The Master

Remember when Pearl Jam fought Ticketmaster... and lost?

It's seems like maybe we could have done more to support them. I'm not sure how though. If I remember correctly, when they were selling their own tickets, they sold pretty well. I think it was just the technical difficulties of running their own ticket brokerage that eventually ended their TM fight. But could more have been done? I mean, they testified before Congress and that went nowhere. So, what's to be done?

Because, yes, this is a rant about ridiculously high ticket fees. We just bought two $35 tickets to see David Sedaris and ended up paying over $100! This is madness! Rough estimated math shows that Ticketmaster made about $54000 (I'm being generous about taxes here). That's what they get to pay someone to print tickets, stuff 'em in an envelope and mail 'em off. For one show!

And there really are no good alternatives. Standing in line at the theater in 0 degree weather is not really an option at all. And when Ticketmaster does its special pre-sale offers, the only way to get decent tickets is through them.

So, it seems that we're stuck with them as they gouge away at our wallets.

On the other hand, I'm very much looking forward to seeing Sedaris. We saw him read a few years ago and it was a really fun night.

Technorati Tags: TicketMaster, David Sedaris, Pearl Jam