When An Author’s Autograph is Worth Nothing 2 comments


Just why the hell would anyone stand in line for not an autograph:

Author Margaret Atwood has grown weary of the traveling that comes with promotional book tours. Such tours are grueling, and her experience with delivery drivers who hold out an electronic device for a signature gave her an idea: maybe there was a way to create a system whereby she could sign a book from a distance.
She teamed with Matthew Gibson and several others to produce the device, naming the firm Unotchit pronounced “you no touch it.” The device was given its first-ever public demonstration on Sunday, and despite technical glitches that had to be overcome, they managed to get the device working.

This gives a whole new meaning to autographed first edition and no enhancement in value: either emotional or financial.
I’ve been to a few book signings over the years and enjoyed hearing authors read from their work and discuss related issues with the audience. This would be ok via teleconferencing which probably will be standard once holographic/virtual presence technology becomes the norm.

There is no way, though, that mechanical scribbling is an acceptable stand in for the author’s in the flesh signature.


2 thoughts on “When An Author’s Autograph is Worth Nothing

  • Kim

    Wow. That is lame. Not only would I not stand in line for that, but it makes me want to never read one of her books again.

  • Bryan

    Hell, they could all come with the author’s signature pre-printed on the inside flyleaf and the usual meaningless tribble.
    Some bookstores offer signed copies, but I had a client in San Diego who handled fulfillment for fan clubs and I’m here to guarantee that if you don’t see it signed in front of you, ink on paper, you have no idea who signed it.

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