Shatner, Takei and Nichols coming to a con: Should I get their autographs?

[Klosterheim]

Very good. Looks like a nice time.

Thanks for the great pictures.

[Earth 2 Chris]

Well, I went to the con today, and the Shat WAS doing a Q&A panel, but I was still in line trying to get my wristband when it started. By the time I got through, I figured it was too late. But I did get his autograph, and although the whole experience maybe last two seconds, he was pleasant and courteous, and I was too dumb-struck to say anything witty.

I go into more detail about the show here:

http://megomuseum.com/community/show...nute-roll-call!

Chris

[Klosterheim]

It's a shame photo ops were not invented by conventions when DeForrest Kelly stopped signing, that would have been nice. Of course, he didn't really go to many, if only the entire crew had taken a world tour, I'd have a complete set of autographs years ago.

I might pass on meeting Sean Connery and a few others because I like them so much and may be a disappointing time, but for anything Star Trek or Star Wars related I feel it's well worth it. Aside from paying $70 for Brent S. who now charges only $35. $35 for the main crew is well worth it, being that a one episode actor gets $20.00.

I paid $100 for Shatner, about the same for Nimoy and I think the TOS others are $70. Shatner was fun to meet after being at a con where he left for a plane without signing one year.

Even when I do feel disappointed by the signing/meeting, I recover, and I'm very happy to have the signed picture in my collection. After all it's not personal, actresses and actors don't know who I am, they are just looking at it all as a larger picture and perspective.

Among the best so far to meet were Walter & Nichelle, Shatner at a charity event, Nimoy on Alien Voices event, John Bilingsy Alexander Siddig, Virginia Hey, Gates M., Levar B. Malcolm M., Bobby Clark and Scott Bakula.

My spelling is off without looking them up....

but, it's worth the risk of a minor bad experience to see these people in person. imo

'Martok and Gowron' are great sports with their photos n' costumes.

[Earth 2 Chris]

As long as the line isn't 4 blocks long, I'm probably in for Shatner. If his price isn't too high, and I still have time, I may try Takei and Nichols too.

I haven't heard of Shatner doing a panel yet. If he does, I'd definitely like to take that in as well.

Coincidentally, I know Shatner has a home and ranch near Lexington, so hopefully the "hometown" connection will put things in a more relaxed mood.

Chris

[madmarva]

Take the opportunity, if you really want the autographs. I can understand not wanting to ruin your image of the actors, but like everyone, they're going to have good days and bad days. Chances are each of them will be cordial, and if not, you'll have a story to tell.

If Shatner is on a panel, I'd suggest carving out time for it. I saw his one-man show in January, and he was great. Excellent storyteller.

[Earth 2 Chris]

^Yeah, I know the "Nichols blocked photo" you speak of. Isn't that on the side of Playmates Classic Trek box set, with Chapel removed, and Uhura brought forward (still behind Nimoy)?

Thanks for the advice guys. I will have the kids with me, so I may use that tactic, Young Once!

Chris

[draconianguard]

I've met all three of the Trek actors you inquired about. Shatner and Takei were very nice. Takei may be the nicest celebrity I've ever met. Nichols is another story. I met her at a Creation Trek con in 1995. I started getting autos on a TOS cast photo and waited in her line. One of her minions began walking down the line asking each person what they were getting signed. The woman looked at my photo and said "She won't sign that." I asked why and pointed out that it was an officially licensed Paramount photo. "She doesn't like it because Leonard Nimoy is covering up a part of her face by standing in front of her." A few years later, I noticed an autographed TOS cast photo for sale at a con. I took a double take because something looked off. It was an altered version of photo I was going to have Nichols sign. She actually had someone photoshop a picture of her standing in front of Nimoy. It was hilarious because the pic of her used was obviously shot at a later date and her in a replica costume with a huge bee hive hair do. Last time I checked, Nimoy played a much more prominent role on the show. As for autograph prices, I believe Shatner is usually $75 and Takei and Nichols are $40 each. I'd rather use two $20 bils as toilet paper then give it to Nichols.

[Random Axe]

Chris, I'm more than likely going with you so I'll handle the rude people for you. I'm not a big autograph guy, but I might get one and a pic taken with Shooter Mcgavin while I'm there. He's the best sports comedy villain ever.

[jds1911a1]

I worked at QVC 20 years ago when all of them were selling autographs, I missed Shat but Takei was super nice to all the phone reps and he is really funny too, the best was actually Jimmy Doohan (rest in peace) as he would slip from stories about the filming to his ww2 service (I was a ROTC army cadet at the time) and gave everyone handshakes and hugs. Walter Keonig was shy but nice.

[YoungOnce]

Chris.... Take a kid with you. The celebs love kids and will be on their best behavior. I have taken my girls to a few cons and I think it flatters especially the older actors that young folks still find them "cool".

[VintageMike]

At the end of the day, if it's the autos you want remember that's the goal. I'm not a big chatter so I usually just get my stuff and go. I got Nichols years back and she was nice enough.

[Gorn Captain]

I've only had two "bad experiences" with celebrity autographs.
One was with Peter Mayhew. He signed a photo at a session ($50), and even though I had handed him a piece of paper with my name on it (in capital letters), he spelled it wrong.
No harm, I thought, he'll just give me another one.
Instead, he started correcting the mistake on the photo (big smudge), and wanted to give me that. I asked for another, which he did, but reluctantly. For $50, I'm sure he could spare one reprint, right?
I guess he was just having a bad day, because most people say he's a cool guy.

The other was David Carradine, again at a convention.
Me: "Hello. I just wanted to say what an inspiration you were to me in my childhood, in Kung Fu. It taught me a lot about being understanding towards others and doing the right things in life."

Carradine: "Hmmm. " Scribbles on photo and slides it to me without looking at me or speaking.

That was so inspiring.
When I learned about his death, I couldn't help but express my deepest sentiments. "Hmmm."

[huedell]

Thank you. Very well said.

Okay... very well, Chris.

Then I totally retract what I said above.

If "tarnished memories of fictional Star Trek episodes resulting from a real life autograph signing" has nothing to do with "a fan's personal sensitivity", yet it would still affect your real life enjoyment of the fictional episode actor's autograph, and yet I'm still incorrect with my assessment, then I concede that apparently my assessment was wrong.

In fact, I was probably entirely wrong, in that my autograph seeking advice was wrong too, so I'll give the opposite advice than what I gave above...

I like what MEMEGO said anyways:

...dont deprive your self from seeing someone you want. I remeber, yrs ago liberace came to radio city every yr, every yr i said he will be back next yr, i will see him next yr, guess what, the next yr never came cause he passes away, i regret not seeing him to this day.
So , dont do this to yourself...

Yes, it's no good living with regrets... and from the vibe I'm getting, it sounds like you might have 'em if you don't pursue these autographs.

[megozilla13]

I saw Koening sitting at a table by himself too at a show in NYC. Went over and talked to him for about 15 minutes. He was very nice, I never even bought anything.

mikej

[Earth 2 Chris]

I don't think it has anything to do with having a sensitive ego. It's about trading your positive memories of these beloved characters for bad ones if the encounter is a negative experience. A person who is collecting autographs for monetary gain and for resell could probably care less, but if you have no interest in that and you are getting an autograph only because you loved the actor's character, you risk tarnishing that memory.

How much fun would it be to look at the autograph if it only reminds you of a bad experience.

Thank you. Very well said.

I saw shather a few yrs back at a coninnj. His speech was awesome, and fun. When i met him it was a bit rushed, but that was not due to him, it was due to the con organisers wanting to move the fine fast , so they told us to limit our talk time with him to a few words cause he needed to sign all the autographs. I also paid for a professionaly taken picture with him, i had a chance to talk a tiny bit more with him, it seemed like he wanted to talk, but when we really got into it, the picture was taken and the photo people went on to the next person in line, which was huge about 2 room full.
All in all worth it. I say go for it, and remember sometimes it is not the stars fault, but the organisers and photo people fault. But dont deprive your self from seeing someone you want. I remeber, yrs ago liberace came to radio city every yr, every yr i said he will be back next yr, i will see him next yr, guess what, the next yr never came cause he passes away, i regret not seeing him to this day.
So , dont do this to yourself.

Good points. I know all about organizers, or worse, "star handlers". My experience with West and Gorshin was only slightly marred by their "people". Gorshin's chastised him for not charging me his full autograph/picture fee since I had him sign a reprint of the movie poster I bought from West.

Chris