Signed and dined
Ever since I signed my first autograph for someone, I've never asked to receive one. Actually, that's not true. I have requested autographs since, but I haven't kept one (and I also haven't paid for my brother's birthday present in 9 years).
I'm really not interested in them, and for this I blame the people who've sought my signature. You've destroyed the whole autograph mystique for me. When I'm signing a picture for someone (or a postcard, which is what the station now has us sign because they cost less than glossy 8X10's), I'm thinking to myself: "Who in their right mind wants MY signed photo?"
So I figure, if I'm thinking that when I sign something, then someone else must be thinking the same thing when I ask for their signature. Certainly there are exceptions- some people act like they're giving up a kidney when they sign for you- but overall, I gotta think this feeling is pretty universal.
I couldn't even imagine if I got paid for my signature. The same action that authorizes the release of my medical records, is also a paid service???? I've paid for one autograph in my life- a Don Mattingly signed baseball back in 1992, and that was only because I was 14 and already had every card from the '92 Topps set. Since then, I've spent my money on things like college loans and heat.
Yet, the sports memorabilia industry endures. I recently attended the biggest sports memorabilia show in the country, and came away shocked that 14-year old me had so much in common with today's grown men.