JSA Story on Autographalert.com

[David Atkatz]

Wow! Responding to a month-old post! Ya just wake up?
It's only a riddle to an extremely tiny mind.

[slidekellyslide]

Originally Posted by David Atkatz

Wow! Responding to a month-old post! Ya just wake up?
It's only a riddle to an extremely tiny mind.

To be fair, this thread was dredged up earlier today by a new member.

[danc]

typical and expected response

DanC

[sports-rings]

Leon,

I thought the policy of placing one's name was optional unless your post consisted of controversial or critical comments?

Anyway, as you requested, I added my name.

[Mr. Zipper]

Hi

I am really late to this conversation, but wanted to add a few thoughts that haven't been covered elsewhere.

* In my view, an authenticator needs to look at the whole picture, and a big part of the picture is provenance. If an item appears to have originated from a known source of forgeries -- no matter how "good" the autograph looks -- the provenance should weigh heavily on the findings. If The Marino family was submitting items, would anyone want PSA or JSA ignoring that fact when evaluating?

Also, some items JSA reviewed had hologram stickers peeled off. Is it possible they took note of that fact and that also weighed on the evaluation? Why would an authentic item be altered?

I think JSA probably should have returned a "no decision" rather than a rejection. But, autographs are not like people. I'd rather see a good autograph condemned than let 10 fakes walk free.

JSA and PSA are far from perfect, but they are still right probably 90% - 95% of the time. Compare that to the track record of their critics.


* Regarding the comments that authenticators are not necessary and all collectors have to do is educate themselves...

This viewpoint is somewhat ego-centric and ignores the eality of the modern market.

Not all of us have been collecting for 40 years. We all haven't had the opportunity or access to amass a collection of in-person signatures to study.

What if my wife wants to buy me a signed photo for my birthday? Should she study for years prior to making the purchase?

In a perfect world we wouldn't need PSA, JSA or Richard Simon... but the world is far from perfect. These services are popular because they are obviously serving a need.

Steve Zarelli

[David Atkatz]

Originally Posted by Mr. Zipper

What if my wife wants to buy me a signed photo for my birthday? Should she study for years prior to making the purchase?

No. She should buy from a reputable dealer, one who has "studied for years," and who fully guarantees his wares.

No third party required.

[David Atkatz]

Originally Posted by Mr. Zipper

JSA and PSA are far from perfect, but they are still right probably 90% - 95% of the time. Compare that to the track record of their critics.

Upon what data do you base the above? How many PSA/JSA authenticated items were looked at? What method was used to determine whether their determination was correct?

Or did you just make it up?

[Mr. Zipper]

Originally Posted by David Atkatz

Upon what data do you base the above? How many PSA/JSA authenticated items were looked at? What method was used to determine whether their determination was correct?

Or did you just make it up?

You strike me as someone who always needs to get the last word and picks everything apart, so I'll just amend my comment to:

JSA and PSA are far from perfect, but they are still right the vast majority of the time. Compare that to the track record of their critics.

And I'll leave it at that.

Steve Zarelli