Before the advent of cell phones, television, ipods, computers, and other forms of technology, autograph collecting was one of the most treasured past times. This interest was done on all levels, the very young, the young adult, the mature adult, and even the more wisdom matured. In fact autograph collecting was so popular until there were special books produced especially for autograph collecting. This autograph collecting was not necessarily geared to celebrities only.

Persons in the community were more accessible than movie stars and sports figures, so autograph collecting was popular throughout all walks of life. In the nineteenth century keeping an autograph book for the purpose of autograph collecting was a popular practice. As the word got around about autograph books and they became available at the local five and dime stores, it was a must have, just as the cell phone is today. The autograph book was even more popular in many areas than the personal diary. Many people during the 1950′s and 1960 have purchased autograph books. Most of these autograph books were designed for just what the name of the books implies and that is autograph collecting. These books were small, about eight inches tall by five inches wide. The book had 70 pages. Some books had different colored pages. Usually the pages were in pastel colors, such as pink, blue, lilac, yellow, and light green.

You can see that there’s practical value in learning more about Autograph Collecting. Can you think of ways to apply what’s been covered so far?

The popularity of these books was unbelievable in high schools and on the college campus. These autograph books were circulated from classmate to classmate during the recess period and during social functions at school and away from school. There were two goals for this autograph collecting. The first goal and perhaps the most important was to get a signature from every classmate. Secondly, it was a desire to fill every page in the book. You were honored and delighted when someone, who was collecting autographs, asked you for your autograph. Those classmates who were high up the ladder rungs in popularity were sort out first. Sometimes in fact there would be a little line waiting to get the persons autograph. Even more so, everyone wanted to have the teachers, administrators and other school personnel sign their book. Getting these signatures had the same importance as it is to get celebrity signatures today.

Some of these autograph books still exist today. Autograph collecting collections can be found in many special collections on campuses today in the college libraries. Many students wrote their favorite verse or quotation before autographing the book. Others wrote about special memories shared with the person during this period of time. These memories included college pranks, dormitory rooms, card games, hangouts, and stunts. Nothing is left out of these books. Included in these books are accounts of professors and various class experiences.

It was not unusual for some who were less verbal to just autograph the book and date it. As you can see autograph collecting, crosses all walks of life, all races, and socio-economic levels.

Hopefully the sections above have contributed to your understanding of Autograph Collecting. Share your new understanding about Autograph Collecting with others. They’ll thank you for it.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, proud owner of this top ranked web hosting reseller site: GVO

The full name may not be necessary in every case, but you do have to know the name the celebrity uses most frequently. When you are autograph collecting via mail, you also need stamps, #10 envelopes, 9×12 envelopes, pen, unlined paper and unlined cards. If you have a computer, there are many sources available that will help you with your research. After you have gotten all your supplies and addresses, you are now ready to make some contact. Now you are ready to compose your letter. It is always a good idea to type your request. If you cannot type it or get someone to do it for you, make sure you take time to write legible. Let’s remember that celebrities are busy so whatever you write needs to be brief, readable and cordial. If you are not brief and to the point, there is a much lesser chance of you getting a response because they may not have time to read a long 2 or 3 page letter. Some even type AUTOGRAPHED PHOTO in all caps. By all means don’t mention your request casually. Also remember to be complimentary, after all they are human beings too and may just need a little lift. Just in case your celebrity does not have an available photo, autograph collecting includes 3×5 cards that are signed.

Sometimes the most important aspects of a subject are not immediately obvious. Keep reading to get the complete picture.

These cards may prove to be just as valuable some years later as a signed photo. Autograph collecting can take many forms whether via mail or in person. You need to be prepared to pay postage if you are autograph collecting via mail. It is not fair for the celebrity to give you a photo/signature and pay the postage. Put one stamp on your #10 envelope and 2 stamps on your 9×12 envelop. Make sure you put your return address on your #10 envelopes. This provides an avenue for you to be contacted if there are any problems with your mailing. Your autograph collecting is enhanced when you cover all of your bases. Even though you have done everything you can think of autograph collecting via mail takes a lot of patience. Autograph collecting from these busy people take time.

Travel, work schedules, appearances, fun and time with family take up much of their time. Supplying photos and autographs for autograph collecting is probably done on down time by them or an assigned member of their staff. When you are autograph collecting via mail, it may take years to receive a response. So sit back and relax!

Knowing enough about Autograph Collecting to make solid, informed choices cuts down on the fear factor. If you apply what you’ve just learned about Autograph Collecting, you should have nothing to worry about.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, proud owner of this top ranked web hosting reseller site: GVO

In autograph collecting by mail and other exchanges, you need to know that you may get an autograph but it may be done not by hand or the celebrity?s hand but by autopen or some other method. One of the most popular ways famous people have for sending out autographs for autograph collecting is by using a staff member to sign for them. Some famous people have a staff, so call PR staff, for the expressed purpose of signing autographed photo and distributing them or mailing them to individuals who are autograph collecting. In other words, if you receive an autograph via mail, it may not be the real thing. But at least you have something; it depends on the focus of your autograph collecting.

If you base what you do on inaccurate information, you might be unpleasantly surprised by the consequences. Make sure you get the whole Autograph Collecting story from informed sources.

If your autograph collecting is simply a hobby, a copied photo signature may serve your purpose. If your autograph collecting is an investment, then you want the real signature and need to pursue autograph collecting avenues that will provide you with the real signature. When you receive a non-authentic autograph from a celebrity, it should not be perceived as disrespect for fans or how they feel about their fans. Some celebrities may be too old, sick, filming a new movie or on the road touring to have time to give you a real signature. That is why some famous people use the autopen autograph. John Isaac Hawkins, an Englishman developed the first autopens. He received a US patent in 1803. Thomas Jefferson was one of the first to start using the device in 1804 for autograph collecting. The autopen is a machine that can duplicate a signature over and over. A signature is copied onto a template that is inserted into the machine. This mechanism will copy the signature onto an item such as a photo, 3×5 cards, or letter for autograph collecting. For the most part you can tell if an autopen has been used by it’s lack of natural flow, the signature is shaky as the autopen vibrates and the flow of ink is consistent, plus an ink blotch that looks like a period is at the end of the signature.

The blotch/period is a result of the marker in the autopen machine coming to an abrupt halt at the end and resting in one spot of the item too long before being lifted off. It goes without saying that each autopen signature will look exactly alike. Another way to tell if you have an autopen signature is to write for another autograph. Compare the signatures by laying them atop each other and hold up to a light source. If they coincide with each other, you have an autopen signature. Harry Truman is believed to be the first President to use the autopen in a business way for mail and signing checks. Today this device is used by politicians and fundraisers to sign letters. If you are autograph collecting, you need to try and verify the origin of the signature.

Hopefully the sections above have contributed to your understanding of Autograph Collecting. Share your new understanding about Autograph Collecting with others. They’ll thank you for it.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO

We have always heard about the hoarding done by the packrat. In fact, when we find someone who has a problem throwing away things, the first thing we think of is the packrat. People have been collecting all sorts of things since the beginning of time. How many times have you heard someone called a packrat? Well some packrats today are known as collectors. However there is one major problem for some collectors, can you afford it?

Many of you can not afford the autograph collecting that you enjoy so much and that means so much in your down time. Autograph collecting could mean buying concert tickets that are expensive. In addition, travel expense may have to be factored when going to a concert out of town. On the other hand autograph collecting can become opportunistic at various events, such as a weddings, anniversaries, vacations, honeymoons, and graduations. This is a good inexpensive way to do some autograph collecting.

So far, we’ve uncovered some interesting facts about Autograph Collecting. You may decide that the following information is even more interesting.

Some of these autographs collected have sentimental meanings to you. They may be reminders of a special event in our lives. That is why it is so devastating when valuables such as autographs are lost in catastrophic situations. In our everyday lives, most of us do not have an opportunity to meet the movie stars, sports heroes, musicians, idols and others that we adore so much. Therefore autograph collecting is one way you can become close to them and get a feel for your star. Die hard autograph collecting is done by sending something that can be signed such as an autograph book or a book a person you know who is going to a concert or other activity that your celebrity will appear. This is what is known by some as an exchange in autograph collecting. Decide on the autograph collecting you want done. Then look out for the itinerary of these individuals so if you can do some opportunistic autograph collecting, you can put it on your calendar. Let this list reflect all the autographs you want to add to your collection. This will help you to remember and keep you from missing out on a chance to do some autograph collecting.

If you have relatives living in other areas, you may want to let them know what autographs you are collecting. Autograph collecting of your favorites is possible through these close relatives when they attend concerts, and other events. Estate sales and auctions are other good sources to do autograph collecting. It is not unheard of to obtain a great find from some of these sources. Many times family members are not aware of the valuable things in their possession. During the spring, summer, and fall months many opportunities are available for autograph collecting at yard sales, festivals, and other outdoor functions. Writing fan mail to the famous is another inexpensive way to do some autograph collecting.

All it will cost you is a stamp, paper, pen/computer, envelope and mailing it. Make sure your letter is short and that you put a SASE inside of your letter.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO

At big gatherings where there are large crowds, it may take more time to get an autograph than in a small setting. If the person is very famous, it may take hours to get a signature, because more than likely the lines will be longer than for a local community leader. Nevertheless, the autograph of a famous person will be more special than some one in the local community. If you keep abreast of activities in the community and surrounding areas you can plan your autograph collecting to maximize the time you have to get your autograph collecting done. A great place to look for autographs is at your local mall. On special occasions, celebrities show up at malls and you just may get a real autograph without a huge investment of time. Some autograph collecting is done by mail.

Think about what you’ve read so far. Does it reinforce what you already know about Autograph Collecting? Or was there something completely new? What about the remaining paragraphs?

If you decide to get your autographs by mail, be ware you may not get the real thing. Even if you decide to use the mail for your autograph collecting, it still will take time. In fact it will take much longer by mail than autograph collecting in person, if you get it at all. Take your chances, if mail is the only way for you to reach certain individuals for autographs collecting. Autograph collecting is a very enjoyable hobby, but you will need plenty of patience, time and stamina. Make it a habit to be prepared to collect autographs wherever you go. When you are prepared you are using the same time for many different things. For an example, you may go shopping and run into someone who is on your list of autograph collecting. Take time then if possible and get the autograph and Walla you have killed two birds with one stone. You just never know when you are going to run into a celebrity in a moment’s notice.

At least you can carry some index cards around with you and not miss out on the chance to get the autograph. Autograph collecting is a great way to spend free time. You get to meet new people and share ideas of interest with each other. In large metropolitan areas, you have to use caution, because there are many look a likes. So know who’s who before you approach this person of interest. Autograph collecting can bring many moments in time to life with a better understanding of the person and the event.

Sometimes it’s tough to sort out all the details related to this subject, but I’m positive you’ll have no trouble making sense of the information presented above.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO

For years, people have been collecting autographs in many ways and in many different ventures. In the early days, there were those who could not write. The few who could read and write were highly respected. In the early years an ?X? represented a signature for those who could not write. Belief it or not some collectors have ?X? signatures in their collection. If you were not a part of the elite class in the early days, your chance of getting an education was not to be. You had to work on the land for the most part to make a living. Your working hours were the ?sun up to sun down? shift. It was during the early years, when autograph collecting became very popular.

Every other person wanted you to autograph something for them as a keepsake. It is amazing but this love for autograph collecting is just as popular today and it may be even more so. Why? An improvement in transportation and communication makes this possible. People are more accessible to each other. Even more so, more people can read and write today than yesteryear. Autograph collecting is not always done on paper.

The more authentic information about Autograph Collecting you know, the more likely people are to consider you a Autograph Collecting expert. Read on for even more Autograph Collecting facts that you can share.

Some collectors had their shoes autographed by close friends and family members. Many of these shoes serve as part of a personal autograph collection. During the 1940′s and 1950′s, it was a popular pastime for high school students to have the saddle oxfords signed by classmates. Only the white part was autographed. These popular shoes of the day were either black and white or brown and white. In yard sales and antique sales, you just may find these treasures representing a time in our history. Autograph collecting today involves the signing of clothing items such as caps, t-shirts, jeans, jackets and other pieces of clothing. High school students and especially seniors still do a lot autograph collecting. Some high schools have what is called ?signing day.

During this day yearbooks are distributed to the student body. Students use this day to collect autographs to remember these special days in their lives. Some of this autograph collecting is done with special colors of pens. Students try to individualize their yearbook by using different formats within the signing portions of the yearbook. This autograph collecting continues off and on during the remainder of the school year. Even with this designed day, it is very difficult to get all the signatures you may wish to get. Seniors usually try to get all of their classmates and favorite teachers, administrator, and teachers. This may be the very last time they get a chance to get some of these autographs. Some classmates never see each other again. Autograph collecting on caps is very popular at race tracks. This is especially true at some of the big races, such as the Daytona 500 and the Indianapolis race. This is one time when it pays to try to get the real thing.

Even if you can not get an autograph from your favorite, it pays to get what you can. Why you must ask? On down the road you may be able to exchange a separate signature for one that you want to add to your collection. There are thousands of people at these races so seize the moment and take advantage of this chance to do real autograph collecting.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO

It does not matter why you are autograph collecting, you want to be sure you have a collection of some value as it reflects history and your favorite personality.

Those of you not familiar with the latest on Autograph Collecting now have at least a basic understanding. But there’s more to come.

Usually autograph collecting is started at a very young age when value may not be as important as it is when you grow older. Nevertheless, it pays to take the time to factor into your autograph collecting some things to look for when you are autograph collecting. Unfortunately, most of the time we do not have time or money to meet the famous people from whom we would like to do autograph collecting. Movie Stars, sports figures, musicians, television personalities, and high ranking politicians are not walking past our front or in the supermarket where we shop. One of the most important factors that will determine the value of an autograph is known as ?supply and demand?. Some times when you are autograph collecting, you may find a battered document that looks worthless, but if some authentic rare signatures are on it, you just may have found a gold mine. There are an abundance of factors and variables that will dictate to you the value of something. At times we may appreciate having some thing in poor condition than not having it at all.

So look at supply and demand when you are autograph collecting as one of the determining factors for the value of your find. Another factor to consider is the autograph itself. The autograph needs to be readable without having to use your imagination. After all in autograph collecting nothing is more important than the autograph. If you cannot make out the autograph, you don’t have one. Water/coffee damage and other stains take away some of the value of your autograph collecting finds. People who are seeking autographs are looking for the best. If you autograph collecting finds are in poor condition, and there is not a crux for finding the autograph, you lose a chance to get top dollar. Autographs you may find in pencil are of little value. In earlier years autograph collecting was done with the use of ink pens (dipped in ink), now a day ball point pens are the signing choice.

Ink has always been the preferred way to do autograph collecting because it is not as erasable as those signatures done in pencil. Also pencil writing has a tendency to fade and you can not keep it for long periods of time.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO

As we look back to the beginning of recognized autograph collecting, we know that literacy was not what it is today. A great deal of the country did not read or write. The United States was mostly an agrarian nation. Autograph collecting in America did not get on good footing until 1815. According to newspaper accounts, William Sprague of Albany and Israel Tefft of Savannah were the first major Americans to start autograph collecting.

People lived off of the land and there was little of no need for literacy as it related to their immediate livelihood. Transportation and communication was in its infancy and not what it is today. Therefore before you could do autograph collecting a degree of literacy had to be in place. During the colonial period, the ability to write was a reflection of your socio-economic status in the community where you lived. The style of script was supposed to match your social identity. Black slaves and non-elite women were denied the opportunity to learn to write. Nevertheless, commercial white men were encouraged to learn to write and to read.

If you don’t have accurate details regarding Autograph Collecting, then you might make a bad choice on the subject. Don’t let that happen: keep reading.

It was when writing literacy approached 100% among white Americans that autograph collecting begin to come to the forefront in this country. Handwriting analysis or graphology became increasingly popular after the Civil War and into the twentieth century. With the rising interest in individuality, autograph collecting became very popular with Americans. In the early 20th century, ordinary Americans wanted some individuality. The handwriting was one of those popular and desired forms of individuality notwithstanding autograph collecting. People could hardly contain themselves while waiting for the mailman to see if they had a letter from a love one. Stamps were check and mail was an inexpensive form of communication. Everybody had a desire to read and write and made an effort of sorts to learn.

Any signature and all signatures were treasured during the early days of autograph collecting. Writing has always been important for preserving our history. Therefore in the beginning autograph collecting was one of the avenues used to collect history. Type setting was not like it is today so hand written manuscripts were treasured and very valuable. A handwritten manuscript in a broad sense is an autograph. It was recognized in the early days that autograph collecting was a way to collect history, not only governmental history, but history in every form including the art, literature, inventions, music and science. History seems to come alive when it feels like you have a piece of it. In the early history of autograph collecting, letters, notes, and documents all were under the autograph collecting umbrella. During this time signatures were the most inexpensive of autographs.

The history of autograph collecting comes in several forms – Books signed by the author, letters (handwritten or typed), documents (checks and contracts), manuscripts (short quotations written out), signed photographs (all sizes), presidential land grants, and signatures. Autograph collecting had its beginning by bringing moments in time to life. It is one of the oldest forms of collecting, and one of the most rewarding.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO

And believe it or not you have a chance to live with, talk to these people, and become a part of this diversity for the number of days you are cruising. Most of these people you have never seen and will never see again so why not bring them home with you by autograph collecting. This environment provides an opportunity for autograph collecting at an unusual level. Most collectors never get a chance to do this kind of autograph collecting because of the expense involved. On the ship you will find people of all nationalities, on all socioeconomic levels, various occupations, and educational levels. You never know when you are in the presence of someone who will be famous in future years. People take these cruises to have fun and as a vacation. Nevertheless, many are honored that you want their autograph and will give it to you willingly. If you are an autograph collecting enthusiastic, you will seek out diversity and when you get back to your cabin take the time to make notations about these signatures so you will be able to identify with them.

It seems like new information is discovered about something every day. And the topic of Autograph Collecting is no exception. Keep reading to get more fresh news about Autograph Collecting.

While on the ship make sure you get signatures from as many of the officers and staff members as possible. During the food presentations try to get not only pictures of the food, but also but include the chefs and collect their autograph. During the nightly shows, your investment of time may pay off handsomely if you can collect autographs from some of the performers. There is a real chance that this kind of autograph collecting may pay off in a big way.

If you sign up for some of the tours on your cruise itinerary, you have the opportunity for even more interesting autograph collecting. When you go out into these villages and communities you will be greeted with unbelievable finds. Autograph collecting is a great way to document many of these experiences. As you progress along with your collecting you will have many opportunities to share these treasured moments with others. There is a lot of history stored in these areas. Autograph collecting is one form of history that can be passed on from generation to generation. Much of our history has been gotten from someone who took the time to document in writing various events of the time.

You may even want to take pictures of certain areas and get some autographs from people in the area. An example would be to take a picture of a church in Panama and the minister’s picture get the signature of the minister as a part of your documentation. When you take the time to organize your finds, include the signature with the pictures together. What a great way to generate some unusual things while autograph collecting and have a great unforgettable cruise also.

That’s how things stand right now. Keep in mind that any subject can change over time, so be sure you keep up with the latest news.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO

Moreover some never do receive a response to a fan letter. Let’s remember that these people have very tight and challenging schedules. They find themselves in a position sometimes to be all things to all people. So when you are autograph collecting via fan mail you need to factor in some patience and extra time to get what you want – an autograph. There is a slim chance that you will receive an autograph if they have to read through many pages of prose to find your request for an autograph. Make sure the request is at the beginning of the letter, so if time is limited, they know what you want and can go about the business of sending it. They don’t have time to read all the accolades you want to give them.

Is everything making sense so far? If not, I’m sure that with just a little more reading, all the facts will fall into place.

Nevertheless, they are happy that you have acquired posters, and other items of interests while autograph collecting. All these things that hobbyists collect add to the celebrity’s bottom line. A flattering letter in most situations increases your chance to get something in other scenarios of life, but not in this case. Brevity is the key to getting what you want in this situation. By all means type your letter, if you don’t type, have someone to do it for you. Remember time is of essence here and celebrities do not have time to decipher poor handwriting. If you must write, take your time and make it legible so it can be read quickly. It may be better to print this letter if you do not type. Autograph collecting requires some creativity in many instances to get what you want. Here is one of those times. Not only should you include your request at the beginning of the letter, but you need to highlight this request in some way.

The first thing you need to do is type or print AUTOGRAPHED PHOTO in all caps. This may not be enough so highlight this request by circling it, putting it in color with a highlighter and you may even include extra spaces before and after the words ?autographed photo? request. It will surely be seen and you may get results from this letter. Writing fan mail is a method that has been used for years to get autographs. Whatever it takes to make your request stand out DO IT!

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his new GVO affiliate site: GVO