Against the Point?

I found this little gem out there:

http://www.longpen.com/lp-how-to.html

"not just a long distance signing device, but an all-in-one marketing machine, helping to drive sales of what you are promoting"

Basically, you videoconference to the bookshop and a robot signs your book for you. And I thought those signed stickers were bad. I guess it means authors no longer have to eat cheesy nibbles.

I can't tell if it's an indicator of:

1. How devalued contact with authors has become ("...this is a more intimate experience than a traditional signing, as you are looking directly into the face of the fan, as opposed to briefly looking up from your chair when signing in person. The video conferencing also makes it easier for the fan to be expressive about your work, as the technological distance makes them less nervous") or
2. Just how lazy and self-important some of them are ("It would democratize the book tour and eliminate stressful border and airport line-ups for authors. It would save publishers money on travel and increase the number of events bookstores could host.")

Did I tell you I'm building a really big magnet? You know the sort for attracting asteroids?