Tag: Jim Whiting

With Further Ado #044: Just Sign Here

With Further Ado #044: Just Sign Here

Although I love getting them, I’m not really sure why autographs are such a big deal. Oh, I understand the economic concept that autographed comics are more valuable and can be sold at a premium. But why do we seek out authors or artists to sign printed copies of their works? Is it for the brief creator interaction? Is it a type of memento or a badge? Is it a way to make a particular copy of a thing a little more special?

I seem to recall a story from 80s about that old country star Kenny Rogers. He never signed autographs. Instead, Rogers would pause to engage in an authentic conversation with a fan.  Sounds like a good idea, right? In today’s world, of “if there’s no selfie it didn’t happen”, I’m not sure that would cut it. Autographs provide that proof, more or less.  Continue reading “With Further Ado #044: Just Sign Here”

With Further Ado #044: Treasures… from a Used Book Sale

With Further Ado #044: Treasures… from a Used Book Sale

In Ithaca NY, there’s a “famous” twice-a-year used book sale. The Friends of Thompkins Library convince local book lovers to donate about a zillion books and then sell them to other book lovers for peanuts.  This generates revenues for the library because there’s an incredible volume of books, magazines, comics and calendars that change hands.  A guy like me, who loves old mysteries, men’s adventure paperbacks and comic-related books can always stumble across treasures at this sale for just a buck or two.

They are always treasures to be found in “them thar hills”.  Continue reading “With Further Ado #044: Treasures… from a Used Book Sale”