Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Adam Halloran on February 24, 2023 at 8:34am

+1 on basically everything you say here Steve. As one of the Admin of RACC (and with close to 23K members) we try our best to preach that when receiving an opinion; is it valid?  Not all opinions are equal just because they're the loudest one commenting. We are lucky (like AML) that we have senior members who have specific knowledge when it comes to certain celebrities. 

There will always be those who just want to fit in and go with the mob vote, however there are those that are blatant forgeries people can also swat away and save people the time and money of submitting to a TPA. 

There have been those who question in our community that why bother asking opinions and strictly go to the TPA. We have many members that consult with top TPA and for a free opinion it can be invaluable when they are able to discern their opinion to our group. 

That is why I can't agree more, you do have to take the good with the bad when it comes to humans. You will always find those that don't know when no opinion is best if you are guessing or not willing to put the time in. We have made posts explaining how harmful that can be to the hobby. 

I personally stress to do your own research, be as educated as you can be on the subject when making a purchase. It is going to be YOURS and your hard earned money spent. Be comfortable and satisfied that your item is as conclusive as possible. Do you want something hanging on your wall that you have to say, "I was unsure of but John Smith on Facebook posted "THaTz GooD!!!" ?

Be educated so you are in the ballpark of authenticity (like you would be buying a house or vehicle), get 2nd opinions from people that specialize in the celebs field or are willing to take the time to study examples from different time periods or sit down/street etc, and seek TPA services for the stamp of approval. If you are choosing weak (hard to authenticate examples) to add to your collection, you are going to make it harder on yourself if you need to sell later. Purchase slam dunks. 

You can't jump in to the hobby and simply expect to have others do your homework for you. 

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Steve Zarelli on February 24, 2023 at 10:22am

"Purchase slam dunks"

I love this and have preached it so many times. Often collectors will come with a wildly atypical or rushed example. Even if I am highly confident it is authentic, I tell them, don't add something to your collection that people will question. Don't pick the dented can. You want prime examples in your collection, not the land of misfit toys. It may be a few bucks cheaper, but you will pay the penalty in the end.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by David Lewis on February 24, 2023 at 8:00pm

Steve is correct when spending on top end items. Steve and I have agreed on Jimmy Stewart autographs. When I was poor many years ago I collected real street signed autographs. As an example, if you are standing next to the person who collected an Andy Warhol autograph, but he did not sign fo you, then you gave him the collector money for their autograph, is it real even if it does not pass authentication buy a regarded third party.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Rich on February 24, 2023 at 8:43am

Most Facebook groups I've joined I've taken a u-turn right out of. Most seem to be badly moderated, and plenty of them I quickly find just don't have much interest in the subject matter. The only one I'm in right now is Autograph Universe. RACC I left years ago. The group overall is fine and the subject matter is certainly interesting, but I just grew tired of the overall vibe there after a while. Just not my cup of tea.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by terrier8HOF on February 25, 2023 at 6:17am

Most facebook autograph groups are "Out".  LOL.    I also got tossed from that site for the same reason!

you have to know who to trust, as you are correct when you say many of these groups have "collectors" that just throw out opinions like they have just flipped a coin.  not helpful at all.  We are fortunate in that we have a group of experienced collectors that we can rely on for "reality" checks when considering purchasing key autographs. Nice job on the video.

• ▶ Reply