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

[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.

[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".

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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

[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]

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

[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]

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]

Very good. Looks like a nice time.

Thanks for the great pictures.