What the future holds in the autograph industry

[Leon]

The hobby might evolve into more collectors collecting autographs on things that are most likely real ie...legal documents, handwritten letters with solid provenance, checks (most would be good) etc.....

For me, that is the only way I would collect them. Good discussion question.

[HOF Auto Rookies]

Originally Posted by Leon

The hobby might evolve into more collectors collecting autographs on things that are most likely real ie...legal documents, handwritten letters with solid provenance, checks (most would be good) etc.....

For me, that is the only way I would collect them. Good discussion question.

I was thinking of putting this on the main board, but I agree. My passion is with the card unfortunately, but like you said, that is probably the 'safest' route.

[drc]

Also, there are players other than Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb to collect. Lesser players, non-baseball people, can be just as fun to collect.

[HOF Auto Rookies]

Originally Posted by drc

Also, there are players other than Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb to collect. Lesser players, non-baseball people, can be just as fun to collect.

I know, but as my collection expands, then I get into the higher class players. I strictly only go after HOF Autographed 'rookie cards', and Joe Mauer. But even with the other guys, still can easily have forgeries.

[glchen]

Autographs will always be there and will always be in demand, especially since many collectors/fans consider them a way to get "closer to the game" and the players. I think in the future, people will insist on a TPA for the more expensive autos, even more so than now. I realize that even the TPAs mess up, so collectors will probably try to educate themselves as much as possible. Probably the going phrase will be "Buy the auto, not the LOA."

[39special]

Originally Posted by drc

Also, there are players other than Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb to collect. Lesser players, non-baseball people, can be just as fun to collect.

I totally agree.Thats what I collect.I have a limited budget,so I go for lower price HOFers and lesser known players.I also do alot of TTM's.Mostly guys that are retired.This is my hobby,and I enjoy it.

[chaddurbin]

Originally Posted by 39special

I totally agree.Thats what I collect.I have a limited budget,so I go for lower price HOFers and lesser known players.I also do alot of TTM's.Mostly guys that are retired.This is my hobby,and I enjoy it.

yes, step away from HoS and the hysteria. there's no indictment forthcoming on how rea/jsa/psa is colluding (LOL). if CC is still in business then the fbi has better things to do.

if you're not comfortable with an auto, don't buy it! the enjoyment from my collection and hobby doesn't rise and wane with the increase/decrease in value. i'm just as happy holding a signed '89 gregg jefferies as a ty cobb check.

[sylbry]

This will all pass. Take a step back, don't read any autograph related websites for a little and you will feel better.

You like what you collect and you enjoy your collection. The negative feels are coming from outside sources. Tune them out and you will be fine.

What's currently going on with HoS and many threads on this forum is similar to listening to Glen Beck. Listen long enough and you will believe the sky is falling. Turn him off for a little and you will realize the sky never fell nor is it about to.

Not saying there isn't a problem in the hobby. There most certainly is. But it isn't your problem. If you want to fight the good fight like many on this board are doing, more power to you. But if all it does is lead you to leave the hobby then you may want to reconsider.