Papering the House

I went to see a panel on the National Popular Vote and before things started, prominent blogger Rick Hertzberg thanked me for helping to "paper the house." Naturally I thanked him in return, but I had no idea what that means. The good news is that these days it's a Google and we learn that "'Papering the house,'" for example, is a common producers' practice to fill unsold seats. It's done during previews -- to start buzz about a new play, and assure a full house when critics are in attendance -- or when a show is past its prime and ticket sales dip."

So now you know.

Comments

It's a Google all right.

Posted by minderbender | July 18, 2008 12:12 PM

Markets in Everything!

Posted by not Tyler Cowen | July 18, 2008 12:15 PM

I always enjoy when you share the random knowledge you pick up, Matt. However, the fact that you are not actually an academically-confirmed expert on "papering the house", capable of writing a 25-page thesis on the subject, means that I can't ever read your blog again without wasting my time. Too bad.

Posted by slag | July 18, 2008 12:58 PM

You think those NBA (and NHL, NASCAR, MLB etc.) attendance numbers are real? Whether promotional tickets are used or not they count them (as well unused season tickets, staff, resident rat population) in attendance figures.

Posted by Hustler | July 18, 2008 1:03 PM

It must be strange to post something on papering the house based on a google search only to find that your own post is third on said google search.

Posted by Craig | July 18, 2008 3:31 PM

Papering the house is not to be confused with padding the crowd.

They are both techniques used by people who answer questions about "what time is the game / performance" with "when can you get here?"

Posted by Dilan Esper | July 18, 2008 3:58 PM

I believe the Republicans refer to this as "vote fraud" and it's their favorite tactic.

Posted by Richard Steven Hack | July 18, 2008 5:25 PM