posted 07-29-2005 07:00 AM               

Does it ever strike you while paying someone to sign their name that it seems wrong somehow? Let me explain. I'm a big Star Wars fan and while attending cons many of the actors will charge about $25 to sign an item for you. So basically after standing in line for hours they scratch their signature and off you go. Sometimes with nary a handshake (they "dont have the time") as I suspect Chewbacca has pressing engagements to attend to later in the day <---extreme sarcasm!

Anyway I'm noticing here that Astronaut autographs are SIGNIFICANTLY higher priced than these. Shouldn't someone being asked for their autograph be humbled and honored to give it and not ask for compensation?

posted 07-29-2005 08:45 AM               

As you are probably aware, Armstrong's signature goes for anywhere between $500 and $1500 but this is because he does not sign. He used to sign for free but then stopped for various reasons.

Many of the moonwalkers and earlier astronauts charge a small fee ($25-$50) for signing through the mail. I think most of us would agree that this is not unreasonable as they need probably need to spend some hours a week opening packages, reading requests, repackaging items, and going to the post office just to satisfy the ongoing demand for their signatures.

posted 07-29-2005 08:54 AM               

quote:

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Originally posted by spaced out:
to prevent people from getting signatures to resell for a profit.

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I never thought of this before. I guess that makes sence. If someone charges money to begin with, then in order to resell it (and presumably make a prifit) you would have to ask a higher price. Why pay a higher price when you can just pay the fee to the actually signer.