But Gannon and other players said this week that the thrill is diminished by profiteering autograph collectors who sell players' signatures on Internet auction sites. It's more to make a buck. When you see people have like eight pictures of you, obviously they're going to sell them. The Internet is where autograph sharks turn these days because it's not easy to sell autographs to store dealers. Representatives of three local sports memorabilia stores contacted by the Star-Bulletin made it clear they won't buy autographed items brought in by people they don't know.
Authentication is critical.
Paula Nakata of Paula's Sports Cards Etc. said she only buys from major memorabilia manufacturers such as Skybox, Fleer, Upper Deck, Topps and Playoff. NFL players said they don't like being exploited by the profiteering autograph seekers. But what especially irks them is the fact that children are often being paid to front for adults. I've met people who've done it. I don't know how many are doing it.