When I was a kid, I would wait, pen in hand, for my favorite athlete, musician, actor, etc. It was a way of making some type of connection with them that I could have as a keepsake of the moment. A way to make them seem real I suppose. I now have certain signed items that I have collected through the years, that on several fronts add value to them.
While in college playing football, I was amazed when little kids used to ask for mine. I would always oblige, but I also always felt unworthy of the adulation. I was after all, simply a student athlete. I didn't consider myself a celebrity in any sense. But I recognized that to a little kid, we were all larger than life heroes; and it was all about the experience for them.
When I started to gain popularity as an author, it began again. I can't tell you how many books I've signed at conventions, or actual book signings/readings. Several thousand at least. Usually someone wants me to write some dedication to a family member or friend, who shares in their appreciation of my work. It's actually quite common. I also see authors at various shows all of the time- who self published, haven't probably sold more than 100 books, who actually advertise "Signed Copies"; and people rush to get their autographed copy. Again, I think it's a way for people to feel connected. Not to mention that they think it somehow makes it more valuable. I was at a convention a few years ago, and this 30-something guy bought a book, and asked me to sign it, and declared, ''I have no idea who you are, but this might be valuable to someone I can sell it to later who reads your books." At least he was honest, if not misguided. I have also had people who have specifically asked me to sign a book without any dedication whatsoever; who plan on running out and selling it on eBay or something, and I have to chuckle." Let's see, dude. You just spent like 25 bucks on the book, and you'll sell it for what, 25.50?"
If I've signed 10,000 autographs, I have friends who through the years have signed 1,000 or 10,000X that number. I've seen firsthand how much that can wear someone down. But most of them accept it's part of the whole celebrity deal.
What happens with more frequency is that someone will want a signed book AND a selfie. Or sometimnes they just want a selfie with them holding the book. I'd actually rather just sign the damn thing if I'm honest. When you take a photo with someone, you have to "perform'' in a sense. You have to pose and smile, and I can't tell you how many times people really take advantage. "Oh, wait, my hair was down over my face, can we take another one?", Or "I don't like how I'm standing, can we do it again?" I once had a lady tell me my smile wasn't good enough, and we needed to take it over. They want you to put their arm around them, or vice-versa. Act like we're lomg lost cousins or something. The "Selfie" can be a pain in the ass.
Luckily for me, I only have to deal with that when I'm actually appearing somewhere. I'm hardly recognized outside of an acutal scheduled appearance. But, it's part of the job. It helps people stay connected to your work, and it sells books, supposedly. And I really am incredibly grateful that people appreciate the work, and want to meet me. I also really like meeting people at signings and conventions, because nearly all of them are into the same type of things that I write about. They are my people. We geek out on the same things. So it's cool for me to have a shared experience with them too. I love it when we talk about loving the same author, or movie, or book, or band or whatever.
But I have a whole new appreciation for those who stand under a much brighter light than I ever will. I have friends who actually worry about what they wear each day, because they may need to look good for some selfie. No thanks. I'd much rather sign a book any day of the week.