When I was a teenager, I sometimes liked to get autographs from bands after the show. I don’t know where any of those signed ticket stubs and sharpied napkins are now but it seemed important at the time. I never got a professional athlete’s autograph so maybe that’s why it surprised me to read that Michael Vick will be selling his signature at a VA bookstore this weekend. At $30 a pop, I assume Vick will make a hefty profit off this – even if he writes reeeeeally slooooowly.
The manager of the bookstore “said the current Philadelphia Eagle will be donating ‘a portion of the proceeds’ to a local charity”, adding that he hopes that local charity will be an animal shelter.
So how much would you be willing to pay for Michael Vick’s autograph, knowing that a portion of your money might be going to a local animal shelter? I’d rather spend my time and money at the local animal shelter directly, so I know for sure what’s happening with my cash. Plus the pets at my local shelter let me walk right up and fawn all over them anytime I like – for free.
When not only the beneficiary of the donation, but the signer’s affiliation is apparently in doubt? Perhaps we could interest you in some mortgage-backed securities.
Charging for an autograph is pretty standard for sports figures and celebrities – but I wouldn’t give one penny to Michael Vick. I don’t support scum.
Even if Vick offered to pay me for his crappy signature, I’d say no thanks.