I seem to need to expand on or maybe clarify my remarks on the Eisner Awards in San Diego. What I said is apparently being taken by some as much more negative than I'd intended. Let me try it this way…
I am physically, emotionally and mentally unable to sit in an auditorium for three hours, clapping every few seconds for nominees, presenters and award recipients. You couldn't keep me there for three hours if the awards were doled out by nude Playboy models and they periodically ran through the house throwing Krugerrands to the audience. I didn't know of many of the nominees but even if I did, I couldn't applaud for or even remain in a chair that long to watch people I loved being honored. When I've been nominated for an Eisner, I sometimes don't attend. (First time I won one, I didn't find out until weeks later when I read it in some fanzine.) When called upon to present one, I remain in my seat only as long as necessary to fulfill my obligation. Then I either depart or watch with frequent intermissions, ducking out to the lobby for occasional stretches.
This is not really a criticism of the Eisners…more a matter of the way I find all award shows. I didn't go to the Emmy ceremony the last few times I was nominated, either.
I don't know how many folks feel the way I do. As I said, a lot of people this year seemed to like the Eisner ceremony, all 180+ minutes of it. Maybe there wouldn't be so many empty seats if they could find a way to shave an hour off the running time: Find a way to get the presenters and winners to the stage faster, limit acceptance speeches, don't create a rhythm where the audience feels expected to applaud every nominee in every category, etc. Or maybe that would spoil it for those who enjoy the ritual and the speeches and even clapping for the comic book shops that are up for Retailer of the Year or whatever that trophy's called. I missed it but everyone said the presentation of the first Bill Finger Award, especially Arnold Drake's acceptance speech, was a memorable highlight. Maybe some felt that made it worth sitting there for three hours, banging their palms together.
I only know I can't sit through any awards show where I can't pick up my TiVo remote and fast-forward through whole segments. I love Jackie Estrada, who administers and presents the Eisners, and I mean no criticism of her and the tireless job she does. Heck, I'll even throw my whole-hearted support behind those awards. Just so long as I don't have to sit through them.