Why do people want autographs....

My mom's friend, back in the day, got John Wallace to sign this basketball for my birthday: To Madhavok, best Wishes. The story went that Byron Scott was jealous (yeah, right) after seeing a rookie from Syracuse sign a ball. Then came Marcus Camby who put his name on it.
Interesting to say the least. I don't think it's left the glass housing since 1996.

 

Now here is a pro who respects the laws of legibility.

 

"Avoid the clap, Jimmy Dugan."

 

A buddy of mine's uncle was a prison guard in post WWII Germany. He has a slip of paper made out to him and signed by Herman Goering. I can't help but think when holding it, "Holy crap, this was in the hands of one of the world's biggest war criminals days before he died."

 

I don't really get what people do with the autographs when they get them. I can see framing a baseball card or a picture, but when it's a scrap of paper, is that what people do?

 

[quote author= link=topic=71822.msg2543191#msg2543191 date=1248783489]


"I like crabs, Jimmy Dugan."
[/quote]

 

In some cases it's just a dumb reflex. People don't really need the autograph, or especially want it, but the opportunity presents itself and they feel like they have to get it -- especially if they see someone else asking.

I had a friend who worked in local TV, and every once in a while we'd meet for coffee at the local McDonald's. People would spot him, recognize him, and then they'd come over with a napkin or a corner of a placemat to sign. Can't believe any of those scraps survived, and it doesn't matter anyway. The guy came to hate the TV gig, quit the business, and wound up opening some clothing stores.