Ringo Starr’s announcement that he is not responding to any more autograph requests brings focus to a subject that is somewhat delicate for many movie stars and recording artists.
Autograph Collecting Appeal
Collecting autographs didn’t start with Ringo or the Beatles or even in modern times. Souvenir hunting is probably as old as humanity with Jo-Jo the Caveman hanging on to his buddy Rockhead’s club after Rockhead cashed in during an ill-fated argument with a saber-toothed tiger. Souvenir, sentimental remembrance, historical artifact, it’s all a matter of point of view.
Movie Star Collecting
Near the beginning of the film era, a friend of mine, the late Chaw Mank of Gillespie, Illinois, founded the world’s first movie fan club in 1910 for three actresses who were favorites of his, one of them being Violet Merseau. This was back before the star system was established and before people were even told the names of actors and actresses that starred in their favorite films. That changed, though, and fan clubs and autograph signatures became an important publicity tool that continued to grow in importance. Nothing beat Hollywood when it came to seeking that gossamer connection with the world beyond Elm Street, USA.
Throughout his long life, Chaw was in the middle of it. He maintained regular correspondence with numerous celebrities as president of fan clubs he established in their names when they were starting out. His correspondence with Rudolph Valentino, in fact, resulted in a book.
Modern Autograph Collecting
Today, computers and 24-hour broadcast TV seems to have reduced the importance of fan clubs and autograph collecting to the celebrity as a
promotional tool although autograph collecting as a hobby continues to grow.
Why Autographs?
Ringo Starr is not the only celebrity responding negatively to autograph requests. Paul Newman was one person known for his reluctance to sign autographs. Johnny Carson, regular viewers of the Tonight Show will remember, often mentioned he couldn’t understand what people saw in an autograph, not realizing that however insignificant and meaningless it might be to him, to others it is a graspable piece of history. On the other, other celebrities who once collected stars’ autographs themselves, understand the appeal fully.
Exploitation
Always sensitive to being exploited, celebrities are often understandably offended by professional autograph collectors who immediately fill eBay with their acquisitions. That helps sour their attitude toward signing autographs. The professional curbside autograph collector with the box of photos in the trunk of his car can respond by saying he offers a valuable service to collectors, offering an autograph he knows to be authentic because he saw it signed.
That doesn’t help when it comes to buying online, of course, because anyone can claim anything on the internet. Ask any online dater.
Fan Fatigue
Naturally, for someone as popular Ringo…his signature is indispensable for a collection of Beatles signatures…it can also be pretty demanding on your time. Ringo didn’t give a reason for his announcement, but this is probably closest to the mark. It wouldn’t seem to be a unique experience.
There are even agencies hired by celebrities which act as a buffer for clients, providing “signed” photographs to autograph requests. The autograph seeker gets his autograph and the celebrity doesn’t have to deal with it.
Whatever the reason, it’s just too bad, because Ringo’s decision will hurt autograph collectors who will have to complete their Fab Four collection with a Ringo autograph that can now only be obtained from a professional (and hopefully well-established and reputable) autograph dealer.
Reference:
- How I Made $1,000 on Autographs I Collected by Mail www.associatedcontent.com/article/530265/how_i_made_1000_on_autographs_i_collected.ht
