GrumpyOne wrote:I work for an association governed by its members. much like a footy club. At official Association functions, my staff and I are expected to mingle with the membership, handle enquiries, all that stuff. We are paid to do that.... it's part of our job.
When I am on my own time, walking down the street, shopping centres, restaurants etc, I am still courteous to members, but ask them to make their queries during working time.
I cannot see the difference in how the players should be available. If it is an official function, they should be available. If it is in their off-duty hours, then their privacy should be respected.
Personally, I'm not the type to seek out players for autographs, photos or general chit-chat. They are just ordinary guys with particular skills, and I would talk to them if they were inclined to talk to me. Just like anyone else in the community.
But you can't take the big $$$ without the responsibility that goes with it. If they are there as part of their employment, and it is not interfereing with their primary job, they should be available.
Surely the club makes the players available more than enough times during the year to do that sort of stuff?
They are employed to play footy, not sign autographs. The rest is purely marketing IMO.
My point is that if the club wants one night to be autograph free, then it's well within it's rights.
The difference with your situation GO, is that you probably have limited functions... it's not as if members get to pop in to your office ona Tueasday arvo.. watch you work, then come up and ask for an autograph.
Hotel De Los Muertos: Your room is ready... Care to step inside?
