ok, I have a legit question about help here....

[Leon]

Ok, by the activity level in this forum it seems the autograph hobby is alive and well. As I always say "all collecting is good collecting" even though it's not my area of focus.

I see we have a lot of really good autograph experts and seasoned collectors here. I also see quite a few folks asking for help in ID'ing sigs as real or not. So, on the card side we always help and it's no big deal. But many of you make a living at it and charge for services otherwise. Every time I see a "help" request with "is this good?" I wonder if there is a line about giving help. Is it always ok and no one really minds, as on the card side, or is there a point where you say....ya know, this is my job and it's a service I charge for....so, sorry I can't help? I hope this question is taken the right way. I am truly just curious,. Thanks to all of our autograph guys too. And for the record there are more autograph folks signing up almost daily. And I won't say exactly who but it's some folks that have been in the hobby a long time and are well respected. I am sure they will chime in, in due time. thanks much...

[Exhibitman]

As a collector or dealer I think the real value isn't in the opinion on a chat board but in a COA issued after a proper review--that's what I need to have to sell my item--so I don't think asking for off the cuff info here is a problem. I kind of view the assessments here similarly to a lawyer's consultation--unless the lawyer is retained to do the actual work and does it, the client doesn't have much more than an idea.

[chaddurbin]

if the "experts" are willing to help, i see no problem with it. although the "is this good" threads are popping up with alot more frequency. i also notice some people just start those type of threads, and disappear until they need help again..."bad form" as the soccer commentator says.

i would pay for a quick opinion from some of these guys. richard has always said no but maybe jim now?

edited to add: i don't mind the few drama threads, but it's hard to miss 15 "thoughts on..." "is this good" threads out of the top 20.

[old13man]

I second that...I would be more than willing to pay Richard or Jim for quick opinions because I have faith in them. Speaking of I currently have a question at there regarding an auto of Ted Williams if anyone wants to help.

[Leon]

Trust me guys, I am not against anyone helping fellow collectors. I think it is great AND it helps the AUTOGRAPH hobby in the long run. The more folks enjoy it and don't get ripped off the more they will stay in it and maybe even get others involved. I try to do my part on helping the card hobbyists as much as I can. This was just a simple question as I do see a lot of the "help" threads. I am in no way saying not to have them or anything else....I just wanted to get some thoughts on the question I had. I hope folks help each other as much as they can.

[HexsHeroes]

.

... and I will "third" that sentiment. It's commendable to use your own resources and objectivity when analyzing a signature for possible authenticity, but you cannot put a value on the many years of hands-on experience that Richard or Jim have when viewing the same signature, and sharing their opinion (whether paid for, or not).

[drc]

I understood Leon's post, and wondered the same thing a few times-- with folks posting their autographs online.

I'm not an autograph expert, but people ask me for opinions on other items. I don't and can't say something is authentic from a digital photo, so the owner can't use my email or board opinion as an LOA. Posting an answer on this board isn't the same as giving away a free LOA, because no one's going to write an LOA for an item he hasn't seen in person.

[MooseDog]

Leon -

I'm one of those who recently posted for help.

From my point of view, I will gladly offer my help on autographs I know I have an expertise at - namely 1960s and 1970s baseball and hockey and Hall of Fame autographs. I also enjoy deciphering group autographs.

I'm very thankful that there are guys like Richard and Jim who are willing to share their expertise here.

The other point that needs to be made in regards to autographs is that one seemingly has to pay a "tax" to PSA or JSA in order to realize decent money for vintage autographs. However in order to get their "approval" you have to pay "authentication fees" that are not refundable. PSA will often give credit if you pay to have a card graded and it comes back trimmed or not authentic. Not so with autographs. You are paying for an opinion, and if that opinion is not good, you lose the (not insignificant) "fee".

Gettting/sharing opinions in a forum such as this can end up saving collectors a lot of money.

PS. And Leon, thanks to you for setting up this Autograph Forum.