Eh? What? What have I missed?

zz9 | September 10, 01:07 CET

Well seeing as I'm on my honeymoon I've had some time to bury myself deeper into the fanverse and this seemed to be a talking point on various boards. Some see it as a storm in a tea cup or alternatively others view it as a huge debacle.

So I think Steve's advice is worth listening too. And this useful tip he gave is "not to get caught up in the rumor mill".

This'll blow over soon enough.

Simon | September 10, 01:18 CET

Wow, what did I miss? Everyone just badmouthed him out of the blue, saying he doesnt like conventions? That's a bad rumor when it even gets back to him.

numbereleven | September 10, 01:31 CET

I'm moving on.

Congratulations, Simon!

Chris in Virginia | September 10, 01:45 CET

Wow, he doesn't pull punches there.

Caroline | September 10, 01:47 CET

Edited to remove it.

[ edited by eddy on 2004-09-10 02:54 ]

eddy | September 10, 02:26 CET

Humans are a wacky bunch.

Anyway, big congratulations, Simon! (Sentiment is in no way related to above statement)

marmoset | September 10, 02:35 CET

Eddy I don't think we need to know exactly what the rumours are, just the fact that there are rumours and his management has quite rightly responded to them.

So it would be appreciated if you would edit your post.

Simon | September 10, 02:49 CET

I'm going to cut James some slack here as it's unlikely he said that as a serious comment. Since he gets paid big money to appear there what would that make him? Any star who thinks that about cons just wouldn't go.

I think it's plausable that JM said a comment either as a joke or as a comment in how others see them.

Context is everything folks.

zz9 | September 10, 02:53 CET

zz9, how do you know JM actually made that statement in the first place? It's a rumor.

electricspacegirl | September 10, 03:01 CET

Ok I'm going to chime in since I did ask James directly about Amy being at the convention. Before I told him she was pregnant and may not be able to make it because of that, he responded and I'm quoting to the best of my recollection, "Yeah she's going to be there and I am so glad, it's going to be a great time." So to me that doesn't sound like a guy who would be saying that it's a rip off, cause he was extremely surprised to hear Amy was pregnant and thought for sure even it she was that far along she would be able to make it to the convention. Ok if he thinks a woman 8 monthes pregnant would be travelling all that way to appear at a convention, I don't think he would call anyone else going to attend it a loser, he even ask if any of us were going to go at one point.

Side note: I mentioned what if her water broke while they were on stage together he and David might faint, he said he'd been through it before and that's how we got off on the subject of c-sections. Which was just a whole other discussion.

[ edited by RavenU on 2004-09-10 01:31 ]

RavenU | September 10, 03:30 CET

As far as I can see zz9 is just saying that even if JM said those words the context of them is very important

And it wouldn't be the first time his words have being used totally out of context and to give the opposite meaning than he intended

garda39 | September 10, 03:32 CET

Congratulations, Simon! That is all. :)

Silent Night | September 10, 03:41 CET

Huh. I got an email last week asking about this very rumor, which I hadn't heard up to that point. How these things do get around.

teenes | September 10, 03:44 CET

I'm glad I didn't hear any of these rumours til just now, and I certainly won't repeat them here, glad to see they aren't absolutely everywhere. It is depressing that they ARE out there somewhere however. It's in many folks' nature though, to be negative nellies, just some very unhappy folks out there in the world. It is amazing to me that those folks continue to subject themselves to something they are so obviously unhappy with. Not even just talking about cons here. Many of the same types of things would happen after GOTR shows (I helped run a related board so saw a lot of that). But yet, at the next show, there they were again.

I find it hard to believe that anything close to the supposed rumors ever came out of his mouth, even in jest. He's such a self admitted geek and seems to openly enjoy these cons. Plus, the idea is to get people to attend these things, all the better for him if you DO. It's to his benefit if you DO attend. I think Himber handled it well, polite but firm. Too bad he had to respond at all though. Glad he has someone like Himber to handle these things.

If you don't like James, don't go see him, seems simple enough doesn't it?

I see why the part about JCB had to be addressed, since Leary and Hertzberg left her I'm sure there may have been those wondering if he was severing ties with her as well.

I'm interested in seeing how a more "self" run con (like the upcoming Halloween event) goes versus other cons. It's quite possible that the whole organization/timing issues that arise at most cons (and seem to be the biggest complaint I hear) are just the nature of the beast. I would imagine they're Hell to pull off without a hitch.

Edited to add: I must have been typing at the same time as EdDantes below me...I wasn't going to say it but yes there are some mighty strange fans out there...not just in this 'verse' either. :)

@EdDantes...and as for folks emailing Himber, with my limited knowledge, again using GOTR as an example and a board I was a part of...many people would email him at the drop of a hat, if there was even a HINT of a show. It was something we tried to curb but never quite succeeded at. Some couldn't wait for official word on anything. I think it's a human nature thing, the need to be the first, or the one with the knowledge, or the connection, or the one who dropped the dime or some damn thing so it doesn't surprise me that he may have been slammed with emails...again, strange folks indeed.

[ edited by T. on 2004-09-10 03:05 ]

Grace | September 10, 03:46 CET

Yeah, congrats Simon.

As for this article, well I have no clue what his manager is answering here so it's completely meaningless to me. I agree that to start listing all the rumors here is probably a bad idea, without that knowledge, but now it's a bit like looking up an answer list without knowing the questions.

As for that one remark about the England thing, I think anyone who knows James and his public conduct even slightly could tell you that that is a load of bunk. Even if he *thought* it which I don't believe, he would never say it in public, let alone to con-attending fans AT a con.

Nonsense... And I still don't see how something like that could trigger an onslaught of emails. And I don't see James as having done any rude things in Oakland, so....what's the brouha about? All cons are messy, but we had a great time. Man there's some weird 'fans' out there.

EdDantes | September 10, 03:51 CET

Very weird fans.

And I forgot to congratulate Simon! Congratulations Simon =).

I'm interested in seeing how a more "self" run con (like the upcoming Halloween event) goes versus other cons. It's quite possible that the whole organization/timing issues that arise at most cons (and seem to be the biggest complaint I hear) are just the nature of the beast. I would imagine they're Hell to pull off without a hitch.

I totally concur, T. While I think that, from what I've heard and seen, Vulkon didn't handle everything that well, I don't think that it's a "self-run" event is a guarantee that things will go better. There are just logistical issues that are hell to work out, and you can never make everyone happy. David, James, and whoever is helping them produce that Halloween convention would do well to try to learn from past conventions and what did and didn't work there, but even then, I doubt they could make everything go without a hitch.

teenes | September 10, 04:27 CET

Congratulations, Simon! May you and your beloved live happily ever after.


I find it incredibly discouraging that someone would try to hurt JM personally and professionally when he seems to go out of his way to be generous to others and I can’t imagine someone shelling out the money to go to a con just to undercut everyone else’s enthusiasm and spread their own personal vitriol. I’m glad James’ management nipped the rumor(s) in the bud, whatever the details were.

“…rumors and supposed conversations are just that and unless you hear or see something with your own eyes and ears why believe it – especially when it is negative and hurtful.”

Oh, Mr Himber, why aren’t you running the Kerry/Edwards campaign? ; )

bloodflowers | September 10, 04:29 CET

I bet James wasn't even under fire in that gunboat in Oakland. He certainly doesn't deserve a purple heart from JCB.....

Rogue Slayer | September 10, 04:49 CET

I just edited it out Simon.

eddy | September 10, 04:56 CET

From everything I've heard and read here and other sites, James is the most gracious, fun guy you'd ever want to meet at these things. All the goers talk about how he hugged them or made sure to make eye contact, and was laughing and joking continuously.

I don't know what the rumors are and don't really care. I'm going with what all you posters have said about him many, many times over.

Happy Nuptials, Simon! :D

Willowy | September 10, 05:57 CET

Happy Honeymooning, Simon!

This nasty rumor stuff about James is disturbing and sad. I agree that it's important not to repeat the rumors here. Good on us for keeping mum. It'd be horrid if this mess sours James on conventioneering and Whedonverse fandom. Everything I have ever read about him and/or that came from his lips in transcript form has been filled with enthusiasm for Buffy/Angel fans and the shows themselves.

phlebotinin | September 10, 07:23 CET

I wish I knew what everybody was talking about.

trekkerj | September 10, 07:39 CET

I have no idea what the rumors are either and I also don't care. From everything I've heard from people, including those of you on this site, who have gone to conventions, James is always gracious and sweet and adores his fans and the attention he gets.

Simon, I hope you and your bride have a wonderful life together!

Firefly Flanatic | September 10, 08:58 CET

Happy honeymoon, Simon! Congratulations. :)

electricspacegirl | September 10, 09:18 CET

Onj the subject of self run cons

The London Audience with James last year was organised by the same team who are running the Halloween con . It was without doubt the smoothest, slickest, best run con I've ever been to and of course highly enjoyable. I have high hopes that the Halloween con will be just as successful.


And as to James every actor, every writer every crew member who ever speaks of him falls over backwards to say what a hard working kind nice professional ( pick your own compliment) person he is. I can't remember one negative comment from anyone who knows or works with him, that's pretty unique !. And every fan that I know who has ever met him or seen him( myself included ) says the same . He always goes the extra distance to make sure everyone has their moment .
So mass of evidence against unsubstantiated rumour ... I think I'll go with the evidence .

And many congratulations Simon

debw | September 10, 11:13 CET

Thanks for that eddy and thanks for everyone's good wishes :). People may not be aware that I met my wife at the Buffy Cross and Stake three years ago. See how Joss and co have changed peoples lives for the better :).

Simon | September 10, 11:27 CET

Hah that's cool, Simon. I too have a great relationship in terms of having Buffy in common with my wife, (as most here know) but I had to convert her! Beforehand when we got married I actually had feared I'd have to buy DVD sets with her going "Really? You're buying that? Isn't that expensive? Haven't you seen it on TV already?" And then preferring to wait after she's gone to bed before watching it.....oy.

Glad that conversion worked! And glad you won't have those problems either, hehe.

EdDantes | September 10, 11:36 CET

That's wonderful news, Simon. Congratulations!

Madhatter | September 10, 12:56 CET

On another board, I won't mention which one, there's a poster who listed a supposedly private conversation (with James permission??) about the Halloween event. Now, that event has sparked a lot of anger due to the pricing. I do believe this info is only a small part of Steve Himber's outburst. It is sad that some people do spread rumors and will do anything to cause harm to someone, especially James Marsters. He is one person who does all he can for his fans and is truly humbled by his fans support in everything he does.

aresnz | September 10, 14:49 CET

Just wanted to add my congratulations to Simon. Gonna ignore all the rumour stuff :)

Paul_Rocks | September 10, 15:36 CET

Ditto to Paul_Rocks
Congrats Simon!!!

Rumours not worth my time.

Passion | September 10, 16:17 CET

Congrats you to Simon!

I must not be hanging out at the "right" boards because I never hear the negative stuff until folks like you all speak out against such stuff! :) Completely kidding! I'm SO very glad I only hang out here and one other place. Both places squash rumours flat in no time and stick as close to the facts as they can. I love the convos here even if I simply lurk most days. Although, I appear to be in babble mode this week!

Hopefully JM and SH both know that what they've been hearing are just a loud minority that just happened to get organized enough to b*tch. I know of another board where someone suggested writing to Himber (as well as the Con organizers) to complain about the faults they found in how Oakland Con was run. I'm sure some just took that suggestion and ran with it, mixing in all the rumor stuff as well.

I forgot that the Halloween event is being run by the same folks that ran the May event. I also heard nothing BUT good things about that one. If I was going, the higher price tag could be worth it, to get a much more trouble free event. Hopefully they pull that off again for the folks attending.

Like so many have said, the guy goes out of his way to make sure everyone has their moment, and show his appreciation.

[ edited by T. on 2004-09-10 15:04 ]

Grace | September 10, 16:58 CET

I happen to have read these rumours elsewhere and i would suggest to anybody who hasn't heard them already not to bother tracking them down.

James Marsters, one of the most open, dedicated and friendly members of the Buffy/Angel cast and crew, did not say anything like what has been suggested by these rumours.

I find it very refreshing that so many of you here are not only willing to use a little common sense and consider what you know of the real James Marsters but also that those who don't already know what has been said about him are really not interested in finding out.

Am i detecting a change in the way fandom conducts itself? Are we really getting passed the point where an actor can be instantly condemned by a malicious lie posted about them on the net? Well, maybe not but at least there are some reasoned, intelligent and thoughtful fans around here.

Koven | September 10, 18:22 CET

Haven't heard the rumors, and don't care to find out what they are. I'm certain all of us here have been the victim of malicious and untrue rumors at some point, and understand how dangerous they can be. I can only imagine what a horror it would be to be a celebrity who, via the internet, has that horror magnified 1000X. Thanks, mods, for keeping things under control here. It would be very sad that the rumors, whatever they are, be given any form of legitimacy by repetition here.

And congrats, Simon!

palehorse | September 10, 21:52 CET

Thanks, mods, for keeping things under control here. It would be very sad that the rumors, whatever they are, be given any form of legitimacy by repetition here.

Absolutely, I think that's one of the reasons this is one of the most respected "boards" out there and why some of the Whedonverse folks are known to come and visit on occasion. Accuracy and intelligence.

I also find it interesting the different "takes" other boards have on this...some are more focused on the "tone" of the letter versus the reason for it in the first place, etc. (not judging here, just noting differences) 'course that's probably just because folks of like mind hang together.

[ edited by T. on 2004-09-10 20:44 ]

Grace | September 10, 22:33 CET

Electricspacegirl, as Garda commented I thought that was the most generous intrepertation of what may have/have not been said. The other possibility being they deliberatly made the whole thing up.

If I spent an entire weekend with vast numbers of people hanging onto every word I uttered and then posted them on the 'net and spent weeks discussing what I REALLY meant I think I'd go nuts! I'd be scared to open my mouth!

zz9 | September 11, 01:02 CET

Wow, I was at Oakland and didn't notice a lot of the stuff that supposedly was going on. My impression of James was very favorable. He seemed to go out of his way to give each fan as much time as possible considering the usual time constraints of events like this.

He was extremely enthusiastic at his Q&A. Also he kept a smile on his face all the times that I saw him. Watching him in the photo session lines, you would have thought that he was greeting long lost friends as opposed to people he had never met before.

I think that sometimes people's expectations go a little beyond reality at these cons. Everyone would like to make an impression with James but that is difficult to do when he sees so many people over the course of the weekend. About the only way to guarantee that he would remember you is to faint or something of that nature and I don't reccomend it :)

munn75 | September 11, 01:03 CET

"...and I can’t imagine someone shelling out the money to go to a con just to undercut everyone else’s enthusiasm and spread their own personal vitriol. I’m glad James’ management nipped the rumor(s) in the bud, whatever the details were."

Heh, well, they were completely unbelievable and inconsistant (one thing became another) which -- had they not crossed the line and really upset people -- would have made the whole thing nothing but funny considering they came from the same source.

But, man, thy name is Chapman.

'“…rumors and supposed conversations are just that and unless you hear or see something with your own eyes and ears why believe it – especially when it is negative and hurtful.”'

Oh, Mr Himber, why aren’t you running the Kerry/Edwards campaign? ; )"

Bwaaa!

"Side note: I mentioned what if her water broke while they were on stage together he and David might faint, he said he'd been through it before and that's how we got off on the subject of c-sections. Which was just a whole other discussion."

*snaps fingers* So that's how that topic came about! Heh, somebody mentioned that in a transcript.


Congrats, again, Simon!

[ edited by NirvanaPunk on 2004-09-12 23:06 ]

NirvanaPunk | September 11, 03:31 CET

Wow. I'm feeling some heart cockles being warmed for sure here and now and maybe big time. It often burns a hole in my brain when I consider strange acts of malovence and it's so great to hear how ignorant a lot of us are of these things. I put myself in there too. I don't know what they are talking about and I don't wanna know.

Probably the ONLY time you'll ever hear me say ingnorance is bliss.

Got an email from a friend who was at the con--stating her confusion as well. She went home from the con with little stars swimming around her head like cartoon critters. Since she was there and had no idea either--could this be mongers at work deliberately disassembling James, BECAUSE he was so kind?

My friend emailed the photo she had taken with James and my god, it was wonderful, not only the quality (which is respectful of money spent)of the pic but also the expressions on both their faces, the glow in James and my friends eyes. His expression was so alive and PRESENT. And to think he gave that same degree of warmth to every fan that came along that day--is inspiring.

To love humans that much is like a work of art.

And there is a strange force in this world that wants to throw &@*$ goo on something fine and I wonder if this represnts that.

But it is so good to hear folks wanting none of it.

BforBeth | September 11, 17:34 CET