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Author
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Topic: Astro-School Autographs
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Teacher
unregistered
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posted 06-24-2000 05:42 PM
 
I am really shocked at the market involved with astronaut autograph collecting. I teach in an inner city school that has been truly blessed by people who care with many being astronauts (mostly of Apollo era). As I type, I see messages from those who orbited (Stafford, Gordon, Schweickart) to those who 'landed' (Aldrin, Conrad, Duke, Schmitt).It makes me SICK that some people are writing these people and lying, saying they are teachers and then selling the autographs. SHAME ON YOU!!!! Our kids have benefited from these autographs and have spoken to a few on the phone. I have come to realize and have been told that our collection is worth a great deal of money and that sends my blood boiling!!! Their autographs, conversations and messages have been priceless to young minds (excuse the VISA commercial type reference) and I am thankful. To those who are saying they are teachers and lying, please stop! You are only hurting the possibility of young minds expanding. One of our friends Fred Haise has stopped signing because of you and who knows how many young minds that will and have hurt? God Bless those astronauts who do help as you really have helped!!! I know that for a fact as should any of you be reading; 'my kids' (there is the clue) love you. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42981
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 06-24-2000 06:43 PM
 
While I agree with your sentiments -- no one should be falsely representing themselves, as a teacher or otherwise -- I would hope no reading this board has taken part in such activities.I know there are several teachers who participate in this forum and who write the astronauts on behalf of their kids. Was your post just a general warning or do you know of someone here misrepresenting themselves as a teacher? If it is the latter and you don't feel comfortable posting publicly their identity(ies), please contact me at robert@collectspace.com and appropriate actions will be taken. - Robert |
Physics800
unregistered
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posted 06-24-2000 07:04 PM
Hi,
I agree with this teacher I heard that people asked Neil Armstrong to sign 30 photos at a time and posed as a teacher. I think those people are sick. As a young student I want Autographs of my favorite Astronauts to frame on my wall and not to sell. As I think more about it though I think Adults should not Badger Apollo Astronauts for their Autographs because they are Adults. They have jobs and they live to provide a good life for the coming generation of Adults (kids). I see my teachers doing that everyday. But when Adults make sick profits and can't be role models then what is their for kids. I can't even get Fred Haise's Autograph. Buzz Aldrin wants $100 from me for his Autograph and I don't have a job. Before he gave autographs for FREE to Adults but the Adults took advantage of him and now look at were kids are at. No Apollo Astronut will sign for a kid. |
collshubby
Member Posts: 591
From: Madisonville, Louisiana
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 06-24-2000 09:29 PM
Please do not assume all collecters are like this. I collect the autographs of astronauts because I am interested in the U.S. Space Program. All I want is a tangable piece of history, so I collect their autographs. I don't profit from them. If my collection is worth a great deal of money, great...it's a bonus. But that is all it is. I value my collection much more than money. My autographed picture of Scott Altman means just as much to me as my autographed copy of Lost Moon from Jim Lovell. I never have told an astronaut I am someone I'm not, and I never will. I have much respect for them, as do many of the collectors here. There are many in the hobby for the history, and not for the money. Just read Wayne's column and you will know what I mean. |
spacewalk
unregistered
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posted 06-25-2000 12:03 AM
Go get em, teach! In the year I've been involved in this hobby, I've been saddened, outraged, and occassionally even amused at what some individuals will do for a buck. These types just don't get it at all. The forgers...the imposters...the rude guy with 50 photos and a fake cast....did you hear about the fellow who hauled away Buzz Aldrin's lunch leftovers and listed them on ebay? Imaginine living a life that could conncoct such schemes. In a way, they are pitiful, in another troubling, and yes, they can make your blood boil too. But don't let their circumstance keep you from instilling the wonder of space into those young minds. God speed to you on that mission....
Spacewalk
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astronut
Member Posts: 969
From: South Fork, CO
Registered: Mar 2000
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posted 06-25-2000 12:30 AM
I too am angered by those in the guise of "a collector", lying or claiming to be someone they are not (i.e. a teacher) to obtain autographs for no other reason than personal gain. They cast a shadow on all of us.But it must be remembered they are small in number, so please do not lump all true space enthusiasts in with these scumbags. You should never judge ANY group by the actions of a few. It would be like saying because one man commits murder, all humans are murderers. "Judge not, lest ye be judged." ------------------
Wayne Edelman |
Teacher
unregistered
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posted 06-25-2000 05:28 PM
Thanks to those of you who replied. Sorry to have sounded so bitter and I guess anyone may lie but it just bothers me that in the end, it is students/kids who suffer from adults who do dumb things in life (and that is in ANY area from autograph collecting to politics to the environment to etc). I do not know of any imposters but a few astronauts have told us about some of the lengths people will go to get one from them (showing up at church, pretending to be a delivery man with $6 flowers hopefully signed for to sell for $50, sick child, etc.). Most astronauts are very decent people but I wish they were more like Gene Cernan or Frank Borman who give the payment of an autograph towards a cause. Just thought I'd reply. |
thecollector
Member Posts: 216
From: West TN, USA
Registered: Jun 2000
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posted 06-27-2000 07:16 PM
I agree with the teacher there. I have paid for very few of the autographs I collect because, as I've been told, I have a way with words and most astronauts will send me stuff free because of that, or because I am young, either way. However, I ONLY pay for autographs when the money goes to a good cause as with Boreman and Cernan, and I'm sure (at least I hope) there are others who don't simply pocket the money. I think it is OUTRAGEOUS that Aldrin charges $120 for his auto. I understand that it is worth it, but does the man not see that there are TRUE collectors out there who only want to be "keepers of the flame." Is it that much trouble for him to write his name on something. Does ink really cost $120 over there in L.A.? I just don't see why some of them charge so much. I think a small fee like Sally Ride, Mike Mullane, Charlie Duke, or even Alan Bean is sufficient!!------------------
"Heroes are made by the challenges they confront, by the risks they take, and by the pain they endure."
-Homer H. Hickam, Jr.
"Back to the Moon" "The word 'impossible' not longer exists. I'm proof!"
-Eugene A. Cernan
Apollo 17 CDR |
albatron@aol.com
New Member Posts:
From:
Registered:
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posted 06-29-2000 12:37 PM
The "Teach" is absolutely 1000% correct> (And I suspect you and I have had this conversation before) <G>. The hobby has denigrated to such a degree, largely in part because of many people who falsly represent themselves to the various astros for theirrown personal gain. And yes, I believe there WAS once a person, who represented themselves as a teacher, and in fact WAS a teacher and used his kids to help him obtain many signed photos, not only from Neil, but some others. We've all seen what idiots some collectors can be, not only posing as others, but in their attacks on others who dont "toe their line" or dare disagree with them.
Keep up the awesome work I know you do....there are crowns in Heaven for those who do as you do, and I hope, a lot worse for those who hurt the Children.Al |
collshubby
Member Posts: 591
From: Madisonville, Louisiana
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 06-29-2000 05:07 PM
It isn't just this hobby that it happens to. It is all autograph related hobbies. When I collected baseball autographs, it was the same. It is strange that those who go to such great lengths to gain a buck are at the same time destroying the hobby they are trying to profit from. I know that the market for baseball collectibles has bottomed out partly because of such jerks. I hope the same doesn't happen here. |
collshubby
Member Posts: 591
From: Madisonville, Louisiana
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 06-29-2000 05:11 PM
Perhaps in the future when you write to astronauts for your class, include a photo of you and your class together. Also include some letters from your students. It won't be 100% successful, but I bet in some special cases an Apollo astronaut or two will respond. Also try the shuttle astronauts. Show interest in today's space program. You may gain some friendships and have an astronaut or two drop by. Maybe donate a signed cover or two to put on display at the school library for future students to enjoy. Don't be discouraged by idiots who lie and cheat. What goes around comes around. |
thecollector
Member Posts: 216
From: West TN, USA
Registered: Jun 2000
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posted 06-29-2000 09:19 PM
Let me reccommend several suberb astronauts who have helped me out a lot along the way. I too am a student. These are all current shuttle astronauts. Feel free to email me for contact info on these people or for any other reason.Lt. Col. Jeffery N. Williams, USArmy/NASA
Col. Mark C. Lee, USAF/NASA Astronaut
Steve L. Smith, NASA Astronaut
Col. Terrence (Terry) Wilcut USMC/NASA
Kevin Kregel, NASA Astronaut
Kenneth Cockrell, NASA Astronaut Also some non astronaut people associated with the space program Eugene Kranz
Flight Director Guenter Wendt
Pad Leader--Pre-shuttle era Homer H. Hickam, Jr. and the other Rocket Boys
basis for "October Sky" Andrew Chaikin
Author Tom Hanks
actor, space enthusiast 
[This message has been edited by thecollector (edited June 29, 2000).] |
Rob Sumowski
Member Posts: 466
From: Macon, Georgia
Registered: Feb 2000
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posted 06-30-2000 11:13 PM
Hi all:I think most of y'all know that I am teacher who has strong beliefs that our kids need to learn about our space heritage. It is SO important. My students have chosen to write to astronauts and many have replied favorably. It really lights up their faces. It's pure magic! This is how we keep the dream and spirit of adventure alive for future generations.
It is a shame that some have ruined our kids' possibility to collect due to misrepresentation. But I also believe that "what goes around, comes around." Those who deceive will receive their due sooner or later. We might never witness it, but karma and fate have a serious way of biting one back when one chooses to lie. I'm not into the whole justice, revenge, or retribution thing, but I know it will all come out in the end. That's why sick guys like "problem chid" don't bother me. Collshubby is right to suggest sending a class picture along- in our experiences, the astronauts have really gotten a kick out of it! Also, most of my students have written their own letters- a few words might be misspelled here and there, but I let the kids send the letters as they write them---it's the sincerity that counts. Just one suggestion- try not to lump all teachers in together on this one. A lot of us really are trying to make a difference in our kids' lives. It's a crazy world. I just love to watch the kids dream... Sincerely,
Rob Sumowski, Ed. S.
Macon, GA
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