|
You look down at the scrawl in your notebook, reliving the experience over and over again of standing in line for hours; waving your pad and paper in the air at the slightest sign that your idol would come out to you and the other fans. Suddenly it happened; the pen taken from you and the notebook, the quick signature shoved back into your hand as another wave of fans pushed by you towards the barrier as you retreated, lost in a wave of happiness as you add the autograph to your mental highs. But getting an autograph can be both easier and harder, depending on how you want to proceed.
One way of getting an autograph is to attend the function and stand in line, hoping that the star you're attracted to will spend the time to sign autographs. The only problem with this is that there's a big chance that he/she won't stop and sign - many stars these days are concerned with personal safety and security and rarely hesitate for a session - or their own personal bodyguards disapprove and move them along as quickly as they can. But this is one of the best ways to assure yourself that the signature is authentic and certainly the most thrilling.
Another less stressful way is to send your book backstage with one of the stagehands or security guards; attaching a small note and perhaps a few flowers for your idol, asking politely for a signature. Most stagehands or guards will perform this small errand for free or for a few dollars, delivering the package backstage in plenty of time for the person to sign at their leisure. Returning after the performance to the stagedoor or where you met the delivery person and retrieving it is another way of obtaining the autograph and not putting any stress on anyone. Many stars appreciate this method because it is at their own discretion and on their own schedule, not a mixed mob of screaming fans waving books in their faces. Your odds are much higher with a nicely-worded note of thanks as well as a good attitude all around.
This also works for sports fans; sending the intended baseball or poster into the clubhouse via a security guard or usher. Most players greatly appreciate not being disturbed during the preliminary warm-ups of the game and will willingly sign at their own speed while waiting for their turn to play or a break in the action.
The last and perhaps the riskiest in a way is to purchase an autograph from a dealer. This is a great alternative if you want a foreign star's autograph or someone who doesn't live in your part of the country and therefore is unlikely to be available for a local performance. Many on-line auction sites and local conventions will have dealers who carry a plethora of autographed pictures for sale of almost anyone who's ever been on screen or television - and others can be found with a few clicks of the mouse.
The only caveat is that you don't know where or when the autograph was given - nor if it is authentic. Unfortunately there is a chance that you might get a forgery, although this is small indeed. Many dealers include a certificate of authenticity with their product guaranteeing that this indeed is a real signature and valid and the average collector would be best to keep said certificate and pursue any legal action should your purchase prove to be false.
Many people think that if their specific autograph is different from another displayed in a magazine or auction house that it must be false. This, unfortunately, is not true. As our own signature changes over time, celebrities have their own changes as well. Signing dozens of autographs a day can result in a scrawl that has no resemblance to the neat signature shown in another catalogue and the buyer should remember that before accusing any dealer of forgery. Again, you can only be truly certain of authenticity by obtaining it yourself which is why the autograph market is so fluid - it truly is a case of supply and demand.
If you want to get it yourself, always be prepared with the right items - a working pen and a clean sheet of paper at the least. Many stars don't have the time or inclination to stand around as you fumble for a new pen or scribble their names below the parking ticket stub. Be aware that these people are on the clock constantly and your autograph will depend on how fast you are prepared and willing to go with the flow of traffic.
Autograph collecting can be fun and profitable for anyone who wants a little bit of stardom for their home or office. And with a few quick tips, you can score every time with the right stuff!
| 
