating a lot of your most avid readers (like me). Like Richard, when I got my presale info, my FIRST thought was whether you guys had spoiled it for everyone. A shame.
Nothing like failing to get tickets twice to make me feel like a failure at life. I'm just going to nip off and shoot myself now. Haven't decided if I'll mention DCist in my final note or not, I guess that's debateable.
It is absolutely impossible for you people to shut the f*ck up for once, is it? When I got my email last night, that's the first thing I thought too, epmd. I kept telling myself, there's NO way dcist is going to do this again, especially just a couple days after the last time they were blasted. And here you are, you showed a LITTLE restraint, but not much. Incredible.
Geesh. Gotta applaud Metroblogs for getting diplomatic immunity when it comes to presales!
Guys,
If you're mad about not getting tickets, and you just want a target for your frustrations, then that's cool by us, we're happy to be that for you. But you have to know that there was no chance of these bands not selling out the pre-sale tickets in seconds, regardless of what we did. Things like this for bands like that are a total crapshoot. Let's be real about this.
So I've not been able to get tickets. What's the deal? Did they not release enough? Wait for Saturday?
Are presales for assigned seating tickets generally for crappy seats? I'm honestly asking -- I've only ever bought presale tickets for general admission shows.
Actually I did get tickets. And I still don't think it's right to give away the pre-sale info. But that's just my feelings. And you're right it is a total crapshoot if you get tickets or not, but giving away the information, makes that crapshoot even harder.
Seriously, some of you people are unbelievable. We didn't give out any password this time. Hell, we didn't even link to a site that gave out the password. Yet we still get crapped on for being the reason the pre-sale tickets sold out in 5 minutes. Unbelievable.
The complainers use of the phrase "when I got my email" is telling. "Your" email?
By that, they mean, the free email everyone on the 930 listserv gets. Go subscribe and you'll get the same information. And you'll see that the 930 club email and the news you get from places like DCist or, in this case, Metroblogs, is what's known as a different name for the same thing.
Now, everybody go find a new scapegoat
You guys *should* have posted the password. At least then you could deflect criticism by taking the stance of offering information to your readership. Instead you just look like cowards who are more interested in a good sh&tstir...
Eh, I think it's a loud and very tiny minority who are actually annoyed. I got the presale info a couple days back, but nonetheless appreciated the reminder here. (Not that I managed to get tickets . . .). Keep the information flowing, DCist.
Ryan, I don't have a lot of time to explain this to you because I am studying for the California Bar next week. But... really quickly, let me explain why you are totally wrong.
The whole concept behind a PRE-sale is that the band/venue has made a conscious decision to reward certain devoted fans with access to tickets before the mass public goes after them. The band/venue has an interest in keeping devoted fans just that - devoted. And to do so, they throw us a (minimal) bone by opening up a few tickets early. Then DCist comes in. You guys post it on this website, which is read by TONS of people in Washington, DC (congratulations on that, BTW). But, essentially, what you have done is taken any "PRE" out of the PRE-sale and opened up this special access to the general public, in direct contradiction with what the band wanted to do by creating the presale.
The argument that this is some sort of elitist position that only "true" fans deserve to see the show is intellectually lazy. Obviously any fan in the world has the right to buy tickets when they go on sale to the general public Saturday morning. But this is a PRE-sale, and by divulging this information, you essentially put it on the same footing as the General Public Onsale, defeating the express desire of the band/venue in creating this alternate way for their devoted fans to get tickets. I personally don't see it as your role to do so. Obviously you do. We agree to disagree.
On to studying! Oh yeah, other than this one issue, DCist rules!
Word.
Scott
Why are people getting so angry about this? I mean seriously, I'm sure with a venue as large as Constitution Hall anyone will be able to buy tickets off of Craigs List or Ebay for 60-75 bucks tops. Sure that seems like a lot of money for a ticket, but really, come on, its not really that much money. It's only like 25-30 bucks above face. How many times have you gone to a show and bought some t-shirt for 20 bucks you didn't really need, or bought beers at the 9:30 for $5 a pop you could've done without?
I understand the feeling that you're paying a middleman for something they didn't "earn". But come on, unless a secondary market doesn't emerge (which it almost always does, especially for a venue this large) you're not really being that screwed. Clearly the market price for tickets is above what they first sold them for. Why should you be entitled to pay below market price? Because you signed up on the 9:30 website?
OMG 31337!
man, you guys are jerks! you guys made mention of pre-sale site within another post not explicitly mentioning the show that then linked to someone else's blog that gave out the password for to use at third site for me then to buy tix, if I actually wanted them. because of you, I couldn't get any tix before the general admission sale opens up on saturday. you guys suck!
the level of absurdity of the griping is just ridiculous. and I thought my gripes were petty...
Presales that are posted to the 9:30 club listserv are NOT for devoted fans. They are a way to build up marketing buzz for a show. If it were truly for devoted fans, it would only go out on a fan club listserv. So, if you are pissed that DCist or Metroblogs posted something that EVERYONE who gets the 9:30 listserv got, then you don't really understand the concept of marketing. If it were really for fans, the band would have posted a message themselves.
Much love to the fans, though. Keep it up DCist!
Well said, Scott!
Any band who talks about "true fans" is too big for its own good. Thats why I bought 4 tickest to see two bands who I don't even like to sell to "true fans"
but really... the 930 club sent out an email with the password at the top to its ENTIRE email list, don't blame DCist.
Also, how can "true fans" gripe about any band that seth cohen sings the praises of.
Yes, it would have been cool to see death cab back when they played the black cat with the dismemberment plan back in the day; however, thats over long live the OC.
"The whole concept behind a PRE-sale is that the band/venue has made a conscious decision to reward certain devoted fans with access to tickets before the mass public goes after them."
Devoted? I don't think that's really accurate. I've never bought a DCFC cd in my life and I got the email. I imagine the real reason that venues have presales is to generate buzz, not reward anyone. If they wanted to reward someone, they'd put them on the guest list. Same goes for the band. They have a lot of means to limit tickets to a preferred group, but sending info out on a venue list/serv is not exactly the best way.
And good luck on the Cali bar. It's a bitch. (sidenote to DCist, have you ever done a survey of your readers to determine how many are lawyers/law students? It seems to be a high percentage, which would reflect DC's population).
DCist did a shout out to lawyers awhile back: http://www.dcist.com/archives/2006/01/31/the_multitaskin.php
How about a shout out to us in the computer industry!!!!
"The whole concept behind a PRE-sale is that the band/venue has made a conscious decision to reward certain devoted fans with access to tickets before the mass public goes after them."
Scott, I am curious what behavior, other than possessing an e-mail address, that you feel you should be rewarded for? It must be pretty special given that the 930 Club and/or DCFC heard about it.
In the coming years, the current pre-sale model will become extinct and ultimately making it difficult for websites to announce passwords, etc. I think more bands will start using iTunes and other digital music services to offer advance sales. E.g., "buy this exclusive track, not found on the album (natch), and receive an individualized code to access a special site to purchase tickets in advance."
Look, instead of having a music section to your blog, why don't you guys just have a section called "930 club listserv". All you have to do is repost every single email you get from them. It'll be easier, and just as valuable.
This presale discussion crap is BY FAR the dumbest discussion I've ever seen on DCist. The fact that people think they are "bigger fans" of certain bands and "deserve" instant access to presale tickets is a load of crap. All you've done is insert your e-mail address into some web form. For all we know, you just heard Franz Ferdinand for the first time yesterday or you've been a fan of Death Cab since Plans came out a few months back. Give me a break. These ridiculous attacks on DCist for giving out presale information should stop. It's childish and petty.
Maybe, when people claim that we're interfering with "true fans" getting tickets, we're wrong to assume that they are talking about "true" Death Cab For Cutie fans. Maybe these gripes are coming from the true fans of IMP Productions.
On the other hand, I bet IMP's true fans just get put on the guest list, too.
Waaaah! I couldn't get tickets! It's all DCist's fault!
Do everyone a favor and get the fuck over it, you fucking pussies.
So, that's 2 pre-sales for this concert that sold out in minutes. I don't get it - we're not talking about the Rolling Stones here. DCFC can't be creating this much buzz - I saw them at the Black Cat a few months ago and had no problem getting tickets. It's got to be about Franz Ferdinand, right?
"I mean seriously, I'm sure with a venue as large as Constitution Hall anyone will be able to buy tickets off of Craigs List or Ebay for 60-75 bucks tops. Sure that seems like a lot of money for a ticket, but really, come on, its not really that much money. It's only like 25-30 bucks above face."
ARGH. First of all, it IS that much money to those of us in the public sector who make nothing ($25 = half a week's worth of food!!) And secondly, part of the reason these damn shows sell out so fast is because that 20-30 bucks (or 100+ bucks in the case of the last DCFC concert) goes to SCALPERS who buy up a considerable percentage of the tickets in the presales. Why is it a comforting thought that I can go to the show no matter what if I just give my milk money to some jerk who is trying to capitalize off my love for good music?!
On a completely separate note, wasn't this presale on Tuesday? That's when I got my tix (I'm one of those geeks -- ahem, "true fans" -- who's on the DCFC mailing list). It seems weird to have two presales within two days of one another...
Anyone who buys that the "pre-sale" is somehow a reward for "true-fans" is out of their minds. How can you eat up that marketing crap? As several posts have already noted, the entire point is to generate buzz and make the tens of thousands of recipients feel like they are somehow part of a non-existant "scene".
Scott, your post says exactly what the marketing campaign is intended to make you believe. I hope you're better at the Bar than you are at life.
On another note: A not-so-subtle sidenote implying you've been to law school does nothing to improve the validity of your thoughts in the eye or your readers. Seriously, that was really cheesy and transparent.
Alv, Depeche Mode did that very thing with their last album and tour. Charged $75 for tickets too. Ouch.
If DCIst really has the power to sell out concerts in the blink of an eye, why weren't more of you at the Black Cat last night to see Nethers? What an amazing show.
I'd refute your argument, YNSS, but I'm busy filling out my application for admission to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.
Anyone want to buy two tickets?
Two things:
1. I'm all about everyone having access and such, but I guess I'm in the camp with "those who went through the trouble of signing up to the 930 listserv should be the ones who get the password". While I don't think this signing up and getting presale is for the "true fans" (that's nonsense), those who get the 930 email still went through the trouble of filling out the little form b/c they wanted to be up to date on 930 shows. So they should get the "reward" if you will. For those saying DCist should always put out this info, I ask you: why don't you just sign up for the 930 listserv yourselves? Seriously, it's a little form and you get 1 email a week. And all this kevetching towards DCist could stop.
2. The person I hold responsible for my not getting better tickets isn't too many people having the password, but rather friggin Ticketmaster. Did anyone else have trouble in the first few minutes where the TM system didn't seem to catch the password and thus, didn't move you along to the choosing tickets page? Not to mention when hitting refresh b/c of that, also got bounced to a "you've requested the page too many times. You must go to box and feel shame for a few minutes before trying again" message? It's like if your system was working right, I wouldn't have had to refresh. (Someone else I know had this issue too, that's why I ask).
3. Tickets did not sell out in a couple of minutes. Because of the aforementioned issue, I didn't gain access back in until like 10:10-10:15. I scored row GG at about 10:20. It's all about the Back button folks...
Ok so maybe there were 3 things not 2 -EB
I managed to get some tickets around 10:30, but passed because they were in a crappy section.
Seriously, you DCists are still surprised that people are bitching about you posting pre-sale info? This is what, the fourth time?! Come on.
"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."
So, am I correct in surmising that the reward for buying "pre-sale" tickets is crappy seats, and that there is some possibility of getting tickets worth buying on Saturday? Is this the modus operandi for DAR presales?
"ARGH. First of all, it IS that much money to those of us in the public sector who make nothing ($25 = half a week's worth of food!!) "
I read this line of argument a lot on DCist, but I still don't buy it. If $25 is a lot of money to someone, then isn't the face value already too expensive? Is it ok to pay more than a "half a week's worth of food" for the face amount, but to pay a whole week's worth would be too much?
If you're that concerned about scalpers buying presale tix and selling them on CL for twice the face value, shouldn't you be blaming the 930 Club listserv for not doing a better job of screening e-mail recipients? Somehow I doubt these evil scalpers are relying on DCist to feed their families.
I tried to get tickets, but was too late. To be honest I'm glad I didn't because now I can take my $35 and buy myself some new pants because I messed the ones I'm wearing so bad whilst reading all of your comments. Thanks for brightening up an otherwise dull day at the office.
But but but, me and Death Cab are MySpace friends, so I know I'm a true fan and deserving of pre-sale tickets, which have nothing to do with advertising, by the way. Ticketmaster is just an honest bunch who are trying promote music. Come to think of it, I wonder why Ben (OMG I heart him!) didn't post a bulletin or leave me a comment about this? I bet he just didn't want my jerky friend Bill to see it when he visited my page to read my blog about my pre-law studies, that's why. Ben is so smart. I need him so much closer. Curse you DCists for tipping off the philistines. I bet there's gonna be a bunch of She Wants Revenge fans there now.
There were plenty of tickets available when I saw them with the Plan during the Death and Dismemberment tour.
God, what a lame discussion. If you're "true" fans, you'll be psyched that they're finally getting some recognition.
May as well, you know, RUIN tomorrow's Editors presale by directing everyone to www.scenestars.net. They've got the password for you for the 3/29 show at 9:30.
Scenestars probably gets substatially more visits each day than we do, but I think we all know that it's up to DCist to deliver a sold-out pre-sale.
WHO REALLY CARES ANYWAY?
BOTH DEATH CAB AND FRANZ SUCK
THAT TRASH IS NOT ROCK MUSIC IT IS GARBAGE
A DEATH CAB AND FRANZ CONCERT OVER AT CONSTITUTION HALL IS NOWHERE NEAR AS EXCITING AS ANY JUDAS PRIEST CONCERT HELD OVER AT THE CAPITAL CENTRE BACK IN THE DAY
NONE OF YOU 20 SOMETHING TRANSPLANT ASSHOLES WILL EVER BE ABLE TO EXPERIENCE ANYTHING LIKE THAT IN YOUR PATHETIC LITTLE LIFETIMES YOU FAGS
NONE OF YOU KNOW HOW TO ROCK BECAUSE YOU ALL ARE PUSSIES
DONT MAKE ME CALL "ZEBRABOY" OR "GRAM OF DOPE" OVER TO CONSTITUTION HALL ON APRIL 11TH TO KICK EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOUR PATHETIC LITTLE FAG ROCK ASSES
FAG ROCK HIPSTERS
FAG ROCK HIPSTERS
FAG ROCK HIPSTERS
"KILL EM ALL, LET GOD SORT EM OUT"
"DONT GET MAD, NUKE THE BASTARDS"
DCist Jason, you can't really "ruin" the pre-sale for the Editors/Stellastarr* show since they're already on sale via Tickets.com. >;)
Huh! What do you know? Someone with the Editors went to a lot of trouble making a press release for nothing! Either that or its the world's first post-pre-sale. That's pretty hilarious. And vastly strange...
"Judas Priest"? They weren't even even cool in the 80's! Thanks, man. That'll keep me laughing all day long. lol!
KDC, in retrospect, Judas Priest were emo as hell.
KDC YOU OBVIOUSLY HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IN THE HELL I AM TALKING ABOUT SO JUST SHUT THE HELL UP ALREADY YOU DOUCHEBAG TRANSPLANT JACKASS
1986? Largo, Maryland? Judas Priest?!?
Why the hell would anyone admit that?!?!?!
My first thought was, "you're kidding, right?" There is no way this many people are getting upset about a presale for what, I am sure, was 15 tickets.
Wankers.
blame ticketmaster. blame the record companies and production companys and promotion companies and media "partners" and ticket "brokers".
Don't blame DCist, or your fellow fans, or some listserve or some other blog. Blame the corporate bastards who stand between artists and their fans in so many greed-inspired ways. Blame the corporate-fascist regime and the whole sick capitalist mess. Get mad about all -that-. The people who are really to blame probably love it when we blame each other instead of them.
Lightning, fool! Leather! The Electric Eye!
-bryn