Let's say you are interested in collecting autographs or items signed by celebrities such as John Lennon or Brett Favre. How do you begin?
- Find the address of the celebrity on their website or fan club website, if possible.
- For an autograph from a famous author go to his website which usually gives instructions on how to attend one of his or her book signing events.
- To find out how to contact political leaders you can check for information on government websites.
- The Internet makes all this information available to you at no cost.
- Make an advance request before mailing an item to a celebrity to have it autographed. If they will allow you to ship the item, be sure to include a thank you and a return mailer with correct postage affixed.
- For an autograph from a sports star you may have to wait in a long line plus pay a fee for the autograph.
- It can be difficult to spot a fake signature, sometimes even experts have a difficult time doing so.
- There will always be that dishonest person ready to sell you a fake signature. Or, it can be imprinted on an item. If you do not purchase the autograph or see the celebrity signing the item you can never be absolutely sure it is really that celebrity's autograph.
- You may be able to discern a fake that is created using an Autopen. This device signs photos, cards and letters with the signature of a celebrity. Although a good Autopen can fool many people, it often is written in what is called a shaky way. This means the Autopen was vibrating while being used.
- Some sports collectible shops sell "authenticated" autographed items that are guaranteed to be signed by the sports star whose signature you want for your collection. This is the only way to be sure other than witnessing the sports star as he signs your item.
