Got into a full blown argument with a guy at a con over the 'right' way to be a fan

I was at a signing in Austin last year, just waiting my turn, when the guy behind me started loudly judging everyone's purchases. He said real fans only buy single issues, not trades, and that reading digitally 'doesn't count.' I finally turned around and told him that was a garbage take, and that gatekeeping like that is what pushes new readers away. It got pretty heated, with him saying I was watering down the hobby and me saying he was being an elitist jerk. The whole line got quiet, and the creator at the table looked super uncomfortable. I ended up just walking away from the line because it wasn't worth it. Honestly, it ruined the whole day for me. Has anyone else had a con experience totally soured by another fan's bad attitude?

3 comments

3 Comments

grantthomas20d ago

Real fans only buy single issues" is the kind of take that makes me glad I read everything on my phone now. Saves me from having to talk to guys like that in line.

noah_barnes11d ago

What's wrong with wanting to hold the actual comic in your hands though?

kevin_bailey19d ago

Exactly, I switched to digital to avoid those exact conversations.