William Shatner refused autograph

Quote: rxwine

Priceless

Wow that was oddly humorous. I especially loved the "drunk" Shatner that came out towards the end.

If I were Shatner, I would have said get away from my table son, get lost.

Let's see if I have his straight. OP stalks a celebrity...invades his personal space...interrupts him and his dinner guests in his private life...then gets miffed Captain Kirk didn't write out a free autograph (which he gets paid to do in his public life). Shatner should have provided some of his DNA, a la The Big Bang.

Shatner does sign once in awhile. On American Pickers,
one of the guys on the show was in Shatner's home and
he got him to sign something, an object, I don't remember.
Shatner was happy to do it, he said.

You really think Shatner is going to refuse an autograph request on a tv show?

Quote: bbbbcccc

You really think Shatner is going to refuse an autograph request on a tv show?

It wasn't on the show, it happened when they
weren't filming.

Quote: EvenBob

It wasn't on the show, it happened when they
weren't filming.

How do you know about it?

Quote: EvenBob

It wasn't on the show, it happened when they
weren't filming.

Even so, signing for a coworker on a particular project is different than signing for a random person at dinner.

Quote: rdw4potus

How do you know about it?

They did a 'best of' show a couple week ago
and Frank mentioned it. The Shatner show was
2 seasons ago, I think. He's really really short
without his lifts, maybe 5 6 or so.

I had an extremely similar experience to HotBlonde's, but I reacted very differently to the polite brush-off.

I saw Paul Shaffer (and his family) in a restaurant once when I was younger. I went to his table in the middle of his meal and told him he was an inspiration and that I aspired to play with him on "his show" (as I put it) some day. As I started talking, he glanced at me long enough to determine that (a) he didn't know me, and (b) I didn't have a gun (this was in NYC), then returned his focus to his food. Without looking up, he replied simply, "Cool, I'll see you then."

At that moment I realized that I was a jerk for interrupting his meal. I carry my mistakes with me, and that's one that I won't forget. If I ever did meet him under professional circumstances I'd apologize.

Me, I'm a little bothered when the *waitress* interrupts my conversation to ask if we need anything, because sometimes the conversation is important or meaningful, and an interruption really breaks up the rhythm. I can't imagine what it would be like for random strangers to constantly interrupt my meals/conversations for decades.

I run a lot of popular websites, and it would be *impossible* (not just inconvenient, but *impossible*) for me to answer all queries from my readers, if I accepted that kind of mail. So I don't, my Contact pages say Sorry, it's not possible for me to accept questions. Yet lots of people expect that it should be my job to act as the world's personal (and free) helpdesk. One reader wrote, "Take down your fu***ing website if you don't want to answer questions."

(What's next? "If you didn't want dead cats put in it, why do you have a mailbox? It's your fault for putting the mailbox up.")

I didn't create my websites because I had a burning desire to answer reader mail, I created them because I enjoy researching and publishing articles. And people don't enter the fields of acting or music because they want to get hounded every time they go out, they pursue those careers because they want to act and make music.

Also on my websites, I link out to other sites that I think will be of value to my readers, but I emphatically don't do "link exchanges". That doesn't stop clueless people from emailing me with things like, "The active Links page on your site indicates that you're interested in exchanging links...." I feel like replying, "I notice you have an ass. That indicates that you welcome having hot, sharp objects thrust up that ass. Please reply so we can coordinate that."

In short, I don't think it's fair to expect celebrities to be "on" all the time. And when they politely decline our advances, we're gonna fault *that*? Things could have gone much more badly -- for both me and HotBlonde. I'm glad they didn't. Me, I learned from my experience. I'm disappointed that HotBlonde feels that Shatner owed her anything.

But I think I know why she does: Cognitive dissonance. It's the psychological concept that we believe the explanation which is more comfortable than the one which is more logical. For HB to conclude that she erred would be uncomfortable, because nobody likes to feel that they were wrong. But if she concludes that it was Shatner's fault, then she can feel no guilt (or at least less guilt) about being wrong. So that's what she concludes. Cognitive dissonance is a powerful force, and it goes a long way towards explaining why people often make seemingly bizarre choices (like joining cults or staying in abusive relationships). Once you're aware of it, you can see it everywhere. It's actually kind of scary.

Since I rank as a semi-celebrity I would like to comment.

I get asked to take photos and sign autographs all the time -- proabably every day. I always do because I am a "semi celebrity." If I were a big star it might be different. As a semi celebrity I have to be appreciative of everyone who watches me on TV and recognizes me. They are my audience and they are responsible for my income.

I do however, don't like it when someone comes up to me in a restaurant to sign or shake my hand, and I want to repeat what EdgeLooker posted earlier:

Quote: EdgeLooker

Quote from Will Smith:
You're in mid-gulp at a restaurant and people ask you to put down your fork, take some dirty pen that you have no idea of where it's been, sign some filthy piece of paper ripped off a paper bag they found outside, then go back and put your hands in your food. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000226/bio#quotes

Damn, that's the truth. I washed my hands before dinner, I am eating dinner and I don't want someone putting pen, paper or a strange hand in front of me.

Now the question comes, what about after dinner: it's different, especially if I am walking out of the restaurant.

In the case with Shatner, he was out to dinner with other people. Perhaps it was a business meeting, or even if it was a social meeting you were asking others besides Shatner to allow you to interrupt. It's just bad manners to interrupt others at dinner. If he had been walking out of the restaurant I would have said he was "fair game" for an autograph request -- but sitting at the table was not an opportune time.

Two stories I'd like to share:

Once in Barstow at a Chevron convenience store where we stopped for gas and snacks on the way to Vegas I was spotted by some young folks who asked if I would take photos with them. I said yes, and one by one each of them came up and I took a photo -- with each. There had to be at least a dozen. I heard one of the young people say to someone else "yeah you can take a picture with him, he's cool about it." And I never forgot that moment -- it made me feel good and reminded me that I actually have an obligation to smile and take photos. And it also means when people want to ask me a question about TV I also have an obligation to stop and take a moment and chat with them. If I didn't want to do that, I shouldn't be in this business.

Second story: I am at a craps table at Caesars and two guys at the other end of the table ask the dealer "is that Alan Mendelson?" And the dealer say "yes it is." I heard it so I stepped over to them and put out my hand to shake hands. After shaking hands, one of the young men says "you're not Alan Mendelson." And I smile and reach into my wallet and give a business card to each of them. The young man looks at my card and says "How'd you get his business card?"

Quote: AlanMendelson

Second story: I am at a craps table at Caesars and two guys at the other end of the table ask the dealer "is that Alan Mendelson?" And the dealer say "yes it is." I heard it so I stepped over to them and put out my hand to shake hands. After shaking hands, one of the young men says "you're not Alan Mendelson." And I smile and reach into my wallet and give a business card to each of them. The young man looks at my card and says "How'd you get his business card?"

That's hilarious...LOL!

Great story Alan... Here is similar one. I was in line at a bank in Baltimore and Terrell Suggs the Ravens LB was right in front of me. Nobody seemed to recognize him but me. This was right after they won the superbowl in Feb. I quietly put out my hand and said in a soft voice, "Terrell I'd like to thank you for a great season". He smiled, shook my hand and said "thanks man". I made some other small talk with him and that was it. He was polite and gracious. No autograph requested or wanted. His turn in line came and he did his business. On the way out..he walked by me at the next teller station and said..."did you want an autograph?" I didn't really...I don't collect them or anything. But he was so nice I said sure, and he signed my deposit slip receipt. The lady behind us...yells out "look it's Ray Rice" (he's the Ravens RB for those who don't know; and about 1/2 Terrrell Sugg's size.) She rushes up to Terrell and says "you're Ray Rice right?..." He laughs say's "yeah I'm Ray Rice" and walks out of the bank chuckling.

I'd like to bestow cool points to Andre Agassi. We were both at the Mini Grand Prix in Vegas for different kids' birthday parties. When it looked like he was between conversations I discretely approached him to say "hi" and asked for a picture. He kindly agreed.



A few years later I saw him walking his dog and I said "Hi Andre" and he said "hi" back.

Alan, do people other than those who now live or have lived in the LA / So Cal area recognize you?

Do your current internet marketing ventures provide a national audience with resultant name recognition, or is your "semi-celebrity" status still locally-based?

Quote: Beethoven9th

That's hilarious...LOL!

you're easily amused

I have had a few casino security guards ask to take my picture and sign something.

Quote: AlanMendelson

The young man looks at my card and says "How'd you get his business card?"

At this point you should have made something up since they seemed to be so dense.

Quote: AxelWolf

you're easily amused

I know...hehehehe :)

Quote: AlanMendelson

Second story: I am at a craps table at Caesars and two guys at the other end of the table ask the dealer "is that Alan Mendelson?" And the dealer say "yes it is." I heard it so I stepped over to them and put out my hand to shake hands. After shaking hands, one of the young men says "you're not Alan Mendelson." And I smile and reach into my wallet and give a business card to each of them. The young man looks at my card and says "How'd you get his business card?"

Alan, I have to ask, has anyone ever shown you or have you read this book? It was one of my favorites as a kid. But I was a weird kid (now a weird adult).

Quote: AlanMendelson

.

If I ever see you at Caesers I'm gonna ask you to provide 2 forms of government ID so I know it's you then get a picture. Most likely I'll bother the entire craps table while you're all on a hot roll :)

That was evil Kirk from the enemy within. The real Kirk loves the nerd throngs.

Quote: Nareed

I'll reply very obliquely, that I was favorably impressed Penn and Teller graciously signed autographs, took questions and posed for photos with the fans, after their show at the Rio.

yes at the rio when I saw them. But also when I saw them on broadway in NYC....after the show, on the busy streets they were out there signing autographs from anyone who asked. Same when I saw them in SF. They know where their bread is buttered. They get feedback directly from the fans with each performance.

Shatner and other actors dont get daily feedback while they work. They work in a sterile environment in front of cameras. They do their job in front of the electronic devices and then go home. As far as they are concerned the fans dont exisist. They get their paychecks from the studio and dont get the direct feeling that the fans are paying their salary.
Of course they are...even though big studios pay the actor.....the big adervisters pay the studios.....and the viewers pay for the advertising with the purchace of every product. The cost of advertising in in the cost of every Big MAC you buy, in every Buick,.

I think theater actors and live headine performers, have a better appreciation for their fans.

Even though I met Shatner, this is as close as I could get to getting a picture with him at the restaurant

(Hopefully the pic will show but I'll repost if it doesn't work)

Quote: HotBlonde

Even though I met Shatner, this is as close as I could get to getting a picture with him at the restaurant

(Hopefully the pic will show but I'll repost if it doesn't work)

I just stumbled upon this thread and got its jist...I'm certainly not going to read through 23 pages of post so, if what I am about to share has already been stated, oh well.

StarTrek is a cottage industry perhaps like no other TV show. It has lived for decades after the show was terminated. One of these industries is trade and autograph shows dedicated solely to this star trek theme and characters. These TV actors attend these shows to SELL their autographs, not give them away. And, if they were to sign an autograph for free, they would be violating the contract with the promotion company that has contracted them to SELL autographs.

Quote: Riva

Quote: HotBlonde

Even though I met Shatner, this is as close as I could get to getting a picture with him at the restaurant

(Hopefully the pic will show but I'll repost if it doesn't work)

I just stumbled upon this thread and got its jist...I'm certainly not going to read through 23 pages of post so, if what I am about to share has already been stated, oh well.

StarTrek is a cottage industry perhaps like no other TV show. It has lived for decades after the show was terminated. One of these industries is trade and autograph shows dedicated solely to this star trek theme and characters. These TV actors attend these shows to SELL their autographs, not give them away. And, if they were to sign an autograph for free, they would be violating the contract with the promotion company that has contracted them to SELL autographs.

Is that any different than sports players that go to sports memorobilia shows.They cant sign autographs at the ball park?
I think shattner is too big to be hanging around startrek shows to make a few dollars.

My guess is that this has happened to him many times before where he signs one autograph and then all of a sudden one after the other he has visitors at his table as if he opened up a booth to sign. He knows all eyes are on him, and if others see him turn away one person....others wont try. I think its as simple as that.

Pete rose is welcome at sports shows with open arms....and the promoters make money off of him. But Rose also is a mainstay in vegas selling his autograph on pictures balls and bats on his own. And he has been known to give them out for free on the street.

Quote: LarryS

Is that any different than sports players that go to sports memorobilia shows.They cant sign autographs at the ball park?

Sure they can sign them at the game. After all, that's part of their job.

But if you bump into someone on the street? Then it's their choice, and many refuse, simple because they want - and deserve - to have a private life.

Quote: Riva

... And, if they were to sign an autograph for free, they would be violating the contract with the promotion company that has contracted them to SELL autographs.

I think that would only be for a limited time. I doubt that any contract of that nature can be lifetime.

Besides, when you're advertising that a certain celebrity will be at your event, that in itself is enough to draw people to the event. Wouldn't you want that celebrity to avoid getting labeled by being a dick to people on the street?

Quote: LarryS

Pete rose is welcome at sports shows with open arms....and the promoters make money off of him. But Rose also is a mainstay in vegas selling his autograph on pictures balls and bats on his own. And he has been known to give them out for free on the street.

Sure. If you're lucky enough to bump into him, he's OK with giving the autograph. But if you really want it, there are advertised places where he's paid to do the meet & greet and autograph thing.

what is the deal with third party personalize autographs. What would make someone want one.

I understand the monetary value attached to autograph collecting. But making the personalized makes them less valuable.

So if Joan Rivers doesnt know me from ahole in the wall, never met me, we have noever had any interaction...and a freind hands me a slip of white paper thats scribbled "hi larry, joan rivers"....what joy should i get out of it? My friend had the contact, my friend can use the autograph as a memorium of the moment in time when they met and talked. But me?....WHAT IS IN IT FOR ME???

its just a piece of paper with Joan Rivers autograph on it, with no meaning. I mean unless you just buy and collect autographs as a hobby....whats the joy you should get from that piece of paper.

Is it like when people go to gift shops and see a rack with keychains that have names on it...and they are thrilled that they can buy one that says "sally"???Is it just seeing your name on something?

Is the joy really for the "giver" of the piece of paper. like saying "look at me I met joan rivers" and here is proof....i had her write a note to you...even though she has no idea who you are.

Quote: LarryS

what is the deal with third party personalize autographs. What would make someone want one.

I've often wondered what the whole autograph thing is about unless it is part of something bigger.

Lets say there is a person, team, band, etc I really admire so I get them to sign something of some permanence for me to remember the moment by. I suppose that is one thing. But when you have an "autograph book" and just get sigs, that is to me kind of somewhere between stalking and idolizing royalty. I see no point.

I have a few sports autographs from when guys came to speak to our managers. They are on a nice picture. So the autograph is about the whole thing. OTOH I have spent hours with sports celebs and wouldn't dare even ask. I have memories.

But to want to buy an album with Bob Dylan's autograph on it? Whether it is to Chumlee or not, what is the point? I never met him, it is just about "something he touched." If it were something that was his personal object and he was really big in history I can kind of see it. You know, Ernest Hemingway's typewriter kind of thing. But just something they signed? Sorry.

Quote: AZDuffman

But to want to buy an album with Bob Dylan's autograph on it? Whether it is to Chumlee or not, what is the point? I never met him, it is just about "something he touched." If it were something that was his personal object and he was really big in history I can kind of see it. You know, Ernest Hemingway's typewriter kind of thing. But just something they signed? Sorry.

In that episode, Rick asked Chumlee to find Dylan and get the album autographed. Dylan signed it "To Chumlee..."

Rick then said he couldn't sell it and gave it to Chumlee.

Frankly, I think that ADDS value. After all, Chumlee's T-shirts outsell all the other's at the store, so wouldn't a fan of the show that was looking for Dylan memorabilia, love that signed album???

Quote: DJTeddyBear

In that episode, Rick asked Chumlee to find Dylan and get the album autographed. Dylan signed it "To Chumlee..."

Rick then said he couldn't sell it and gave it to Chumlee.

Frankly, I think that ADDS value. After all, Chumlee's T-shirts outsell all the other's at the store, so wouldn't a fan of the show that was looking for Dylan memorabilia, love that signed album???

A fan of chumlee and the show would spend x amount of money for that album because it was from the episode they liked and they like chumlee and they can record the show and brag that this this the album from the show.

A music autigraph collector who doesnt care about a staged event with a dullard fat boy, would pay Y dollars for a regular signed album, and less for a "to chumlee" album