Sold Out...So What!

This is a review of a book I have read by a writer going under the pseudonym Max Deale. He offers tips on how to get into sold out shows and games as well as ways one can upgrade seats once inside. You can visit his websites at maxdeale.com and soldoutsowhat.net.

And, no, it is not my book, and I do not (to my knowledge) know the author. I did receive the book for free to review it because he wanted to get the word out, but if anything that made me look that much harder for criticism.

Note that none of the techniques would work for the above-pictured Lambeau Field--when Packers fans say they are sold out they mean it, and they won't be dumping tickets either. I once paid for my entire season ticket package with one ticket to the first person I saw.

The book is an easy read, with solid information mixed with enough humour and personal experiences to keep one entertained. The ideas are mostly common sense, and not what I would call ground-breaking. The dos and don'ts at the end of the book are an example of this, but also the kinds of basics everyone should follow without fail.

For instance, he mentions that sold out shows often have new tickets released on the day of the performance. This is nothing new to me since I work for a theatre: there are House Seats kept for emergencies that eventually need to be sold.

He also has no problem squatting in areas he did not pay for, but still has certain ethical boundaries he makes clear. Right from the start, he says that if you enjoy an artist or team, they deserve to be paid for what they do.

I will not reveal more specifics in the interest of time and space, as well as in fairness to the author, who also deserves to be paid for his work. (Plus, a portion of the proceeds go to non-profits working to make sporting events more available to under-resourced youth, like the Boys and Girls Club.)

After reading it, I asked him a couple follow up questions via e-mail; his responses are shown in blue font, unedited:

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