I have never been so embarrassed of fellow journalists

What about this situation?

A few years ago, I covered an event for which David Halberstam was the keynote speaker. Now, one of my very favorite books was his "October 1964," about the Yankees and the Cardinals. I took it up with me to the event and had him sign my copy of it.

Normally, I wouldn't have done anything like that, but I felt it was warranted, based on my feelings about the book and in respect for one of the great writers and journalists of our generation. And, in light of his tragic death not long afterward, I'm glad I did it.

Any thoughts?

 

Just this one:

 

Just that if you're at an event as working media, you don't ask for autographs. Very unprofessional.

 

You should have been at the Las Vegas Cup race last year when a reporter nearly tackled Mark Wahlberg so she could get her picture taken with him.

 

Are you really this childish? You're a grown man who wants the signature of another grown man?

 

Sorry I'm not going to get all worked up about it. They're grown adults, and this is between them and their conscience. If other journalists want to bigtime it, or be self-righteous, so be it. Same thing. I'm not going to get worked up. Not worth the energy.

 

Isn't that like the screenwriter big-timing the starlets?

 

I always look down on seeking autographs, but part of me can rationalize it as an ego thing. "Hooray! I can prove to my buddy Jeffy that I actually met Joe Superstar!"

As for me, I've just been able to take pleasure in knowing that I've spoken to and, on occasion, shook hands with some of the top pro athletes. I'll use my notepad, which contains our conversation, as my "autograph," thank you.

 

I have no idea what that means.

Then again, I thought Stone was saying he's a condom.

 

EXACTLY! My favorite interviews....those are my autographs. And I keep those tapes separate.

 

Um, the place-kicker acting like he can big-time a reporter, as if he were the quarterback or something.