Shatner Can Now Say “Get a Life” Virtually

By Michael Santo
Editor-in-Chief, RealTechNews

Well, William Shatner could, if he was still associated with the Live Autographs, but it appears his association ended after a signing event he participated in earlier this week. I’m assuming, of course, you remember that classic SNL sketch from 1986, where Shatner spoofed his convention experiences.

Live Autographs, according to their site, offers the following experience:

• A personalized celebrity video message
• Authentic autographed memorabilia
• Plus, a free video download that captures and confirms all the action

While you can’t get Shatner any longer, there are a bunch of other celebrities currently signed up (including a ton from Lost, if you’re a fan of that show), such as Danica Patrick, Hulk Hogan, Cindy Margolis, Steve Austin, etc.

You type the message you want them to say or question you want answered, and assuming it doesn’t violate the site’s Terms of Service, the celebrity will respond on video, as well as autograph the memorabilia you choose.

According to Reuters, Shatner gave a curt, virtual “Get a Life” sort of response to someone who asked him if he would rather captain a starship or be an entertainer:

“I can’t even understand your question, but I want you to understand — I’m an actor.”

Of course, he was kinder to others.

There is a piece of Shatner memorabilia still up on the site, but clicking on it just gets you a (mostly) blank page in return.

Fees? Depends on the item chosen. If I were Live Autographs, I’d change the way the site works. If you want to select, say, a picture of Carmen Electra, there doesn’t seem to be a way to get it full-screen (or even, non-thumbnailed). And if I was interested, I’d really like to see what I’m getting.

Definitely still beta, as the site itself says.

BTW, for those who may have forgotten that sketch, one of the best of all time on SNL, IMHO, here’s the climactic part: