A WORD ON SCALPERS

Scalpers are bad.

Everyone knows that scalpers take advantage of people in terrible ways. Theirs is a corrupt and, in some states, illegal system. Whether they come under the guise of ticket brokers or eBay sellers, the scalpers sell tickets for many times their face value, screwing fans in the process.

Scalpers are a big problem, but just as big of a problem are the people who purchase tickets from scalpers, even while knowing they are getting the shaft. If you pay a scalper anything more than face value for an event ticket, you are contributing to the problem by fueling the system that keeps scalpers in business.

Buying from a scalper may be the easy way to get a ticket to a sold-out show, but there are alternatives, if you look around a bit -- you don't have to go the scalper route. Many bands have fan sites with message boards, where people advertise tickets for trade or even for sale at face value. craigslist.org is another option that has proven successful in the past, even with the most difficult-to-get-into gigs.

The best way to eliminate the scalper problem is not to use scalpers when you buy tickets, no matter how tempting it is. Work your resources, ask around. There are always alternatives.