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Author
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Topic: Autographica 14, Birmingham, UK, Sept. 2009
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robsouth
Member Posts: 769
From: West Midlands, UK
Registered: Jun 2005
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posted 08-04-2009 05:13 PM
  
quote:
Originally posted by Paul23:
My 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.
Just thinking that putting a cheque in the post is a lot easier than someone getting on a plane and flying to another country and then making their way to the autogragh show. I myself only have to drive down the road to attend but some people are coming from abroad. So I think that no one would be put out by those getting a less expensive autograph by going to the show. In fact I think that people will be surprised that it is the same charge! |
Paul23
Member Posts: 836
From: South East, UK
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 08-05-2009 03:05 AM
I don't particularly disagree with you, its more that I was looking at it from the organisers point of view. I guess its hard for them to legislate for distances people will travel to an event.The other thing to consider is, I don't know how many signatures were sold at the mail in signing but I would imagine there was probably only a days worth of signing at most for him to do there. At a personal appearance like this he will have to be 'on' for the whole weekend, not to mention the distances for travel. Maybe the feeling is that to make sure the funds that are being raised for his beneficiaries has to be worth making the trip for? Like I said I don't disagree with any of the points that have been made, I was just looking at it from a different perspective. My main concern is that this is going to set a new benchmark in signing fees in the UK. It would be unfortunate if the starting fee for any Apollo astronaut started creeping above the £100 on a routine basis. |
Dwight
Member Posts: 576
From: Germany
Registered: Dec 2003
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posted 08-05-2009 04:02 AM
I'm not fussed at all about the fee. True I'd like it all to be free, but it isn't. I have paid $600 USD for John Young and I'm glad I did. Gen. Stafford is high, but as my multi-signed thing is way too valuable to be sent by post anymore, I'll happily pay the Stafford fee, as it is the only way I'll ever get it signed by him.By the way, were it not for Stafford's enthusiasm and push for the color TV system demonstrated by Westinghouse in January of 1969, Apollo 10, nor a few of the missions afterwards would have had color TV. |
Paul23
Member Posts: 836
From: South East, UK
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 08-05-2009 04:45 AM
That sort of leads onto a new question, who is everyone planning to meet and what are you planning on getting signed? |
minipci
Member Posts: 365
From: London, UK
Registered: Jul 2009
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posted 08-05-2009 07:21 AM
If the bank balance allows, I'm planning to meet all the astronauts and get some NASA books relating to their missions signed. |
robsouth
Member Posts: 769
From: West Midlands, UK
Registered: Jun 2005
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posted 08-05-2009 04:42 PM
When you go to a show like this, you pay not only for the autograph but the chance for a photo and some moments with the astronaut. I am guessing that Stafford won't pose for a photo unless you pay for an autograph, maybe I'm wrong on that, but now at £176.00 I won't have the opportunity for that encounter. During an event like this what's more important to the astronaut involved, meeting as many people as possible or making as much money as possible? My opinion is this, the astronauts can charge what they like and you can pay or not, but it's just a few years since I got Edgar Mitchell's autograph for £40 but the prices are going up and up and we are the mugs that are raising the prices by being willing to pay them. |
Paul23
Member Posts: 836
From: South East, UK
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 08-06-2009 02:49 AM
Will you be going to the dinner at all, I get the impression its possible to get a photograph for free there (never been myself but that seems to be what I hear!) Either that or they do have the photoshoot option which is a lot cheaper than the autograph price. At least then you have some form of memento that is unique to you. |
Rob Sumowski
Member Posts: 466
From: Macon, Georgia
Registered: Feb 2000
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posted 08-06-2009 06:53 AM
I have noticed the presence of the British pilots from WWII and am excited that these fellows will attend. I can't make the trip from the states and am wondering if anyone would be so kind as to take three of my 1/72 diecast Spitfire models for their signatures? The box would be small, as they measure about 5 inches square. Please contact me off-list if possible. Thanks so much. |
minipci
Member Posts: 365
From: London, UK
Registered: Jul 2009
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posted 08-06-2009 07:07 AM
How long are the lines usually waiting to get astronaut autographs at Autographica shows?Do many non-space or astronaut enthusiasts normally turn up? I'm just wondering, as I can't imagine many ordinary members of the public will be willing to pay £170 for a signature. Will the lines just be made up of us space fans? |
Paul23
Member Posts: 836
From: South East, UK
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 08-06-2009 07:21 AM
I don't imagine the queues will be especially long for any of the astronaut guests this time round. I think the Stafford fee will put off anyone with a casual interest. I'd think Worden and Carpenter will have lines for sure but I think you'd be talking about 10-15 minute wait at the very longest at the start of the day. I seem to remember at the last show it was possible to walk straight up to Charlie Duke for good sections of the day. |
minipci
Member Posts: 365
From: London, UK
Registered: Jul 2009
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posted 08-06-2009 07:32 AM
Thanks Paul! That's useful info.So does that mean they might be willing to talk more? I'm wondering what the procedure is, as I have never been to an Autographica before. |
Paul23
Member Posts: 836
From: South East, UK
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 08-06-2009 09:37 AM
I always get a bit tongue tied at these things so I'm not always great at chatting with the astronauts but it seems to me that it is possible to do so. I think the best advice is to try and pick your moment with them. If you go up when they have a long queue they are less likely to chat but it seems that when they are quieter then it is easier to talk a bit more. |
paul prendergast
Member Posts: 429
From: crawley west sussex UK
Registered: Apr 2004
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posted 08-06-2009 11:17 AM
The shows are run like clockwork, on entry to the show you will be in a great big hall and then there are smaller rooms with people doing over bits like talks etc. The main hall will be full of dealers and signing tables, when you see the tables there should be people on them who you can pay your money to. They will also ask what do you want they write it down on a small piece of paper.They also have unsigned photos on the table that you can choose from if you do have your own ( my clue would be if you are having something of your own signed still get the photo if you can.When you get to the signing table most of the astronauts are always willing to have a small chat to you this can depend of the amount of trade they are doing, if this is your first show i am sure you will enjoy it and it will not be your last. |
AstroAutos
Member Posts: 803
From: Co. Monaghan, Republic of Ireland
Registered: Mar 2009
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posted 08-06-2009 03:28 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Paul23:
That sort of leads onto a new question, who is everyone planning to meet and what are you planning on getting signed?
I myself am planning on meeting all of the astronauts - I'm doing the photoshoot with Stafford and getting one signature from each astronaut - Stafford on an Apollo 10 WSS litho, Worden on a WSS litho, Carpenter on a business suit litho and Scott on a walking away from rover photo I'm buying from Robert McMahan off his website. (I have only heard good things about his images.)I also wouldn't mind meeting a couple of the military veterans... I, like you minipci will be attending my first Autographica and I just can't wait - I hope to see some of you guys there but I don't know how we'll know each other to be honest. What are the odds of another big space announcement(s)? |
minipci
Member Posts: 365
From: London, UK
Registered: Jul 2009
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posted 08-07-2009 03:58 AM
Thanks for describing how the show is run. I'm looking forward to it very much.I don't know how we'll recognise each other. Maybe by wearing a space suit  |
Dwight
Member Posts: 576
From: Germany
Registered: Dec 2003
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posted 08-07-2009 04:26 AM
I envy you folk going for the first time. It is unlike anything you could imagine. The guests, for the most part, are approachable normal people happy to have a chat with you. As others have pointed out, depending the time of day, this may be curtailed.Reseraching a little about the particular astronaut before you meet them is a good thing. You can touch on a topic they are interested in, and you'll be chatting for as long as you want. I highly recommend attending the talks they give. There you can fire off questions to them, and you'll get a nice personal insight into their experiences. |
Tykeanaut
Member Posts: 2212
From: Worcestershire, England, UK.
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 08-07-2009 05:08 AM
Just seen the Thomas Stafford thread of conversation. I think it's the principle that's important here besides the price.Personally I'd rather spend £95 for a moonwalker than £170 for an astronaut who skipped above the surface. I realize this could be controversial and many will not agree. However, I'm off to see Jim Lovell give a lecture soon and sign his book for £60 a ticket, and he really is a legend! |
Paul23
Member Posts: 836
From: South East, UK
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 08-07-2009 06:46 AM
You're entitled to your views of course but I think to suggest Tom Stafford is not a real legend of the space programe is misguided to say the least. |
AstroAutos
Member Posts: 803
From: Co. Monaghan, Republic of Ireland
Registered: Mar 2009
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posted 08-07-2009 07:15 AM
I agree with you Paul - Tykanaut, you say Lovell is a legend and Stafford not, however Lovell also "only skipped over the surface" which is the same as Stafford.Oh and thanks for the advice Dwight, I'll make sure to look into each of the astronauts a lot more now! |
Tykeanaut
Member Posts: 2212
From: Worcestershire, England, UK.
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 08-07-2009 09:55 AM
Calm down guys! Where did I say that Stafford was not a legend? You two ought to be in politics!As you rightly do point out, Lovell didn,t land either - but he isn't charging an additional £110 for not doing so! |
Paul23
Member Posts: 836
From: South East, UK
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 08-07-2009 10:24 AM
No need to panic I'm calm enough! I agree that you didn't explicitly say Stafford was not a legend, however reading your post I did feel there was an undertone that he somehow rated below Lovell in the scheme of things "I'm off to see Jim Lovell give a lecture soon and sign his book for £60 a ticket, and he really is a legend!" I hope you can see how that might be read more than one way. The other thing I would point out is while the talk and book signing Jim Lovell is doing does only costs £60, he charged £90 as a base fee at the last Autographica. Admittedly that still leaves a significant gap between the two but it's only fair to compare like with like. Those are my views anyway, and I think I'll leave it there in case I get told off for turning this thread into a war zone! |
AstroAutos
Member Posts: 803
From: Co. Monaghan, Republic of Ireland
Registered: Mar 2009
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posted 08-07-2009 10:46 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Tykeanaut:
I realize this could be controversial and many will not agree.
This line basically sums it all up - let's not get into that sort of thing, I also think that we should just leave it there!These fellas are all equally heroic in my eyes, and I'm just trying to say that if an astronaut charges less than another, it doesn't make him better... Oh, and I HATE politics! I didn't mean to get off on the wrong foot, I'm a little defensive of the astronauts to say the least...  |
lm5eagle
Member Posts: 429
From:
Registered: Jul 2007
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posted 08-07-2009 11:09 AM
'These fellas are all equally heroic...' is a very telling line. I am not greatly taken with comparing different missions or astronauts, because they share a greater similarity than difference. The similarity, which overrides everything else is sheer COURAGE. Some people would not put Bruce McCandless's MMU flight on a par Stafford's flight in Snoopy, but it took the same courage to leave a mothership and head off into space. They are heroes all. Making comparisons is invidious. |
Tykeanaut
Member Posts: 2212
From: Worcestershire, England, UK.
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 08-07-2009 01:34 PM
Cheers chaps, no offence was intended to anyone. |
AJ
Member Posts: 511
From: Plattsburgh, NY, United States
Registered: Feb 2009
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posted 08-07-2009 03:35 PM
I never knew much about Tom Stafford until I read his book, We Have Capture. An excellent book and an extraordinary man. A great read. I highly recommend it. Take the time to meet this man while you have the chance. |
AstroAutos
Member Posts: 803
From: Co. Monaghan, Republic of Ireland
Registered: Mar 2009
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posted 08-10-2009 08:13 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Rick Mulheirn:
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.
If metallic markers are going to be problematic,then does anyone know what I should use for Dave Scott to sign my photo and how I go about getting it (I want the sharpie/marker/whatever to be silver/white so he can sign on black). |
StarDome
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Registered:
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posted 08-10-2009 09:03 AM
I've just found two of Thomas Stafford WSS NASA original lithos in my archive. Would it be worth getting them signed given the fee is £170 per sig? |
lm5eagle
Member Posts: 429
From:
Registered: Jul 2007
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posted 08-10-2009 09:33 AM
quote:
Originally posted by StarDome:
I've just found two of Thomas Stafford WSS NASA original lithos in my archive. Would it be worth getting them signed given the fee is £170 per sig?
Only if you want the personal satisfaction of seeing him sign your litho and perhaps securing a photograph of him doing so.If you are working to a budget, why not buy a cheaper one from those that keep appearing? e.g. On Astro-Auction at the moment there is an Apollo X Litho signed with the Mission indicated for $159.99 (=£96). |
Paul23
Member Posts: 836
From: South East, UK
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 08-10-2009 09:45 AM
Would you particularly want two of the same thing signed, even if you had one as an investment, I suspect the re-sale profit wouldn't be much given the signing fee. That said of course if you were just talking about getting one signed I'd say you definitely should! |
StarDome
New Member Posts:
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posted 08-10-2009 10:49 AM
I think I will leave it. I want him to sign my multi-signature moon pic anyhow. I also want to get my provenance pics of Al Worden with the Union Jack flag I have that flew to the moon on Apollo 15 which I bought from him. Cheers for the advice. |
Paul23
Member Posts: 836
From: South East, UK
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 08-10-2009 11:15 AM
That sounds like the best one to go for! |
martinbiddulph
Member Posts: 56
From: uk
Registered: Nov 2007
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posted 08-16-2009 08:01 AM
I have a 2009 Astronaut Hall of Fame Induction poster, signed by George Nelson, William Shepherd, and Jim Wetherbee which I will be taking to Autographica. I would like £60 for it, if anyone is interested please let me know and I will arrange a meet. I will be wearing a STS-125 "I Was There" T-shirt. Also I have a signed Jim Lovell "Apollo 13" book for £50. I don't normally sell bits from my collection but these are items I doubled up on and am trying to get cash towards next year's trip to KSC in Florida! I also have 20 volumes, each containing 12 issues, of "Space Flight" magazine going back to 1984. £5 per volume. Will bring these items up to Autographica, so anyone interested can have a look. |
paul prendergast
Member Posts: 429
From: crawley west sussex UK
Registered: Apr 2004
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posted 08-16-2009 11:35 AM
Have we any plans for the UK group to meet, and discuss things and have a beer on the Sat? I am staying Fri/Sat, and presume a few others are so is a meet on for the gang. |
Blackarrow
Member Posts: 3120
From: Belfast, United Kingdom
Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 08-16-2009 12:24 PM
Count me in, but let's not turn away anyone from further afield!One problem which usually crops up is that if someone suggests a time, it later turns out that it clashes with a guest lecture or something else. 5.00pm on Saturday is usually a good target. Anyone up for a meeting on Friday afternoon as well? |
Rick Mulheirn
Member Posts: 4167
From: England
Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 08-16-2009 12:42 PM
I'm up for a Saturday beer. What about lunchtime? As I recall the astronauts got off for lunch about the same time in Birmingham... |
David Bryant
Member Posts: 986
From: Norfolk UK
Registered: Feb 2005
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posted 08-16-2009 03:10 PM
Saturday lunchtime precludes we dealers joining in! Friday pm before the nine o'clock drinks reception might be good! Or Saturday pm for people not attending the dinner! |
StarDome
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Registered:
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posted 08-16-2009 03:23 PM
I'm there Friday through Sunday so just let me know, I am happy to meet up in the bar at 5pm Friday evening if that suits people and Saturday at any stage, just give me the nod.If anyone wants my mobile number so we can meet up let me know. I will look forward to seeing you all. |
Blackarrow
Member Posts: 3120
From: Belfast, United Kingdom
Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 08-16-2009 08:46 PM
Andy, 5.00pm on Friday at the bar - last there buys! |
lm5eagle
Member Posts: 429
From:
Registered: Jul 2007
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posted 08-16-2009 10:07 PM
Sorry to hear that Dave Scott is only doing the Saturday. |
Paul23
Member Posts: 836
From: South East, UK
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 08-17-2009 02:39 AM
I wonder if he's decided just to do one day so that he has one busier day rather than a whole weekend where he is sitting for longer periods with nothing to do. |
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