Stars who charge for autographs.

[kimmylee]

I was wondering what your thoughts are on this?

At first, being used to getting them for the price of a few stamps, I was pretty angry that some celebs had the nerve to charge for autographs.

But after seeing Jane Seymour for example, who charges a reasonable $10 which goes to charity, and will personalise a photo, I changed my mind. It's the star's autograph and they should do with it as they wish, and if they choose to raise money for charity by charging then good on them. In that situation, everybody gets what they want. I'd get my signed picture and they get money for their chosen charity(ies).

I did read somewhere though that Hayden Penniterre charges $60?? What's that all about lol, certainly not reasonable in my book!

[zzublue]

But what my point of view is that, the idea of charging for autographs, for any reasons, is quite unreasonable as itself. As celebs, if they do really appreciate their fans' supports and love, then why wouldn't they sign for fans gladly? Signing for fans has to be a reasonable, small expression of gratitude toward their fans, I believe. And of course, if the appreciation is really from their bottom of their heart, then there shouldn't be any costs for that!

[kimmylee]

But what my point of view is that, the idea of charging for autographs, for any reasons, is quite unreasonable as itself. As celebs, if they do really appreciate their fans' supports and love, then why wouldn't they sign for fans gladly? Signing for fans has to be a reasonable, small expression of gratitude toward their fans, I believe. And of course, if the appreciation is really from their bottom of their heart, then there shouldn't be any costs for that!

I can certainly see that point of view fully. But when it is not for their own personal gain, but for charity, do you see the reasoning there?

[klingonmaquis]

I agree about there being a problem for some stars who charge unless it is one of two situations. One, it is going to charity, two, it is from an older actor who is no longer working like many of the older generation who are quite old and cannot work. I hate hearing that some no longer sign due to ebay. You know what I think they should do on that end, sign every freaking request, make it so the market is flooded with their signature that way ebayers cannot make a profit on it. That's my humble opinion on it.
I will say the folks who charge for charity, like a bunch from Babylon 5 did back in the 90s when I was at Dragoncon. I didn't mind paying the 5 bucks a pop to get them to sign my photos. There's a hockey player who runs a charity that asks for a small donation and I have 4 cards that I am sending 20 dollars with. Things like that I have no issue with.

[zzublue]

But what my point of view is that, the idea of charging for autographs, for any reasons, is quite unreasonable as itself. As celebs, if they do really appreciate their fans' supports and love, then why wouldn't they sign for fans gladly? Signing for fans has to be a reasonable, small expression of gratitude toward their fans, I believe. And of course, if the appreciation is really from their bottom of their heart, then there shouldn't be any costs for that!

I can certainly see that point of view fully. But when it is not for their own personal gain, but for charity, do you see the reasoning there?

If charging is only for charity, then it would be acceptable in that case. It is reasonable enough. What are some people charging so much money though? What is their purpose?

[kimmylee]

I have no idea! I think $10 is okay, and the $60 I mentioned for Hayden Penniterre is just something I read on here somewhere, annyone have more info?

[RYAN J.]

I beleive Hayden charges $30-$60. But it goes to an Animal charity foundation as well. so it's worth it. I've still not gotten her yet.

RYAN J.

[HappinessStan]

The way I see it is that they are either doing it to reduce the workload, or raise money (for charity, or for themselves), and these are totally legitimate reasons, as is throwing requests into the bin unopened.

Which is why I'm always delighted when someone I admire takes the time to sign something and send it back, knowing that no-one owes me a free signature, but that the people who do take the trouble to respond are just kind and thoughtful enough to do it anyway.

[johnnylightning]

I have no problem with stars charging if they want to and i dont care if it goes to charity or themselves,its their likeness and autograph so they can do as they choose with it. I just personally would not pay more than 20 dollars maximum for one depending on who it is with 20 being max. I dont exactly think they are doing it to make money because they have to supply the photo and envelope when you purchase it from their websites and with most charging between 10 and 20 bucks they arent making alot of profit unless they sell a huge amount of photos which is unlikely.So i have no problem with it because the average request costs me at least 5 dollars for postage envelopes and pictures without knowing if i will even get anything back so its worth it to buy them sometimes

[capmonte]

I have no problem with this, either. If a star wants to charge, that's his/her perogative. The fan can decide if it's worth it. The most I've spent is $25 (off of Gil Gerard's website), and since he was one of my childhood heroes, I felt it was worth every penny. I've also bought autographs from Julie Adams, Dick Miller, Jeremy Bulloch, Felix Silla, Audrey Dalton (hopefully on the way), Jane Seymour (charity), Tippi Hedren (charity), Lee Meriwether (charity), and William Shatner, and just sent some $$ to Raquel Welch (and that's not even talking about IP's at conventions!). Thrilled with all of them.