Chapter One, The beginning

            Once Upon a Time ,getting an autograph from your favorite personality regardless if it is an movie or stage star, athlete or even a President was basically simple and but limited in ways to collect them. You would write them in the mail and ask for a photo(many of them were secretarial) or wait for them by the stage door at a play where they may be starring in  or a ballpark and have them sign your autograph book or trading card. That has all changed....

You have the internet, TV, newspapers, book signings, and conventions where if you took the time can find out who and where a star may be. Before E bay in 1996, there were many reputable dealers who sold autographs mainly historical letters, signatures and documents which really was an investment to the avid collector. Today there are Internet and catalog auctions varying from FDCs, Photos ranging from 5x7 to 16x20s, bats, balls, helmets, magazine covers and anything with a picture or item of a celebrity that can be autographed.

            The autograph chaser or grapher may do it as a collector or as a business. Many frown on both but especially since 9.11 it is far from an easy task. Stars sometimes will not sign and relate everyone as an E-bayer. Many of them are guests at autograph shows where they sell their autograph on an item ranging from 20 dollars to as high as 500. Don't forget the photo you want with them at the show which is an additional charge. Imagine what Clark Gable or Spenser Tracy could have charged if they were around today. The Grapher uses his own gas, buys his own items and don't forget the time waiting with the 50/50 chance they may not get an item signed. I have talked to many of them a the profit margin is not as large as you may think. Many graphers are pushy at times but most are not in that category.

            They help deliver a service for someone in the high mountains of Montana who have a favorite star that may never come close to their community.

 Again like any profession or hobby there will always be some bad apples but to many of these graphers it is a true passion regardless of their motive!

More to follow soon, stay tuned and thank you for reading.