Petrelis Files

Bill Clinton: No Cameras or Cell Phones
at S.F. Booksigning

(The Man From Hope campaigning in October 2006.)

Sure, I can understand why an important person like a former U.S. president would have lots of rules for his paying audience during a booksigning at a local store, but Bill Clinton's seem a bit overly-restrictive for his Books Inc event this afternoon.

Clinton's in San Francisco today to sell his new book "Giving," which is the only thing he'll be signing. He won't put his signature on anything else, he'll sign only copies of his new book as long as you have a receipt that you purchased it at Books Inc and all personal belongings will be checked before you approach him and his signing table.

Most of the rules sound reasonable, but what doesn't is not being allowed to have a camera or cell phone when you get your few seconds or minutes with Clinton.

I always thought one purpose of a book tour, with an author hawking his work and meeting his adoring public, was to be photographed by people who've come out for your reading and have just bought your book. Your fans want a picture of their short moments with a famous and historical person. The photos might also translate into support and votes for your spouse, if she happens to be vying for the Oval Office.

Could it really be that for security purposes alone Slick Willie won't let his many San Francisco fans take a few photos of themselves with their hero today?

From the Books Inc announcement:

- Books for booksigning line must be purchased at Books Inc. in Opera Plaza only. It is recommended that you purchase your book in advance at the store.

- The line is first come first serve. Not all books are guaranteed to be signed. Only those with Books Inc. receipts for their book will be allowed in line. No phone or website orders.

- President Clinton will sign one copy of Giving per person.

- All items/bags must be checked before getting in line. We are not responsible for lost or stolen items.

- No items will be permitted in line past bag check. (No cameras, pens, photos, other books, gifts, phones, etc.)