Two short comments from the flip side: how (relatively) famous people handle attention.
First: I recently went to a lecture where everyone was greeted at the door by a senior regional political figure. A handshake and a hello said ‘yes, that’s me’ and then came a pat on the back. In the moment of the pat I thought ‘my, that’s being really accessible.’ Then I saw the function of the pat was ‘okay, you’re done now, keep moving.’ The idea was full fame but for a limited time.
Second: I am a long-time writer under another name for the Church of the SubGenius. At SubGenius events around the world I am a famous guy… under another name. My day to day life has nearly no fame content. Noting how the fame switch can be turned on and off, I don’t get overly worked up when I meet famous people. Just worked up enough.
Ohh, this is awesome! What kind of attention do you get? Do you get asked for autographs? Do you ever get attention that feels really irrelevant to the ‘reason’ you’re famous?
Kind words and autograph requests and questions are much appreciated and inspire me to write more. The off-kilter attention is when people stare and do not approach. After the devival I get on an airplane, come home and it’s off like a bedside lamp. Back to Clark Kent mode.
Two short comments from the flip side: how (relatively) famous people handle attention.
First: I recently went to a lecture where everyone was greeted at the door by a senior regional political figure. A handshake and a hello said ‘yes, that’s me’ and then came a pat on the back. In the moment of the pat I thought ‘my, that’s being really accessible.’ Then I saw the function of the pat was ‘okay, you’re done now, keep moving.’ The idea was full fame but for a limited time.
Second: I am a long-time writer under another name for the Church of the SubGenius. At SubGenius events around the world I am a famous guy… under another name. My day to day life has nearly no fame content. Noting how the fame switch can be turned on and off, I don’t get overly worked up when I meet famous people. Just worked up enough.
Ohh, this is awesome! What kind of attention do you get? Do you get asked for autographs? Do you ever get attention that feels really irrelevant to the ‘reason’ you’re famous?
Kind words and autograph requests and questions are much appreciated and inspire me to write more. The off-kilter attention is when people stare and do not approach. After the devival I get on an airplane, come home and it’s off like a bedside lamp. Back to Clark Kent mode.
For some reason I’m reminded of this.