"Manda-Tori" disappointment

As you know from reading previous entries, I'm a HUGE fan of Tori Amos. Well, a little while ago I recieved an e-mail from the fan site and it stated that Tori Amos would have an in-store appearance in Washingon DC at the Georegetown Barnes and Noble to sign copies of her new book at 6pm on Thursday March 17'Th. Since I was unable to get tickets to her concert(Which will take place in DC in about a month), I figured this would be a cool if not better opportunity to see Tori and I was all for it. Imagine being able to meet with one of my heros even for a breif moment. With that being the case, I made arrangements to get out of work early to and I thought up an excuse to use for calling out of my evening job. I was gonna tell my evening job I had a "Manda-Tori meeting" LOL. In additon to that, I made plans for some of my friends (Also, die hard Tori fans) to meet up at my place and from there we'd hop on board the metro and go to DC and see Tori Amos.

Tonight as I was getting things in order for tomorrow, I decide to call the bookstore and confirm Tori Amos' appearance. Although she'll be there, I'd sadly learn this is too good to be true and I'll be unable to see Tori Amos. First of all, if you want to see Tori Amos/get an autograph, you have to be one of the first 200 people to show up at 9am to recieve a wrist band which allows you access to Tori @ 6pm later that day. In additon to that, I was told Tori would only sign copies of her new book/CD bought specifically from that Barnes and Noble Bookstore and one must present the reciept before recieving an autograph. With those stipulations I relized I am unable to comply. First of all, there is no way I can call out of my work with such short notice and with no garantee I'd be able to make it into DC to be one of the first 200 privledged people. In addition to that, with me being such a hardcore fan, I already own her book/CD and there is NO reason for me to cough up more $ for both. Also, I don't have the extra $ to do so.

Anyway, right now I feel very annoyed and exploited. I'm not sure if I should blame Tori Amos, Barnes and Noble, or her Record Company. I will say that I have been a HUGE fan of her work and I feel it is her duty as a preformer to give back to her fan base and allow EVERYONE to get a chance to see her/get an autograph as opposed to just a select few. Also, this just seems like a plug for Barnes and Noble to boost sales, since you HAVE to purchase the merchandise at that specific store.

Although I'm very pissed/annoyed about the situation and the plans of meeting Tori Amos going down the toilet, I'm not gonna let it get to me too much. Because there is more to life than that and who knows maybe there will come a day where I'll be the one signing books for the masses, but if that's the case I'll be sure to let EVERYONE get my signature because if it weren't for my fans I wouldn't be anywhere. Also, on a brighter side I'm glad I've found out now as opposed to cutting work, making my way to Georgetown, to find out I'm unable to see Tori Amos. If that were the case, this would be a very NASTY blog LOL.