Post Your Opinion On Selling Autographed Memorbilia

[PantherBoy95]

So I was reading in another thread (Bruce Brewski's thread in the TC forum) where Steve wouldn't/doesn't simply sign autographs without personalizing it to you. While I understand that we didn't go through the training and what not that he went through to become an NFL star, what is the BIG problem with making a quick buck during times such as this.

IDK I honestly understand no one (even rich people) want to simply have someone act like their #1 fan then turn around and make money off of their success. Yet at the same time players have made their millions and are basically....NO ARE set for life (barring they buy ridiculous things). Why should they be too worried if some one else is trying to join the ranks of the elite money makers.

I just wanted to hear some opinions, I'm not looking for bashing or crazy/ignorant comments. I just want your take on it. (then again I guess it's like me giving my son something and he turns around and gives it away.)

[Panthers_Lover]

They did the work to earn that money. Why should someone else make a profit off their name? What gives them the right? Nothing. The sports stars/celebs should have the ability to control that as much as they can.

[panthers55]

Smith already makes money off his autograph by including a holographic tag certifying its authenticity. He also has a line of "89" wear. So he tries to limit the amount of stuff out there being sold with his signature that provides competition and reduces the value. As a businessman that is smart. By personalizing it to the fan, it isn't as valuable on Ebay for sale and actually gives the fan extra value.

Should be a win-win for everyone. Don't see the reason to make it a big deal.

[shinner]

I like personalized autos...and so do a lot of people apparently because most athletes at signings charge extra for it. If you paid for it and you want to sell it, I guess that's your business. I collect autos for myself and have never sold one....and probably never will as I get them myself and it represents having met that certain player. I don't look at it as a business opportunity.

[PantherBoy95]

Oh yeah and I did mean to add I understand if EVERYONE has an autograph of Steve Smith...it makes his autograph less valuable. (I had a cousin who hung out with him (and I got a chance to once) and he'd get me a lot of his autographs so now when I see him I don't even care to get his)

[PantherBoy95]

OH (I keep editing myself LMAO)

I WOULD JUST ABOUT NEVVVVVEEEER sell my autograph's just to clarify...I just don't see the HUGE problem with it...do I agree with it not really but it's not like they should go out of their way IMO to make sure they don't sell them.

*maybe I just contradicted my whole thread with this post LOL

[VipMattMan]

Autographs are mostly a fan service. Most celebrities don't "like" signing autographs, but do it because they know that these are the people that are making their careers tick and that it especially means alot to children.

Joe Schmoe trying to get an autograph to sell is only using the person. What does Steve Smith owe that guy? Absolutely nothing. It'd be like working for a person who doesn't pay you and takes your work for granted. Sure, the autograph might ultimately end up in the hands of someone who would appreciate it, but there's absolutely no reason to enable a middle-man that takes an attitude like that.

The people that want an autograph can meet the person and get a personalized autograph, which i would think would be much cooler, or pay for an autograph through an official means that you know is REAL.

[KintnerBoy]

If I was a athlete I wouldn't sign for someone that was just gonna turn around and sell it. I would want to do it for my fans not some slimey greedy sports shop owner.

But personally I will never understand why someone would buy a autographed item if they're not the one that got it signed themselves. What good is it to say that the autograph was bought? There's no story behind that.

[Mother Grabber]

If you sell autographed stuff you're a troll. Autographing stuff used to be a great thing for kids and die hard fans to get something that they would remember and be proud of for the rest of their lives. Now, it's a business because a bunch of tools bring tons of crap to get signed so they can sell it, taking up space in line from someone who wants to get something signed because they actually want to have a signed jersey. Just like most other aspects of sports, it's been ruined by greedy people.

[thejimmy]

Autographs are worthless items. I would no more waste my time getting a players autograph than I would go to a McDonalds. Couldn't care less about them. All I care about is the athlete playing well.

[Cape Fear Cat]

I have a great and growing collection of autographed jerseys (my latest, a signed Wesley Walls arrived yesterday). I guess I can understand a player not wanting to sign for someone whose motives are purely mercenary. On the other hand, as I am usually unable to attend events where my favorite players are to get the signatures myself, I rely on autographs attained by others to further my collection. I also collect historical signatures and ephemera of people who had something to do with North Carolina and Cape Fear history - most all of whom are dead now, so buying material acquired by others is my only avenue to get the stuff. So, while I understand - and also would never sell my collection unless I needed to pay for a new kidney or something equally dire - I still am grateful for those who acquire signed items they're willing to sell.

[hank pimple butt]

ive caught steve a few times at tc, and he never personalized my autos. he did make it clear not to take pics of him signing tho. its sad when people go and get the players autos just to try and make a profit off of em.......cuz they are taking up spots, that a real fan should be in.

[PantherBoy95]

You know what I don't even know where I stnad on this myself hence the thread

On one hand they're millionares who I think should care less if someone also wants to work their way up. (as long as it's not illegal)

but on the other hand

I think it's dumb for those that go SOLELY to get and sell the autograph.

but If I went and got Peppers autograph just to get his autograph, but then realize it could help with my next car payment...WHY NOT?

[cgarsmoker]

If someone doesn't like a personalized autograph, then they are not getting the autograph as a fan..... They are getting a signature as part of a business transaction where they receive something of value for free from the player in the hopes of selling it to less fortunate fans who never get the opportunity to see the players up close themselves.

An autograph made out to my son would be 10 times more valuable to me than any non-personalized signature and that would be because I want the autograph because of my love of team and admiration of the player....not profit.