Inquiries About Autographs

The short answer: I don’t give autographs. Sorry. No exceptions.

Explanation:

Because of the international press coverage of the :-) invention, I have been receiving a steady trickle of requests for my autograph – or more commonly, for an autographed photo. Most of these requests come from Europe, and it’s a hassle to print these things out, sign then, and then mail them back with the correct foreign postage. In a number of cases, I have later found these autographs and photos being sold on E-bay. Apparently my autograph is worth $35 or more to certain collectors. That is flattering, but also annoying. To be honest, I think autograph collection is a silly hobby and a big waste of time for all concerned.

In recent months, probably due to increased press interest in the :-), the trickle of requests has become a stream. If trends continue, it could become a flood. Some of the people making these requests are quite persistent.

This has become a distraction, taking time away from my research, so I have adopted a new policy: I don’t give autographs. No exceptions – not even if it’s for some charity or good cause, not even if you make it relatively easy for me, and especially not if you just send me a request by physical mail with no Email address included. I’m sorry if you are a legitimate collector and a huge fan of the smiley, you run an autograph museum, or you are doing this for starving orphans, but I have no way to verify this and I just don’t want to spend the time any more. Future requests will be ignored or, at best, will be answered with a terse (Email) note pointing you to this web page.

-- Scott Fahlman