Discovering Dennis Ritchie’s Lost Dissertation

Re:Discovering Dennis Ritchie’s Lost Dissertation by elygre on Saturday June 20, 2020 @03:24AM (#23582408)

A friend of mine once found herself seated next to Paulo Coelho (famous author of e.g. The Alchemist) on a flight. She was a huge fan, but out of respect for his privacy did not initiate any conversation.

Turns out he’s been flying to be part of a major talk show. The next night she watches the host ask the author about being famous. The author responds by saying that best part is that people approach him, and that he therefor gets to talk to so many different people, hear their stories and learn about their experiences.

So yeah. Say “thank you”.

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Re:Discovering Dennis Ritchie’s Lost Dissertation by notkaiho on Saturday June 20, 2020 @03:45AM (#23582484)

But, as your friend thought, being respectful is also important. By all means say thank you, but don't expect much response beyond an acknowledgement. Famous people get TIRED of strangers talking to them, as much as they like the random encounters.

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Re:Discovering Dennis Ritchie’s Lost Dissertation by macintux on Saturday June 20, 2020 @08:36PM (#23588674)

I suspect that varies. Actors, e.g., are far more likely to be recognized. I think the only author I’m a fan of who I’d recognize is Asimov, and obviously I’m unlikely to meet him on the street.

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