Collecting TV, Movie, Sports or Celebrity memorabilia isn't as straight forward as you may be led to believe.  There are five main categories ~ Still pictures, Autographs (including on still pictures), Scripts, Collectables and Movies/Videos.

In all categories, except movies or videos, beware of re-prints and fakes!  If at all possible one of the celebrities' autographs that you know to be true.  Compare, compare, compare it to anything that says "Autographed...".  Also look for a COA or Certificate of Authenticity.  These can only be issued if the autograph is known to be true and exact, even if it's a reprint.

If you're collecting for the monetary value of the item, re-prints are worth far less than the original photo or poster.  For your personal collection, it will be up to you.

Anything that is an original, try to get the negative or glass plate from which the print was made.  This will ensure you have the one and only, the genuine article.  Original autographs on pictures and posters can be spotted by angling the picture or poster in the light.  If the light spreads evenly over the surface, blocking out the autograph, then it's almost assured you own a re-print.  Original autographs on photos and posters will not reflect the light in the same exact way the surface of the item does.  Remember, original autographs on these items disrupt the glossy finish of the photo/poster and will show up dull in the light.  If signed in ballpoint pen, look carefully on the reverse for any impressions the celebrity may have made when pressing down on the ballpoint pen while signing.  Signatures in marker, will just appear more dull than the surrounding photo/poster surface.

If you have an original photo or original photo w/autograph, and are not planning on selling it, get it framed pronto!  In the mean time, keep it in the shipping envelope and away from heat sources like heating ducts, heaters, etc.  Also, keep it in a semi-dry environment.  Placing the entire envelope in a zip-loc style plastic bag will help in the short run.  Remember, plastic is porous!  When  you fram it, use only UV protected glass instead of plain old flat glass.  This will keep your item from fading and warping.

Movies/Videos ~ If you purchased a hard to find film, get it put on a DVD as soon as possible.  Then seal the tape in double plastic, store flat, not on edge.  Storing on edge causes the surface of the film or tape to rub.  The mere action of walking across your floor will cause minute vibrations that will cause the film/tape to rub if stored on edge.  Storing flat, stands film/on its edge.  Make sure you have rewound it tightly!  Check for tightness at least once a month.  If the film/tape gets loose, fast forward to the end, then rewind back to the beginning.  This will re-tighten the film/tape on the spool.

By playing a film/tape over and over causes minute particles to slough off, thereby degrading the picture quality.  That's why it's best to make a Master DVD of your taped film, then burn DVD copies in your computer or burner device as needed.  We all scratch DVDs and CDs, it's part of the beast in using them.  At least you have a master DVD/CD that is not used on a regular basis from which to make new copies as needed.

REMINDER ~ DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE SELL OR DISTRIBUTE DVD COPIES OF ANY FILM/TAPE YOU OWN.  THE ONLY EXCEPTION IS WHEN THE FILM HAS BEEN PLACED IN "PUBLIC DOMAIN" OR IN MORATORIUM.  IT IS UP TO YOU TO MAKE ABSOLUTELY SURE OF THIS STATUS.

Miscellaneous memorabilia ~ If possible make sure the original packaging comes with your purchase.  Keep the original packaging, even if you want to take out your item for display.  DON'T throw the packaging away.  In some cases having the original packaging can drive the value of the item up by 80% or better!  Just remember to keep your item out of direct sunlight, especially the older it is, as items weren't covered with chemical protective coatings the way they are today.  Make sure you keep track of any small parts.

Scripts and Autographed Cards ~ Handle them with extreme care.  Especially scripts, as they were most probably handled by the actors and set personnel thousands of times already.  The more you handle a printed page, the more ink layers you remove from the letters, even on laser copies!  It's still ink, and your fingers are oily and rough, which act like oiled sandpaper against the ink and paper.  Buy a pair of white cotton gloves, those kind the military, police and fire departments wear with their dress uniforms.  They are available at most uniform and surplus stores.  Wear them when handling documents, photographs and especially film.  You sports and card collectors, the same goes for those collectors' cards as well.  The plastic sleeves they sell in most office supply stores and department stores like K-Mart and Wal-Mart are essential in keeping collectors cards, photographs, autographs and documents.  They come in a wide array of measurements and are three-hole punched.  They are three-hole punched for a reason... buy a sturdy binder to store them in, a zippered one is the best kind, as it keeps out dust particles.  Store binders either flat or standing.  However, don't set heavy things on a binder that's stored flat... that's just common sense.

Know your vendor, and if possible, work with the same vendors consistently.  You know the quality of the product and by giving them your repeat business and excellent feedback ratings, you may even get a discount or freebie in your package from time to time.  Always be pleasant with your vendors and know what you're buying before you bid, please.  Know that it's a reproduction or re-print so you don't get it in the mail and it's not an original as you may have assumed.  Read the seller's description thoroughly, read their feedback ratings, and above all, contact the seller with questions you may have before you bid!

Following these guidelines will give you plenty of happy years collecting celebrity memorabilia!

Happy bidding and good luck!