Saturday was our appearance at Last Licks Thornwood with the Giants All-Time Sack Leader (and Super Bowl Champion) Michael Strahan. This was Michael's first public signing since winning the Lombardi Trophy and that was definitely reflected in the turnout. It ended up being our biggest appearance in quite some time. The line pretty much went around the shopping center...luckily the weather cooperated (unlike our infamous tent show in Massapequa last month). With all that in mind I am actually going to change the focus of this particular entry away from the product and autographs. Instead I'd like to talk a little about the appearances in general as I have gotten mixed feedback on Saturday's event. As I said earlier the line was huge. There were definite time constraints (as usual) due to Michael's schedule. In an effort to get everyone's items signed we had to move the line a lot faster than at other smaller appearances. Unfortunately it got to a point where we had to cut off the picture taking as that takes more time than you would believe. At the end of the day we did what we had to assure everyone on line got an autograph...which they did. Strahan was great, as always, and stayed an extra fifteen minutes to accommodate the last fans on line (despite then running late for his event). I did not love that we had to rush people on the line and cut off the picture taking. The truth is though that is is the lesser of two evils...had we not cut off the photos we would not have been able to get through everyone on line (it is a tough call to make but it had to be done). That brings me back to the torrential rainy day in Massapequa where Osi Umeniyora (amongst others) were appearing. Osi was as strong as can be..took photos and talked with every one. Just like Saturday the line was never ending and eventually Osi had to leave for another commitment. That left about twenty people on line without an Osi autograph....if the line moved faster and the photo taking was sped up then I truly feel that we would have gotten to those last disappointed people.
Those two stories tell both sides of the spectrum when it comes to this issue. In a perfect world I wish that everyone can get a photo with and a minute of conversation with the athlete....sometimes it is tough though. I hope that my tale of two signings can at least shed some light on the other side of things. Anyway, here are a few tips on what you, the customer, can do to help speed up the process so as to assure a great experience for everyone involved.
1)Purchase your ticket ahead of time
2)Pick up your ticket ahead of time or early that day
3)Be as on time as possible for the appearance. If it is from 12:00-1:30 then try to get there as close to 12:00 as possible (not 1:25....this point is directed at Johnny D)
4)Have your item out and ready to go once you get on line...if it is a photo then take it out of the protective hard plastic, if it is a ball then take it out of the box...the moral of the story is be ready
5)If you want to take a photo with the athlete then have the camera powered on and ready to go before approaching the table...have the person behind you take photo for you. You should have a plan going into it on who is taking the picture for you.
6)Once your item is signed (and you have gotten a photo with) move away from the table as quick as possible. If you need help repacking up your item (s) say something as soon as you get to the table so we can make sure someone is there to help move you along.
7)Bring one other person with you (or at least the least amount of people possible). Ideally one ticket should mean one person. I have seen up to six people walk up to a table with one ticket for one piece. What happens is all six take a photo with and hold up the line even longer. Not only is that taking advantage of things but it gives the athlete a distorted view of how many people are actually on line with tickets (which sometimes leads to them wanting us to speed up things) The smartest thing to do is bring one person and have them ready to take the photo for you.

I truly feel that if everyone at least tried to follow some of those suggestions then all would end up with a little more time at the table and a photo with...which I want for you guys as much as you do. I hope this entry shed a little light on what happens on the other side of the table. Feel free to email me any suggestions you have or any comments on this...or anything related to the blog or the signings.

We have a few major signings coming up over the next seven days so keep checking back daily for updates. (....as you can see you were not the only ones that didn't get to take a photo with on Saturday)