I was talking with another forum contributor who said that this would make for an interesting group topic. My opinion is that unfortunately much like numismatics, autograph collecting is a dying hobby. History is becoming lost and it seems as if most of the younger generation aren’t overly interested in preserving it. I’d venture to say that most of us are in our 40s, 50s, 60s or 70s on this forum.
I don’t see a resurgence in the hobby as Sportscards has done. With that being said, what’s your opinion? Are we holding soon to be depreciated investments? I understand not everyone is looking at the financial aspect of the hobby, but many of us are. What’s everyone’s opinion regarding the “State of the hobby”?
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Appreciate the detailed reply as always. Do you see the signed book market moving more and more towards bookplates in your opinion as signed cards have essentially transitioned to “stickers” affixed later to cards? Same principle it seems.
I'm 64 and just recently started to collect. I have obtained a few here and there over the years, but now that I'm older and feeling more nostalgic, I want to collect, primarily musician autographs. The problem is, there are so many fakes out there, even from, supposedly, reputable sellers. It's so easy to fake them these days, and so many rats out there who will take advantage of others for a quick buck, it has tarnished the hobby. I, for one, am afraid to buy much from anyone other than the direct sites, and even those I am learning from the forums on this site, aren't always legit (many auto pens and some fakes). I have posted a few I purchased years ago on here and every one of them members feels are not legit. It's taking the wind out of my sails in terms of collecting. Unless you get them in person, it's probably not worth buying anything. I think this contributes to the decline in interest.
Thanks for the post. I think that it’s still ok to buy your grail pieces but a lot of comparison work has to be put into it. I like multiple consensus from the big three TPAs. If it’s music, I also want Epperson’s blessing.
Tricky but still achievable!
Mindfreek - Thanks for sharing those thoughts. The experiences you're reporting can be difficult. I've been there as well with discouragement at times.
It reminds me of a guideline that was included on a welcome page when some of us who are interested in a particular area of autograph collecting were setting up a new study site last year. In our case, most of the autographs we look at were signed before 1970.
"Due to the age of the material we discuss, we probably haven't witnessed firsthand the items discussed here being signed. So, it's ultimately about evidence, opinions and (hopefully) consensus! Let's respect potential diversity of thought in these areas."
It does help to be in a supportive environment as a collector when you're dealing with what can be, at times, challenging material.
eddy, thanks so much for your thoughts. I’ve found this site to be full of supportive, thoughtful, skilled and intelligent people and have really enjoyed it during the short time I’ve been a member. Looking forward to absorbing some of that knowledge over time.
Mindfreek - I don't know that I would have continued in the hobby when I was starting out a few decades ago unless some kind, seasoned collectors/dealers hadn't been graciously patient with helping me navigate the waters. Glad you are finding similar here!
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