Choogle

Hi Ian, The point I was trying to make is that Buzz can, to a large degree, justify the amount he charges as he knows what is autograph is worth. Using that thinking I guess that is also the justification for Lovell's price (though for some reason I can't see it myself). It's noticable that Buzz previously and Lovell charged extra to complete a mission set. People do collect autographs for investments. I guess I do and I don't. It is nice to buy an item which actually appreciates in value (like a work of art, would be a good comparison). There is no shame in this! At a previous Autographica I paid £80 for a Buzz autograph and a further £10 for a dedication to my son. From an investment point of view that was foolish as the dedication actually brings the value down but I was keen to have a signed photo for my son...hopefully as an inspirational piece for him to have in the future (he was nearly 1 year old at the time we met Buzz!). At this Autographica I got a McCandless signed/dedicated photo for him and a undedicated one for me. I have no intention of selling my copy but I simply didn't feel the need to have it dedicated. The Lovell and Haise photo I have (Apollo 13 at take-off) is undedicated. I already had their autographs on WSS lithos (how I prefer Apollo autographs) but I was keen to meet them. To my knowledge no autographs have appeared on Ebay as of yet. It is OK to collect autographs for fun and/or investment. I have no interest in the film celebs and only collect autographs of PEOPLE I am interested in (mainly music/football/space ones and a few historical). The night before going to Autographica I went to a talk given by Niall Quinn (ex Sunderland and Arsenal). I got three autographs from him along with a few photos...because I support Sunderland and he means something to me. Best wishes Choogle

I previously wrote... "I was a little disappointed that Lovell and Haise are charging such a high amount." and... "I guess I will go this year but feel much less happy to part with big sums of money for (slightly) infeior guests." I did go to the show today and found Haise to be very friendly and affable. Although I wanted a few pix of myself, my 2 year old son and him (not easy to organsie with a two year old!!!), he happily obliged saying something like "I know what's it's like, I'm a grandad" whilst I was struggling with my little boy. I came away with a good impression of him...'seemed like a nice guy', I thought. McCandless was happy to sign with an inscription and to pose for photos...nice guy I thought. However... even though I was virtually the last person to get to see Lovell (there was literally only one person behind me!) I felt as though I got the bum's rush. For £75, he was quick to sign the photo and said something to the effect of "I have to move onto the next one". My wife, who is not interested in space at all but knew of Lovell and Haise through the Apollo 13 film, thought he could have been more friendly... I agreed. Regardless of the money aspect (he charged a lot more than Haise) I think he could have been more friendly and at least tried to have appeared interested. Someone wrote on the forum, in response to my original mailing: "You also have to remember that these are private individuals and (may I say) getting on in years and probably find if it difficult been dragged across the Atlantic and shoved in front of some bright lights and a mass of public. Lets show them some respect". The truth is they are not 'dragged across the Atlantic'. They CHOOSE to come and are rewarded very well for coming to the show. Do not kid yourself that they are doing it for YOUR benefit. I have met Buzz Aldrin twice at different signing's (Leicester Space Centre and Autographica) and each time he has engaged in conversation with the people who have gone to meet him. Yes, he was an expensive signer at Autographica but I did not begrudge the cost... after all, he is Buzz Aldrin (RESPECT!!!). Lovell only seemed interested in taking the money. There was a sign up saying 'No posed photos' (although he did consent to pose for some with myself and my boy Sam). It was only afterwards that I thought that he probably does not want to pose for photos because he was also doing a photo session (ie you pay extra to have a professional photo taken with him). I am sure other people will now write in saying that it was probably the end of a very long day for him and that when they met him he was really nice...sadly that was not my experience. Buzz Aldrin is going to the next show and I have to say that he is a much nicer guy to meet and, even though he will be a little bit more expensive than Lovell, I am sure his autograph represents much better value than Lovell's from an investment point of view. Lovell Michael

Hi I was a little disappointed that Lovell and Haise are charging such a high amount. I have been to most of the Autographica's and the average price for a moonwalker seemed to be £30 or £35 with Buzz being the exception. Even though I have a number of Buzz autographs (I had met him twice previously) I was happy to part with £80 + £10 for a dedication to get the opportunity of getting a 'quality' autograph along with a good photo (I got this photo dedicated to my 1 year old son...hopefully a real inspiration for him in the future!). Yes, I know that the dedication devalues it as far as resale is concerned but sometimes that is not the priority. Lovell charging £75, to me at least, seems very high, especially when compared against the Buzz autograph price. I already have a Lovell signed NASA WSS litho so I do question if I want to part with £75 (+ photo) for a second autograph. I see the moonwalkers as being in the Premier division and other Apollo astronauts as being in the Championship, with most Shuttle astronauts being in League 2 or 3. One exception to this is McCandless, who I have to admit, is the big attraction for me. Had he not been there then I probably would not have bothered with this Autographica. In the past I have been really pleased to have met Buzz (of course!), Leonov (at the Northampton Autographica), Valentina and the other moonwalkers (Bean, Mitchell and Duke). I guess I will go this year but feel much less happy to part with big sums of money for (slightly) infeior guests. Michael