Autograph Hunters - rant

[JanElliott]

Like me you must have seen signed photos of celebs for sale on e-bay. Yesterday evening had a taste of exactly how they get them. Took my DDs to Pride of Britain Awards to see the celebs come up the red carpet, who were all lovely and charming. But there was the pack of guys running up and down the line thrusting their photos/pens over the top of the crowd. They didn't care who they crushed. My DD had been desperate for a photo with Dougie from McFly who posed willingly, when we looked at it on the digicam some idiot's (she called him worse) piece of paper totally obscured her face. It got so bad when the Osbournes were in front of us that Sharon ended up shouting at them to move back from us. Some girls in the crowd had been at the Q Awards earlier in the day and said the same pack of guys had been there doing exactly the same. and they openly admitted that the signatures were bound for e-bay. End of rant

 

[KayleeUK]

Oh Jan that is not right

 

[mandymouse]

That's awful

 

[carolfoy]

Such a shame Jan, but did you enjoy yourselves apart from the autograph hunters?

 

[allie5]

This is a common problem these days. I used to go to a lot of film premiere's when I was younger (I studied film at college) and still go to the odd one.

These "Professional" autograph hunters are a blot on the landscape. Some stars are savvy and refuse to sign glossy 8x10's that are obviously e-bay bound, but a lot havent a clue and will just sign whatever is thrust at them. I think its time the PR people made the stars more aware of this so they could stick mainly to signing stuff for youngsters or personal items that would be difficult to sell on ebay.

 

[Minniespal]

That's outrageous

 

[JanElliott]

Thanks guys I'm glad it's not just me. It has put me off buying autographs from e-bay. Have done it in the past. I wont be so naive in the future when I read "obtained personally". If they had been fans and been pushing and shoving I could have understood it. That apart yes it was a good evening. Got lots of photos. My DDs have been scanning the image sites and we have been able to spot ourselves behind several celebs. Me, I'm with the Duchess of York

 

[wils]

What a 'mare - I'm glad you managed to have a good time inspite of the idiots

 

[Cyrano]

Hopefully stars will spot these parasites for what they really are
Hope your DD enjoyed meeting the stars in spite of this

Reid

 

[Miffy2003]

That sucks

 

[SammieG]

thats terrible!
Im so disappointed for your daughter.. thats horrid.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

[julieannbabe]

oh yes the autograph dealers they don't 'work' for a living - they go round steaking out premieres and hotels and even airports to get celebs.

It gets annoying because you are a genuine fan of somebody and there are dealers standing next to you wanting to get a signature to sell - how does the celeb know who is the fan and who is a dealer?

in the end, it is the fan that usually misses out.

there was a fake priscilla presley signature that went for £120 on ebay. I knew that it wasn't real as i was very lucky to meet her twice in person - so i got her signature. I e-mailed the seller and e-bay but i think that someone still bought it.

to be honest - unless someone is right in front of you and signs - i wouldn't advise to buy a signature from anywhere.

xjx