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Author
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Topic: Farthest Reaches Feb 2010 Buzz Aldrin signing
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farthestreaches
Member Posts: 1075
From: Redondo Beach, Ca
Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 01-03-2010 12:56 AM
   
This signing being coordinated by Farthest Reaches, is open to accepting items for signature at this time. The original date was moved due to Buzz's busy schedule. We are looking at a date falling within the first two weeks of February. Buzz's usual show fees will apply with his base fee at $350 and completion fee at $600 for an Apollo 11 item. Other fees will be posted OR if you wish, email your specific requests. This will be rather small signing as all items are being handled by yours truely in order to ensure they receive the greatest of care. Please email specific questions to Steve@farthestreaches.com. NOW is the time to begin sending your items my way to ensure you don't miss the cutoff and miss out! Your items can be mailed to the address found on my home page but before doing so, touch base with me to discuss and confirm shipping and pricing. Thanks to all for your ongoing support! ------------------
Steve Hankow
http://www.farthestreaches.com |
farthestreaches
Member Posts: 1075
From: Redondo Beach, Ca
Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 01-18-2010 05:39 PM
The fee structure for our upcoming Buzz Aldrin - Farthest Reaches custom signing in early to mid February, 2010 is as follows: - Flat Items (not crew completions) = $350. This includes either a simple personalization such as "To Bob" OR one mission added such as "Gemini XII"
- Additional missions or personalizations = +$50
- Inscriptions = +$50 per word (15 word max)
- Completion/Apollo 11 (defined as any memorabilia already signed by Neil Armstrong or Mike Collins) = $600
- Completion/Gemini XII (defined as any memorabilia already signed by James Lovell) = $400
- 3D Items & Beta Cloth (not including baseballs) = $450
- Baseballs = $1500
- Books By B. Aldrin - "Look The The Stars", "Reaching For The Moon", "Magnificent Desolation" = $125 (signature on your book)
- All Other Books By B. Aldrin - $195 (signature on your book)
Please note, no philatelic items this time around. No surcharge for paint pen.Time is nearing for this custom signing, so for any of you wishing to participate, please consider doing so at this time. Feel free to contact me directly by either phone or email to discuss your individual needs or to answer questions. Items should be well packed and mailed to: Farthest Reaches Inc.
4733 Torrance Blvd. #963
Torrance, CA 90503 Phone #310.892.5150 (cell)
Phone #310.791.4800 (office) Thanks to all for your ongoing support. ------------------
Steve Hankow
http://www.farthestreaches.com |
AJ
Member Posts: 511
From: Plattsburgh, NY, United States
Registered: Feb 2009
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posted 01-18-2010 06:09 PM
How can something be considered a crew completion if it has already been signed by Neil OR Mike? If only one has signed it, it's not a true completion and therefore an unfair excess charge. A mighty expensive one, at that. |
farthestreaches
Member Posts: 1075
From: Redondo Beach, Ca
Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 01-18-2010 06:36 PM
AJ, I can certainly understand your thinking and concern BUT (and that's a big "but") these "mission rules" reflect the Aldrin's wishes. They consider the addition of other crew members as only increasing the value of that item, therefore warranting a higher charge for Buzz's signature. Fair or unfair? Think it's up to each collector to decide by weighing the cost vs the relative value (both in dollars and importance) of having a particular piece of memorabilia signed by Buzz or Mike. This however, is ALWAYS a consideration when participating in an autograph signing though admittedly becomes a bit more of a consideration at this level. On another note, I was pleased that for this signing, the Aldrins agreed to include mission information within the base signing fee. In the past, adding mission information was an additional $50. |
mjanovec
Member Posts: 3811
From: Midwest, USA
Registered: Jul 2005
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posted 01-18-2010 06:40 PM
Wow, Buzz must REALLY hate signing baseballs.  Is this the first publicly-posted astronaut signing fee that exceeds $1000? (I know some astronauts have privately asked for $1000+ fees when approached with certain signing requests.) |
farthestreaches
Member Posts: 1075
From: Redondo Beach, Ca
Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 01-18-2010 07:07 PM
You're absolutely right. He really doesn't like signing baseballs. Dave Scott, wanted $1500 to sign them at my last few autograph shows thinking the price would deter people from asking, thereby not requiring him to keep saying, "no thanks". We posted his prices in advance but still, there were people willing to pay. I remember two New Yorkers who traveled here JUST to have their baseballs hand signed! I suppose if you have an otherwise close to complete collection, it makes sense to fill the gap despite the cost. On the other hand, I've never really understood why baseballs create such a barrier for those who dislike signing them. Granted they're a little tougher to physically handle and not a direct link to the space program BUT signing them is certainly not an undignified act, at least by my take. Still, its up to each astronaut to decide and who can argue if that's their personal preference? |
ilbasso
Member Posts: 1522
From: Greensboro, NC USA
Registered: Feb 2006
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posted 01-18-2010 07:27 PM
Would the home run be to get Buzz to sign a baseball that had previously been signed by Collins and Lovell? $1500 for the ball + $600 for the Apollo 11 completion + $400 for the Gemini X completion = $2500.  In all seriousness, thanks for arranging this signing, Steve! I'm sure that many people who are unable to get to one of the autograph shows will benefit from your making Buzz accessible to them. |
mjanovec
Member Posts: 3811
From: Midwest, USA
Registered: Jul 2005
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posted 01-19-2010 11:49 AM
Is there a multi-signed fee for Buzz this time around? (assuming it's not a completion) |
Gilbert
Member Posts: 1328
From: Carrollton, GA USA
Registered: Jan 2003
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posted 01-19-2010 09:46 PM
How much for a non-Buzz authored book with no previous signatures? |
farthestreaches
Member Posts: 1075
From: Redondo Beach, Ca
Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 01-21-2010 10:01 AM
quote:
Originally posted by mjanovec:
Is there a multi-signed fee for Buzz this time around? (assuming it's not a completion)
Fee for multi signed piece is $350 as long as it's not a completion. |
jimsz
Member Posts: 616
From:
Registered: Aug 2006
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posted 01-21-2010 11:19 AM
Wow - those prices are a bit too high for this collector.$50/word for an inscription? Sorry, while Mr. Aldrin is welcome to charge what he wishes there will be many collectors and fans who simply refuse to pay. If it were any other field of interest you would hear "price gouging" bantered about. The attitude that comes across with prices and requirements as noted are not good for this hobby, not good for space exploration fans and makes this collector thankful that the first man on the moon was who he was. |
Spacefest
Member Posts: 1168
From: Tucson, AZ
Registered: Jan 2009
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posted 01-21-2010 11:58 AM
Makes me wonder where "this collector" has been this past year.Buzz raised his prices in 2008 to mitigate his anticipated (correctly) onslaught of autograph requests for the 40th anniversary in 2009. If you can't afford it, that's fine. Go to an auction, they're cheap there. If you want a custom inscription, be prepared to pay for his time. |
Tykeanaut
Member Posts: 2212
From: Worcestershire, England, UK.
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 01-21-2010 12:48 PM
It's a pity we can't get the autograph of the first man on the moon though! |
Spacefest
Member Posts: 1168
From: Tucson, AZ
Registered: Jan 2009
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posted 01-21-2010 12:54 PM
Can you imagine how busy he'd be? |
mjanovec
Member Posts: 3811
From: Midwest, USA
Registered: Jul 2005
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posted 01-21-2010 01:06 PM
I agree with Kim here...the $50/word fee is nothing new and has been in place since 2008.While I'm not a fan of Buzz's current fees, at least the collector-on-a-budget got an excellent opportunity in 2009 to get Aldrin's signature for the price of his new book. I hope most people here took advantage of that opportunity...it might not happen again. Probably the only real surprise with the recently announced fees is that Buzz is now asking $1500 for baseballs (up from $700 last year). Yet he still shuns signing covers, which generally have a lesser market value than signed photos. I understand that Aldrin and Collins have a deep-seated dislike/distrust for postal covers, but they would make a killing if they started signing them again at reasonable prices. |
AJ
Member Posts: 511
From: Plattsburgh, NY, United States
Registered: Feb 2009
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posted 01-21-2010 02:39 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Spacefest:
If you want a custom inscription, be prepared to pay for his time.
While I mostly agree with Kim, I would personally say that you have to be prepared to pay for what Buzz *believes* his time is worth. I am perfectly content with my signed, un-inscribed copy of Magnificent Desolation. To each his own. |
jimsz
Member Posts: 616
From:
Registered: Aug 2006
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posted 01-21-2010 03:30 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Spacefest:
Makes me wonder where "this collector" has been this past year.
I've not been paying much attention to Aldrin's prices. I received most of the moonwalkers as a kid and the couple I didn't have I purchased. quote:
Buzz raised his prices in 2008 to mitigate his anticipated (correctly) onslaught of autograph requests for the 40th anniversary in 2009.
I find it amazing that people pay prices that he is asking for what is now a very common and easily obtained autograph. Between the Buzz sneakers, Buzz "rocket hero" gear, etc., I wonder what it would be like had he been first on the moon.To each his own on paying the ridiculous price being asked. |
gliderpilotuk
Member Posts: 3398
From: London, UK
Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 01-21-2010 04:06 PM
As with many (though not all) of the astronauts, you are buying a commodity and these are commercial transactions. I long since gave up any emoting over meeting certain (again, not all) of my "heroes". If you want it, you buy it... or avoid it. The prevailing assumption from Aldrin, Collins, Lovell, Young, etc. is that if you are completing an item, you have the potential to sell it with "value added". If you just want to keep it in your collection, it's your problem.The seemingly unlimited demand for personalised/in-person autographs only serves to maintain or increase prices year on year and only we are to blame for that. |
Mark Zimmer
Member Posts: 289
From:
Registered: Aug 2004
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posted 01-21-2010 06:03 PM
I'm just glad that I have Buzz's signature on everything I would want him to sign. Wow. |
capoetc
Member Posts: 2169
From: McKinney TX (USA)
Registered: Aug 2005
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posted 01-21-2010 07:40 PM
Imagine if you could travel back in time and pay $500 for Meriwether Lewis' or William Clark's autograph. Especially if you could meet them! People 100 years from now (even 25 years from now) will not even have the opportunity to get a specially-inscribed autograph from the first lunar explorers -- for any price.The prices are inflated, although they are somewhat worth it at an autograph show where you can actually meet the individual. From Buzz' perspective, at least when he shows up for the signing the stack of stuff will be more manageable. If he charged $75, not only would he be signing 12 hours a day for a week, but the items would show up on eBay in a week for double that price. |
Greggy_D
Member Posts: 977
From: Michigan
Registered: Jul 2006
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posted 01-21-2010 08:07 PM
Which is why I paid $65 for Charlie Duke's autograph. One of the kindest, humblest moonwalkers you could ever meet. And he didn't charge me anything extra for a longer inscription. No +$50 per word garbage. |
Spacefest
Member Posts: 1168
From: Tucson, AZ
Registered: Jan 2009
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posted 01-21-2010 08:14 PM
You're absolutely right, John. Buzz maintains a rather hectic schedule for an 80-year old.All the astronauts make "ridiculous" fees speaking for an hour, too. Alan Bean is constantly torn between painting ,his first love, and speaking, which pays the bills. Marilyn Lovell thought Jim's restaurant should be called "Speeches" because that's what paid for it. Autograph shows take days of precious time., especially for Buzz, who admittedly has his hands in a lot of things. He can make much more at a single stop. Autographs are a small blip on the radar. The median survival age for a man is 77. Most of these guys are the same age, and when they start dropping off, it will be en masse. They'll stop traveling even before that. Or develop dementia or arthritis in their hands. We've been enjoying a period of calm before the storm, but I can smell the rain... @ Greggy....
Charlie is a sweetheart, but he is also younger, and loves to write. He was also on the next to last landing, whereas Buzz was on the FIRST. Charlie's handwriting is impeccable,while Buzz' is sloppier, which usually means more laborious. He's trying (with little success)
to discourage long inscriptions.
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AJ
Member Posts: 511
From: Plattsburgh, NY, United States
Registered: Feb 2009
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posted 01-21-2010 08:15 PM
quote:
Originally posted by capoetc:
If he charged $75, not only would he be signing 12 hours a day for a week, but the items would show up on eBay in a week for double that price.
Instead of seeing them show up on eBay for half the price?  |
farthestreaches
Member Posts: 1075
From: Redondo Beach, Ca
Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 01-21-2010 10:20 PM
Ok, enough already! So much energy going into Buzz bashing! The prices are the prices. From the items I've received thus far, seems like plenty of collectors are undeterred and happy to add an Aldrin signature on their special item. Kim's comments are absolutely correct and I stand behind them as well. Beyond that, just as it's your right to participate or not, it's Buzz's right to charge what he wishes or to even stop signing altogether. Perhaps you'd prefer that? Then we'd really have something to complain about... So any questions about the signing? I'm all ears but frankly am tired of this extended beating to death of the price structure... period. On another note, items continue to flow in but will keep the gates open as long the volume does not exceed my capacity. I should have mentioned, there is also a modest selection of blank photos available for $10 each. They are high quality, as good or better than anything currently out there. I'm a monster when it comes to quality. Anyone who knows me or has dealt with Farthest Reaches will attest to that. If you need something to have signed, give me a shout and perhaps I'll have just what you're looking for. I also have in stock some Kapton presentations remaining from out last KSC event. These can be viewed on the Apollo 11 Memorabilia page and would be very cool to have hand signed by Buzz. Just a thought... Anyway, hope you're all staying warm or if on the West Coast, staying dry (lol). Thanks to all for your continued support. |
divemaster
Member Posts: 1376
From: ridgefield, ct
Registered: May 2002
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posted 01-21-2010 10:35 PM
Kim - please correct me if I'm wrong - haven't you said many times that Buzz is still the most requested autograph at Novaspace followed by Alan Bean? It shows you that people ARE willing to pay Buzz's prices. How much would each of us be willing to pay for a one time signing by Neil Armstrong?
I'm always surprised by the complaining that goes on about signing prices. If you don't like the price, don't buy it. If you want something badly enough, you'll pay for it. Look at what happened when the Toyota Prius first came out...they were so popular, people were paying well ABOVE sticker price. In my personal business, not everyone is happy with my pricing. My standing reply is "I'm not the cheapest, nor am I the most expensive. If you don't like my pricing, you're free to go elsewhere. I hope you get what you pay for." With Steve and Kim, you know your precious Buzz Aldrin signature will arrive in bulletproof packaging and they stand behind their products. But they don't control the pricing - just the service. [getting off my soapbox and moving to the back of the room] |
Spacefest
Member Posts: 1168
From: Tucson, AZ
Registered: Jan 2009
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posted 01-21-2010 11:45 PM
Well, I'd say Gene Cernan is second, but yes, Buzz is definitely first, by a long shot. And not necessarily by autograph "collectors" either. It seems to be a status symbol to have one of the "first moonwalkers team." If you only have one autograph on your wall...Since Armstrong is reticent, often forged and 30X as much, a real Aldrin seems like a bargain. He has excellent name recognition. An Armstrong signing would be s nightmare. You'd need to charge in excess of $5000 just to keep it manageable. There'd be the same people shouting "greed!" |
mjanovec
Member Posts: 3811
From: Midwest, USA
Registered: Jul 2005
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posted 01-22-2010 01:56 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Spacefest:
An Armstrong signing would be s nightmare.
So if Neil comes calling, you'll say "no thanks?" (Just kidding...) |
gliderpilotuk
Member Posts: 3398
From: London, UK
Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 01-22-2010 06:37 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Spacefest:
You'd need to charge in excess of $5000 just to keep it manageable. There'd be the same people shouting "greed!"
YOU'D need to charge or HE'D need to charge? 
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Tykeanaut
Member Posts: 2212
From: Worcestershire, England, UK.
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 01-22-2010 09:35 AM
Don't want to get off track here really, but if Neil Armstrong did come out from 'the shadow of the moon' and do some signings he could at least donate his fee to charity. I realize he does not like the commercial/profit angle so this would surely satisfy that dislike? He could also only sign for members of genuine groups and societies such as this one!! |
divemaster
Member Posts: 1376
From: ridgefield, ct
Registered: May 2002
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posted 01-22-2010 10:08 AM
Don't even go there - it will never happen - it's been discussed, ad nauseum, for years. |
farthestreaches
Member Posts: 1075
From: Redondo Beach, Ca
Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 01-22-2010 10:17 AM
Besides, Neil promised me if he ever did sign, it would only be through Farthest Reaches (smiling)... |
Spacefest
Member Posts: 1168
From: Tucson, AZ
Registered: Jan 2009
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posted 01-22-2010 11:41 AM
quote:
Originally posted by mjanovec:
So if Neil comes calling, you'll say "no thanks?" (Just kidding...)
Reluctantly, yes. |
AJ
Member Posts: 511
From: Plattsburgh, NY, United States
Registered: Feb 2009
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posted 01-22-2010 04:37 PM
quote:
Originally posted by farthestreaches:
Ok, enough already! So much energy going into Buzz bashing! The prices are the prices. From the items I've received thus far, seems like plenty of collectors are undeterred and happy to add an Aldrin signature on their special item.
For my part, I don't believe anyone here is truly "bashing" Buzz. Last I checked, we're all entitled to our opinions and part of the fun of this forum is to express our opinions and engage in conversation, whether we all agree or not. Honestly, it seems as though various fees have always been a source of debate on this forum and probably always will be. Steve, it certainly doesn't sound as though your business for this signing is suffering in any way, which is great for both you and Buzz. I really don't think anyone intends any ill will; it's just a conversation. |
farthestreaches
Member Posts: 1075
From: Redondo Beach, Ca
Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 01-26-2010 01:39 AM
There is still time to mail your items in if wanting to participate in the upcoming Buzz Aldrin custom signing. This thread details the fee schedule and contact information for Farthest Reaches Inc. should you have questions. ------------------
Steve Hankow
http://www.farthestreaches.com |
moorouge
Member Posts: 2454
From: U.K.
Registered: Jul 2009
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posted 01-26-2010 02:52 PM
MMMMMMMMMM ....... reading all the above makes me very thankful that I got my personalised Aldrin autograph in the days before both collectors and astronauts realised that they were dealing with a marketable product. |
farthestreaches
Member Posts: 1075
From: Redondo Beach, Ca
Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 01-29-2010 10:21 PM
The deadline for our receiving your items, if wishing to participate in this custom signing is February 3rd, 2010. For those of you who have already submitted material for Buzz Aldrin's signature, be advised that this private event will take place on Friday (February 5th, 2010), which is in plenty of time for those of you interested in participating in the upcoming Mike Collins signing. My thanks to all for your continued support!!------------------
Steve Hankow
http://www.farthestreaches.com |
MrSpace86
Member Posts: 1618
From: Gardner, KS, USA
Registered: Feb 2003
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posted 01-30-2010 01:02 AM
I have dealt with Steve and he is top class. I am glad he is getting Buzz Aldrin for a signing. Unfortunately, I won't participate in the signing as I have a few Aldrin books and a few signed photos that are uninscribed (even though I am huge into having my name inscribed on items). I hope to see more astronauts willing to do signings for Steve and Kim in 2010! |
farthestreaches
Member Posts: 1075
From: Redondo Beach, Ca
Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 02-05-2010 11:27 PM
Today's custom signing with Buzz Aldrin went very smoothly. As you may know, my signing sessions with Buzz occur at his home. I hand carry all items myself and personally oversee the handling of each piece. For those of you participating in today's signing, my many thanks for your support. I promise you will all be VERY pleased with the results. I will begin return shipping immediately. If any of you are trying to make the Mike Collins deadline, please email me off list and I will give your items a higher priority to ensure they are returned to you OR Novaspace quickly. I will be organizing another custom signing with Buzz once the dust settles, probably just after the Collins event is "in the can" and encourage any of you interested in participating to stay in touch. Thanks again to you all for not only your strong support of this signing but for your unwavering support of Farthest Reaches over the years. I assure you, it is most appreciated... |
DSeuss5490
Member Posts: 299
From: Columbus, Ohio USA
Registered: Jan 2003
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posted 02-08-2010 01:30 PM
Steve, I appreciated your phone call the evening before the signing. It was really nice talking to you. While you were meeting with Buzz, I was beginning to dig out of a 10" snow!! I could use some warm weather right now! Thanks again! |
gliderpilotuk
Member Posts: 3398
From: London, UK
Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 02-08-2010 02:24 PM
Yes, thanks Steve for calling (and emailing) to check on precise signature placement! |
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