romi

one last thing. I think we all knew before the Pasadena show that it would be difficult to get there and line up early. It's in a secluded area with little transportation and no place to park. I'm confident this was the one "bad apple" GA on this tour, and that at other U.S. shows, it will be much better.

Lila64

We were there at 7:00am, and only really got one rail spot because Carlos saved one for Maddy. I stood behind her. I didn't want the pit, I wanted outer rail, and settled for second row behind her. If things had been run fairly, I should probably have been afforded some sort of rail spot... If I had been able to attend more than one show, than yes, I may have tried to be in the pit at least once.

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corianderstem

Thank you, sir. I had a great time.

If they do end up going with some sort of lottery next time, I'm okay with that - as long as they make it clear to everyone well before people would start lining up, so we don't have the confusion and pissed-offedness with the first Vertigo show.

But hey - no use worrying and griping about it now. Let's at least wait until the next leg to start rehashing the same old arguments.

__________________
(RAH)² (AH)³ + RO (MA + MAMA) + (GA)² + OOH(LA)²

Chrisedge

What is "more effort"? Give the effort to cheat? Or come up with some "system" that they (line nazis) think is fair? Like telling people to sign up on a sheet and come back in the morning and you are ok? Or letting people leave for a hour or two to go back to hotels, and keep their spot? Or saving spots for their friends? Who determines what is "fair"? What I think is fair is a lot different than what "good GA lines" have done. (My take is, you should rot in line with the only reason to leave is to go to a nearby portapotty, no leaving overnight or for more than a FEW (3-7) minutes, no saving spots, nothing. I don't think any line did this)

Of course "if people would just behave"...THEY DON'T...There is always someone trying to screw others. Including folks on this board that pushed their way past myself in line, seeing an opportunity to be a little closer to the band. I don't have a big issue with it, because if one person is leaving room, another person will step into it. It's the way it is.

Nothing is fair, is my point. The lottery makes the unfairness more random = more fair...

Chrisedge

I tend to agree even though I posted it.

However this idea of fan run lines, and numbering crap sucks. I have watched folks push past number folks and just cut in. I will agree that the key to a smooth line, is security and pre-setup. They should have massive gated/pens areas, and folks are required to WAIT. No numbering, unless it's done nationwide, and you must stay there to be able to wait. Maybe thoughout the day, they check the numbers and if you miss two checks your number is invalid or something.

I just hate (and always have) these self appointed folks that run the lines, thinking they are owed something. 2 different self appointed folks show up at different times + shitty security = Rose Bowl.

corianderstem

Another thing about self-appointed line folks - and as I've never done it myself, maybe there's an actual explanation as to how this works. I only saw it second-hand in Chicago as my friend received texts from other friends basically saying "Get down here now," and then it was a game of Where's Waldo until we found the line sitting under some trees.

How are you supposed to know who the line runners are? Sounds like you just show up a day or two (or three) in advance and hunt around the grounds and hope to find someone with a sharpie and a list.

Can I just decide I'm the official line organizer for Seattle next summer and aribtrarily decide where and when the line will start? That's what it all kind of sounds like to me. What if three people decide they're starting the line? Whose line is the one that should be honored?

Lining up to see U2 shouldn't have to involve sleuthing and guessing.

__________________
(RAH)² (AH)³ + RO (MA + MAMA) + (GA)² + OOH(LA)²

romi

Hi Chris,

You have some good points. I will answer each:

Or come up with some "system" that they (line nazis) think is fair?
Yes, in general, the people running the line get to choose the specifics. Sometimes they choose wisley, sometimes they do not.

Like telling people to sign up on a sheet and come back in the morning and you are ok?
That's generally a bad strategy, I agree. In Phoenix and Vegas, it was the only option, and it worked both times. Maybe by Pasadena, everyone was just used to it being OK, but that's a bad habit to have.

Or letting people leave for a hour or two to go back to hotels, and keep their spot?
You have to keep the people happy, so letting them go for a few hours at a time is a must, I think. On the last tour, line leaders did check-ins, and everyone who missed two in a row would get crossed off. I have not seen any roll calls this tour (in the US) and that has allowed people to be gone most of the day. It sucks when you are the one sitting there, but the real reason you want to keep people there as long as possible is to keep the line stable the night before the show. You don't want a second line starting and saying they are the official line.

Or saving spots for their friends?
On this tour I have experienced the first person in line saving a spot for four of the six shows I went to. I figure that's OK, as long as it is no more than one person. The line leader has a lot more responsibility than everyone else, and that's why he or she also deserves to be treated with coffee, donuts, etc. Under no circumstance can anyone else hold a place in line is my opinion.

Who determines what is "fair"? What I think is fair is a lot different than what "good GA lines" have done.
I think it's really up to the person or group running the line.

There is always someone trying to screw others.
Very true. Everyone in line has to do their best to prevent that; not just the first person in line.

romi

as someone who ran a few lines on the last tour, and helped out a couple of times this fall:

the line leader is decided not by who wants it more, but the person who arrives first and decides to stay. Of course, if I started the line and then someone wanted to take over, I would let them. Line running takes a lot out of you. Dealing with security, cops and fellow fans who can be very stressed out......

corianderstem

I can believe that - you couldn't PAY me to run a U2 GA line!

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VintagePunk

Regarding the posts from Chrisedge, Lila, Cori and Romi, you all have good points.

I've said since last tour that the one thing that's lacking throughout all the GA lines is consistency. If there were a consistent system in place from venue to venue, and decent security to oversee that system, there would be no problem whatsoever.

It's within U2's/Principle Management's power to set this up and administer it - why haven't they done it yet? They're the ones who choose to have GA at their shows, I think they should take some responsibility for seeing that it's a safe, fair, orderly experience. It's fine and dandy to blame problems on other fans and local security, but I really feel that the ultimate responsibility rests on PM. They're the ones that choose the venues, and therefore, local security is employed by them. If they're going to use local security, they should make sure that they're aware of what to expect, what rules are in place, how to deal with problems, etc.

This would be SO simple. PM taking charge, instituting consistent GA line procedures, making sure anyone employed or contracted by them is aware of the rules and procedures, and perhaps most importantly, fans would at least know what to expect from city to city.

PM doesn't seem to be taking my calls though, so...

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We've been through
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Daddysgonnapay

sure!! and I am going to be the line-leader in Cincinnati.....if they ever decide to come here...ever

dream chaser

dream chaser

Yeah the Vegas line was notably run well. I was impressed.

romi

Security was so on top of it, they even agreed to kick out those who had previously missed the morning roll call.

DRay9911

i was going to volunteer to work with the Police Department, Fire Department and University Police had there been the rumored* two shows in Tucson...i had everything worked out in my head.

guess that won't be happening

-dan









* - me posting it here on interference

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11/07/2009
"tuesday" was 126 days ago...