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What was the deal with Neil Armstrong and autographing stuff?

I watched a bio-pic about Neil Armstrong and if the bio pic was remotely close to the truth, it appears Armstrong was rather odd.

I know he seldom signed autographs. Perhaps he didn't like the notoriety or thought signing autographs was degrading or like Joe DiMaggio, he didn't want people profiting off his accomplishments.

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Permalink Reply by JMS1223 on December 4, 2022 at 5:42am

I heard Armstrong signed authentic ttm up until about 1994 then stopped due to people selling his autograph. He then sent out autopened photos.

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Permalink Reply by JK on December 4, 2022 at 6:56am

He signed tons of stuff until he stopped. I got an authentic photo TTM in the early 90s. By that time it was one per person and they did keep track.

People abused his generosity so he stopped.

I am not 100% sure but I think it was NASA that sent out the autopens (until that even stopped). At least that's where I received them from.

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Permalink Reply by Garrett Meadows on December 4, 2022 at 4:25pm

Thanks for the comments. I don't blame him--or others---for ceasing to sign autographs when it becomes exploitation and all about making a buck off another man's or woman's accomplishments.

It just takes a few charlatans to ruin any business for the well-intentioned.

The late British actor Alistair Sim primarily known for his nonpareil performance as Scrooge in the 1951 version of "A Christmas Carol" was once approached by fan asking for Sim's autograph. Sim told the fan: "You can have my autograph or my respect? Which do you prefer?"