How to Sign Your Name 150,000 Times 

I love how he uses a green pen to represent his last name. He only writes John, but his full name is all there John Green.

"Sometimes, you'll think about the signatures themselves, the little imperfections that you can't seem to rid yourself of, even after all this practice..." Well, gosh, John, if you signed your name perfectly every single time, then that wouldn't be much better than stamping or printing your signature over and over again. The imperfections are what makes it special.

thank you for making this tutorial, I was just thinking of signing my name 150,000 times but didn't know how to go about it

Someone needs to make a 10 hour lo-fi music session of John signing for his books.

Alternative title: How John Meditates

Fantastic insights! We could automate the paper handling and get you up to 4000 an hour. Fewer paper cuts, but not as beautifully serene sounding.

I remember when I got my copy of Turtles All The Way Down and saw that both John and Hank had signed it. I’ve watched vlogbrothers (and nearly all of the complexly channels from the very beginning) and have loved this community for a long time. It made me ridiculously happy. That is a hard book for me to read (it reminds me a lot of what it is for me to struggle with mental illness although mine isn’t OCD and mostly that is good and makes me feel less alone but sometimes it’s hard). I’ve never been able to attend events or been very active in the community but those signatures make me feel very special and like I belong.

i’ve been watching vlogbrothers for 6 years and i am blown away by the realization that there exists more room past john’s little corner

The Anthropocene Reviewed book comes out on May 18th, 2021. Every copy of the first printing of the U.S. edition will be signed. I'm about 55,000 signatures in. Only a couple hundred hours to go, then. You can preorder it wherever books are sold. www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/672554/the-anthropocene-reviewed-signed-edition-by-john-green/ This video contains a clue. The clue leads to an unlisted livestream. Part of the clue is in the video. The other part of the clue is , world. -John

I'll never forget the book tour for Paper Towns in 2008. I was a senior in high school and Paper Towns had absolutely blown me away. You did your little spiel at the Racine Public Library in Wisconsin but weren't originally going to be signing books. I remember you saying that technically you weren't supposed to take pictures or sign anything at the library. All that was supposed to be done later at a second location. But apparently you knew a bunch of people weren't going to be able to make that second location, and I was one of them. It meant the world to me that you took the time to talk with us and sign books and take pictures. I was the first person whose books you signed, and somehow I managed to have you sign each of my books EXCEPT Paper Towns lol. Then, in the spring of 2009 I semi-panicked during the AP Lit exam when it asked us to write about some sort of symbolism. I'd read plenty of books in the class, but somehow my mind was blank. So I wrote about Paper Towns. Because I knew I'd thought more critically about that book than perhaps any other book I'd ever read. So thank you for teaching 18-year-old me about the strings, and the vessels, and multi-faceted nature of people. That unsigned copy of Paper Towns is full of sticky notes and is literally falling apart. The blue cover is certainly battered. For a long time it was my favorite book to travel with, and I brought it on countless plane rides. Now I have an ebook version that's always downloaded on my Kindle and phone.

This is what I do: watch vlogbrothers instead of working on schoolwork and writing the books I should be writing. Do I regret this? No.

I was expecting to hear at the end "I give signatures 3 1/2 stars"

This has TAR meets DH&J energy and I am here for it: the narrative cadence and depth of TAR, but the dubious advice of DH&J

Nobody: Me, and engineering student: Watching this video, trying to determine the best automated design for streamlining this process. Also me: No, that destroys the purpose of book signing and would bring the world one tiny step closer to commercialism.

John, that story about the author signing made me cry. I’ve had that experience with plenty of people I admire, but never with you and Hank. Thank you for acknowledging the emotional attachment and weight you bring to your readers and fans.

Something about this is strangely calming, and with the week I'm having, I need calm. So thanks, John

Does his sharpie say John Green? Actually I wonder if people have found and labeled different shades of green for John and Hank, that would be fun.

I remember how excited I was exactly three years ago today when I went to the St. Louis TATWD event and I got my first-ever signed copy of a book. Such a great feeling!

John: Signing your name surpasses monotony into presentness and meditation. Also John: Relives the traumatic childhood experience of being denied an autograph of beloved author because he was too poor to buy a hardback

MrBeast signing 68K shirts: Finally! A worthy opponent! Our battle will be legendary

I remember John staying hours late at a LeakyCon signing in 2014 to get through the whole line of fans. If I remember right, he also was jetlagged, came down with viral meningitis (the next day??), and was struggling a lot with his mental health at the time. I am so so grateful for my memory of that day, and also to know in videos like these that John is speaking to his health and taking care of himself as first priority ❤️

The first thing to know, is that its going to take a while Could apply to just about anything

This guy can make a completely monotonous task seem kind of beautiful. ...and that’s the kind of thing that keeps me coming back

The tutorial I never needed but always wanted.

I’m most impressed by how consistently he gets his finger under just one page!

The story of 9 year old you not being able to get your book signed brought me to tears. So sad to picture a heartbroken baby John!

I’ve been copying down old family recipes into my new cookbook for the last few weeks and it’s amazing how closely some of what you says matches how I feel about the process. Seeing recipes in my great grandmothers’ handwriting reminds me why I cook in the first place and I think about how someone might look at my recipes many years down the road. I give John signing papers 4.5 stars ⭐️

Knitting is like this for me, you just get lost in the motions of whatever you're creating. Thank you for sharing this John ❤️

He didn't once lick his finger to move the paper and that is what I am thankful for today

John, I just finished listening to The Anthropocene Reviewed (again, it is turning into the best driving soundtrack). I am repeatedly struck by how much I can connect with your explanations around your mental health, to the point that I feel like I finally have the words to be able to explain how I'm feeling, and that I know I'm not the only one. (I first listened to your review of "Harvey" the night before I defended my PhD, and had to pull over because it hit me so hard while driving.) I absolutely love repetitive tasks and find them incredibly soothing, from stuffing envelopes to alphabetizing files, to baking hundreds of cookies, to grading multiple choice exams. It is the same rationale behind my long distance running. There is some sort of freedom in feeling so focused that you don't have to focus on anything else. I have never pre-ordered a book before, but I know that this book in particular is worth changing that. *On a separate note, what order would you read your books if you were seeing them for the first time? By popularity? By publication date? And in the cases of book vs screen: better to start with the book or the screen?

This feels like a thoughts from places video, just that the place is the same...well, almost

Once, a few years ago, I went to a Fault in our Stars signing and I asked the people hosting the event if I could have you sign my book in a more custom spot. They allowed it. Expecting them to say no, I hadn’t thought past that point, so I flipped to a random page and it happened to be the end of a chapter. You signed it in that custom spot and then Hank signed it in a less custom spot, but it bled through onto the receipt I still had in the book. Seeing this video and that first signing experience you had made me value my unique experience even more. I’ve been to other signings for other authors since then, but that one is my favorite because I was allowed to bend the rules and I got some sweet keepsakes out of it. It also showed me the kind of author I want to be someday if I’m ever in that position. So, thanks, John. Keep being awesome.

I genuinely enjoy videos with John delivering a monologue, unraveling an aspect of life in a new way. I find these videos to be relaxing & calming. I’d love to see a looping video of John signing someday.

Crocheting serves this purpose for me. I think a lot about crocheters who came before me, mostly women in motherhood roles I suppose, and when you're done you have something to give to someone that will keep them warm. But mostly... it's about the escape the repetition rewards you with.

Perfect timing, I was just thinking about possibly signing my name 150,000 times and now I have this wonderful tutorial to follow! But in all seriousness, it's your dedication to the seemingly "small" things like this that show us how much you really care about all of us in Nerdfighteria. Thank you for everything!

THIS is why I still follow this channel after all these years. Because of the beautiful, thoughtful and poetic ways in which a person I don't know but feel like I do explains a very mundane task and brings into the conversation a perspective I haven't previously considered. It's like he didn't forget to be awesome, yet again.

I own one of those sheets now. I got my signed edition of the anthropocene reviewed in the mail yesterday and just looking at the signature brought tears to my eyes. It’s quite likely the closest I’d ever get to John (since we live 5000 miles apart), I can never tell him in person how much I love his work and how his words still linger in my mind many years after I’ve read them. I think it’s one of my most valuable possessions so thank you for taking the time to do this, I smile every time I look at the first page of my book

Seriously one of the things that helps my anxiety is watching John sign things

Love this... I order all your (and Hank's) hardcover first editions! I love having a signed book from someone I know cares this much about their audience. Cheers John!

I appreciate how much time you and Hank put into signing your books, John. I also really appreciate how I was able to scroll through 200+ comments without finding anything negative. Hooray for positive discourse amongst the Nerdifghters!

I really like the distinction of liking an activity vs liking something about an activity. That wording really helps me to clarify some of my own experiences.

so, somebody tell me how this works... these "signed pages" get BOUND IN to the first edition? or they are just blown in like advertising cards in magazines? or what??

Your story reminds me of the day a young Australian Author came to my school book club. I'd been gushing about his book to our librarian and was so excited when she said she'd arranged for him to come speak. Our school was big enough that it got prominent people for larger school events, but our book club was tiny, so the fact that she'd arranged this completely astounded me and I was so excited. His talk was wonderful, and I even got to chat to him one-on-one because they asked someone to show him the way to the tram. I didn't have any of his books to bring in like some other students, because I'd borrowed all of his books from that exact library, and it wasn't a book singing so I couldn't buy any there but he signed a postcard for me and didn't make me feel even slightly bad about it. Looking back I was embarrassed about asking him for that - but I still have the postcard on my book shelf. :)

There is something so soothing about watching John calmly signing his name.

How can John even make me cry while signing papers? The amount of times a little part of my soul I didn’t realize was being ignored pops in for attention due to John’s words. Something so simple, can be so moving. Thank you.

Alternative title: How to get carpal tunnel

John, in every one of these voice over videos there is always a message you convey through your reserved eliquence that really resonates with me. When I was in high school watching this channel (2011-2015) I was always looking towards hanks videos, but as I started going to college and then ultimately into the unkowable abyss of adulthood your videos really started to strike a chord with me. The way you articulate your own feelings helps me realize that I’m not alone and that my own mental illness does not define all of who I am. Thank you for putting this world into words.

I pre-ordered my copy the other day! I'm so excited!

thank you for this, john green. i love the comparison between now and your first memory of an author. you've made buying all of your books that much more special, at least for me. the excitement of finding out what color sharpie, or if there's an extra drawing. and just being able to cherish each book that much more. anyway, thanks.

This was the FIRST vlogbrothers video I have watched in over a year and I have to say thank you for always and never changing (if that makes any sense). This brought back so many memories of videos that helped me through dark times and reminded me that I am stronger than I think.

The vlogbrother videos have THE most helpful, kind commentators. This pleases me.

In a recent yoga teacher training, we discussed how rather than just sitting still, some people need to meditate while doing something repetitive and simple (such as walking, knitting, signing your name 50,000 times).

Preordered my copy, can't wait!! It's my favorite podcast and all your hard work signing these copies will be greatly appreciated

The feeling I get after watching every single one of John's video makes my heart feel so full. I get so emotional with his words. I recently received a signed copy of "the fault in our stars" and it's my most prized possession. I kept hugging the book knowing that in some way a part of him will live in it forever.

Teachers & professors: The author used a green marker to represent himself and his name The author: I used green because I lost my other markers

This has got to be the most inspiring yet simultaneously surreal content in these recent times...... Hat's off Green Bros

I possess several items signed by you and Hank, and I want to thank you for consistently doing this. Those are some of my most cherished items, both for their contents and their "autographs". ❤️

I remember when I read LFA from the local library, and I loved it so much that I went out and bought Paper Towns. And inside Paper Towns (or was it An Abundance of Katherines?) an entire NOTECARD popped out, and it said something like "Hey! You're one step closer to NerdFighteria! DFTBA!" And it was an amazing feeling and I'm so happy you (or Hank or someone else) did that. You made me into a lifelong fan, and you inspired me to indeed never forget to be awesome. I'm still awesome to this day.

Me: oh I bet the anthropocene reviewed book will be like a coffee table book John on episode 183 of the pod: coffee books are dumb Listening to old episodes of the pod when I drive to visit my mom. I started watching the video and was like "that's a weird shaped page for a coffee table book." Now it all makes sense

You're one of the only two authors I have signed work from (the other being Hank) and they do bring me happiness. So thank you for my small part of your 300 hours.

ASMR: John tells you about his childhood disappointment while a felt pen scratches on paper

God, John, you capture the human experience better than I think any writer has, and somehow you continue to do that four minutes at a time once a week, in addition to all the other times. I dunno how you do that, but now in addition to birds, new partner, potatoes, and thought spirals you’ve also made me cry about signing sheets of paper.

Like so many of your videos, this calms, comforts and teaches me. Thank you for years of content like this. Truly.

Remember when I just started looking at videos on RU-vid, like ten, twelve years ago. I had no structure or any subjects or anything when I looked, just opened the app and browsed. There were these videos with really interesting subjects, history, religion, science etc that I really liked. After a while I started realizing there were two guys that were hilarious and really good at what they were talking about that hosted most of them. After yet some time I noticed that they were kinda like each other, same type of intensity and humour and things that would make me laugh out loud on a bus. Then I started to actively look for videos with them. I’ll never forget when I realized that they were brothers... 😂 Damn, and you still make me laugh. And I still actively look for your videos. You bring sanity to this insane world. Keep it up. 👊🏻❤️

I'm sitting here thinking, one of those sheets will be in my copy. Ahhhhhhhh, so excited!!!

John drops little pieces of his life, which I am able to feel and it somehow satisfies my want of connection. It soothes me when I am stressed and I can't think him enough for being.

John Green is the dad of the internet.

This is why I watch these videos. A seemingly mundane topic and somehow, a heartfelt parable emerges.

Blimey...this just popped up in my recommended and I cannot believe you guys are still going! I used to watch you every upload back in high school in 2009....I still have my leaving hoodie that I got “Nerdfighter” printed on and it was so cool to me. I’m glad RU-vid reminded me of you and brought me to the realization you are /still uploading/. I have a lot of catching up to do....

I like how we ended the video on a "DFTBA"

This video was unstoppably relaxing. John's voice gave me a calm story to listen to, alongside the soundtrack of his hand signing papers. I can hardly remember the exact words he said during the video, but when it was over, I was acutely aware of my heartbeat in my head, amplified by the headphones I am wearing. Good luck, John. P.S. I wrote this comment in an attempt to impersonate John's narration, read it back in his voice and see if it works lol.

I'll sign my name 150000 times, and then I'll get to writing that book to put those in.

this channel is my favorite because it makes me think philosophically about signing pieces of paper and sometimes (most times) if feels good to think philosophically about signing pieces of paper.

this might be one of my favorite videos from you guys!!! I use monotonous tasks as somewhat of a coping mechanism (except I draw little flowers instead of circles lol) and this is the only time I've heard someone accurately articulate that feeling of being in a kind of flow state

Thank you for a lovely video! You happened to upload this right before I took a nerve-wracking test. Watching and listening lessened my nerves enough that I could take the test without excess stress. Thank you and bon voyage for finishing the rest!

John has signed his name so much he has effectively become the Buddha

The sort of flow state you brought up is one of the best feelings ever. I had it most nights when I used to stock shelves, but it was nothing compared to getting to that point during goalkeeper training. I miss that a lot.

Never thought signing papers could be interesting

I remember when I got my signed copy of tfios my freshman year of high school. My best friend and i both got our own signed copies and it was so exciting getting something signed by John. We would probably have never been able to go to an event with a signing and so getting something that was ended up feeling so special and important. So thanks John for all the signing you do.

Did anyone else find watching John sign things relaxing? The noise of the pen is satisfying. Id watch a live stream of just signing

i bought a signed copy of both of hank's books, and i pre-ordered a signed copy of this book, because the anthropocene reviewed is the ONLY podcast i listen to. your podcast has accompanied me on plane flights from LA to san jose, from LA to phoenix, from new jersey to chicago, and probably a few others i can't remember. hank's books are the first signed books i've ever had, and i know it's probably trivial to care so much about it, but the signatures remind me that you're both real? that you are actual, living humans that created this thing, and signed your name. that the paper in my book was held by you, if even for just a second. to me, it feels a little like an acknowledgement. "here is something i've made, with my signature on it. thank you."

Would love to have a 2+ hour video of just the sound of you signing and moving the sheets. The ASMR of monotony is beautiful.

The dedication good god

I could listen to John talk for hours... Which reminds me, there's still Anthropocene Reviewed episodes to listen to.

I love the backstory, and how you dealt with injustice done to you, not passively, but by seeking to balance it with justice of your own.

My hand would kill me after 10 😂

I'm an English teacher. It's my second year teaching and it's a particularly rough time as we all know. So I kind of borrowed DFTBA as my class sign off. Everyday I remind my kiddos that they are awesome and that phrase has kept me afloat many times. Sending so much love 💕

Seeing John work this hard definetely helped motivate my preorder

I got a signed copy of Turtles ATWD when it came out, and that book ended up meaning a great deal to me. It was a catalyst for my finally (some 3-odd years later) getting a diagnosis for a mental health disorder and helping me understand that I am not alone; that there is nothing bad about your brain; that you can learn to understand yourself. Thank you for your art and your rhythmic signing. This is from a nerdfighter of 8 years. It means a great deal.

My favorite books are my copies of turtles all the way down and an absolutely remarkable thing that I brought to the tours in Minnesota and Kansas City respectively to have Nerdfighters from the discords and anyone else I talked to sign. Whenever I need reassurance I open them and see those signatures all together and it never fails to make me smile.

For a truck driver who never finds herself in one place for very long, attending book signings are a thing of the past. I truly appreciate, probably more than most, being able to purchase a pre-signed book. I have one each from John (Turtles All The Way Down) and Hank (A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor) and I am forever grateful to own those copies.

I fell off of the vlog brothers videos a few years ago, and I just started watching again this Pizzamas. I didn't know John had a new book coming out. That's really cool.

Hmm interesting

I remember getting Turtles All the Way Down for my birthday right after my grandfather died. I don't know why it did it, but seeing your name inside made me feel like I was holding onto something important. Thank you John.

I did theater for much of my childhood and young adulthood. The flow state you describe is what I’d feel when a performance was going well. Everything was predetermined-how I’d move, what I’d say-and it set me free to be my most present self. If someone were writing about acting, I hope they would include that feeling.

I am loving these videos where John is silent in the visual and voice over is doing the speaking.

A video entirely of just signing...I would watch it over and over and over. That sound is intoxicating. 💚

as someone with a signed copy of 'The Fault In Our Stars'... it means the world to me! Thank you John!

I never thought I would care about getting a signed copy, but from the Green brothers it means a great deal to me. It matters to me because it matters to them, they don't sign this many pages for themselves, they sign to bring whatever joy they can to others. ❤️

I’m finding this unprecedentedly relatable and important as I am scanning and sorting the thousands of photographs my family has. Perfect timing