On the other hand, yesterday I did a gig on Staten Island. The woman who ran it hadn't done a book event before, and had to be talked through how to order the books, etc., by my publisher. I had no idea what to expect, and it could have gone either way, but she turned out 30 people and I sold 20 books, which any writer will tell you makes an event worthwhile. Especially if the readers are new to you. And you get wine and cheese and a ferry ride in the deal.