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Author
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Topic: Reflections: Autographica 17, October 2011
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David Bryant
Member Posts: 986
From: Norfolk UK
Registered: Feb 2005
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posted 10-14-2011 09:24 AM
   
Autographica 17... as it happens.Well, we're checked in and relaxed after a nice long G&T in the bar: just met Dr. Mitchell in the corridor looking fit and happy! Should be a great show! |
David Bryant
Member Posts: 986
From: Norfolk UK
Registered: Feb 2005
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posted 10-14-2011 11:35 PM
Update! The drinks reception was, as always, fantastic: the astronaut guests were in fine form, full of new and fascinating anecdotes.Well done Jason and Dave! |
paulus humungus
Member Posts: 400
From: Burton, Derbyshire, England
Registered: Oct 2005
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posted 10-15-2011 03:54 PM
Just returned from Autographica and I really enjoyed the day. The day started very slowly but picked up nicely by 10.30ish (Must have been the Rugby). Jerry Bostick was really lovely as was Edgar Mitchell. Both of their talks were also spot on including the UFO opinions expressed by Ed. My favourite snipped of the day came from Jerry Bostick as he spoke about his experiences on the Apollo 13 movie set. He said how amazing the replica of the MOCR room was even down to authentic 1970 vending machine in the corridor leading to the set (which incidentally were never seen in the finished film) and how Ron Howard asked for the exact same coffee stains to be recreated in the new carpet on the set to match those in mission control.
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mjanovec
Member Posts: 3811
From: Midwest, USA
Registered: Jul 2005
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posted 10-15-2011 07:04 PM
quote:
Originally posted by paulushumungus:
Gerry Bostick was really lovely as was Edgar Mitchell.
FYI, it's Jerry, not Gerry.  |
Dwight
Member Posts: 576
From: Germany
Registered: Dec 2003
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posted 10-17-2011 08:08 AM
In all a great opportunity to meet the guests and spend quite a bit of time talking to them. Although, being told to erase the entire lecture by Ed Mitchell despite no mention that I could see being made of banning such recordings beforehand seemed a little excessive. |
David Bryant
Member Posts: 986
From: Norfolk UK
Registered: Feb 2005
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posted 10-17-2011 11:57 AM
A couple of pictures: 
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paulus humungus
Member Posts: 400
From: Burton, Derbyshire, England
Registered: Oct 2005
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posted 10-17-2011 03:04 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Dwight:
Although, being told to erase the entire lecture by Ed Mitchell despite no mention that I could see being made of banning such recordings beforehand seemed a little excessive.
That type of pettiness really annoys me and spoils the whole thing. People video tape these talks not to gain from commercially but to add to their personal collections as important sources of historical material. |
Steve Procter
Member Posts: 1031
From: Leeds, Yorkshire, UK
Registered: Oct 2000
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posted 10-17-2011 03:14 PM
Who actually insisted on you erasing the material? Ed himself? |
Dwight
Member Posts: 576
From: Germany
Registered: Dec 2003
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posted 10-18-2011 05:01 AM
No, not Ed, it was one of the Autographica personel.I did nearly leave the show after that, but talking with the guests, including Ed, changed my mind. Some of the results those negotiations will hopefully benefit me more than a video I would have watched once every 2 years. |
Tykeanaut
Member Posts: 2212
From: Worcestershire, England, UK.
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 10-18-2011 07:34 AM
Videos are useful for the members of societies and clubs that can not perhaps get to the events. If the astronaut does not mind then I fail to see the problem? |
RPF09
Member Posts: 14
From:
Registered: Feb 2009
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posted 10-18-2011 10:31 AM
I will add my thoughts if I may:My purpose for visiting Autographica this year was to specifically see shuttle astronauts Kathryn Thornton, Thomas Jones, Norman Thagard and FDO Jerry Bostick. I was not seeking their autographs (too expensive for me now) but to attend their lectures and obtain a photograph with them. The photo shoots for all the astronauts clashed with all the lectures so I had to split this over the two days. So on Saturday I attended their photo shoot, which I must say were very well organised. On Sunday I attended their lectures. One criticism here - only 30 minutes were allowed for each lecture which was far too short. There was no reason why they had to be so short as only the space guests were giving lectures. So 45 or 60 minutes could have easily been permitted. Unfortunately most of the lectures I attended ran out of time and presentations had to be curtailed or no questions asked. That was shame, but still this was the most interesting part of the show to me. I found all of the four guests to be very nice. Like others I was disappointed to find out that you could not record the lectures (and only once you were in the room). In the dimly lit hotel room anything recorded is hardly going to be of presentation quality, but clearly will just be a souvenir.
Certainly the guests did not seem to have an issue with recording. I do not think there has been a ban before and this will make me think twice before attending again. If this is to be a policy – they should indicate it on their website. It was a shame to see that Dave Shayler wasn't there too. It is always nice to meet him. However, I reiterate that I had a good time. It wasn't too busy and on many occasions the space guests had no queues. The event did not see especially busy compared to other events and previous Autographicas I have been too. I also bought Thomas Jones’s book Sky Walking (£10) and I look forward to reading it. I'm not sure I can afford to attend the next event in Birmingham (or anywhere too far away from me), but whenever it is, I look forward to attending Autographica again – but please sort out the length of the lectures please! |
Paul23
Member Posts: 836
From: South East, UK
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 10-18-2011 11:27 AM
I could be wrong here but I think Showmasters have a blanket ban on filming talks across all their events, not just Autographica. I would guess the view might be that it could be considered unfair to allow filming of talks at some events and not others.I would agree though that the talks don't seem quite the same without Dave Shayler's introductions. I would say though it was a fantastic weekend with a great set of guests and I'm looking forward to next year already. |
lm5eagle
Member Posts: 429
From:
Registered: Jul 2007
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posted 10-18-2011 11:41 AM
A super show. Autographica was breathed a fresh look with the inclusion of the Shuttle astronauts. Of course Bruce McCandless had been before — a septogenarian now and what a grand old gentleman he is. Long may he return.The other shuttle astronauts were newish to the concept of autograph shows, but they behaved like old timers — patient, obliging, chatty, friendly, interesting and interested. They said they had enjoyed being there so that bodes well for the future. I hope they will persuade some of their former colleagues to come. This was the first time ever for Norman Thagard and he was a star. Well done and thank you Showmasters and best wishes for the future. |
Tykeanaut
Member Posts: 2212
From: Worcestershire, England, UK.
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 10-18-2011 03:42 PM
How about just audio recordings then? The society I belong to would welcome these to loan out to our members. |
Dwight
Member Posts: 576
From: Germany
Registered: Dec 2003
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posted 10-21-2011 04:31 AM
The easiest way to video/audio record astronauts unhindered is to go see them privately after arranging an interview yourself, or arrange your own autograph show. |
ApolloAlex
Member Posts: 390
From: Yeovil, England
Registered: Oct 2004
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posted 10-21-2011 04:48 AM
My own opinion of Autographica was it was great fun, the addition of the shuttle astronauts was superb and I enjoyed chatting with them for quite some time, it was obvious that numbers were down but with that in mind it had the positive note that it gave you plenty of time to chat with the guests.Jerry Bostick was a joy to listen to as he spoke of his involvement in the Apollo program and the film Apollo 13. The Shuttle astronauts were just a breath of fresh air and I absolutely enjoyed speaking with them, even to hear from Bill Oefelein that those dastardly Florida mosquitoes find there way on board the shuttle! Plus thanks to Space Station my good wife's face was a picture when I told her how much I spent on a bag of fruit and nut, nevertheless it has pride of place amongst my other items.  I wonder whats in store for the next one! |
Nigel Mc
Member Posts: 182
From: Sheffield, UK
Registered: Jan 2011
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posted 10-21-2011 08:24 AM
Did anyone else have to leave before picking up some of their photos? Do you know when they will be sent? |
Paul23
Member Posts: 836
From: South East, UK
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 10-21-2011 08:29 AM
I had to leave before I was able to collect my Jerry Bostick photo on Sunday. Last time I had one sent out it was a couple of weeks, but I think that was the show where they had Leslie Neilsen as a guest so whether that meant they had a lot more to process or if that is the standard time I'm not sure. |
Paul23
Member Posts: 836
From: South East, UK
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 10-21-2011 01:15 PM
Scratch that, my photo arrived today! |
Nigel Mc
Member Posts: 182
From: Sheffield, UK
Registered: Jan 2011
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posted 10-22-2011 04:28 AM
Yep ignore me, too. Mine arrived yesterday, very nice. |
gliderpilotuk
Member Posts: 3398
From: London, UK
Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 10-23-2011 05:21 AM
305 posts on the run-up to Autographica 17 and 19 on "reflections". Was it that good? |
paulus humungus
Member Posts: 400
From: Burton, Derbyshire, England
Registered: Oct 2005
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posted 10-23-2011 07:15 AM
It was actually Paul. I really enjoyed it and I know alot of others did. There was a really good feeling to the event (unless I was the odd one out in my view of the event). |
john ffoulkes
Member Posts: 146
From: United Kingdom
Registered: Jul 2003
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posted 10-23-2011 09:58 AM
Yes Paul, it was an excellent show and I thoroughly enjoyed it as always. Great to meet up with the usual group and enjoy a drink or two as well. It may not have been the busiest but from the attendees point of view, it gave us all a chance to talk at leisure with the guests. |
Paul23
Member Posts: 836
From: South East, UK
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 10-23-2011 10:46 AM
I have to agree, it was a very relaxed, enjoyable event which I really enjoyed. The only downer for me is we have to wait a year for the next show!Still it will be interesting to see in light of what seems to have been a successful show this time round, if the Showmasters team go for a similar structure to the show next time. |
Rick Mulheirn
Member Posts: 4167
From: England
Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 10-23-2011 11:31 AM
Apologies if I missed it but is there a date scheduled for next years show? |
machbusterman
Member Posts: 1778
From: Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland
Registered: May 2004
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posted 10-23-2011 12:52 PM
I agree John. The only down side for me was the length of the lectures... 20 minutes or so for Rich Graham and not much more for Jerry Bostick. The shuttle guests (and Jerry Bostick) were a breath of fresh air. Had a wonderful time in the bar listening to Jerry's stories when he joined us a for a drink after the show closed on Saturday. Greatly enjoyed having a few drinks with Yvan, Frederic, Andy, John, Kim, Ollie, Simon and David... And catching up with John Masters and Robert Synge. If I've missed others out SORRY!! |
robsouth
Member Posts: 769
From: West Midlands, UK
Registered: Jun 2005
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posted 10-23-2011 01:56 PM
Meeting the 6th man to walk on the moon. |
David Bryant
Member Posts: 986
From: Norfolk UK
Registered: Feb 2005
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posted 10-23-2011 02:02 PM
Funny thing: there have been Autographicas with more illustrious guests, with bigger crowds and more dealers... but Paul, Howard, Jason, Brian, Bob and I all agreed this one was somehow special.Starting when Howard and I met Jerry B in an empty bar on Friday afternoon and shared a bottle of Chardonay with him, the weekend became wonderfully relaxed: lots of time and space with the guests, fresh perspectives from the shuttle vets and some mellow reflection involving champagne and olives. Roll on next October! |
Rick Mulheirn
Member Posts: 4167
From: England
Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 10-23-2011 04:57 PM
Thank goodness Walt Cunningham is coming over in March. 12 months until the next Autographica is a long wait for some "astronaut action" in the UK. |
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