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Autograph Etiquette

Blogs > Milkis
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Milkis
Profile Blog Joined January 2010
5003 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-08-26 03:32:16
August 26 2011 03:31 GMT
#1
Please keep this in mind if you're gonna ask for autographs. This will maximize your chances, and this will minimize me going at you and saying "no".

1) Don't ask for autographs if the progamer had just lost. They are competitors. Taking a loss is very very rough. Asking for autographs at that time is just a very very bad timing.
2) Don't ask for autographs if they're at the prolounge. They are there because they want to stay away from the fans. Camping there and trying to find out when they're moving is a bad idea because they are usually leaving to a) go to the bathroom, b) eat, c) go to their next match. This means you are actually bothering them if you're asking them during this time.
3) Don't ask for autographs when they're eating. Come on, give them *some* time. You can try paying for their meals however!
4) Don't ask for autographs if they're watching a game. Koreans had to watch the games on *stream* at Anaheim because they got bombarded so hard whenever they went to watch the games live.
5) When you're asking for an autograph, look behind you. Is there a swarm of people gathering? If yes, don't ask. You will start a never ending chain for the progamer.

So when's a good time?

1) They just won a game and they're walking back to the prolounge/somewhere and they don't have a match immediately after.
2) Fan signing. Koreans will probably have a 30 minute fan signing this MLG. This is honestly your best bet.
3) Saturday is a good timing to get signatures for pool players. This is because if they're in pool they only have two games that entire day (if they're doing well at least)

These are general and not very complete, but it's at least something that I've noticed. Keep these rules and it'll make my jobs easier and it'll help out any progamers too.

Good luck!

PS: If you're asking for a picture... please dont ask me to take the picture for you guys. I'd appreciate it. Thanks!

***
shindigs
Profile Blog Joined May 2009
United States4795 Posts
August 26 2011 03:34 GMT
#2
Follow these rules or else you'll face Milkis's force fields...
Photographer@shindags || twitch.tv/shindigs
tabington
Profile Joined August 2011
United States5 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-08-26 03:35:52
August 26 2011 03:34 GMT
#3
PS: If you're asking for a picture... please dont ask me to take the picture for you guys. I'd appreciate it. Thanks!


But can I ask to take a picture of you?

EDIT: or better yet, ask one of the Koreans to take a picture of me with you?
jlake02
Profile Joined January 2011
United States395 Posts
August 26 2011 03:44 GMT
#4
Great points!

The Devil Plays Protoss had something similar too http://www.complexitygaming.com/news/3054/#

compLexity Gaming - @coL_Lake
Loodah
Profile Blog Joined December 2010
335 Posts
August 26 2011 04:01 GMT
#5
That's a lot to expect out of fans in terms of knowledge.

Unless you're on the main stage, it's hard to know if a player is going to be going to the next match or just lost.

You can't tell if the pro is going to the bathroom or to eat... I would never ask for an autograph when they are eating.

Believe it or not, not everyone recognizes E-sports community members. If I see you standing next to a pro chances are I will ask you to take the pic (not this time because plenty of friends are coming to this one).

All of these are reasonable expectations - but please don't shit on fans who make honest mistakes. It's not their fault 90 percent of the time.

The 30 minute autograph periods are actually rough because you stand in line for a long time to say two words to the pro.

My favorite thing about Raleigh was talking about strategy and the actual game with the pros all in a circle - they were really accessible. As much as the events are improving, it really sucks that this is not possible any more.

That's one of the biggest reasons I love Incontrol and day9. Even when they were exhausted they made efforts to have real conversations with real community members.
TheAmazombie
Profile Blog Joined September 2010
United States3714 Posts
August 26 2011 04:07 GMT
#6
On August 26 2011 13:01 Loodah wrote:
That's a lot to expect out of fans in terms of knowledge.

Unless you're on the main stage, it's hard to know if a player is going to be going to the next match or just lost.

You can't tell if the pro is going to the bathroom or to eat... I would never ask for an autograph when they are eating.

Believe it or not, not everyone recognizes E-sports community members. If I see you standing next to a pro chances are I will ask you to take the pic (not this time because plenty of friends are coming to this one).

All of these are reasonable expectations - but please don't shit on fans who make honest mistakes. It's not their fault 90 percent of the time.

The 30 minute autograph periods are actually rough because you stand in line for a long time to say two words to the pro.

My favorite thing about Raleigh was talking about strategy and the actual game with the pros all in a circle - they were really accessible. As much as the events are improving, it really sucks that this is not possible any more.

That's one of the biggest reasons I love Incontrol and day9. Even when they were exhausted they made efforts to have real conversations with real community members.


Yeah, I agree with you on this, but I also agree with the main points. I think the overall thing to take from this is to treat these players like human beings and try to think of things from their shoes as well. Come on, they are human beings and as long as you considering this beforehand, then you should be alright. Most of the people understand mistakes, but also as a fan you have to understand their positions.

Just be civil and if a pro players is upset about a loss, eating, or trying to take a piss, don't bother them please. If they are busy, don't take offense if they don't have time to spend with you. If they do, that is awesome that they do. If they make extra effort, more power to them.
We think too much and feel too little. More than machinery, we need humanity. More than cleverness, we need kindness and gentleness. Without these qualities, life will be violent and all will be lost. -Charlie Chaplin
Tortious_Tortoise
Profile Blog Joined November 2010
United States944 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-08-26 04:14:53
August 26 2011 04:07 GMT
#7
I remember one of the first things I saw at Columbus was oGsMC, SlayerSMMA, and IMLosirA walking into the convention center with you, Milkis (I think it was you, anyway). So I proceeded to ask if I could have a picture with the players. You (or the other guy) said that there would be a photo op later, but I persisted in asking until I got the picture:

[image loading]
The picture ended up spoiling the MLG Columbus podium (Gold/Silver/Bronze) a full 2 and a half days before the competition ended.

EDIT: I'm the kid with the goofy looking smile on the left. My friend is the white-guy on the right.
Treating eSports as a social science since 2011; Credo: "The system is never wrong"-- Day9 Daily #400 Part 3
GigaFlop
Profile Blog Joined October 2010
United States1146 Posts
August 26 2011 04:07 GMT
#8
What if they're washing up in the restroom? is that a good time?

Or how about if they walk into the restroom, and you're already there?
(╯°□°)╯︵ ┻━┻ "Shift-Q oftentimes makes a capital Q" - Day[9] || iNcontrol - Alligator from heaven = ^
Telcontar
Profile Joined May 2010
United Kingdom16710 Posts
August 26 2011 04:14 GMT
#9
And remember; Geoff is willing to sign autographs while he's answering nature's call, as long as you 'assist' him with logistics.


Et Eärello Endorenna utúlien. Sinome maruvan ar Hildinyar tenn' Ambar-metta.
StarStruck
Profile Blog Joined April 2010
25339 Posts
August 26 2011 06:09 GMT
#10
All this should be common sense. D:
Milkis
Profile Blog Joined January 2010
5003 Posts
August 26 2011 12:29 GMT
#11
On August 26 2011 13:01 Loodah wrote:
That's a lot to expect out of fans in terms of knowledge.

Unless you're on the main stage, it's hard to know if a player is going to be going to the next match or just lost.

You can't tell if the pro is going to the bathroom or to eat... I would never ask for an autograph when they are eating.

Believe it or not, not everyone recognizes E-sports community members. If I see you standing next to a pro chances are I will ask you to take the pic (not this time because plenty of friends are coming to this one).

All of these are reasonable expectations - but please don't shit on fans who make honest mistakes. It's not their fault 90 percent of the time.

The 30 minute autograph periods are actually rough because you stand in line for a long time to say two words to the pro.

My favorite thing about Raleigh was talking about strategy and the actual game with the pros all in a circle - they were really accessible. As much as the events are improving, it really sucks that this is not possible any more.

That's one of the biggest reasons I love Incontrol and day9. Even when they were exhausted they made efforts to have real conversations with real community members.


Go to the info booth. You can figure out where they will be next and their schedules pretty easily
phantem
Profile Joined September 2010
United States163 Posts
August 26 2011 12:39 GMT
#12
Thanks for making the post milkis

here's to hoping nada wins both games on saturday and that i can stealthily get him to sign something for me
"At MLG Dallas, I got up, bitchslapped hot_bid and went back to bed."-Liquid`Jinro
evanthebouncy!
Profile Blog Joined June 2006
United States12796 Posts
August 26 2011 12:41 GMT
#13
basically just don't try to get one, it's not worth the trouble anyways
Life is run, it is dance, it is fast, passionate and BAM!, you dance and sing and booze while you can for now is the time and time is mine. Smile and laugh when still can for now is the time and soon you die!
evanthebouncy!
Profile Blog Joined June 2006
United States12796 Posts
August 26 2011 12:41 GMT
#14
i mean I'd rather ask for a hand shake
Life is run, it is dance, it is fast, passionate and BAM!, you dance and sing and booze while you can for now is the time and time is mine. Smile and laugh when still can for now is the time and soon you die!
shannn
Profile Blog Joined May 2010
Netherlands2891 Posts
August 26 2011 14:02 GMT
#15
On August 26 2011 21:41 evanthebouncy! wrote:
i mean I'd rather ask for a hand shake

This + reading the post about inc's nature call made me laugh ^^

I think it's a good thing that there's a guideline for fans. But is every fan going to read this blog?
Are they even teamliquid posters or lurkers?

Should've made some time schedule to ask players for their autographs and pictures tbh :p
Makes it much more organized for you and for the players so that they can focus on the games outside of the schedule and during the schedule focus on the fans.
http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewpost.php?post_id=6321864 Epic post.
rawb
Profile Joined September 2010
United States252 Posts
August 26 2011 14:35 GMT
#16
I met artosis in columbus and made the most awkward fool out of myself because i was so nervous LOL.

Even if people remember these things when they're sitting at their desk on TL, sometimes it all goes out the window when they're meeting someone they're a huge fan of in person
Battleaxe
Profile Blog Joined August 2010
United States843 Posts
August 26 2011 16:51 GMT
#17
1. Agree
2. 100% agree
3. Agree. Paying for their meal should be worth an autograph though if you'd be so
Inclined
4. Ehhhhh
5. If there's a crowd of people behind you, you might as well be the first one to start the chain. Being considerate enough to not ask will not deter other people from doing the same

Good rules though, and gl hf this weekend, stay dry!
Without a community, we're all just a bunch of geeks.
Grettin
Profile Joined April 2010
42381 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-08-26 17:05:20
August 26 2011 17:01 GMT
#18
On August 26 2011 15:09 StarStruck wrote:
All this should be common sense. D:


There are people who doesn't use or have common sense. THIS should be common knowledge.

I wonder if you are a girl and ask them to sign your boobs.. would it bother the player despite the situation/timing.
"If I had force-fields in Brood War, I'd never lose." -Bisu
Chill
Profile Blog Joined January 2005
Calgary25986 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-08-26 17:16:57
August 26 2011 17:10 GMT
#19
I think it's pretty fair game to ask anytime lol. If they don't want to they can say no. We're all big boys.

Edit: Milkis, you gotta understand that the people who sit back all nervous able whether it's appropriate or not to ask are going to be the people missing out. Fortune favours the bold. People shouldn't hesitate to politely ask for an autograph in my opinion.
Moderator
ComaDose
Profile Blog Joined December 2009
Canada10357 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-08-26 17:17:41
August 26 2011 17:17 GMT
#20
Yet tyler had a good point he has a mindset to stay in.
Even having to listen and answer a question can mess up someone who plays needing that mindset.
Following these guidelines seems fair.
Soon we are gonna have a backstage and you will only be able to see the players when they come out for their signings ;p
BW pros training sc2 is like kiss making a dub step album.
shindigs
Profile Blog Joined May 2009
United States4795 Posts
August 26 2011 17:45 GMT
#21
I don't feel that the rules are unreasonable, but I think Milkis is comfortable enough to say "no autographs" (or at least comfortable to say it to me T_T). I think its slightly the fan's responsibility to understand that they can't get there stuff signed. At NASL and Anaheim, it seemed like mostly all the fans were understanding if a player was practicing or wanted to be left alone.
Photographer@shindags || twitch.tv/shindigs
aNDRoM
Profile Blog Joined July 2010
United States637 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-08-26 17:51:35
August 26 2011 17:49 GMT
#22
On August 27 2011 02:10 Chill wrote:
I think it's pretty fair game to ask anytime lol. If they don't want to they can say no. We're all big boys.

Edit: Milkis, you gotta understand that the people who sit back all nervous able whether it's appropriate or not to ask are going to be the people missing out. Fortune favours the bold. People shouldn't hesitate to politely ask for an autograph in my opinion.


Yeah, that was me at MLG Anaheim. Even though I did get lots of autographs, I had opportunities to get more but I was too nervous to ask and missed out on several I wanted to get... Like Kennigit's. :-)

Also, Milkis wouldn't sign anything for me. :-( j/k (on the frowning, not on the fact that Milkis wouldn't sign something.)

(I remember standing near you, Milkis, when someone else later asked for your autograph, and you asked "Why?" so innocently... It was amusing.)
Hi. My name is Werner Brandes. My voice is my passport. Verify me.
Milkis
Profile Blog Joined January 2010
5003 Posts
August 27 2011 15:11 GMT
#23
On August 27 2011 02:10 Chill wrote:
I think it's pretty fair game to ask anytime lol. If they don't want to they can say no. We're all big boys.

Edit: Milkis, you gotta understand that the people who sit back all nervous able whether it's appropriate or not to ask are going to be the people missing out. Fortune favours the bold. People shouldn't hesitate to politely ask for an autograph in my opinion.


You shouldn't hesitate, you're right. You just have to be more aware of what's going on before you ask.

People asking for autographs when we're literally about to be on stage... that may be "bold" but that's also extremely stupid IMO
Daigomi
Profile Blog Joined May 2006
South Africa4316 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-08-27 15:43:03
August 27 2011 15:39 GMT
#24
On August 27 2011 02:10 Chill wrote:
I think it's pretty fair game to ask anytime lol. If they don't want to they can say no. We're all big boys.

Edit: Milkis, you gotta understand that the people who sit back all nervous able whether it's appropriate or not to ask are going to be the people missing out. Fortune favours the bold. People shouldn't hesitate to politely ask for an autograph in my opinion.

Yeah I agree. If people want to ask, they should ask. The progamer has every right to just say no, but that shouldn't stop people from asking. Fans shouldn't be trying to please the players, players should be trying to please the fans. These rules seem a bit... pretentious to me. I mean, as much as we love our progamers, they are still minor celebrities at best, and I've never heard of other sportsmen/celebrities having a set of rules that you need to follow so that they might bless you with an autograph. As I said in the beginning, progamers have all the right in the world to reject an autograph request but that shouldn't stop anyone from asking them.

EDIT: Just to point out, I realise that this is etiquette rather than hard rules, but even so I disagree. It's the fan's job to do what he can to get the autograph, it's the player's job to handle it in a way he sees fit. It's not the fan's job to make being a professional sportsperson easy for the players.
Moderator
PassiveAce
Profile Blog Joined February 2011
United States18076 Posts
August 27 2011 15:47 GMT
#25
I understand why they might not want to talk to people while they prepare for their games, or even for the entire tournament. I remember tyler talking about how he has a hard time enjoying fans and competing seriously at the same event. It's understandable, but fans of korean players have almost no opportunity outside of MLG to get autographs/handshakes. And individuals will always jump at opportunities no matter how bad the timing is for the player because they may simply never have the chance again
Call me Marge Simpson cuz I love you homie
Rekrul
Profile Blog Joined November 2002
Korea (South)17174 Posts
August 27 2011 16:41 GMT
#26
if a progamer can't sign an autograph after they just lost they a little bitch

jus' sayin
why so 진지해?
LovE-
Profile Blog Joined September 2010
United States1963 Posts
August 31 2011 20:44 GMT
#27
On August 28 2011 01:41 Rekrul wrote:
if a progamer can't sign an autograph after they just lost they a little bitch

jus' sayin


*Looks @ Naniwa*

But really, I hope more people had the chance to get stuff signed at this MLG. I know at Anaheim it was pretty tough for some of us.
LovE.311 (NA) || @LovE_Sc2
Thrill
Profile Blog Joined May 2007
2599 Posts
August 31 2011 21:24 GMT
#28
On August 28 2011 01:41 Rekrul wrote:
if a progamer can't sign an autograph after they just lost they a little bitch

jus' sayin


Most of today's ballers were little bitches one day

jus' sayin
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