THE BEGINNING OF THE END OF COLLECTING AUTOGRAPHS

 

 

     In 1962 at 10 years old is when I received my first autograph. I began meeting celebrities at Telethons, plays and directly through the mail with a simple address labeled "Hollywood, California", with a 3 cent stamp.

    As I got older my mind grew and I used my new intelligence learning the in and outs of meeting stars after shows. i.e,  where they enter and exit at venue, hotels where they are staying as well as, over this last year, I have used detective integrity on finding flights in and out of local airports. I bought many historical items from reputable dealers when the costs were reasonable to satisfied my thirst of information of the early 1800's and especially the War Between the States. Up to when EBAY began selling autographs from anyone who wanted to list anything, autographing was a true hobby and enjoyment for me. At first I had no problem with it as it open the world of collecting to everyone who may not have the means of finding a piece of a or get the opportunity to meet one of their favorites. 

 BUT THE END IS DEFINITELY NEAR.

     Now I will say EVERYONE is at fault and until BOTH sides cease ( which probably will not happen) the true fan whose only ambition is to enjoy and collect will be as extinct as the Dinosaurs. It used to be fans that would wait with a book, playbill, magazine or photo when getting an autograph.)

      

      Professional Graphers bring 11 x 14 or 16 x 20 photographs, guitars and the last month one who had a full box of Delorian Model Cars for Michael J Fox to sign which did not happen. Its become a business that many are doing full time and in some cases has been very profitable. I tip my hat to some for their desire to make a few bucks but in many cases this has brought on more greed. Instead of one or 2 they will bring 8 plus and in many cases the same photo. The New phase is hiring kids to go up to a personality to ask for a basketball, <11 x 14> Come on These Celebs are not stupid) and pester for items of people they have no clue of who they are. Up in Tallahassee  JACK NICKLAUS was attending his grandsons FSU games and scores of kids hired by Dealers would bother Jack for an item to be signed to the point that security was called in and Jack probably will not attend another game.Once Maybe 2 or 3 people would wait in a lobby of a hotel , now there is 15 to 20 holding guitars and numerous items that hotels and venues are cracking down ending what once was a nice way to have a one on one. At first we all shared information of celeb signings but that is a thing far removed. One May tell" Do not tell this guy" and it becomes also likes Gangs of Different Colors when there is no interaction from different groups even when they are only a few feet away.

    

 Now it is not only the grapher or collectors that is at fault here , not by any means. The fault also rests on the shoulders of promoters and especially many of the personalities and their agents who attend the autograph shows that are sprouting up like weeds all over the country .There was an autograph show with astronauts attending with some of the following astronauts charging, Eugene Cernan 300 dollars. Buzz Aldrin 600 dollars, Allan Bean 200 to name a few. There are so many shows around the country having celebrities with almost all charging prices no less than 30 and no names charging 50 dollars. Now in the past all would take a photograph with You as a courtesy to a true fan but NOT ANYMORE. They charge a minimum of 20 and as high as  hundred to have a picture with them and usually with YOUR OWN PHONE or CAMERA..

      Now not all goes to the Celebrity but a part to the Promoter, another to the Agent and many times to the Photograph company taking and processing the picture. Until fans realize that it is spiraling out of control and refuse to pay these prices it will only get worse. I can truthfully say at lease 60 percent of the stars when asked for an autograph they will mention that You are selling these or a classic is "You are a EBAYER' Be sure that the other 40 percent is thinking it, but many know it is part of being a celebrity and go along with it i.e It goes with the territory. I have talked with many of my friends who are collectors and it is getting more and more difficult and the innocence of just asking for an item signed by one of favorites is going by the way side every day.Not all fans are EBAYERS and most personalities are quite intelligent ,so I hope they do can recognize that many of their autographs are not worth the paper they are printed on and maybe a true thank You is in order when they are still remembered!