I gotta think we have a few people in house that are autograph hounds or have a bunch of memorabilia that is autographed. Figured this would be a good place to ask...
why? I'm not asking in a judgmental looking down sort of way. People have their hobbies.
My brother gave me a mini helmet autographed by Jamaal Charles with a COA that sits on my desk which inspired the question. I derive greater value in the fact that my brother thought of me and spent his money to give it to me over the fact Jamaal Charles signed it and someone printed a "yup... he signed it" certificate. He knew Charles was my favorite player at the time and even he assigned additional value to the item because Charles had signed it.
I've never really understood the appeal of ones that are purchased. Like... I think about the time I got Okoye's autograph as a kid and it is a great memory but I was physically there. I then put the card in a plastic hard case and gave it to my buddy. Double great memory.
Jumping online and ordering one, to me, just doesn't have that same effect.
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What is it about autographs that you buy online or at a local shop that makes you want them and spend money on them?
Slash signed like 50 albums last night and sold them in merch. LEOs were buying them in between their shifts. Big goofy smiles on their faces as they put them in their cars.
If this was a forum full of witches they’d tell you objects hold energy. [Reply]
I've never bought an autograph, but I can understand the appeal even if it wasn't obtained in person... you still get a piece of that person, just without the memory to go with it [Reply]
My wife gave me Mahomes signed helmet from his rookie year for Christmas one year. It's now worth a lot more than what she paid, but I'd never sell it. [Reply]
I think autographs are cool as a memento of the person, but I'm not really into autographs that were made as a product for profit. Give me a historic letter with the person's signature at the end and I'll see it as more desirable. [Reply]
I have several autographs, all sports stuff except a signed Tool poster. I never spent crazy money but it’s fun to have it. My favorite is a signed Carl Lewis sports illustrated magazine I got for $20. [Reply]
I have an autographed mini helmet from every Chiefs Hall of Fame player that was originally drafter by the Chiefs with the exception of Buck Buchanon. It's just a fun little thing I like to collect and makes a good conversation piece in my man cave. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Mephistopheles Janx:
What is it about autographs that you buy online or at a local shop that makes you want them and spend money on them?
For the same reason people buy expensive art, classic cars, etc. It has just enough appeal that it can be used as a tool to store wealth. [Reply]
