Proper Etiquette

[Wildbird]

I'm new to boating, although I've been going up to Winni for years bass fishing with buddies on their boats, but never owned a boat myself until this year. I'm finding out that going with buddies is a whole lot different than going myself! And I'm learning that there's a whole new set of etiquette rules while boating. Recently I bought and read Dr. Lyon's book " Angling In The Smile Of The Great Spirit". And I have to say that I've enjoyed it immensely. I'd like to have Dr. Lyon's sign my book. But here's the stickler... can I just tie up to his dock, stroll over to his front door and knock? Or do I just keep trolling back and forth in front of his island like a stalker and holler over at him when he comes out to see what I'm up to? I definetly do not want to offend him. I'd just like him to sign my book. I just don't know what is the proper thing to do on the lake. Thanks, all, Jim

[jrc]

First, should bother anyone at home for an autograph? Usually I would say no. I'd email, write, phone first and ask permission. I'd do this even if coming by land.
I have heard Dr. Lyons on the VHF radio telling stories to fishermen, so he is pretty open, but I still wouldn't show up on his doorstep unannounced.

The second question, can you tie up to a strangers dock to knock on his door. I think, if you have a valid reason to visit, a dock is like a driveway. If there is enough room, its sturdy enough, and no signs saying otherwise then why not.

[ghoti]

I agree. If you wouldn't knock on his door at home, then you shouldn't at his cottage either.

And I also think that you shouldn't knock on his door at all.

Can't agree with your second point, but that's just my personal preference. I go to my cottage to get away and get some peace and quiet. If I know you and you come visiting unannounced that's one thing. That's what friends do sometimes. But if you're a stranger, you're looking to get something from me, and you show up unannounced and uninvited, then as Paulie says on American Chopper "...you're gonna be lookin' at my big size 12s." :(

[DRH]

We bought his fishing book too, and it's very informative.

I wouldn't impose on Dr. Lyon's privacy by just showing up at his home to request an autograph. However, he has registered as a member of this Forum and you can send him a personal email from here. Just look up "halclyon" in the Member List and then you can send him an email from his "Profile" screen. You can tell him in the email that you'd like to get his autograph on your copy of his book and ask him if he'd be willing to sign it for you. If he says "yes", you can then make mutually agreeable arrangements with him.

[jrc]

...then as Paulie says on American Chopper "...you're gonna be lookin' at my big size 12s." :(

Makes me think about the summer I washed dishes in the resturant my father ran. Fathers and sons shouldn't work together.

But back to topic:
ghoti, you are right, strangers shouldn't arrive unannounced and uninvited. Even more so when people are vacationing. I guess my point was, if you really have to knock on someone's door it really doesn't matter if you parked at his dock or in his driveway.