The Signing at HMV by SimonWho

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SimonWho

The Signing at HMV
Thursday, August 25, 2005

I had previous scoped out the HMV on Princes Street to ensure that was where the signing was being held. Once there, I spotted a few other Browncoats doing the same thing. (Although one of them joked that they were starting the queue already and I almost believed her.) This should have been a warning sign.

The following day, Wednesday, I wandered down at a leisurely pace, ready to take my time, maybe join the queue at about 12 for the 1 o'clock signing. I just happened to be there at 10.15 and already there was a good size queue. Had I realised that the queue was actually much bigger than that thanks to people holding places for each other, I'd have been even more concerned. Anyway, I joined the queue at 10.30, which was quite a bit longer than I'd planned on waiting.

Of course, it was no chore as we're a friendly bunch of people and we merrily chatted, took pictures, tried to connect on the Internet in vain and avoided giving out spoilers by the dozen. Big hello to everyone I spoke to, however briefly and apologies for my rubbish name remembering skills.

At about 12.30 they ushered us into the sectioned off area for the signing to get us out of the rain which had decided to make another unscheduled appearence. Seriously, people were alternating using their umbrellas as rain shielders and sun shades. Finally at about 1.15 we heard cheers from the front; they'd arrived. Joss and Nathan popped their heads up to see how many they were facing (Nathan pointing and counting, looking at his watch and shaking his head).

The queue slowly moved along and it was my turn. I took a quick piccie of them sitting together then passed along my things to get signed. It went Adam, Morena, Summer, Joss, Nathan then Gina. It was only one signature per person so I got Adam and Gina to sign my DVD boxset and the rest to sign my Serenity preview poster (akin to the ones they were giving out at Memorabilia) although I rather bodged it as Joss should have signed my box set.

I also had something planned. I'd had a few requests from people to have things signed or pictures taken but really they had very little time and there were a lot of people there. However, thinking on my feet, I composed a text message and got Joss to push the button to send it. I was lucky in that Nathan had got up for some unknown reason and therefore there was a bit of a gap so I asked Joss "Can I be cheeky and get you to send this." Joss looked very perplexed and I pointed out the right button to push and explained "It's a text message to my friend Carol." He nodded and went "Oh, Carol, right" still looking unsure as to what the hell I was going on about so I said "It's just a text message, you don't have to worry about it", probably finally convincing him that he was dealing with a minor loon. Nathan still hadn't returned so I moved onto Gina anyway (who is just soooooo radiant looking in person, I mean kawoweeee!), who signed my DVD cover and was also making eye contact with people (which does make a big difference folks).

So now I'm a supremely happy person, all stocked up with signatures (although I still need Sean to get the full set). And now I'm just on the train back to Glasgow, ready for my flight back to Stansted. This has undoubtedly been one of the weirdest weeks of my life and possibly one of the best. I've had real life changing events (yes, there's another blog coming) and big moments in my hobby. Plus I've met the guy behind 200 hours of my favourite television. I've met old friends and new. I've got a new opportunity and some big possibilities in my future. So, in the immortal words of Jebeddiah Bartlett: what's next?

COMMENTS

Monday, September 5, 2005 9:47 PM

PSYCHICRIVER

Hey thats really cool, and good thinking with the text message!

Sounds like we were there round about the same time. I was in the queue when they arrived too...looks like another narrown miss!

Friday, August 26, 2005 10:39 AM

PIFFLE101

What about Summer???

Friday, August 26, 2005 5:13 AM

THATWEIRDGIRL

I may be jealous, but I'm also very happy for you. I can't wait to hear/read all your stories.

Friday, August 26, 2005 2:09 AM

UNCHARTEDOUTLAW

Jealous, dude. Jealous! Now, what word can you take away four letters from and have it sound exactly the same? Queue!

Friday, August 26, 2005 12:40 AM

SIMONWHO

Bah and I spelt his surname wrong, it's Bartlet.

I am the master of ephemeral gifts, mostly to save on wrapping.

Thursday, August 25, 2005 11:48 PM

ZOOT

SimonWho – sounds superb and well done with the text message – although it’s a bit of an ephemeral gift …

Being the disgusting pedant and righter of trivia wrongs that I am, I feel honour bound to point out that it’s actually “JOSIAH” Bartlett after the REAL founding father and signer of the Declaration of Independence …

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