To Pay or Not to Pay: An Autograph Tale (revisited and updated)

             


          I can remember as a child seeing my favorite celebrities on television. Whether it was my favorite actors, voice over, or even sports celebrities. Sitting there imaging what it would be like to meet them, talk to them, or who knows maybe even get their autograph. From what I’ve heard, when I was a kid in the eighties, autographs were easier to obtain. If you saw your favorite celebrity, you just walked up and asked for his or her autograph. They would usually go all “Joe Green” on you and say “sure kid” and give you an autograph.

          For me personally, the main celebs that I would have access to were the Dallas Cowboys or the wrestlers of the WCCW. I would get autographs from my favorite players like Randy White, Danny White, or Roger Staubach or some of my favorite wresters the Von Erich family, the Dingo Warrior, or Chris Adams. Fast forward to current times and the game has completely changed. Instead of automatically getting the “sure kid”, you get the “is this going on eBay” question. Even if you say no, you get inevitable “you’re lying” look. It especially happens if you’re not a kid. But I’ve seen it happen to kids as well. In all fairness, I can see it from the celebrities’ point of view. If people are getting their autograph for free, and then sell it, then they believe they are entitled to some of that proverbial cash.

          Sometimes I think the celebrity fails to realize that if it’s the value of their autograph they are worried about, then the more they sign the less their autograph is worth. It’s all supply and demand in the world of collectibles. For example, take former Texas Rangers pitcher C.J. Wilson. C.J. would sign for just about anyone who would ask. Now don’t get me wrong C.J. wasn’t the only player that did that. In my opinion, the people who would ask for his autograph were his true fans. He was one of the most fan friendly players at the time.

          It wasn’t until 1998 that I had a chance to meet a “Hollywood” actor. In the mid to late nineties one of my favorite television shows was the X-Files. I watched it every week, read the official magazines, etc. I later found out they were making a movie. This was information that made this X-Phile very happy. To top it all off there was going to be a nationwide promotion tour. The tour would consist of actual props from the television show, exclusive trailers, and actors from the show. The way it worked was you paid for admission and just about everything inside was free (even autographs). Though Mulder & Scully weren’t there, three of my favorites were. Even though autographs weren’t guaranteed, I was able to meet two out of the three actors that was there.

          In 2002 I came across Dallas Comic Con. “Con” was short for convention. I did some research beforehand and found out that some legends from the comic book industry were going to be there along with some great science fiction writers. Most importantly to me I also found out that some actors and actresses were also going to be on hand signing autographs for a price. My wife and I attended this show; little did I know this was going to be a regular thing.

          Up until then I had never paid for an autograph from a celebrity but I understood the reasoning. I didn’t fully agree but I understood. Besides 10 to 20 dollars per autograph wasn’t that bad from someone you truly admire. Plus, you may never get to meet that person again. The choice is pretty fairly simple, if you want to pay, pay. If you don’t, then don’t. It’s just about like everything else in the world. The choice is entirely up to the individual and no one else. No one is forcing you to attend and pay for anything. Like it or not, it is a business. Since that first X-Files Expo, I have attended many conventions over the years. I have met a lot of my favorite celebrities at the conventions I have attended. I have also obtained autographs from most of them. For example, at one show in particular I was able to meet one of my favorite actors, Adam Baldwin. Now it’s not often you see Adam Baldwin walking the streets of Dallas. I know this, which is why it was a no brainer for me to gladly pay for his autograph.

          I have so many fond memories from that first convention, unfortunately there are a few regrets as well. My few fond memories was being able to share this memory with my wife, meeting Carrie Fisher for the first time, and meeting the late great Dave Stevens. Three regrets in particular always stay with me as well. Not meeting veteran actor Ben Chapman (who has since passed away), not getting a sketch or an autograph from the late great Dave Stevens (even though I spoke with him several times throughout the day), and not meeting actor Glen Shadix (also who has since passed away). Now I know you can’t tell who’ll pass away unexpectedly, it’s just something you’ll have to deal with if it happens to you.

          I can honestly say though, the positives far outweigh the negatives when it comes to the convention circuit. So, if you do decide to go to a comic book or science fiction convention, have fun. Will there be things that you don’t like? Maybe. Will there be things you like? Definitely. Just go there with an open mind, the readiness to embrace your inner nerd, have a great time. Be sure to do your own research beforehand. Check the conventions website, read their social media pages, talk to the regulars. Most of them probably know the ins and outs of the circuit better than anyone. They can help you if you have any questions. All you have to do is ask.

            There are good conventions and there are some conventions that will just nickel and dime you without delivering the goods. On the other side though, there are some that are as much for the fans as they are for the money. You just have to look for them. Word of mouth is the best type of advertising, so researching a convention beforehand will make the good ones easier to find. I personally don’t go to many conventions anymore. As stated in the beginning, Dallas Comic Con was the convention I visited the most. But that has completely changed. I do not go to their shows anymore for a multitude of reasons. But I know a lot of people that do. And that’s cool. You have that choice.

          Long story short, if you decide to go, remember the most important thing is to HAVE FUN.