Is there a conflict of interests if one both sells and authenticates autographed material?
I am aware of and understand the perception and concern some have about those who sell and authenticate. Most of those concerned about this issue speak in generalities and do not really know the individuals involved. People should be aware that there is perception and then there is reality. There is a perception that if someone sells autographed material and also authenticates autographs, that there is an inherent conflict of interests – that by selling autographed material, it would affect their authentication opinions. But thats making an assumption that anyone who sells and authenticates is dishonest. If someone actually did that – allowed their authentication opinions to be influenced by their selling activities – word would get out and they would be branded as untrustworthy. They would not be around for long. This hobby is actually quite small, and people talk. The best asset anyone in this business can have is their reputation. You only get one, and once its gone, its gone foreve
