I am not that famous, but have a few acquaintances that are. It always strikes me as odd how the people that come up to them (and know them) have the following assumptions:– That they will pose for a picture– That they will sign something– That they won’t mind either, even if eating, talking with someone, or with their kids– They will read your manuscript– If they don’t, they are a total douchebagAlso, conversations tend to be the same things. “What was your inspiration for…?” or “Do you remember when you… That was AWESOME!” I don’t know many people who have a face on the screen (big or small), but I know a lot of authors, some who have the patience of a saint. I can’t imaging how mega-stars do it with well-known faces. People like Lady Gaga and Elton John, with all their costumes and makeup, could probably get away with dressing like a normal Joe Schmo and go around town unnoticed, but not Steve Wozniak. It’s this weird thing people have that if you’re famous, you’re public domain without the needs of a normal human. Like you can grab, touch, pull, and just start blabbing to them unlike you might to a total stranger. How many of you have had someone come up to you and start pulling at your hair, “Oh my God, is that real?” I have seen that happen to dozens of celebrities.What I have gotten into the habit of doing is:– Ask myself, “if this person were a total stranger, would I act the same?”– “Do I need to interact with them?” If no, then I won’t.– “What about what they want to talk about?” Man, everyone probably asks George Takei about Star Trek, but never, “what kind of soda did you like as a kid?” or “What do you usually do when you’re in DC?” or half the questions in the Ars Lounge.I was curious how someone would react if they met someone famous that they like (if you like no one, and are not impressed by any fame, and in fact think famous people are beneath you, I am in awe that you’re that cool and smooth and emo and junk).

– That they will pose for a picture

– That they will sign something

– That they won’t mind either, even if eating, talking with someone, or with their kids

– They will read your manuscript

– If they don’t, they are a total douchebag

Also, conversations tend to be the same things. “What was your inspiration for…?” or “Do you remember when you… That was AWESOME!” I don’t know many people who have a face on the screen (big or small), but I know a lot of authors, some who have the patience of a saint. I can’t imaging how mega-stars do it with well-known faces. People like Lady Gaga and Elton John, with all their costumes and makeup, could probably get away with dressing like a normal Joe Schmo and go around town unnoticed, but not Steve Wozniak. It’s this weird thing people have that if you’re famous, you’re public domain without the needs of a normal human. Like you can grab, touch, pull, and just start blabbing to them unlike you might to a total stranger. How many of you have had someone come up to you and start pulling at your hair, “Oh my God, is that real?” I have seen that happen to dozens of celebrities.

What I have gotten into the habit of doing is:

– Ask myself, “if this person were a total stranger, would I act the same?”

– “Do I need to interact with them?” If no, then I won’t.

– “What about what they want to talk about?” Man, everyone probably asks George Takei about Star Trek, but never, “what kind of soda did you like as a kid?” or “What do you usually do when you’re in DC?” or half the questions in the Ars Lounge.

I was curious how someone would react if they met someone famous that they like (if you like no one, and are not impressed by any fame, and in fact think famous people are beneath you, I am in awe that you’re that cool and smooth and emo and junk).