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In-Person Autograph Collecting
Experiened autograph collectors know the only sure way to guarentee the authenticy of an autograph is to witness the item being signed. As a result, many seek autographs obtained in-person (in contrast to those received through the mail or purchasing from a dealer).
In-person autograph collecting can also add value to an autograph -- sentimental value. An item signed by someone you have met carries the memories of that encounter.
Meeting astronauts can be especially rewarding, as it offers an opportunity to hear stories about their flights often not reported by NASA or historians.
Of course, first you need to know when an astronaut will be near you. collectSPACE has taken some of the challenge out of this step through the Sightings section of this site.
Once you know when and where, the next step is to plan your encounter. There are basically two different scenarios when meeting an astronaut and asking for his/her autograph: events at which time has been set aside specifically for signing, and events where you are left to approach the astronaut directly.
The following tips and guidelines should help insure you are successful in your quest for an autograph and that the experience is enjoyable for both you and the astronaut.
Be prepared. Bring appropriate material for the astronaut to sign. While some astronauts may not care what type of item you place in front of them, you do risk the chance of being refused if he/she has chosen not to autograph particular pieces (e.g. postal covers, baseballs, memorabilia from other astronauts' missions, etc.).
Appropriate materials include (but are not limited to): photographs, books he/she has authored, and memorabilia from his/her flight(s). However, be aware that astronauts may not sign flown items unless sufficient documentation is shown to prove its involvement in the mission (and then, he/she may still refuse to sign as his/her autograph may be implied to be a statement of authenticity).
Do not assume you will be able to find items to have signed at the event.
Likewise, if you need a particular pen for your autograph (e.g. Sharpie, silver ink, etc.), do not assume one will be present at the event.
Be polite. A good first impression is very important. As such, try to dress as if you are meeting a very important person (which, in fact, you are). Additionally, as trivial as it may sound, saying "please" and "thank you" goes a long way to leaving a favorable impression with the astronaut.
And unless time precludes, try to say more to the astronaut than "Please, may I have your autograph?". Showing more interest in his/her experiences with a well-thought question or comment about his/her flight(s), can lead to a meaningful inscription or simply a handshake and smile.
Be discreet. Asking for an autograph while an astronaut is in a location where many others might see you doing so can lead to the astronaut refusing to sign only to keep everyone else from asking the same. One autograph request can lead to a long line and possibly as much as an hour delay.
If it is not possible to get the astronaut alone, try asking for him/her to sign something for you at a more convenient time. The astronaut might surprise you by taking you aside and signing your item, or he/she may tell you when to approach. Either way, you have made him/her more comfortable and therefore much more open to signing something for you.
Be respectful. If you approach an astronaut for an autograph and he/she refuses, do not continue to hang around hoping for a change of heart. It is much more likely that he/she will find you later and sign for you then, than for the astronaut to change his/her mind because you are waiting nearby.
Do not be greedy. If an astronaut agrees to sign for you, then be prepared with the one item you want autographed the most. As the astronaut is signing, it is acceptable to ask if he/she will sign more, but try not to have these items out until it has been agreed. Approaching an astronaut with a handful of items may lead to him/her refusing to sign because you may appear to be a dealer.
And just because an astronaut has agreed to sign more than one item, does not mean you should take full advantage of this request. Limit your request to five items or less at one time.
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