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Author
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Topic: Autographica 14, Birmingham, UK, Sept. 2009
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AstroAutos
Member Posts: 803
From: Co. Monaghan, Republic of Ireland
Registered: Mar 2009
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posted 07-28-2009 05:16 PM
   
Just out of curiosity, how many of you ARE going to get something signed by Stafford and what in particular are you going to get signed?For me, it's a simple NASA WSS litho... |
Paul23
Member Posts: 836
From: South East, UK
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 07-28-2009 06:05 PM
It'll be a WSS shot for me as well. It would be nice to get something related to each mission but its just too much money. Figure a WSS is more generic, depending on fees may go for four mission inscriptions as well. |
andrewcli
Member Posts: 328
From: La Jolla, CA, USA
Registered: Jul 2007
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posted 07-28-2009 06:07 PM
I had Stafford sign a 16x20 poster of Eagle's ascent at the recent ASF signing. On it, there now 17 of the 21 living Apollo astronauts, 7 of 9 moonwalkers. I had each astronaut inscribed a quote, either from the transcripts, funny, or related to Star Trek. Gen. Stafford wrote, "Houston, tell the world that we have arrived!"When I am done, I will frame it with the crew patches that I have collected over the years. Was it worth it - yes! It's something special and unique. I am not thinking of what it would cost if I were to sell it. I did meet Gen. Stafford at the San Diego Air and Space Museum a few years ago and he did sign and inscribed his book to me for total of 50 dollars. So it's up to you. Are you going to have the WSS inscribed? If not, then finding one on eBay that is not inscribed may be the way to go. But then, to have it signed in front of you, knowing that he signed it for you, that is something special. |
AstroAutos
Member Posts: 803
From: Co. Monaghan, Republic of Ireland
Registered: Mar 2009
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posted 07-28-2009 06:15 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Paul23:
depending on fees may go for four mission inscriptions as well.
Do you mean that for £170 he might not even list his four missions for us - are you serious? Oh, and Andrew, I am going to get it inscribed to me so that and the fact that it is signed right in front of my eyes is like you said special!  |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 07-28-2009 06:18 PM
quote:
Originally posted by AstroAutos:
Do you mean that for £170 he might not even list his four missions for us - are you serious?
Unless stated otherwise, I think it would be prudent to expect the fees to be the same as for Stafford's through the mail signing. Otherwise, why should those who took part in that session be penalized? |
lm5eagle
Member Posts: 429
From:
Registered: Jul 2007
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posted 07-28-2009 10:59 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Robert Pearlman:
Otherwise, why should those who took part in that session be penalized?
This is not what we may want to hear but Robert is absolutely correct in what he says. Those who participated in the ASF mail in signing have already paid additional overheads through shipping costs and insurance (considerable, if shipping twice over the Pond). There are going to be raised eyebrows if Autographica fees are lower than ASF fees.If General Stafford operates a structured fee system with a base charge and add ons for each mission / inscription, etc., at least we all know where we stand.
The system used by some astronauts, whereby they will write a longer inscription, but charge pro rata for each word is also good. It allows the buyer to make their requests without feeling that they are making unreasonable demands, but within the Astronaut's stated policy. |
Paul23
Member Posts: 836
From: South East, UK
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 07-29-2009 03:50 AM
Exactly, I can remember being stood behind some when Dave Scott made his first Autographica appearance. He just has a flat fee which covers signature, personalisation and mission inscription. He seems to do the odd quote but on this occasion the guy in front of me had four different picures (all the same image!) and wanted the same quote put on all of them. Both the crew member sat with him and Scott himself said he didn't really want to do all four of them but the guy just wouldn't take no for an answer and kept pushing it, the whole situation was starting to get quite uncomfortable. I was even getting a bit worried it was going to lead somewhere bad at one stage. I guess it might all have been easier if say there had been an additional £10 fee or something for quotes to be added, certainly removes any ambiguity. |
Autographica 2
Member Posts: 46
From: Biggin Hill Kent England
Registered: Aug 2004
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posted 07-29-2009 07:05 AM
Hello everyone, Dave Phillips here. Just to put all the speculation to bed here: General Stafford will be charging exactly the same as the recent ASF signing. I am in the process of converting all the price structure into pounds and when I have done that you will be notified. We will have as usual a large selection of photos for you to pick from all 10x8s will be given free with each signature. We also have a huge array of larger pieces which you will be able to purchase on site. As I have stated on the Showmasters forum this will be General Stafford's first and last UK signing and he has no intention of signing anymore outside the U.S. It has taken a long time to put this together and I look forward to seeing you at the event. Our VIP passes are flying out so if you want to sit at the dinner anywhere close to an astronaut you had better pick up the phone. Robert is absolutely correct in saying that we will not penalise those who chose to have their items signed by mail by charging a lower price. One thing is for sure for all you guys who do not relish the plane journey to the states, it is going to be a great show. |
Paul23
Member Posts: 836
From: South East, UK
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 07-29-2009 07:39 AM
I'd certainly agree with that, the way the space and non space guest list is shaping up, I'd say this could be one of the best ever.I've also just seen that the Autographica website has been updated with pre order prices (which are usually the same as show prices) and selling details for some of the photo shoots, Tom Stafford included. |
AstroAutos
Member Posts: 803
From: Co. Monaghan, Republic of Ireland
Registered: Mar 2009
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posted 07-29-2009 11:05 AM
Yeah, the fees are exactly as we thought they would be - Worden and Carpenter £50, Scott £95 and Stafford £170... the Stafford photoshoot is £25. |
minipci
Member Posts: 365
From: London, UK
Registered: Jul 2009
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posted 07-29-2009 11:12 AM
Any chance of getting John Young for next year's show? |
robsouth
Member Posts: 769
From: West Midlands, UK
Registered: Jun 2005
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posted 07-29-2009 03:30 PM
£170.00 is too pricey for me so I won't be getting anything signed. I will get a Dave Scott autogragh though, £95 is just within my price range. |
machbusterman
Member Posts: 1778
From: Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland
Registered: May 2004
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posted 07-29-2009 03:43 PM
quote:
Originally posted by minipci:
Any chance of getting John Young for next year's show?
That would be £300+ per signature  Just booked my flights and Saturday ticket... One WSS vintage litho for me.  |
minipci
Member Posts: 365
From: London, UK
Registered: Jul 2009
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posted 07-29-2009 04:46 PM
quote:
Originally posted by machbusterman:
That would be £300+ per signature
Wow! That would definitely sort the men out from the boys. |
AstroAutos
Member Posts: 803
From: Co. Monaghan, Republic of Ireland
Registered: Mar 2009
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posted 07-29-2009 06:11 PM
I have a question regarding the photoshoots -In past years at Autographica, have Worden, Carpenter and Scott taken part in the photoshoot, and if not will they pose for a photo at their signing table? |
Paul23
Member Posts: 836
From: South East, UK
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 07-29-2009 06:33 PM
To my knowledge neither Dave Scott or Scott Carpenter have done the organised photoshoots but have both done pictures at the table. Not sure about Al Worden but I'm sure someone will know.My tip with Dave Scott in particular would be to wait till he doesn't have a queue, at the first event he did when he was quite busy, he stayed sitting for most of the pictures but when I met him at the second event he did when he wasn't as busy he stood up for the photo. It's only a small thing but I think it makes for a more natural looking picture if your not leaning over a desk. |
lm5eagle
Member Posts: 429
From:
Registered: Jul 2007
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posted 07-29-2009 10:32 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Paul23:
Not sure about Al Worden but I'm sure someone will know.
Al Worden is a super guy who is always most accommodating. I have met him many times over the years and he has obliged me with photographs at the table, in front of the table and outside the lecture room. He is inspirational.
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David Bryant
Member Posts: 986
From: Norfolk UK
Registered: Feb 2005
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posted 07-30-2009 12:30 AM
'Roger that'!Col Worden (despite his somewhat ferocious expression at times!) is just the nicest person you could meet. Catch him outside when he's having a cigarette break, and he'll chat for ages! |
AstroAutos
Member Posts: 803
From: Co. Monaghan, Republic of Ireland
Registered: Mar 2009
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posted 07-30-2009 07:46 AM
That's good to hear - I don't want to have to spend any more money than Stafford on photoshoots! |
David Bryant
Member Posts: 986
From: Norfolk UK
Registered: Feb 2005
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posted 07-31-2009 04:43 AM
Hey! Just noticed that Kubasov is in Germany on September 12th! C'mon: it must be 'do-able'.
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lm5eagle
Member Posts: 429
From:
Registered: Jul 2007
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posted 07-31-2009 04:43 AM
Autographica 14 already has a dream lineup and promises to be among the best.I lend my support to what David is saying here. An ASTP reunion would leave this show being talked about for years to come. |
AstroAutos
Member Posts: 803
From: Co. Monaghan, Republic of Ireland
Registered: Mar 2009
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posted 07-31-2009 10:26 AM
I agree - Kubasov would be an amazing guest and I would love to meet him! |
AstroAutos
Member Posts: 803
From: Co. Monaghan, Republic of Ireland
Registered: Mar 2009
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posted 08-01-2009 12:53 PM
One question - does each astronaut usually have a good selection of pens/markers/sharpies with them for signing as I want to get Dave Scott to sign a photo in silver metallic ink or something similar? |
Rick Mulheirn
Member Posts: 4167
From: England
Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 08-01-2009 03:21 PM
Typically they do but might I suggest you take your own pristine new pens? That way you can guarantee a nice finish. |
AstroAutos
Member Posts: 803
From: Co. Monaghan, Republic of Ireland
Registered: Mar 2009
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posted 08-01-2009 06:47 PM
Will do - thanks Rick. |
Rick Mulheirn
Member Posts: 4167
From: England
Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 08-02-2009 03:44 AM
Over the years I have found metallic pens typically problematic at UK signing events. Maybe it is just me but those provided on the day always seem scratchy, "blobby" or just plain dried up. |
David Bryant
Member Posts: 986
From: Norfolk UK
Registered: Feb 2005
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posted 08-02-2009 05:56 AM
At the excellent Charlie Duke Norwich appearance, Gen. Duke had a very long queue and refused (politely!) to use the metallic sharpie I proferred! |
Rick Mulheirn
Member Posts: 4167
From: England
Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 08-02-2009 06:10 AM
That was a free signing and you are right David, the queue WAS very long so I can understand Charlie wanting to move things along.I have never known any astronaut to refuse a pen I have offered them at a signing event... nor would I expect them too having paid for the signature. Maybe it is just my "scouse charm"... |
Paul23
Member Posts: 836
From: South East, UK
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 08-02-2009 11:20 AM
At Autographica last time Charlie Duke had a number of different pens available and asked me which one I'd like him to use. I'm not sure I didn't see him using pens that the punters had provided though.Award for best pen ever though goes to Jim McDivitt's green sharpie! |
David Bryant
Member Posts: 986
From: Norfolk UK
Registered: Feb 2005
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posted 08-02-2009 12:22 PM
General Duke is a charming, urbane and delightful man: I saw him do some wonderful kindnesses for people at A13. The Norwich signing was a terrific event, with an autograph thrown in free: needless to say, everyone queued up for theirs! I mention the gold sharpie thing merely as a caution that it may soimetimes be more convenient at busy times for our Astronaut heroes to use their own pens! |
David Bryant
Member Posts: 986
From: Norfolk UK
Registered: Feb 2005
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posted 08-02-2009 12:23 PM
On the other hand, Dave Scott was quite happy to sign an A15 acrylic with my silver sharpie at A10! |
paulushumungus
Member Posts: 466
From: Burton, Derbyshire, England
Registered: Oct 2005
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posted 08-02-2009 01:39 PM
Whose silver sharpie?  |
David Bryant
Member Posts: 986
From: Norfolk UK
Registered: Feb 2005
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posted 08-02-2009 02:30 PM
LOL! Where would I be without you, Tonto? |
robsouth
Member Posts: 769
From: West Midlands, UK
Registered: Jun 2005
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posted 08-02-2009 05:19 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Paul23:
Award for best pen ever though goes to Jim McDivitt's green sharpie!
I know! What was going on there? |
Paul23
Member Posts: 836
From: South East, UK
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 08-03-2009 10:15 AM
Got to love the green pen, it's probably one of my top signatures purely because of its intense green-ness!As a side thing, just in case anyone doesn't go on the Showmasters forums but has booked to stay at the hotel, Dave has just posted this on there: Following another lengthy discussion with the hotel today here is the latest.If you have been charged more than £80.50 for your room you are not listed on the Autographica rate. If you have paid more than £80.50 please phone the hotel on these new numbers Mon-Fri 9am-5pm: 0121 780-6289 OR 0121 780-6381 Please only use these numbers. You will then be charged the correct rate. It is most important that if you are quoted any other rate call me or email me. I do not want you all to pay any more than you have to. As of today they still have plenty of standard twins. |
robsouth
Member Posts: 769
From: West Midlands, UK
Registered: Jun 2005
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posted 08-03-2009 03:52 PM
Just going back to the signing fee for Thomas Stafford. It was pointed out that it would be unfair to charge less than the recent signings but wasn't they sent through the post? |
Paul23
Member Posts: 836
From: South East, UK
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 08-03-2009 04:40 PM
True, but as that signing was arranged by the ASF who I understand have also worked with Showmasters to bring him to Autographica and have arranged for his appearance at the ASF show, I would think they will want to keep a consistent pricing structure in place. Otherwise those that paid for the mail in signing are likely to feel a bit hard done by. Imagine shelling out then finding out a few months later people are getting the same item signed in person but for less money. |
David Bryant
Member Posts: 986
From: Norfolk UK
Registered: Feb 2005
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posted 08-04-2009 06:42 AM
Hmmmm... I sort of agree: but those sort of anomalies occur all the time! For example attendance at Buzz Aldrin's London talk got you a free signature on his new book! And the same is, I believe, true of some of Ken Willoughby's signings: if not free, then often very reduced. Those are the breaks!It could be said that our U.S. chums enjoy squillions of opportunities to meet the astronauts: such events are few and far between over here, and it might be that some of them might reflect that a lower signing fee might a) Attract a lot more 'customers' and b) Be a nice way of acknowledging 40 years of loyal support from natives of a country with only minimal government interest in Spaceflight! |
Paul23
Member Posts: 836
From: South East, UK
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 08-04-2009 06:58 AM
Don't get me wrong, I'd be more than happy if his fees were less for the UK appearance! I also share your view that lower prices will mean more punters. I guess that holds both sides of the pondMy reasoning is that given that the private signing and appearances at the ASF show and Autographica have been arranged by the same people, I would have been surprised if there had been much variance in price. Thinking about it in other terms I would expect a book to sell for the same price in different branches of Waterstones but might find the same item for a cheaper price in Borders. Maybe if Dave and Jason had arranged for his appearance themselves with no outside help then I think we could well have been looking at lower prices, that was recently the case with Scott Bakula at an event in the summer where he charged much less than he does in the US. That said of course it is very debatable that they could have arranged for his appearance without the assistance of the ASF and I guess that means certain conditions around price being put in place. I guess at the end of the day though, at least this way we can all make our own choice about whether to pay the money or not. I'd certainly prefer that to having Dave say in six months time he could have got him over but decided against it because of the fee. |
spaceman
Member Posts: 1104
From: Walsall, West Midlands, UK
Registered: Dec 2002
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posted 08-04-2009 09:30 AM
I seem to remember that Buzz added an inscription to a prviously signed piece for a small fee at a previous Autographica. Do you think this will be the case this time with Tom Stafford. I have a couple of nice pieces already signed (and paid for) but would like them personalised to me/family etc. |
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