The Price of a Celebrity Autograph

The Price of a Celebrity Autograph

Last weekend I spent my time at the Horrorhound convention in Cincinnati. Horrorhoud has always been a great place for fans to get together and celebrate all things horror through celebrity interactions, panels, cosplay and vendor merchandise. There are also movie screenings, contests and just general horror goodness all around. But, sadly all good things must end and after the dust settles and fans go back home the outpouring of loving or hating parts of a con come out all over social media. I will be the first to admit I participate in these conversations whether it be good or bad. But, it appears that the one thing that is always a topic of contention with horror fans and even with people in general is celebrity autograph pricing. Attitudes on this subject range from "I would never pay for an autograph" to "How do I balance my con money when I want an autograph from everyone". I'll start off by saying I buy autographs and I have no shame in this nor do I think I am being scammed nor do I think it is ridiculous to pay for one, nor do I feel anyone should be made to feel guilty for purchasing one. Here's why I don't have an issue with it, because I pay for the experience not the autograph. 

Now, I know what people say "Your the fan they should give you the experience for free you shouldn't have to pay for them to sign their name on an item for you" or "These celebrities have tons of money why are they taking it from fans". This logic would be true if I am getting an autograph from an A-list, top tier actor, but I'm not. Acting is rarely a steady paying gig especially for horror actors. Some of these actors at cons are using this con experience to make some extra money in down times from acting or to help fund their next project. So, I am really not going to fault anyone for trying to make a little extra money, which I know that is something that people can't get past. The way I have always looked at purchasing an autograph is that I am not just paying them to put pen to paper I am standing in their line handing over my money because I am a fan first and I want to support them. I am a fangirl through and through and when I am a fan of you I support you whether it's buy your movie, book, merchandise, pledge on your Kickstarter, retweet, share your status on upcoming projects or even paying for an autograph. I also don't just pay for an autograph and walk away with just a signed picture or poster. I walk away with a solidified memory of the entire experience from the "hello" to the "good bye". 

Let's face facts I can barely remember the days of the week, but I can remember what John Landis said to me when he signed my American Werewolf in London dvd cover over 4 years ago. It's been 5 years later and I am still excited about the conversation I had with Greg Nicotero when he was signing my Grindhouse poster (which was before the Walking Dead hit). I remember meeting Danielle Harris at one con and 6 months later going to her table at a different con and her remembering me! I will never forget the Soska sisters yelling at me while I stood in their line waiting to get their autograph telling me how much they loved my American Mary cosplay and how Norman Reedus introduced himself to me as if I didn't already know who he was. I have so many amazing memories of my interactions with people I am fan of I could go on forever about them. 

It really all boils down to there is really no right or wrong answer when it comes to purchasing or not purchasing an autograph. It is really up to you the individual and how you choose to support that celebrity. I will tell you that I don't ever look at my Walking Dead poster and think this item has over $300 worth of signatures on it and think I shouldn't have had to pay for any of those. I look at it and I think of all the great interactions I have had with everyone who signed it and to me that is priceless.

Have a great con story? I would love to hear it! You can hit me up on twitter @horrorevilqueen or on my tumblr page