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Author
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Topic: Reflections: Autographica 12, Oct 2008
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Rick Mulheirn
Member Posts: 4167
From: England
Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 10-25-2008 11:59 AM
   
Just got back from Autographica/Heathrow. I couldn't stick around for long so my apologies to Paul Cox for not saying goodbye properly.Brammers, Sixshooter Sixsmith, Andy Green... the usual suspects... but no Paul Prendergast! Warren Mitchell was looking for you Paul; what happened? The show itself was VERY quiet. I only hope it does not put prospective astronaut/cosmonaut attendees off future shows. I arrived 10 minutes after the opening times for Gold Pass holders and took my "Virtual Queue" tickets for Lovell and Scott only to find both guys twiddling their thumbs. A combination of the credit crunch I guess and the signing fees, particularly for 3D objects and completions restricted my buddies to fewer signatures that previous shows. I was surprised to see Jim Lovell busy with a steady but modest queue much of the time while Dave Scott seemed rarely troubled. Both had been at Autographica recently and their base fees were only 5 pounds different. As usual, all the astronauts were generous with their time, and were more than happy to pose for individual photos despite previous warnings by the doorstaff to the contrary. One fortunate consequence of the limited numbers no doubt. Next time it is Birmingham. Congratulations again to Dave Philips, Dave Shayler, Rex Hall and Co for putting on these events. They are appreciated far more than the numbers earlier today would suggest. Regards,
Rick |
gliderpilotuk
Member Posts: 3398
From: London, UK
Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 10-25-2008 01:20 PM
I agree Rick. The turnout in no way did justice to the organisers who put a lot of effort into this show. I was amazed to see that Lovell's queue at its longest was about 8 people and Scott hardly had any queue. By 3pm it was deathly quiet. I think pricing was a key element in this, plus the regularity of their appearances - although the non-space guests were hardly busy either. At £175 ($300) for an Ap8 completion I scrubbed 4 Lovell items. Vance Brand had a healthy queue early on and both he and Jerry Carr had plenty of time for a chat. It will be interesting to see what the trend is at the Florida show. Great to see the usual gang. Paul |
john ffoulkes
Member Posts: 146
From: United Kingdom
Registered: Jul 2003
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posted 10-25-2008 01:54 PM
Sorry to hear the attendance was down at the show, after all the hard work the organisers put into arranging it. Unfortunately for a number of reasons I was unable to come to this show, the first one I have missed since it all began which was a great shame. It is always something I greatly look forward to attending especially the celebrity dinner on the Saturday evening. I look forward to next years show and I will be there this time. |
Paul23
Member Posts: 836
From: South East, UK
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 10-25-2008 03:50 PM
It certainly was quiet today, though an excellent event. I guess with Dave Scott it was a combination of the size of the fee, his apperance at the last show and possibly he wouldn't have the appeal outside of those who specifically collect space Autographs. I know people for example who aren't regular space collectors who would conside the likes of Lovell and Aldrin as much for their place in popular culture as anything. I wonder as well if a lot of people had everything they wanted doing by him done last time on the assumption he wouldn't be back.That said he was very pleasent when I went up to see him, he posed for a picture with me, stood up rather than me crouching or leaning over a table. Jim Lovell was good to meet as well, he came over as being the sort of person I hoped he would be. Jerry Carr and Patrick Moore's talks were very good too. Only minor thing for me is I realised on the bus on the way home I'd missed getting Vance Brand's signature. Part of me is tempted to go back tomorrow but that suddenly makes his the best part of a £70 autograph with travel costs and all! |
StarDome
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posted 10-25-2008 04:59 PM
Hi guys,Forgive me if I didn't come and say hello to you all today. I spotted a few familiar faces but ran out of time. I had a good day with my family; my son was the youngest attendee as far as I could see sat in his push chair. He got his pic taken with the legend that is Sir Patrick Moore (I am lucky in that I have visited Patrick at his house in Selsey a fair few times, so nice to catch up again) and I parted with yet another £500! but at least it's done now. The guys do put a hell of a lot of effort into organising these great events and they do deserve great credit but there are some little touches for me that I feel still ought to be done that would make all the difference and when they are not it sometimes lets things down. I will wait to see if my "Official" £65.00 of pictures arrive here at home sometime in the next week or two (I filled out the form - and description of myself - "bald fat bloke") so here's hoping as I had to leave early before they arrived. That aside it was nice to meet Brand, Carr and Lovell. Also nice as always to catch up with Rick and Rex Hall and to finally say hello to Adam -nasamad. Roll on the next astro events in the UK. And yes... it did seem pretty quiet today compared with previous years, cost and saturation of the market maybe? |
poofacio
Member Posts: 268
From: United Kingdom
Registered: Oct 2006
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posted 10-25-2008 06:21 PM
Thanks for organising another really great show,They don't come any better than Autographica, David |
StarDome
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posted 10-25-2008 06:32 PM
Where did you hide then? I would have said hello to you oh master! I look forward to catching up with you soon mate. Cheers Andy |
paulushumungus
Member Posts: 466
From: Burton, Derbyshire, England
Registered: Oct 2005
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posted 10-26-2008 07:29 AM
Well, yet again it was another great show and I really enjoyed it. As the others have already said the show was the quietest yet but this meant that we had some great photo opportunities with the astros. At one point in the afternoon there was just me and Andy (Sprigg) in the room with Jim Lovell and Dave Scott (I couldnt believe it!) so I went up and asked them if I could have my photo with both of them together - they agreed and it looks great. This was the best show to date for the photo opportunities. Another personal highlight for me was meeting my childhood hero Sir Patrick Moore at long last. He was lovely. At the end of the show Dave Shayler organised an impromptu photo shoot with Sir Patrick, Jerry Carr and Vance Brand - another grear moment. Unfortunately Jim and Dave had left for the day so the planned extended meet will probably happen today (Sunday). One big disappointment for me was being stopped from using my video camera. I love to video the show to be able to look back later. That for me is a very negative step from the organisers. The relaxed atmosphere is in danger of being replaced by a "jobsworth control freakery attitude". It is already starting to go that way. Some of the shows "officials" can be very abrupt and rude - so please, pack it in and let us video if we want to. After all we spend enough for the honour. |
Rick Mulheirn
Member Posts: 4167
From: England
Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 10-26-2008 08:08 AM
quote:
Originally posted by paulushumungus:
The relaxed atmosphere is in danger of being replaced by a "jobsworth control freakery attitude". It is already starting to go that way. Some of the shows "officials" can be very abrupt and rude - so please, pack it in and let us video if we want to. After all we spend enough for the honour".
Where is the harm in filming the show discreetly. To be fair to the guys on the door for Lovell and Scott they were pretty chilled with me going in and out taking photos of various friends getting stuff signed. But I have to confess I found their initial "No photos" a little oppressive and unnecessary.Had there been a packed house and the event had turned in to a scrum it would be warranted. Regards, Rick |
StarDome
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posted 10-26-2008 09:24 AM
With the "Official" picture stance making money the "No Photo" stance for other people seems to be that they would rather people pay money for their "Official" pictures rather than taking our own.This time round it wasnt as high security as the last one, but I feel it's a real shame that this is happening. Re filming... I can understand it if the "astros" don't want to be filmed but I didn't hear any of them yesterday saying no to pictures or video etc. The astros are all used to that by now given their attendance at these events world wide. I bet if it was news at ten doing a feature on the event then they would be granted access no problem... good publicity? In the day and age where we collectors are all being told it is imperative to have "Authenticity and Provenance" to our signed items, taking the pictures of an astronaut/cosmonaut signing a particular item is the only way today we can prove 100% that it is authentic. At an "autograph" fair people ought to be a lot more aware of this and such related issues It's a shame that it is going this way, a totally different atmosphere to what it was when I first attended back in 2005. It is a really fantastic event, but I still can't help feel that sooner or later people will get rather annoyed with these attitudes and enforced silly rules. I guess it is the nature of the beast these days and it does not really encourage anyone. It may even be the hotel policy? That they don't want people filming in the hotel for security reasons? I love meeting the astronauts, having my picture taken to prove I met them etc and it helps me in my work to inspire people who may never have the chance to attend such an event or meet such icons. |
Paul23
Member Posts: 836
From: South East, UK
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 10-26-2008 09:29 AM
Funnily enough I found the exact reverse at this show. At the event back in March and to an extent last October I found the staff much ruder and unwilling to make any accomodations. I remember asking if I could go into the room to look at Buzz's photographs to see what sort of selection there was (bear in mind this was before he'd even shown up so there was nothing going on in there) only to have some officious little so and so almost shouting at me to get out of the room and he was going to lock the doors. My view was for £95 I was damn sure I was going to get exactly what I wanted!This time round it even seemed possible to have a bit of banter with the staff, especially around the photo shoot area where for some reason they all usually seem to lose their heads completely! Just wish I'd had the idea of a photo with Dave and Jim, it occured to me this morning that I should have popped back in the afternoon to ask if I could have one. Still I got some really good individual shots with both of them so can't complain too much. |
StarDome
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posted 10-26-2008 09:36 AM
Yeah, the guy at the photo shoot was still in heaven having had his picture taken with all the bond girls! |
paulushumungus
Member Posts: 466
From: Burton, Derbyshire, England
Registered: Oct 2005
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posted 10-26-2008 01:02 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Paul23:
...especially around the photo shoot area where for some reason they all usually seem to lose their heads completely!
That woman official (with the dark hair) at the photo shoot was the most miserable and rudest of them all.She needs to sort her attitude out. She was the same at Birmingham when she was with Jim McDivitt. To be fair to the rest, they were fine. It's just that the non video policy stank of small mindedness. |
StarDome
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posted 10-26-2008 02:42 PM
She was the one telling me that my pictures were well worth the £20, £20 & £25 as they were printed on thick paper. I'd love to see the breakdown of where my £65.00 goes?When I asked her what type of paper they used and whether it was Kodak or Fuji she obviously had no clue! and I asked her "why not actually produce them on site" with a laptop and high quality printer which is what happens at some of the the trade shows I attend... the answer... it's easier to go to the studio and get them done! hmmmm |
Paul23
Member Posts: 836
From: South East, UK
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 10-26-2008 03:27 PM
Her justification of the cost was a pretty silly thing to say because a professional photo with George Johnsons was only £10!I never understand why they make it so hard for themselves with the photo printing. I've lot count of the number of times I've heard people say I would have had the photo signed if I'd got it back in time. Surely they should have realised by now they are missing out on money doing it the way they do. |
David Bryant
Member Posts: 986
From: Norfolk UK
Registered: Feb 2005
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posted 10-26-2008 03:43 PM
I just want to chip in and say WELL DONE JASON! Why is it he's always forgotten? Great show Jason & Dave: see you in April! |
nasamad
Member Posts: 2121
From: Essex, UK
Registered: Jul 2001
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posted 10-26-2008 04:09 PM
I agree with whats written above, I've never seen such a quiet Autographica, which was good for us punters but not so good for the dealers and guests. It was nice to be able to speak to the guests in a less hurried way, but a shame to see so many of them looking bored later in the day. The organisers did a great job as always with the show, and again the only gripe I have is the wait for the photo's (I didn't know you could get them sent on). It was great to finally meet you Andy. Adam P.S. Does anybody know what the final price for the Worden signed Apollo 15 flight plan was? |
Blackarrow
Member Posts: 3120
From: Belfast, United Kingdom
Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 10-26-2008 04:26 PM
The Apollo 15 signed Flight Plan was sold for £600. I was speaking to the new owner this morning. |
StarDome
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posted 10-26-2008 04:44 PM
Thanks Adam, good to meet up with you this time round. There were some nice items on the ASF stand as usual. I hope we get to know the final prices of everything. I am sure we will. |
Rex Hall
Member Posts: 170
From: London, England
Registered: Oct 2001
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posted 10-27-2008 02:29 AM
It was great to attend the latest Autographica and renew friendships and chat space.I met so many people I will not list them but thank you for sharing the interest and hobby. I was great to meet Jerry Carr again with his wife Pat. I am glad at last Dave Shayler's biography of Jerry is out and getting the opportunity to have it signed buy author and subject was great. I have found it amazing over recent years how many astronauts and cosmonauts have attended these events. Someone should do a listing show by show. It might pass the time till April. It would perhaps be good to have some European astronauts attend future events.
Till April. Rex and Lynn |
David Bryant
Member Posts: 986
From: Norfolk UK
Registered: Feb 2005
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posted 10-27-2008 02:48 AM
Not just for personal reasons: since no-one else seems disposed to do so, I think it's only fair to give a shout to the regular band of dealers and exhibitors, without whom these shows wouldn't take place. To a large extent their financial and promotional imputs help keep the ticket prices down, and the displays give you something to look at in between signings!Special shout to Mick who still had a smile on his face on Sunday, even after someone stole six grands-worth of his autographs during the night. Luckily, he was caught on VT and the items returned..... |
StarDome
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posted 10-27-2008 06:38 AM
I am ever so sorry to hear about that however I am glad they both caught the person involved and the goods were returned. I guess the doors to these halls were left open and not locked after everyone had gone?Was it someone staying for the Saturday evening event then? as it must have been late into the evening? |
paulushumungus
Member Posts: 466
From: Burton, Derbyshire, England
Registered: Oct 2005
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posted 10-27-2008 07:28 AM
It was a diamond pass holder. The CCTV showed him entering the room at 3am and ditching the two framed items in the hedge near to McDonalds. They were recovered but water damaged. The robber was caught and admitted to the robbery after his face was caught on the CCTV system. Lucky Mick is a copper in his regular job. |
paulushumungus
Member Posts: 466
From: Burton, Derbyshire, England
Registered: Oct 2005
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posted 10-27-2008 07:30 AM
quote:
Originally posted by StarDome:
She was the one telling me that my pictures were well worth the £20, £20 & £25 as they were printed on thick paper. I'd love to see the breakdown of where my £65.00 goes?
If you look at the back of the photos they were printed at Boots - max £1.50 each I guess. |
Paul23
Member Posts: 836
From: South East, UK
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 10-27-2008 08:05 AM
That's terrible, I would have thought that of any event Autographica would be safe from that sort of thing. Glad to here he was caught. |
StarDome
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posted 10-27-2008 08:11 AM
Wow, a diamond pass holder indeed.  Well lets hope they get prosecuted and then get a criminal record. We don't need "collectors" like that! I guess they stole the 12 moonwalker and the Apollo 11 framed items then? Is it anyone we know then? |
StarDome
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posted 10-27-2008 08:27 AM
quote:
Originally posted by paulushumungus:
If you look at the back of the photos they were printed at Boots...
Printed at Boots? They better bloody not have been! |
StarDome
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posted 10-27-2008 08:38 AM
quote:
Originally posted by paulushumungus:
One big disappointment for me was being stopped from using my video camera. I love to video the show to be able to look back later. That for me is a very negative step from the organisers.
On the Collectormania site it says this: PHOTOGRAPHING THE GUESTS/USE OF VIDEO CAMERAS:We recognise that getting a photo with a guest can be a highlight to any fans day. Therefore, when you meet the guest to obtain your autograph, there is no further charge for taking a photo with them. However, as the day progresses, it does sometimes become necessary to stop photos in order that the guests can get through and meet more people, otherwise there would be fans that would go home not having met them at all. Please also bear in mind that whilst guests are generally happy to pose for photos with fans, there may be occasions where they decline. If this happens please do respect their wishes. The use of video cameras is permitted in the dealers room, although we would advise asking someone's permission before filming them. All we ask is that you use your discretion and not to film anyone that doesn't want to be filmed (this goes for fans, staff and dealers as well as guests). Video Cameras are NOT allowed into Guest Talks or screenings. This is for a number of reasons both legal and practical. So it's ok there but not at Autographica? Strange. |
gliderpilotuk
Member Posts: 3398
From: London, UK
Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 10-27-2008 09:24 AM
So how was Sunday? I think we know why Manuel didn't turn up - after two imbeciles on BBC Radio 2 decided it was fun to leave verbal abuse about his granddaughter on his answerphone. Poor guy. Paul |
Paul23
Member Posts: 836
From: South East, UK
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 10-27-2008 10:16 AM
quote:
Originally posted by StarDome:
Printed at Boots? They better bloody not have been!
They were, it said the same on the back of mine. I don't care particularly because the main thing for me is I have a great personal souvenir of my meeting with Jim Lovell now but I can see why it might disapoint/annoy some. |
StarDome
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posted 10-27-2008 10:29 AM
What Size? |
paulushumungus
Member Posts: 466
From: Burton, Derbyshire, England
Registered: Oct 2005
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posted 10-27-2008 10:34 AM
Yes, I agree Paul that it is a great item to have as a memory of a great day and this year I decided that I could not miss this opportunity. I just dont want to be fleeced. My objection is clearly the HUGE mark up. Pretty soon they will kill it off for themselves. That process may have already started judging by the very low attendances this time. That would be a great shame because it is a great event and one I always look forward to. |
paulushumungus
Member Posts: 466
From: Burton, Derbyshire, England
Registered: Oct 2005
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posted 10-27-2008 10:36 AM
quote:
Originally posted by gliderpilotuk:
So how was Sunday?
I am told it was very quiet - quieter than Saturday. |
albatron
Member Posts: 2732
From: Stuart, Florida
Registered: Jun 2000
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posted 10-27-2008 10:49 AM
quote:
Originally posted by StarDome:
She was the one telling me that my pictures were well worth the £20, £20 & £25 as they were printed on thick paper.
I hate to sound silly, but that's the price for the photo WITH signature, right? |
StarDome
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posted 10-27-2008 10:49 AM
Anyone have Jason's email address? Of you do let me have it offline. Thanks |
StarDome
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posted 10-27-2008 11:02 AM
quote:
Originally posted by albatron:
I hate to sound silly, but that's the price for the photo WITH signature, right?
NOPE, that was just to stand in front of a background and have your picture taken with the guest! |
Rick Mulheirn
Member Posts: 4167
From: England
Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 10-27-2008 11:11 AM
quote:
Originally posted by paulushumungus:
If you look at the back of the photos they were printed at Boots...
The fact the photos were printed at Boots does not necessarily mean an inferior photo. I use my local Max Spillmans on a regular basis and these days... if the printing machines are serviced regularly the quality of prints are indistinguishable from professional hands prints. Indeed... personal experience tells me if the prints were done at a professional lab the cost of each print would raise many an eyebrow. I have no idea how the event organisers make their money from these shows. For all I know the profits made on the photos may account for quite a high proportion and in so doing allow them to keep ticket prices unchanged for everybody. I do have concerns at the "misdirection" by staff as to exactly what level of service was being provided by the photographer. " it's easier to go to the studio and get them done". I don't ever recall Boots having "studios"...! But all in all I consider the concerns over the calibre of photos minor and should not detract from an excellent show. Regards, Rick |
paulushumungus
Member Posts: 466
From: Burton, Derbyshire, England
Registered: Oct 2005
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posted 10-27-2008 11:20 AM
The quality of the photos is pretty good - but lets not get fleeced please in future. |
StarDome
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posted 10-27-2008 11:20 AM
I know what you are saying. But it would have been nice to get something like an A4 printed on AGFA, KODAK or FUJI high quality glossy paper. Like they print up for the astronaut guests to sign.And yes it wasa great show and to meet 3 more astronaut legends. Brilliant. |
Paul23
Member Posts: 836
From: South East, UK
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 10-27-2008 11:22 AM
Agree with that, personally I couldn't fault the quality of the picture I had taken so whether it was done at Boots or not I was happy with it. |
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