posted 08-03-2008 09:14 AM               

Neither of these events were opportunities to get stacks of items signed but if you desired just a simple signature, most were accommodating.

posted 08-03-2008 09:23 AM               

Regards,

posted 08-03-2008 02:48 PM               

Edinburgh is a beautiful city and yes I enjoyed my brief visit, thank you.

It was a sobering and informative experience for me. I recognised many of the American and Soviet Astronauts/Cosmonuats there... but whilst I knew and put a name to all of the "old guard" I could put names to few of their shuttle counterparts.

I was kind of surprised to see a handful of obvious space fans waiting outside with cameras, folders and Sharpies at the ready; the venue was in a hotel open to the public complete with typically expensive bar. I don't know why they didn't just come inside and find a cumfy seat...

Regards,

posted 08-03-2008 05:35 PM               

Complaints about the arrogant and pushy nature of these dealer pests soon caused the ASE hierachy to release a statement to the members that even though it would be left up to them individually, they should not sign anything outside of a recognised signing event.

As always, the greed of some people spoiled it for everyone, so be prepared for polite but firm refusals.

posted 08-04-2008 08:27 AM               

On the other occasions, some (!) of the autograph hunters indeed ruined their own hobby. I know most of the "regulars" attending these congresses in Europe, and different to Colin I would not consider them dealers. Neither of them has any established business, some sell a few doubles, but most actually excessively hunt for their own collection.

At least down here in Europe, we are a far cry from the commercialised situation in the US, and I sometimes felt that visitors from the US were projecting their experiences in the US on the much milder situation down here in Europe. It was remarkable how relaxed and welcoming many of the (historically much more important) cosmonauts responded the situation compared to what I thought was the typical overreaction of minor figures from the US. If guys like Nikolayev, Popovich, Leonov and even Tereshkova politely grant autographs whenever asked, accomodating and smiling, one wonders about the occasional payload specialist or average shuttlenaut phantasizing about how much money some people made out of his/her autograph.

I have, however, also seen behavioural patterns from some of the fellow collectors that made me feel ashamed to be part of the same crowd. In Edinburgh, some fella's were shown the door, and I was not too surprised that this happened. Insofar, maybe some basic rules to be respected will help both sides:

• Never stop a man heading for the loo. He will be more relaxed and welcoming when coming back. Obviously, never bother anyone IN the restroom either.
  
• Never bust into a conversation someone is having. Never.
  
• Never bother anyone having a meal.
  
• Never bother an ongoing event, a meeting, a conference.
  
• An astronaut arriving at the hotel reception desk carrying two suitcases cannot autograph. They only got two arms, just like we do.
  
• Never follow an astronaut to his/her room unless invited to do so. Do not wait for him outside his/her room either.
  
• If you have written a book on spaceflight, or even just an article, carry it with you. It will immediately rocket your public image from an autograph hunting moron to the more seriously interested space enthusiast and expert.
  
• Do not ask an unreasonable amount of signatures. Three autographs can be too many, seventy definitely are.
  
• Those are human beings, not hands writing names. Be nice, warm, smiling, ask considerate questions, engage in a conversation. A neutral "would you be so kind to autograph these souvenirs?" is the absolute minimum, a polite "thank you" a must.
  
• There are other subjects of conversation for grown ups than "He signed this" and "he signed that". Even amongst autograph hunters.
  
• In this line: yes, it is perfectly socially acceptable to just talk to an astronaut and NOT ask for his autograph.
  
• You adore these people? Then giv'em the respect and consideration they deserve. They are not prey.

Like everything in life, this is about checks and balances. If you want an autograph, give something in return: a smile, a pleasant moment, a heartfelt thank you, an interesting conversation, maybe even a small gift from your hometown. You will be treated accordingly. Just as you will be treated accordingly if you behave like a nuisance and a pain in the famous lower body part. If you hear the word "greed" uttered around you, you'll know you have been leaning too much on the "take" side.

------------------
Jürgen P Esders
Berlin, Germany

posted 08-04-2008 10:57 AM               

Jurgen, I think you've given some very good advice. Thank you. Bottom line: I think most fliers are more than happy to sign one, or a couple items. However, a request for an autograph should never be made when the flier is busy doing something, or having a conversation with someone. Use your judgement as to when is an appropriate time to ask, and I think you'll have good results.

Colin, there was never a formal message sent to the membership, but merely an advisory that they should sign at their own discretion (as, clearly, some were being taken advantage of) and that the organization did not have an official position on the matter, one way or the other.

As for this particular Congress, there are no formal times set aside for autographs (there rarely are). However, there are opportunities before and after the pubic sessions at Microsoft, UW and MoF where it would not be inappropriate to ask for autographs.

Obviously, we do not encourage folks to hang around the hotel with the sole intent to collect autographs (we've had very annoying folks in the past do this, the most recent in Scotland, as noted by Colin and Jurgen), but if done discreetly and politely, you'll get no grief from me (as Jurgen will attest, I'm usually the one who notices, and makes an issue of it).

posted 08-04-2008 05:18 PM               

Most of the space explorers were extremely gracious and hospitable, but some were indeed subjected to rudeness and multiple requests from a few people. I know I felt quite annoyed when having a serious conversation or taping an interview with an astronaut or cosmonaut and someone would literally walk straight into the conversation and hand over a dozen items expecting them to be signed. I'm pleased that you listed those points of decorum Juergen, because these are the rules to which people should adhere out of respect for these people and their privacy.

We all enjoy meeting our heroes and having access to them, but as is the case in so many facets of life, the minority will always spoil a good thing for the majority.

So I would definitely recommend you heed Juergen's and Andy's words if you want to have a pleasurable encounter with the space explorers: be respectful of their privacy; don't interrupt conversations or meals and don't be pushy; don't ask for more than one or two signatures; be understanding if they give a refusal and don't press the issue, but also know something about them that might create an interesting conversation.