[AZ-Observing] Re: Spacefest in Mesa Continues Sunday

Bill VanOrden wrote:

> I was put off by the incredible amounts of money that were being asked =
> for autographs.  My respect drops dramatically for these people.

   The a problem with free autographs is the prevalence of 
"entrepreneurs" who would collect them only to turn around and sell them 
on eBay or elsewhere.  This is probably the most common reason why 
athletes won't sign anything outside of a controlled situation.  There 
are people who are basically professionals at hounding celebrities so 
they can turn a profit on the autographs or other items they collect.

   Beyond that, it probably does get a little tedious being recognized 
for only one accomplishment in your life, and one that took place 35 
years ago at that.  Sort of the ultimate in being typecast.  Especially 
among those remaining of the twelve who set foot on the Moon, I think 
it's legitimate to consider that their experiences are a sort of 
national treasure which they have some obligation to share while they 
still can, however I can't really begrudge them the opportunity to gain 
some measure of compensation for taking a weekend to be in the presence 
of people who aren't VIPs.

                                -- Mike --
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cal_donley@xxxxxxx
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