A Bug's Life

I was introduced to Sharpies by the autograph hunters outside the Empire in Leicester Square when I went to hang around outside the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy premiere. For the showing at 19:30 there were already a dozen or so waiting at midday when I popped along to remind myself which of the cinemas it was. So I chatted to them and we watched the carpet, barriers and associated paraphernalia being set up, and they talked autograph hunting, and they all had their Sharpies, clipboards, pictures of people who may be attending and plastic protective covers. Sharpies were definitely part of the standard set of equipment for your serious autograph hunter. Much of the talk was how disappointing the BAFTAs had been, and who was going to turn up tonight. I received much kudos when one of the publicists I had met before came over to say hello and had a list of who was turning up. So I now have a few Sharpies and when I have asked people to sign autographs some of them have noticed and said things like "Oh, nice, a Sharpie" because they know it will probably work, not be scratchy and produce a decent signature. You cannot really guarantee with a biro.

Happy Birthday. See you later.