Quote Originally Posted by commando View Post
I know the original scenario mentioned here is a little different, but keep in mind that when celebrities are brought in for book signings, often they are NOT allowed to sign things other than their book. They are specifically there to represent the bookstore and a being paid under contract to do so.
Anthony,
Your post is right on the money. At nearly all of these book signings, there are plenty of signs stating in effect that no memorabilia will be signed other than the offered book. Even the ads leading up to the show usually indicate this rule. Yet there is always some knucklehead in line with a ball or a bat looking for a freebie. By the time they get up there, naturally a confrontation ensues leaving the athlete angry. Then you have to deal with him still steaming when it's your turn to get up there (by no fault of your own). As far as the original post goes, there is only one side of the story listed. I'm sure Mr. Bench could offer his version which really demands nothing more than, "Hey read the signs or I can only sign books." I've been to many shows where Bench has signed some quite valuable items for me and he has always shown himself to be friendly, accomodating and profesional.