Con-sider: How much is too much?

One of the big attractions at comic book conventions are the creators -- the writers, artists and editors responsible for assembling your favorite books.

It's fun to meet these people, because they're often nice, personable folks who are genuinely happy to meet a fan. These encounters are also fun because they give collectors an opportunity to get a signature across their favorite issues. But this fun can -- and often is -- all too easily ruined by some truly inconsiderate people.

The first thing I did Saturday inside Baltimore Comic Con was get in line for the signature of writer Kurt Busiek. (For those who don't know, he's the author of my all-time favorite comic book tale, "Marvels." It's a beautiful story, and one that belongs on every bookshelf.) I was the sixth or seventh person in line, so I thought I'd quickly meet Kurt.

Alas, no.

I had to wait an unreasonably long time because the man at the front of the line had literally dozens of comic books he wanted signed. I lost count of how many comics this guy presented to Kurt for a signature, but there were easily 30 issues. A more accurate count might have totaled 40, 50 or more. I never could determine whether this guy was just an overzealous fan, or a retailer trying to increase the value of his wares.

Regardless, this inconsiderate behavior begs a question of etiquette: How much is too much?

There comes a point where someone must interject to stop these overbearing fans from ruining the experience of others. I understand why creators would be reluctant to impose limits, as that might sour their reputation among fans. And I understand why other convention attendants would be reluctant to speak up, as that might trigger a confrontation.

So who can best defuse these situations? The convention organizers. In my opinion, it's the responsibility of those who host these events to limit the number of issues that can be signed at any one time. (Let's say you have 14 issues you want signed, but the limit is 10. By my theory, you can wait in line, get 10 issues signed, go back to the end of the line, politely wait for your turn again, and then get those remaining four issues signed. Don't like it? Leave those last four issues at home.) Convention organizers, I believe, are also in the best position to enforce such restrictions. If you put up a fuss, your entrance pass is revoked.

Maybe I'm asking for too much. But speaking as someone who waited an artificially long time for Kurt Busiek -- and as someone who gave up on waiting for superstar artist Michael Turner -- I think such a policy would greatly improve the convention experience.