Updated October 19, 2004

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Why this page exists.

This site isn't meant to promote one auction site or method over another, nor is it meant to applaud or condemn practices by any group or individual.

This site is here to help you figure out on just what you're spending your hard-earned money . Hopefully, I can prevent you from paying too much for an item you could have gotten cheaper or in a better quality format elsewhere, or stop money slated for a charity from ending up in someone else's pocket.

There's a lot of really cool stuff available through web sites and auctions, stuff that used to be available only to people who happened to be at the right convention at the right time, or who knew somebody working on a show when it was cancelled. With the magic of the internet and email, that supposedly 'rare' or 'hard to find' CD soundtrack may just be a click away at a commercial music site, or may end up costing you four times as much at an on-line auction.

As fans, we often work in the gray areas of copyright law. Fan fiction is illegal (no if's, ands, or buts), but most copyright holders won't go after someone if they feel there's no money being made from the infringement and they still contain control over their creative and financial rights in the project. We often rely on gray areas, such as scripts and videotapes, to 'bring across' others into a series or fandom, and often these materials broaden our understanding of the source and how and why it came out the way it did. But we should also know what rights we have and what laws we may/may not be infringing in our pursuits, how best to protect ourselves from unscrupulous people who try to prey on our love for a series, and how best to protect our reputation as individuals and as a fandom.

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Why should I care whether an item is authorized for sale?

Because you not only place yourself in a position liable to legal action, but you also may ruin the chance for more professional merchandising and future release of material to the fans from The Powers That Be.

Never offer to sell a non-professional tape on a newsgroup or a mailing list, or anywhere a message may be logged and recorded. If a company gets a big enough bee in its bonnet, it can come after you.

Trading tapes seems to fall more into the area of common usage because it's not making you any money - it's technically illegal, but it's a gray area, so they tend to let that go unless it's done on a massive scale and cutting into professional profits. For example, if Sony came out tomorrow with an Forever Knight episode tape line, they might start taking a serious look at people offering to dupe episodes because it would cut into the money they could make on a tape. Conversely, a low sales figure on any Forever Knight pro tapes would put that project, or any future Forever Knight licensing, in danger (which is why people have been asked to buy the Forever Knight soundtracks CD's and cassettes and not just buy one copy and tape it for their friends). If The Powers That Be can't make money from it, they won't do it.

One of the reasons we won't see the third season blooper real in general distribution is because someone who got a copy of the tape offered it as a 'free gift' when you purchased other items from them. That sends a bad message to the cast/crew/staff who are trying to be nice to the fans by making these items available, but who can get into serious trouble if this stuff starts turning up in duplicate copies with price tags on them. When this type of thing happens, it means the flow from the top stops - no dailies, no director's cuts, no blooper reels . . . nothing.

Why do you think more and more actors are requiring 'no videotape' clauses in their appearance contracts? Because they're tired of people taking video at conventions, then turning around, mass-producing it, and selling it. Not to mention the people who take video to 'capture the moment' for themselves and their friends, then wander into a convention two months later and find a dealer selling a copy of that person's video at a bootleg tape table.

It is SO easy to be caught when you do something wrong or stupid, and what does that get you? People won't lend you tapes or scripts or photos and you may be sued. Becoming a pariah in a fan community for a couple of quick bucks shouldn't be a life goal for anyone.

As a fan, it's your responsibility to watch what you buy, to support the charities, and to prevent unscrupulous people from trying to make a fast buck off other fans by endangering the future relationship between the fans and The Powers That Be.

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What am I trying to buy?

You either buy at an on-line auction because an item is rare (you can't find it anywhere else) or because you can get it cheaper on-line than you can through mail order or a local store.

Here's a run down of the types of items you may be looking for or may see at an on-line auction, as well as things to check out/questions to ask the seller, before you begin to bid.

Videotapes

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Scripts/Teleplays

Scripts are also pretty dicey because of the legal complications--to be blunt, there's no legal way to purchase a script, except when it has been donated to a charity auction or published professionally in a book or trade paperback format, or it has been properly purchased through a licensed agent, who insures that the writer and property owner receive their royalties. Stores that sell photocopies of scripts are doing so illegally, but script dealers (and photo dealers) have become so much a part of fandom that we rarely ever consider legal ramifications (now and again, you'll hear about a script dealer being sued or pulling certain items because a Screen Writers Guild member asserts his or her just rights).

There are different types of scripts around. Some that you might see are - in order of production -

The cover page of any script will indicate what kind of script you're looking at. If you see a shooting script and all the pages are white, it's probably a photocopy.

Things to keep in mind when buying or collecting -

  1. Some actors/crew toss the old pages and add the new color pages to the shooting script, while others meticulously save everything (keeping the old and the new). Missing pages can be a problem. Obviously, the more complete and comprehensive a script is, the more interesting it is and the greater value it has to a fan or collector.

  2. If a script is signed, make sure you know whether the signature is on the item or whether it was on the original and then photocopied (hint for those who like to get things signed--have a blue/red ink or silver/gold metallic pen available, because it makes it easier to tell that a signature is on the original, black ink will sometimes look like photocopying).

  3. Scripts with additional items (prop sheet, directors notes, set designers notes) are more interesting and valuable.

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Props

Props are items used to 'dress' a television or movie set and provide actors something to work with. When Forever Knight was cancelled, many of the props were set aside for an auction in which fans were given a chance to bid on the props for charity and, thus, end up owning a 'piece' of the show.

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Crew Items

It's a tradition in many quarters of the entertainment industry to give cast, crew, and staff something 'extra' in appreciation for their efforts. These gifts may come from the production company, from individual members of the cast, crew, and staff, etc. Many times they're given out at a wrap or Christmas party (depending on how the shooting schedule runs). Obviously, these items are relatively rare, as they belong to cast, crew, or staff members.

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Licensed Merchandise

Original and/or derivative work based on Forever Knight which has been licensed by the copyright holder. These items are professionally produced.

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Promotional Materials

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Photos

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Unlicensed and/or Fan Created Merchandise

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Is it real or is it a photocopy?

If you're a serious collector or you plan on reselling your item at some time in future, whether an item has a provenance, certificate of authenticity, or proof of being an original will matter quite a bit on whether you purchase the item and how much you're willing to pay. If you simply want to look at a copy of a script or videotape, authenticity isn't as much of an issue.

Consider three items -

Which item is worth more? It's all in the buyer's perspective. Someone interested in the changes that occurred during the making of an episode would say value item #1, a fan of the actor might say item #2, and someone who collects autographs might prefer item #3. If the item is purchased at a charity event, the buyer can be pretty certain that an item signed in front of their eyes by the cast/crew/staff person who donated it is authentic. But how could you verify the authenticity of an item or signature at an on-line auction?

Provenance is the history of an object - where it came from and what happened to it along the way. The provenance of an object can affect the value to a collector or a fan. An incomplete shooting script might be worth more to a fan than a collector if the script came with a piece of paper signed by the actor stating this was his script, or that a piece of paper signed by the owner stating the circumstance by which they got the script and where and how it was signed.

Sometimes this takes the form of a COA or Certificate of Authenticity. A COA usually states where the object came from, who signed it, when and where they signed it and who witnessed the signature. Sometimes sellers will also offer a photograph of the item as it appears on the set or in the series, or a photograph of an item being signed.

Of course, COA's and provenances can be faked (talk to anyone trying to track down art stolen by the Nazi's during WWII occupation, which has since ended up in a number of private collections), just as a photograph of a signature may be the autograph you're having signed or it might be the original that was used to forge signatures on other photographs.

Ebay offers an authentication service that has proven helpful for serious collectors, but other than that, you're pretty much on your own when it comes to determining authenticity when you buy an item over the internet, sight unseen. Look at a seller's track record and the type of items they've handled in the past. If you have any question as to the authenticity of an item (if it matters that much to you), don't bid.

Signatures

If the item is signed, make sure you know whether the signature is on the item or whether it was on the original and then photocopied - a good clue is the type of ink used. Clear signatures are worth more than smudged signatures. The addition of a date to a signature will increase the value. Personalizations will usually detract from the monetary re-sale worth of an item, but are essential for someone looking for a memento of an event or occasion. Remember, too, that a signature doesn't always increase the worth of an item, particularly when it comes to mint items that are valued for something other than a signature (gaming cards are a prime example).

Hint for those who like to get things signed--have a blue/red ink or silver/gold metallic pen available, because it makes it easier to tell that a signature is original; black ink will sometimes look like photocopying. A photocopy signature is worth nothing monetarily, but it might be worth something to you.

Science has developed a 'genetic' pen that professional animators and artists use to sign their work - the ink contains a compound which includes a sample of the artist's DNA, but I very much doubt we're going to see something like that on the local circuits.

There are some trustworthy sellers out there, and some non-trustworthy sellers out there. Dealers have been known to forge autographs on photos (particularly since many celebrities have limited the number of signatures given at events or now charge for signatures at events) and studios used to have someone sign autographs for celebrities as a matter of course. The only way to absolutely ensure that a signature is genuine is to get it yourself, in person, from a celebrity.

And even then, ask if he/she has a twin.

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What should I buy?

Videotapes

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Scripts/Teleplays

To protect yourself, never offer to sell a script, with the same caveat as above--posting a sale notice in a public place is just not good. Now, if you bought a script at a charity auction and want to sell it, you've got a leg to stand on--you acquired the item legally, it's yours, and you can sell it. But if you try to sell photocopies of that item, the legal beagles have every right in the world to come after you. As above--trading seems to be ignored, copying for costs seems to be ignored, donating photocopies for charity seems to get by . . . but that doesn't mean that someone won't come after you. Don't post to any list that you're making multiple copies of something and selling it for cost because it's the equivalent of waving a big red flag with a target on it.

Some people are making illegal photocopies of scripts and are submitting them to on-line auctions. While the legal eagles who have been notified are still taking names and numbers and dealing with their own special type of paperwork, it's suggested that you take some common sense action to make certain you're not paying more than you have to for a script copy.

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Props

Props are always a gamble. When you purchase something live at a charity auction or through a cast or crew sponsored event, you're probably going to get what you pay for, but that isn't always true for on-line auctions.

Beware of items listed as 'reproductions' or 'replicas' - these are home made or mass-produced merchandise, not an original prop. There's a vast difference between buying a prop pistol actually used during the filming of a movie or TV series and buying a replica or reproduction of a prop used in that movie.

On-screen props and heroes are the most elusive and most valuable items because it's easy to prove that this is what it's supposed to be - just fast-forward to the spot in the episode and compare the image to the real thing. But items that can barely be seen or are made for an episode as per script requirements and aren't used or end up on the cutting room floor can be just as valuable.

Keep in mind that there might be multiple copies of paper or breakable props. Due to effects work, loose cables on the floor, and the fact that they're dealing with human beings, set dressers and props designers have to cover their tushies in case something breaks during filming and has to be immediately replaced. It isn't always possible to know what items may or may not have duplicates out there, but always be prepared to ask a seller whether they know of or multiples of an item (sometimes the seller is selling something he purchased at a live auction and just doesn't know how many could be out there).

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Crew Items

Because crew gifts, crew jackets, and set identifications pins are limited, they're rare items.

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Licensed Merchandise

The only unsigned Forever Knight item worth purchasing at an auction is the first novel, "A Stirring of Dust," because it's out of print. The other novels and soundtracks can be inexpensively purchased through your local book or record shop or an online dealer.

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Promotional Materials

A limited number of these items were produced, which increases their value.

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Unlicensed and/or Fan Created Merchandise

The quality and quantity of unlicensed items is controlled by the person who made them, which means certain items can be very rare. As mentioned previously, there's some really great stuff out there. It's always a matter of caveat emptor - make certain that you know what you're getting.

    Fanzines

    Beware of bootlegged materials (a fanzine that has been purchased, then the copy is duplicated and sold as if the seller produced the fanzine or was authorized to sell it). There's been a rash of people downloading the fan fiction from the internet, then using that fiction to create and sell fanzines without the permission of the author. If you spot something like that, don't buy it and also get as much information as you can to pass onto auction or convention organizers, as well as the authors being plagiarized.

    A number of fanzines that turn up at on-line auctions are single copies - someone purchased a zine (or bought a double by mistake) and is now reselling it. This is perfectly legitimate and a good way to pick up used zines for a reduced cost. Always keep an eye on the real cost of the zine - if it's still in print and the price runs about the publisher's price, buy it from the publisher and save yourself some money!

    One of the best series of out of print fanzines is "Forever Net," which were produced by Valery King, reprinting (with the authors' permissions) the best of "Forever Knight" fan fiction found on-line. A number of stories in the early issues have been pulled from the internet, so the only play to find them is these zines. These are definitely worth having in any collection.

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Photos

Many of the photos sold through on-line auctions are copies of Press Kit or promotional photos. It's far cheaper to order on-line or by mail from a photo dealer than to pay auction prices.

The Forever Knight second season cast photo is definitely worth purchasing and many photo dealers have it for $5.00(BW)-$8.00(color).

The following photo dealers will sell by mail or over the internet:

If you know any websites or companies that sell Forever Knight photos, please e-mail me.

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Why are charity auction items so expensive?

Always keep in mind that purchasing from an individual who is selling an item for profit is VERY different from purchasing an item at an auction where proceeds are going to charity. The knowledge that the proceeds are going to a worthy cause (and may be tax deductible) may add a little bit extra to your bidding leeway. Not to mention the spirit of the thing - at live auctions it's almost impossible not to get carried away into bidding on something that you don't really want, may already have, or wouldn't pay that much for if you were in a sane state of mind.

Charity auctions also tend to attract unique (and thus valuable) donations of material. People who might not have the cash on hand to support the charity may be able to donate a spare autograph or item they no longer want, and cast and crew are always amazed when stuff they considered 'junk' is considered valuable by fans.

The final cost of an item depends on the crowd and the venue. Sometimes the people with deep pockets have no interest in an item, sometimes two or three people may band together to purchase something. You never know.

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FOREVER KNIGHT Auctions, Charity Events, or Raffles

The following is a list of on-line auctions, charity events, or raffles

In addition, there are live auctions:

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If you know the facts are different, please feel free to correct me. And if you'd like to discuss any of the above or ask questions, feel free to contact me at susanmgarrett@earthlink.net. I'll try to update this page accordingly.

Reproduction of this material for public distribution or profit is expressly forbidden without the permission of the author.

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