[ Closed ] question for y'all about autographs (Page 2 of 2)

Yeah, I'm biased, but I think Walter was the greatest player ever to suit up. Certainly the best all around player. He was amazing to watch on a weekly basis. He could do everything:Run, block, pass, catch. He even played quarterback for part of a game due injuries. As far as memorabilia, I have a commemorative poster showing some of the all time great Bears...Halas, Payton, Sayers, Butkus, etc. I have of the two major Chicago newspapers from the day after they won the Super Bowl. No autographs.

My sister and brother-in-law own one of Walter's cars and my bro-in-law actually had a chance to talk with Walter shortly before his death to get a  history on the car. He said it was one of the highlights of his life - Walter was incredibly kind, even while very ill.

To answer your question, I would much rather get my photo taken with them.  It just so happens that they sign my guitar too.  In the past, I've met Double Trouble, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Bryan Lee, and Joe Bonamassa - they all signed my guitar, and all  got pictures taken with me.  For the guitar, it's kind of its right of passage. For me, it is historical evidence the occurance happenned.  I don't get all "geeked-out" over it, but like previously stated, it is a good conversation piece. And also ends up being a collection that one does not have to be all hardcore about. I just like to tell musicians in general that I am lucky to hear them play, and I wish they come back real soon.

Althletes on the other hand, I don't ask much from at all.  I played college football around GreenBay. The Packers stay on my college's campus every year in the dorms during the pre-season.  Since '98, I've met countless Packers and have always been cool  with them. I've never asked for autographs or photos because I saw them so frequently. In one case, some guys in my blues band lived next door to Marco Rivera (no longer a Packer) and he would come next door during barbecues etc. Working at the  Gander Mountain in GreenBay I met even more Packers, and while my manager was doing the "song and dance" for them, I just treated them like just another customer. A  Walter Payton chance meeting would have been really nice...always sounded like a genuine guy.

If autographs don't trip your trigger, there's nothing wrong with you. But if you like telling stories to friends or just like something to hang up on the wall of your den, a photo or autography may be nice to have...

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping.

I too have many autographs from musicians, Joe, Kid Rock, Kenny Wayne Sheppard, Buddy Guy, Joanna Connor, Warren Haynes.. to name a few they seem the easiest going people to approach. I'm in Detroit and most of the sports people here will NOT sign anything (The Red Wings in particular) because they feel as though you are just going to sell it. I have a "Rock Room" with all my guitars & amps and the walls are covered in pic's & autographs & old flyers from the Grande Ballroom & Eastowne Theater. I think they are great conversation pieces.

just my $.02