My sister thinks that i am the worst fan. Ever. I have no interest in autographs or merchandise. OK i do own a star wars mouse pad. But who doesn’t? Oh. And i have a star trek voyager mug (never used...in a box somewhere.....). But it is true. I have no interest in meeting famous people. My worst nightmare is having some actor i love from the tele right in front of me. I would try to vacate the vicinity ASAP. Let me tell you a simple little story:
My favourite author, Terry Pratchett, once visited the city i was visiting myself and i happened to be passing the bookstore (i like totally didn’t know). I got excited. I could have a signed copy of one of his books! I went into the shop and bought the book. Then i looked over at the line and could see him sitting there (it was the hat that gave him away). I froze. The girl at the counter was staring at me. “I just can’t do it”. I said. She was the nicest lady “It’s ok. Just leave it here and i will get it signed for you”.
That is the closest i have ever got to having something signed. I later gave the book to my sister. I just couldn’t keep it. It freaked me out. I never want to meet any actor or writer that i am a fan of for three simple reasons:
- I don’t want them to be corrupted from that place of fantasy they live in (i can tell fact from fiction; i like them separate)
- I really don’t have anything to day above “i love your show/book...whatever”
- I also don’t want them to think that i am a dick (if you know me you might be surprised that i care what complete strangers think of me)
I have met legends from my research field and it is always a little creepy. You have an idea what type of person they should be. But they are just people. I once presented a little paper at a conference and a few hours before those nice chap came up to me. He started to tell me how much he liked the paper. I asked him how he knew about it ( i had yet to present it). Turns out he reviewed it before it was accepted. We had this lovely talk for maybe 20 minutes about it. He was a really nice guy. He then left. THEN my supervisor came over a bit nervous like and asked what we talked about. Turns out he was ultra respected and famous. It was only daft me who had never been to a conference before who didn’t know who he was. Thank God.
That is why i am quite glad i live at the edge of the world. Almost at rim fall. I will finish with saying that thank god i am not talented in any way that would make me famous. I just wouldn’t be able to cope with that i think.
I wonder how people do it. Must just have a very different psychological make up to me is all.
I think everyone is famous, just that your "circle of fame" varies in size from person to person. For instance, you're famous in your family...the guy who reviewed your paper has a larger circle of fame, and Terry Pratchett has an even larger circle.
ReplyDeleteEverything you do has an impact on somebody...how big an impact you have is just a matter of perspective. :)
Oh, and FWIW...I don't have a Stars Wars mouse pad...although I do have a Ferrari coffee mug....does that count?
as long as it is a novelty coffeee mug as apposed to a regular coffee mug it counts.
ReplyDelete*grin*
BTW the mouse pad is of the death star and it is awesome (i have had it a long time). I would like a new one but i just haven't found anything that i find anything.