Some definitely do know the stage set up because they'll use things like "You'll be on the aisle between Jon and Richie" to advertize.

I agree with you in theory that scalpers are a bad thing. However, they also provide a service that I'm willing to pay for. I've been a loyal fan club member since practically day one. I don't drop in and out on the basis of tours. However, the stipulation to be at the venue to purchase tickets keeps me from taking advantage of fan club seating. If I'm going to take a few days off work and travel and pay for a hotel room just to get to a show, I want that show to be from the best vantage point possible. Scalper markups are usually less than what it would cost to take time off work, travel, and get a hotel room to be at the venue to buy tickets. Therefore, why go to the trouble of all that when I can order tickets from my own home and pick what I want and where I want them? Many people who did travel for fan club seats wound up very disappointed with what they got.

It's not like I'm going to have the opportunity to go to 5 or 10 or 15 shows on a tour. I go to ONE. I'm willing to pay for it to be the best it can be. Until the fan club improves their policy, I will continue to use scalpers for the service of better tickets. I'm not ashamed of that and I don't apologize for it.

If people are concerned about legitimacy, they can check to see if the brokers are bonded. Also, I've found that brokers will send out tickets immediately, usually through Federal Express. That doesn't mean I don't worry that I've gotten fake tickets, but so far everything has worked out for me.

Becky