spence authentication knowledge or reputation

[mcgwirecom]

I soured toward a certain big name authenticator years ago when he started authenticating vitually every autograph known to man. At first he only authenticated some of the big names in baseball. I thought that was fine. But after being offered more money, suddenly he was an expert on every name in all sports. The turning point was when a friend sent in a basketball signed by about 15 players on the 2001 Arizona mens basketball team to be authenticated. SERIOUSLY??? you have expert knowledge and/or exemplars from the second string forward on the 2001 Arizona basketball team? I don't even believe you know his name!

[sflayank]

thats exactly right..if anything they should charge less for more expensive autographs because those are the ones they SHOULD be so familiar with they can identify immediately...ie..mantle williams dimaggio ruth etc
and the other point...there is no way spence or anyone else for that matter can authenticate joe jacksons autograph for example....until 15 years ago they all said it didnt exist...now there are 50 examples...what did they compare them to? how about bill burbach signature? whos that ? exactly? and yet he can authenticate it in 5 seconds...does he or anyone really know his signature by heart....experts become experts solely based on reputation and the publics willingness to accept that