Unfair gamed ticketing systemThi

[pretzel]

The lottery, Planet Bluegrass uses, is being manipulated by groups (crews) networked together to get unfair advantage for people in their network.  What are the odds of getting tickets through Planet Bluegrass' ticketing system?  Let's say 1 in 4, if there are 100 in their crew, then odds are decent (could be more or less) that  they get 100 tickets (4 per person), that covers their crew.   I attended the festival for 11 years in a row.  I tried to become involved with these crews, but I guess I wasn't cute, funny or young enough.

I know this would be a nightmare for Planet Bluegrass, but maybe people should be prevented from getting tickets for a certain time after they win the lottery. 

This will be the last year I waste my time trying to get tickets!

[Australian fan]

The lottery, Planet Bluegrass uses, is being manipulated by groups (crews) networked together to get unfair advantage for people in their network.  What are the odds of getting tickets through Planet Bluegrass' ticketing system?  Let's say 1 in 4, if there are 100 in their crew, then odds are decent (could be more or less) that  they get 100 tickets (4 per person), that covers their crew.   I attended the festival for 11 years in a row.  I tried to become involved with these crews, but I guess I wasn't cute, funny or young enough.

I know this would be a nightmare for Planet Bluegrass, but maybe people should be prevented from getting tickets for a certain time after they win the lottery. 

This will be the last year I waste my time trying to get tickets!

Jeepers. I’m really sorry you feel so angry. It’s natural to feel disappointed but I don’t think it helps to get angry and try and blame people. I’m someone who applies every year. I have been lucky some years and not lucky in other years. It’s karma and luck not manipulation. 
 
I’ve met beautiful people, become dear friends with lots of people in camp. I got adopted by Camp Duk Tape in my first year and through the wonderful people in camp I’ve met lots of other fine folk all of whom seem to live a spirit of love and generosity. In fact, it’s the warmth and kindness that calls me back.  I apply every year for my passes ( from Australia) and it doesn’t always work out but mostly it does. If you want to camp then you should start advertising for tickets and you should definitely apply in the resale and return period.

Be kind. Always.  Let the Telluride Festivarian spirit prevail. 💙💚💙💚

[AnythingAtAll]

I can't do anything about the ticketing system, but I'll be on your crew.  Let me know what you're looking for and I'll help you find it.  No guarantees, but another pair of eyes on the lookout can't hurt.
I'm part of one of the camps and I'm not cute or funny or young, but us Festivarians need to look out for each other. When I don't hit, which is almost always, I depend on others. It works.

With a lottery in place and emailed printable tickets, there's no escaping trusting someone else if your entry doesn't hit.  And I know you were just using 1 in 4 as a for instance, but the real odds for any one entry are much worse.  And I can't blame others for wanting tickets just like I do.  I blame Mumford and Sons...

I'll shoot you a PM...

Ron

[Pass Port]

Hi Mr. Pretzel!

I'm sorry you got a Dear John email, so did I. In fact I have every year thus far. However, I also have managed to acquire a TP ticket each year mainly through the Ticket/Exchange section, sometimes from someone who has an extra because their friend can't go. The first year I got one less than 2 weeks out. It happens, but you have to spend the time constantly looking and posting your request.

But look, now you have this nice fellow offering to help. Take him up on it, Ron is the real deal! You say big groups are manipulating the system by having all their members enter the lottery, and that people are networking to help each other. It sure seems that Ron is trying to network to help you. That is how it happens. Most of the people, the "crews" in Town Park, genuinely want to help the greater community. It isn't all about making sure only their friends get tickets.

I know you have said you are here to listen to outstanding music, not to socialize. However, you can be social by enjoying fine music with others, you don't have to be a party animal to be social.

I hope to meet you this year in Town Park, and to introduce you to others that you will see are very much like you. Good people that are mostly there to listen, and maybe pick. Good people that will throw a tarp or set up a tent for you. Good people that will invite you to their potluck dinner, Ramen event, music event or crawfish boil. Good people that will bring a beer or soda back from concessions without you asking.

Like Ron said, I too am not cute nor young, maybe funny looking certainly not witty. However, one of the camps also took me in. Maybe they like funny looking old guys ... I'm not sure. But what I do know is that 2 pairs of hands get the job done quicker than one. 

Remember, the lottery is just the beginning, not the end.
Cheers & good luck!
 

[Australian fan]

Hi Mr. Pretzel!

I'm sorry you got a Dear John email, so did I. In fact I have every year thus far. However, I also have managed to acquire a TP ticket each year mainly through the Ticket/Exchange section, sometimes from someone who has an extra because their friend can't go. The first year I got one less than 2 weeks out. It happens, but you have to spend the time constantly looking and posting your request.

But look, now you have this nice fellow offering to help. Take him up on it, Ron is the real deal! You say big groups are manipulating the system by having all their members enter the lottery, and that people are networking to help each other. It sure seems that Ron is trying to network to help you. That is how it happens. Most of the people, the "crews" in Town Park, genuinely want to help the greater community. It isn't all about making sure only their friends get tickets.

I know you have said you are here to listen to outstanding music, not to socialize. However, you can be social by enjoying fine music with others, you don't have to be a party animal to be social.

I hope to meet you this year in Town Park, and to introduce you to others that you will see are very much like you. Good people that are mostly there to listen, and maybe pick. Good people that will throw a tarp or set up a tent for you. Good people that will invite you to their potluck dinner, Ramen event, music event or crawfish boil. Good people that will bring a beer or soda back from concessions without you asking.

Like Ron said, I too am not cute nor young, maybe funny looking certainly not witty. However, one of the camps also took me in. Maybe they like funny looking old guys ... I'm not sure. But what I do know is that 2 pairs of hands get the job done quicker than one. 

Remember, the lottery is just the beginning, not the end.
Cheers & good luck!
 

Well said except you ARE cute and very funny.  I’m sorry that I won the lottery this year and you didn’t. Maybe next year?

Ps now we have Nightgrass and the wretched agony of trying to score a Greensky ticket. Let the fun begin

 😀😀😀😀😀

[completejohn]

Pretzel,

You're not out of luck yet.  The lottery was only for Town Park and Warner Field.  It took me MANY years to get to camp there, but that didn't keep me away from going to the world's best festival. 

Those early years when I didn't get TP/WF tickets, I grabbed 4-day tickets and camped wherever I could.  Even though they aren't as convenient as TP/WF, Illium and Lawson were GREAT places to camp.  I met people out there who actually PREFERRED to camp away from town.

So maybe where you camp is more important than the music?  OK, I understand that.  But if that's true, then there are several ways to get those passes after the lottery closes.  First, get your 4-day and camping passes when they go on sale (12/8 I believe).  Then keep your eyes open!  Look on PB's website ticket exchange every week - those passes DO come up for sale but go very quickly.  Second, get on the forum "tickets for sale" thread and watch it CONSTANTLY.  TP/WF tickets do appear there, but they get grabbed quickly by whoever sees the post first.  Third, post your "i need tickets" plea with a little creativity.  the first year I got tickets I wrote at least twice a week with posts that made people laugh so they would remember me.  It worked.  And finally, even if you stay at Illium or Lawson, when you get to the fest, introduce yourself to the people in the big camps!  Yep, go to the big tarps and make friends!  Buy a round of beers when it's your turn, offere to take a load of garbage out from the tarp, or bring in a watermelon to treat them on a hot day.  Get on their TP/WF list for NEXT year!

One more hint.  Tickets usually become easier to grab on the forum AFTER the Nightgrass lottery.  that's cuz people hoard their extras, hoping to use them to trade for their favorite shows.  And they also become even more available closer to the fest, as ticket holders are forced to miss the fest at the last minute due to famility emergencies or employment problems (damn bosses!!!).

So get your 4-day and camping pass when they go on sale.  You might not be able to get a TP/WF ticket this year, but at least you'll be at the world's best fest!!!

 

[jsrud]

It never ceases to amaze me how kind the Telluride Bluegrass community is.  Well done, all, with your wonderful replies to Pretzel.  My god, couldn't we use even a little of this type of kindness in Washington DC?  Happy Thanksgiving to all!

 Listening to: Bob Weir and the Wolf Brothers

[swander99]

The lottery, Planet Bluegrass uses, is being manipulated by groups (crews) networked together to get unfair advantage for people in their network.  What are the odds of getting tickets through Planet Bluegrass' ticketing system?  Let's say 1 in 4, if there are 100 in their crew, then odds are decent (could be more or less) that  they get 100 tickets (4 per person), that covers their crew.   I attended the festival for 11 years in a row.  I tried to become involved with these crews, but I guess I wasn't cute, funny or young enough.

I know this would be a nightmare for Planet Bluegrass, but maybe people should be prevented from getting tickets for a certain time after they win the lottery. 

This will be the last year I waste my time trying to get tickets!

Jeepers is right! Pretzel, I wish you knew how short  of tickets all these "crews" you speak of were... believe me, we feel the same anguish you're feeling. As soon as I figure out how to "game" the Planet's lottery, we'll all be happier. 
Complain to me again once you've planned camp, scored TP tix for 20 festies, all traveling over 1k miles, set up the PSB Tent Compound (no RV ), and helped out our fearless leader, DebFromTuscon  find TP's for the other hundred friends currently flaming out in the lotto. SKOL TBF-Ticket Goddess (yes, she wears a sash & crown, and makes a fine bloody mary)
And yes, I also blame Mumford & Sons (and Hooch)


 Listening to: The Mayor's most excellent recording of my Newgrass elders, of course.

[Festival Fred]

This is our first year for the lottery and we got 2 camping passes. This will be our first TBF and maybe our last. No big deal. Planet Bluegrass sure as heck does not need our business. I realize that for most folks Town Park is about staying with friends. For myself and wife it is all about logistics. For her, she cannot walk long distance. For myself, it is about getting in line early and running with the tarp. Sure sounds like TBF has outgrown Town Park. I realize moving locations would not work. Another larger location would change the whole vibe. I have a few ideas that might help but 99.99% of folks do not want to hear.

So maybe after June I give a full review of TR Bluegrass. We have a great fest 1 hour from Austin TX that reminds me of TBF without any of the hassles. No lottery, no tarp running. Great vibe and everyone makes you feel like family day 1. Much smaller crowd than Telluride.
Old Settlers Festival    April 11-14. Nice temps in Texas in April
2019 lineup:   
 https://oldsettlersmusicfest.org/       No lottery, no tarp running, no land grab.

This will give you an idea of the laidback people/fest
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pL02qAn_lQY

[ToddG]

This is our first year for the lottery and we got 2 camping passes. This will be our first TBF and maybe our last. No big deal. Planet Bluegrass sure as heck does not need our business. I realize that for most folks Town Park is about staying with friends. For myself and wife it is all about logistics. For her, she cannot walk long distance. For myself, it is about getting in line early and running with the tarp. Sure sounds like TBF has outgrown Town Park. I realize moving locations would not work. Another larger location would change the whole vibe. I have a few ideas that might help but 99.99% of folks do not want to hear.

So maybe after June I give a full review of TR Bluegrass. We have a great fest 1 hour from Austin TX that reminds me of TBF without any of the hassles. No lottery, no tarp running. Great vibe and everyone makes you feel like family day 1. Much smaller crowd than Telluride.
Old Settlers Festival    April 11-14. Nice temps in Texas in April
2019 lineup:   
 https://oldsettlersmusicfest.org/       No lottery, no tarp running, no land grab.

This will give you an idea of the laidback people/fest
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pL02qAn_lQY

Old Settlers is cool, but it just isn't TBF. And nothing about Old Settlers can compare to the happenings in TP. Every fest has its thing. TBF is just something extra special.

[BuckeyeDog]

The lottery, Planet Bluegrass uses, is being manipulated by groups (crews) networked together to get unfair advantage for people in their network.  What are the odds of getting tickets through Planet Bluegrass' ticketing system?  Let's say 1 in 4, if there are 100 in their crew, then odds are decent (could be more or less) that  they get 100 tickets (4 per person), that covers their crew.   I attended the festival for 11 years in a row.  I tried to become involved with these crews, but I guess I wasn't cute, funny or young enough.

I know this would be a nightmare for Planet Bluegrass, but maybe people should be prevented from getting tickets for a certain time after they win the lottery. 

This will be the last year I waste my time trying to get tickets!

Jeepers is right! Pretzel, I wish you knew how short  of tickets all these "crews" you speak of were... believe me, we feel the same anguish you're feeling. As soon as I figure out how to "game" the Planet's lottery, we'll all be happier. 
Complain to me again once you've planned camp, scored TP tix for 20 festies, all traveling over 1k miles, set up the PSB Tent Compound (no RV ), and helped out our fearless leader, DebFromTuscon  find TP's for the other hundred friends currently flaming out in the lotto. SKOL TBF-Ticket Goddess (yes, she wears a sash & crown, and makes a fine bloody mary)
And yes, I also blame Mumford & Sons (and Hooch)

Poor Hooch always gets the blame!
The folks in the camps are not gaming any system. Many of them go through months of agony hoping that a ticket may come their way. We are all friends here and try to support each other in any way possible. That includes packing, unpacking, setting up and tearing down camps, bringing in supplies, music, cooking, cleaning, etc....
What seems to be happening is that the number of people entering the lottery gets larger each year. It would be interesting to see if PB can give us actual numbers showing how many participants there are and how many winners over the last 5 years. There probably are some scalpers included in the bunch, that may try to flood PB with entries, but since we will not ever pay any more than face value for tickets, scalpers usually find this a hard sell. None of us would ever buy a camping pass at inflated prices because it would hurt our fellow campers.
Peace, have a Happy Thanksgiving, and if the good Lord is willing, we'll see each other next June.

 Listening to: 26 Versions of Hungry like the Wolf

[livluvgrow]

I imagine enough crunchy frog and everybody becomes cute, funny, and young. All kidding aside if you want town park you will find town park it just always works out that way.

[Festival Fred]

[/quote]
Old Settlers is cool, but it just isn't TBF. And nothing about Old Settlers can compare to the happenings in TP. Every fest has its thing. TBF is just something extra special.
[/quote]

Maybe bigger is better. Old Settlers Festival is so laid back. See if you find any tarps at OSF? No land grab.
No waking up early to get in line and run run run. No lottery to enter. Park at your camp site. User friendly festival.
Looking forward to my first Telluride Bluegrass 2 months after Old Settlers. The folks at Old Settlers will make you feel like family day 1.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hn9nyPcJT2Q

[ToddG]

Old Settlers is cool, but it just isn't TBF. And nothing about Old Settlers can compare to the happenings in TP. Every fest has its thing. TBF is just something extra special.
[/quote]

Maybe bigger is better. Old Settlers Festival is so laid back. See if you find any tarps at OSF? No land grab.
No waking up early to get in line and run run run. No lottery to enter. Park at your camp site. User friendly festival.
Looking forward to my first Telluride Bluegrass 2 months after Old Settlers. The folks at Old Settlers will make you feel like family day 1.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hn9nyPcJT2Q
[/quote]I've been to Old Settlers. It's a great festival. It is laid back. Telluride is laid back, but in quite a different way. Also don't sweat the tarp run. If its just the two of you, you'll have no issues being about as close as you want. Our camp mates last year were front and center everyday with no great effort, but because the two of them take up such little space its easy to find a bit of land between the big tarps. Also one of the great friendly things about TBF is how chill everyone is, and you'll be welcomed to join one of those big tarps if you just start talking to folks. There's a whole series of "get to know you" events that happen in the campgrounds in the days prior to the fest. It might seem like a Big festival, but by the end of the weekend you'll feel like you know everyone.


 Listening to: Irakere

[AnythingAtAll]

It might seem like a Big festival, but by the end of the weekend you'll feel like you know everyone.

Amen, that sums it up nicely.