Marsters again.

[jamesclayton.livejournal.com]

James Marsters has been added to the guest list for this year.

I'm not a fan, so for all you fangirls (and boys) out there that are infatuated with the guy, please don't take offense! Why does he get added to the guest list every single year? I don't wanna knock the guy's career, but he's hardly a staple in the sci-fi genre. If anything, he's on par with the Battlestar Galactica people, but they don't get invited back year after year (and as much a fan I am of BG, I wouldn't want the same actor coming back year after year after year--I'd want some new blood!). I'm guessing his main appeal is among Buffy fans. I'd think most of them would like to have other stars from Buffy attend rather than the same person every year. What's so special about him? Again, I'm not trying to criticize, I seriously want to know what the appeal is that he's pretty much got a standing invitation to DragonCon every single year?

For me personally, I'd much rather have a guest who has NEVER EVER attended come this year than to have someone back who has been every year for the past 4-5 years (or more, I may be wrong).

Comments

[neovenom.livejournal.com]

I'm no fanboy of his. In fact, he's not even significant enough for me to wait in line for. But that doesn't mean there are lots of his fans that are overjoyed each year. Why do you have to rain on their parade? James and all the other possible guests out there can coexist. Maybe he likes coming there (whether he has fun or it's a good payday). Maybe the con benefits from him coming over and over. Who cares?

[darknbitter.livejournal.com]

umm between Buffyverse, Torchwood, Smallville, and audio Dresden Files (and I guess as a musical performer) that I can name off the top my head, I think you'd be hard pressed to find a guest that can fit so many different tracks.

(even with BSG/Firefly lifeboat shows)

[curls.livejournal.com]

He's also going to be on Caprica.

At any rate, I think he's someone who could be described as having a cult following, so there's a built in draw right there. And he must enjoy it because he comes every year. There are probably lots of people who are invited and turn it down.

[ahestele.livejournal.com]

I am a James Marsters fan and I do see where you are coming from. I went to my first DC last year and did see Marsters, and I've read many accounts of fan interactions with him. I think he's asked back for the same reason I book many of the same performers every year for my library summer program: I know they are professional, I know they love what they do, they are always, always great with people, there is a built in audience year after year, and I know I'm going to get my money's worth. That's a lot of reasons that I can see for asking him back so often.

Also, he is physically beautiful, but that is beside the point:-)

[51stcenturyfox.livejournal.com]

...there is a built in audience year after year, and I know I'm going to get my money's worth

I'm agreeing here.

I know people who attend cons primarily to see James Marsters. So he's a fairly big draw. He's pretty entertaining on panels (I've only seen him in one, but he was a decent guest).

[nyreak.livejournal.com]

It could be that he's one of the few Buffy folks that does cons on a regular basis. Charisma Carpenter came last year, and I know Julie... Benz? (I think?) has been a couple of times. Other than that, a few Angel folks, but most of the big names are busy with work or just don't do the con circuit perhaps. (All guesses here, while a fan of Buffy I don't know much about what's going on with them.) The Whedon track also gets Firefly folks as often as they can, and those folks get huge draws of fans every year.

Guess what I'm saying is that in the Whedon-verse there are only so many folks that they can get, and if the fans are happy year after year to have some of the same folks, then I guess it works. I'm kind of assuming that guests are mostly a track by track thing, so it isn't so much D*C that's having him back over say... Heroes people or something, but that's just speculation on my part. :D

[veracity]

I love for Benz to come back. Julie...is so gracious and kind as a guest. Heck, I went to a panel because she asked me too after I said I didn't know since the Felton was afterwards and I really wanted to make that one. I think if you can find people who appreciate their fans and represent themselves well, they should be asked back. I didn't meet James, but a friend in 2006 (or 2007, I get confused). He was utterly kind and very energetic, almost electric with the attention. I can't say I blame the track for inviting him back.

[horrormoviegeek.livejournal.com]

I'll hit the major points:
1. He might not be what you consider a staple, but he does have a big following.
2. He is in the new Caprica series, has been in Torchwood and Smallville, in addition to Buffy/Angel so he be a guest for multiple fan tracks.
3. I'm told he's a VERY easy guest to have. He genuinely enjoys coming to Con, it gracious and kind to fans and unlike other actors, doesn't act like a primadonna or make a ton of demands.

[a-tender-kiss.livejournal.com]

I love JM for exactly the reason you listed in number 3.

[a-tender-kiss.livejournal.com]

Did you not see that some of James' fans bought him a storm trooper outfit? His fans are so loyal, why disappoint them by not coming, simply because you're a regular.

[veracity]

I'm confused.

Is the con supposed to cater to your whims? Are you in charge of the track(s) direction? Perhaps they get lots of feedback saying, "I would love for him to attend next year because he's fun [or insert reason here]." It's arrogance at best that assumes that everyone says "Oh! I want to come!" that's asked and some other actor was denied. And it's pretty arrogant of you to speak for the how many Whedon fans attend? I'm a casual fan since I haven't been in the fandom once Angel blipped off air, but I don't begrudge the fans who continuously get excited that he'll be attending.

If everyone is happy, why rain on their parade? And I say this as a non-fan of JM. I'm not anti, but I'm not pro either. He's simply one in a million that exist in the entertainment world. Put your adult pants on and realize you're one of many and you don't represent a majority anymore than I do.

[ctofine.livejournal.com]

He's one of the best guests I've seen on panel (two years in a row). I'm guessing that the track directors don't just say "Oh, let's keep JM coming for no reason!" :)

He is a huge fanboy, as well (as mentioned above). And, boy does he keep himself busy. He's no fool and he knows his fans are behind him and he does everything he can to keep folks entertained. He's one of the most gracious guests I've met. I even broke my own rule of "no expensive photos from Froggy" to nab a last minute photo with him last year. It was one of the highlights of the Con for me.

As for the BSG people not being a staple? Did you happen to notice the lines for BOTH the Whedonverse AND the BSG panels last year and the year before? Hello. HUGE. Same for the Shindig and Fleet parties. They are two large fandoms that have folks from every other fandom, as well.

[http://users.livejournal.com/mad_brilliant_/]

Well, I want to take all these replies and snuggle them and call them George. They're all right on. I'll just say briefly that I'm a fan of James Marsters because aside from being hugely entertaining, he's a really decent, kind guy. AND...he's one of us:



That was taken last year. Before he became an invited guest, James used to go to conventions as a fan (with Spock ears, natch.) He's geeky as all get-out. lol

[sylphon.livejournal.com]

Thanks for sharing this! Very amusing.

[wildflowerz.livejournal.com]

I guess I'm one of the minority? Or maybe the only one speaking up. I'm not a fan anymore. I used to LOVE him. Then, I saw him at D*C and that was over. It's nothing overt, but, to me, he seems pretentious. Not extremely so, but enough to turn me off a bit. Those $100 dinners he did for a few years didn't help it. It's to a point now, that I get a bit irritated when I go to see another actor and Marsters is on a panel because I don't want to hear Marsters same stories over and over again. Yes, we know you kissed John Barrowman...can we please move on? I try and schedule myself for panels he's not on but with SO MUCH good stuff overlapping, it's hard not to.

But I do understand that he's the only big name Whedon has that comes year after year. Obviously it's not to the exclusion of other guests because I've also seen Felicia Day, Charisma Carpenter, Julie Benz, Nicholas Brendan, Mercedes McNab, etc, etc, etc. Sure, it would be great to get some more guests, but who's going to come? SMG doesn't seem to do this stuff. With HIMYM, I doubt we'll ever see Hannigan or NPH. I hear ASH is very expensive to get, though he'd be awesome w/ now having Merlin too. Anyway, I realize that not everyone is of the same opinion as me, so I try my best to avoid him and groan a little bit every time he's added to the list. And at this rate, it looks like he won't ever stop coming. Meanwhile one of my favorite actors who likes to come every year doesn't get asked back because he's been too many times and his fans have to email D*C to beg them to add him. :-P

[http://users.livejournal.com/mad_brilliant_/]

I don't want to hear Marsters same stories over and over again. Yes, we know you kissed John Barrowman...can we please move on?

Let's be fair. He's not responsible for fans asking him the same questions at panels. He does say, "Ask me anything." So at least he's trying to mix things up and get some fresh questions. Most of his panels are not Buffy-related anyway, so there should be plenty of Whedonverse panels you can attend that won't have James on them. Smallville and Torchwood like to have him too. This year I'm thinking that he'll be doing a Caprica panel (I hope so, eeee!)

Hannigan and SMG never do cons no matter what. (Who's really being pretentious, hmmm? The guy that geeks out over getting a Stormtrooper uniform, or the actors who refuse to do cons?) ASH does cons, and he's a great guest and lovely man. But frankly, there are people that you named that are groan-worthy to a lot of fans who have met them and seen them in Q&As. But that's part of going to any con. You dig some aspects, and maybe ignore some others. :-P We all manage to have a good time anyway. Yay!

[notbillsgirl.livejournal.com]

He's a fan favorite that consistently draws an audience. That means more people willing to spend money. Duh.

[maxineofarc.livejournal.com]

Because people like him.

[hollycomb.livejournal.com]

Some guests make it a kind of tradition to come to Dragoncon every year. Personally it's something I enjoy. I always go to see Dean Haglund and George Lowe because I've enjoyed their panels in the past, not because I've been following their current work all year. Last year we did the aquarium thing and missed their panels, and it didn't quite feel like Dragoncon without them. I usually try random new things at Dragoncon but I also have my traditions that I do every year. I think some guests are a big part of Dragoncon for people just because those guests are part of their personal history with the con.

[hollycomb.livejournal.com]

also, it's not like Dragoncon is saying, "No, Sarah Michele Gellar, you can't come this year -- James Marsters is coming!" heh, they would and do take other Buffy guests if they can get them.

[livvylove.livejournal.com]

Although I'm not a fan of his I sat through the Torchwood panel (not a fan of the show but Fiance is) and he was the most lively panelist of all of them. The other ones were not as energetic or seemed as passionate as him. He really made the panel more interesting then what it would have been without him.

I'm not going to stand in line for him or go to a panel just because of him but he seems like a great guest for people who like him. Plus I'm guessing if he comes year after year he must really enjoy the con as well.

[kitsu84.livejournal.com]

James Marsters is pretty much a staple when it comes to D*CON, because not only is he a terrific guest, he's also just as much of a geek as the rest of us. He actually told a group of us as much when I met him in '08. He also gave me a hug when he found out it was my birthday that weekend, and sung "Happy Birthday" to me.

Not let me ask you, how many guests would do something like that? ;)

Marsters

[frankkmiller.livejournal.com]

Saw him last year and he was one of the better guests .. didn't get that he was full of himself at all. The audience seemed to like him too so I can easily see why he gets invited year after year.

Also, let us keep in mind

[frankkmiller.livejournal.com]

Many, most, attendees are there for their first time. Just because someone visited in 95-99 doesn't help the guy who goes to his first con in 2000.

At nearly every panel I have been at where they have asked the audience for people to raise their hands if this was their first dragoncon an overwhelming majority do so.

Why do I keep coming back?

[salchli.livejournal.com]

Last year's DragonCon was my 13th occasion/event seeing James. I echo what mad_brilliant has said above. James just comes across as a grounded, down-to-earth, friendly, warm, intelligent, and just a nice guy.

Now as for the questions: yes, we veterans who've dome multiple events know that we've heard some of these question for the umpteenth time, but for the newbies (like we once were some time ago), they still have the right to ask the question for their first time.

So unfortunately for that fact, you're going to get the Barrowman question probably again this year.

Still, it's an entertaining/informative Q&A when he's there.

[guen-the-cat.livejournal.com]

I'd echo what everyone else has said about his following and "what about those fans who are making this their First DC?" But you know, Echo...

I will say, however, that James Marsters has NOT been at DC every year. Not even enough times to say a vast majority of years, or even that he's a reliable regular. I can't remember what year was his first, but I do remember it was apparently absolute Twilight-esque insanity. He did not return the next year, or maybe even for two years. He's been back for the last 3 (or is it 2) years, but you have to remember that each year he has had something appropriate to promote, like Smallwood and Torchwood. This year, he has Caprica to promote. So he's really not just that actor who has nothing else better to do than hang out at DC every year.

While I'm really happy that he seems to enjoy cons, I think the reality is that he is a Smart actor (or else has a great PR agency) and doesn't shy away from marketing himself. Because I can promise you that the Minute his fans don't give a crap about him anymore, he'll have to work a lot harder to land acting gigs. Just because you are a known actor doesn't mean you get to stop marketing yourself. Unless you're Brad Pitt or some such serious A-List actor. And make no mistake, DC is a lot of fun for us fans, but it is a Promotions Machine! That's why the majority of the guests come, or are sent by their management.

[dorians-kitten.livejournal.com]

Wow-I just spent a lot of time reading all of these responses. :) I think most of the points have been made, but I'll throw in my voice as well.

Last year was his third or fourth year in a row, but his panels were still full and his autograph line was never short. So people want to see him. I think it is some kind of inhuman natural charisma, but that is beside the point.
He seems to enjoy coming and I don't think he is taking a slot away from someone else, since I don't think Dragon Con really works that way. His coming doesn't mean that another Buffy-verse character can't come. In fact, I suspect his coming (and liking it) has a lot to do with our getting Gareth David Lloyd to come for the past two years. (Probably has a touch to do with Luke Perry coming this year too.)Also-he really has been in a lot of fantasy/sci fi shows, though I would say that you are correct in saying that his main appeal is probably to Buffy fans.
The point is he is appealing, very much so, to many fans and his coming doesn't hurt your chances of seeing someone else. So no worries there and if you don't want to see his panel-cool, less people for me to compete with for good seats. :)

[a-tender-kiss.livejournal.com]

Oh, off topic, but I love your FF! Do you go to the cons? I met a couple of other SpuffyRealm people, don't know if I met you.

[daydreambeleevr.livejournal.com]

Hi~ I didn't take your question to be a slam against people that enjoy JM's appearance, even though others may disagree. Nor do I think initiating a dialog with other attendees finding out what appeals to them, and why, is wrong. It's a way we can all learn about each other.

While I certainly don't speak for anyone else, my own experience was that his have been the best panels I've sat through. I didn't watch buffy so I'm not familiar with his work there (only going by what my friends have to say about him) but I did love him in Torchwood. A lot. I think he took what could have been a campy throw-away character and made him into someone that you could empathize with and feel sorry for.

As for the repeat business he keeps getting at the con? I have to say his was the first name I was happy to see on the guest list, and I know I'll be marking my book to be sure I don't miss his panel. He doesn't go over the same topics, even though he's largely asked the same questions, the same way twice. He's funny, relaxed, natural and interested in making sure the people there are having fun. I think it must be nice for the folks putting on this shindig to have someone that proves he can still put butts in the chairs. His last panel (with Gareth David-Lloyd) was pretty much S.R.O. & God did I laugh!

Hope some of the people you're looking forward to seeing end up attending too!

Kerry =)

[glaswegian-took.livejournal.com]

These comments have convinced me to see a Marsters panel and get his autograph. Dragon*Con, be here now!

[treadingthedark.livejournal.com]

I've been to just a few cons, I've gone specifically to see James Marsters, but ended up enjoying many different panels. But James is always great, funny and open and kind.

But I once saw onlin a panel with Michael Rosenbaum and Martsers together that was possibly the funniest thing I've ever seen.

[sylphon.livejournal.com]

I agree, the panel I saw with both of them was one of the funniest that year!

[akasha63.livejournal.com]

I love having staples at DC. It is your yearly chance to run by someone you like & say hi, how ya doin this year? They become like old friends.

[section01.livejournal.com]

Wow. The sheer number of posts, alone, would suggest that this man is "Con-worthy". I have been to the last three Cons. My first time I was shaking, meeting the man. Second time, I felt blessed to have a second chance. Last year, I felt like I was seeing an old friend. What's bad about that?

I'm a hardcore Buffy/Angel fan, so you know where I'm coming from. I love all of James' other projects.

Remember people, "life isn't bliss. Life is just this. It's LIVING!!! Let's go on living and embrace the chance to actually interact with the talent that we admire.