Is this a change in seminar pricing?

[doodledink]

I noticed today when I checked John's seminar page that all venues where tickets are currently available (with the exception of the Saskatchewan seminar) are showing tiered pricing. Although it is not unusual to see this once in a while in a venue that does not allow general admission seating, I am curious to see so many at one time. Is this a situation where all the current venues are of this 'no general admission' type or has there been a change in John's philosophy regarding ticket pricing?

Personally I hope that it is the first and not the latter. I have always been very impressed with the fact that John's seminars were general admission and affordable. I recall him once saying that the attendees would be guided to the seat they were supposed to sit in. Now, I'm not saying that still can't happen with the tiered pricing, but I must admit that I would think it might take a lot more 'influence' to guide some folks to pay the higher price to be guided to the front. ;) Then again, there was a time when I probably would have gladed handed over my wallet for a seat up close... :laff:

Anyway, just an observation... it will be interesting to see what the next few seminars posted will show.

[Gail]

I don't know but it may be that some venues require seats to be reserved ahead of time. Seminars in Convention centers, where the seats are not fixed in place, seem to be the one price, stand in line venues. Large auditoriums with padded and fixed seats seem to have the tier pricing. I'm sure there are exceptions to that.

I've been to both and prefer the ones you don't have to wait in a long line for. :)

[kimk]

San Francisco has always been tiered pricing and I'm with you Gail, I much prefer that to standing in a l-o-n-g line. I have *no* patience for lines.... :)

[chargeit2him]

I prefer not waiting in a long line either. I also like the fact that you know where you will be sitting with the reserved seats. That way you don't have the "pushers and shovers" and you let "the powers that be" pick your seat.
Sandy

[Gail]

Some people can not make it to seminars early enough to be near the front of the line. Lines can start 4 or more hours before the doors open and can be pretty tough on people who can't stand for hours. They usually end up way in the back.

I know it doesn't matter where you sit, you can be read anywhere. Someone with hearing, sight, or physical problems has a chance for closer seats in the tiered venues.

[CarolynB]

This has nothing to do with John or his preferences. This is because some states and/or municipalities don't permit general admission seating in certain types of venues, especially those that seat over a certain number. These policies were put in place after deaths occured in venues with general admission seating when patrons stampeded in an effort to get front row seating.

[Jude]

I can certainly understand the venues wanting to maintain some order with large crowds. I imagine it would be difficult pick and choose which events will be general admission and which won't. They would probably rather have reserved seating, for convenience and safety. :shrug:

[marcia]

In particular I think it was the WHO concernt here in Cincinnati years ago where so many were killed and injured that started the trend away from general admission seating. The event John had here in May was general seating, but they had to open the doors the minute people started forming a line. It's part of the city ordinance. Maybe other cities, and especially some of the larger venues may require the assigned seating. It sure does help with the long lines and long waits.
Marcia

[doodledink]

I agree with all of you that it is most likely the venue requirements. I just thought it was odd that there were so many recently.

I also understand where you folks are coming from with regard to the lines. Although I must say that (even though I don't usually enjoy waiting in lines either) I absolutely love waiting in line to see John. I have met so many wonderful people (many who are friends here) and have formed some lifelong friendships in those lines that even when John came to Omaha and I didn't have to worry about my seat ;) I got there three hours early just to meet friends both new and old. I know... crazy I am and crazy I'll always be, but it is a good kind of crazy! :D