Each person's signature is as unique as a snowflake. This partly explains why autograph collectors feel so passionate about their treasures.

Autograph collecting is an inexpensive, exciting hobby that is accessible to nearly everyone, but beginners should keep a few basic guidelines in mind:

• Novices can start their collections by attending events that are specifically designed for autograph seekers, such as book-signings and fan conventions. Acquiring autographs in person ensures authenticity and establishes what experts call the provenance, or origin, of the signed item.
• Glossy photographs and magazine covers should be autographed with a fine point permanent marker, such as the Sharpie brand. The signature should be written in the lighter areas of the image, preferably in blue or black ink. Baseballs should be signed with a ballpoint pen to prevent the ink from eventually fading or splintering.
• Having a celebrity inscribe an autograph (for example, "To Sue") may enhance the sentimental value, but it almost always decreases the potential resale value. Most autograph dealers prefer signed items that are not personalized in this way.
• The Mecca for autograph collectors who are also country music enthusiasts is the annual Fan Fair in Nashville, Tenn. The Country Music Association's Fan Fair features dozens of free autograph booths where fans can get signatures. Next year, the event will be renamed the CMA Music Festival, and it will take place June 10-13.
• Cinema buffs enjoy the Hollywood Collectors Show, which will take place four times in 2004 at Beverly Garland's Holiday Inn in North Hollywood, Calif. These shows typically include at least 100 television and film stars, all of whom charge fees for their autographs.
• Purchasing autographed items online is a very risky practice that beginners should avoid because forgeries are extremely common. "I always advise new collectors to not buy anything on the Internet because 85 percent of what you see online is bogus stuff," says Al Wittnebert, the treasurer of the Universal Autograph Collectors Club (UACC).
• If Web surfers cannot resist the temptation of buying online, they should consider sticking with UACC Registered Dealers. The UACC has a strict code of ethics, and its elite community of Registered Dealers is closely regulated by experts in the field. The UACC strongly recommends that dealers provide a signed receipt-rather than a certificate of authenticity-for every purchase.
• One new online company, Autographedtoyou.com, sells personalized, autographed photos at reasonable prices. The buyer selects the celebrity, the image, and one of several inscriptions. The company offers uniquely inscribed photos from rock guitarist Pat Travers ($15), actress Donna Mills ($30), and race-car driver Rusty Wallace ($45).

Wittnebert says, "I never encourage people to collect for monetary reasons because the market is very volatile. I tell people to collect what they like because then they'll never be disappointed."