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Old 01-21-2019, 02:12 PM   #1
capnq
 
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Default The (only?) disadvantage to PDFs

You can't have the author et. al. autograph your copy.
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Old 01-21-2019, 02:18 PM   #2
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Default Re: The (only?) disadvantage to PDFs

You can, but that one guy got really upset when I took a Sharpie to his iPad.
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Old 01-21-2019, 04:13 PM   #3
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Default Re: The (only?) disadvantage to PDFs

My paper books work anywhere and never run out of battery.

I can print a PDF and then get that thing autographed. Then, it doesn't run out of batteries either.
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Old 01-22-2019, 06:45 AM   #4
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Default Re: The (only?) disadvantage to PDFs

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Originally Posted by khorboth View Post

I can print a PDF and then get that thing autographed.
I've autographed many copies like that. I don't place much value on autographs¹ (I don't think I own anything that's autographed, though I own a piece of art that's signed), so my view from the exterior is this: If someone is fanatical enough that a pen scribble would increase the value of a mass-printed book, then surely they're fanatical enough to go the extra mile of printing out their own, unique copy of a PDF and asking me to dedicate it.

[1] I have a Wall of GURPS² here, and if I thought any of the duplicates were worth real money if I autographed them, I might consider selling.

[2]This wall:
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File Type: jpg Wall.jpg (36.9 KB, 98 views)
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Old 01-22-2019, 09:34 AM   #5
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Default Re: The (only?) disadvantage to PDFs

What made me think of this is that I recently snagged a replacement copy of GURPS Alpha Centauri. I doubt a playtester's autograph would add any value, but it sure is neat to see your name on a title page.
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Old 01-22-2019, 11:18 PM   #6
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Default Re: The (only?) disadvantage to PDFs

Quote:
Originally Posted by capnq View Post
You can't have the author et. al. autograph your copy.
If you have a tablet, you could add electronic signatures to your pdf copy. Although, I suspect authors aren’t keen on providing strangers with electronic versions of their signature.
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Old 01-23-2019, 02:45 AM   #7
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Default Re: The (only?) disadvantage to PDFs

Quote:
Originally Posted by capnq View Post
You can't have the author et. al. autograph your copy.
Sure you can! The question is whether the author/company are willing go through the hassle of doing it.
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Old 01-23-2019, 06:14 AM   #8
Kromm
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Default Re: The (only?) disadvantage to PDFs

In any event, if someone corners me at a convention and asks for an autograph on something that's clearly some version of a product I've worked on, I'll happily oblige. And yes, printed-out PDFs are on that list. In fact, I've had people specifically print out PDFs for the purpose and tell me, "This one is going in a folder and never coming out."

As for the risk of signatures getting out into the digital world or the flesh-and-blood world: My legal signature (on contracts, leases, passports, etc.) isn't the same as my autograph. They're not even very close. Most of the writers I know have cultivated a special autograph different from the signature they use when not being an artist.
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Old 01-23-2019, 08:18 AM   #9
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Default Re: The (only?) disadvantage to PDFs

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Originally Posted by khorboth View Post

I can print a PDF and then get that thing autographed. Then, it doesn't run out of batteries either.
I wonder if a tablet case with a autograph book built in would have a market.
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