Why Collect Autographs?

Autograph collecting, a pastime enjoyed by all generations, nationalities, races, ages, and socioeconomic groups, can provide an important link between the past and the present. Collecting takes many forms depending on the focus of the collector. People tend to want to have concrete evidence of having known a celebrity, even if it is in a small way. It provides a fascination that will not go away after you have succeeded getting your first hard to get autograph. 

Autograph collecting is one of the many avenues you can use to feel a part of some special event or person. Autograph collecting can be a great way to record some of the history of a certain time. Collectors usually have special interests. These interests may be based on the environment, experience, education, travel, and so on.
Collecting an autograph is like collecting a moment in time. It is a delight to own a small something of a person you look up to.
Autograph collecting is used by some to document a person’s life. Others may use autograph collecting to illuminate a certain field of endeavor, such as the painting. 

Autograph collecting sometimes starts with only one interest and then mushrooms into a plethora of other autographs not going in any special direction but directed by emotion.  People collect for different reasons, the autograph collecting does not have to be that of a famous person. Some people collect for sentimental reasons, some for historical reason. To some it is a hobby and there are even those who make a living by autograph collecting. For instance, if you would like to become a curator of history, autograph collecting will lead you in the right direction. 

Autographs are becoming rarer for collecting. In the early days everything was done by hand but not today. Because of the growth of technology a hand-written letter has the most value. Communications are sent via fax and e-mail causing letters to become extinct. Nevertheless autograph collecting is likely to be around for a long time because a collector finds so much joy and fun in autograph collecting. The challenge to get another autograph can be so strong some people attend events just to be in a position to get a certain autograph.

There are almost as many reasons for collecting as there are collectors.
Autograph collecting is a hobby that can be enjoyed by all. For many years, this hobby has been enjoyed by Kings, Queens, Presidents, Heads of State, movie stars, sports people, and everyday citizens. It is an activity that highlights interests in other people and what they do. Autograph collecting is also an expression of your interest and your personality in general. In our culture autograph collecting is valued because many of us want to actually own a piece of history or a special occasion. The autograph can be on a program, piece of paper, paper bag or napkin just be sure to get it in pen.

Most people collect because they have an interest in a particular celebrity or sports team etc and to meet them in person can be so rewarding but beware, not all celebs are happy to give autographs so expect to be sharply rebuked by some.