Having Carts Signed

[Tempest]

Since I plan to attend the CGE this year I was thinking about bringing a bunch of my carts to get the programmer's signiture. This really isn't a concern when it's your common Pac-Man cart, but what about UR games like Quadrun?

 

Do you think getting the programmer's signiture on the game's label would ruin the value of the game? I would think it would actually make it go up, but then again I would be defacing a mint condition Quadrun cart (or even a few prototypes).

 

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not one of those people who collect for an investment (your in the wrong hobby if your are), but I don't want to go messing up a mint game and having everyone go "you did what to your Quadrun cart?". I guess it's all up to me since it's my game and it's probably going to stay in my collection anyway.

 

Since I'm squeemish about ruining the labels, I was thinking about putting a sticker on the back of the cart and having the programmer sign it there. Do you think that's a good idea or would you just have it signed on the front?

 

Just curious as to what everyone's opinion is on this.

 

Tempest

[Guest]

I think it depends ultimately on why you are getting it signed. If it's for you, have them write directly on the cart. My most prized Atari items are my autographed games and such, and I absolutely had them sign directly on the cart/box/whatever. I don't care if it 'devalues' it to someone else, these are for me.

 

If your games are an investment, then you are investing in the wrong place. There are much more lucrative ways to invest your money. Video games, and collecting them, should be all about fun. Do whatever makes you happy, and you'll enjoy your collection that much more.

[Joel D. Park]

Your Thinking of WHAT with your Quadrun Cart.

 

 

With something as rare as Quadrun, I would probably get some kind of a mailing label or something and stick it to the back of the cart and let him sign it, then it could always be removed. But most games I'd say go for it.

[Tempest]

So what's the best way to sign a silver label cart? I was thinking of a really thin paint marker or something similar.

 

What about those black labeled prototypes? Once again, I was thinking abouta silver paint marker (very thin).

 

Tempest

[Joel D. Park]

Oh, thats crazy talk... Prototypes now..

 

Use invisible ink..

[Guest]

Myself, I like to get the box signed, haven't actually had many cartridges signed. Signed boxes make for a really nice display IMHO. And yes, if I had a Quadrun box I would definitely get it signed.

 

I used a Sanford Uni-Gel blue or black pen for most boxes, and for black boxes such as Sears, I used a white Pentel Milky Gel Roller. They flow well but don't blot like a marker or felt tip.

[Tempest]

I wish I had a Quadrun box, I do have the manual...

 

I think I'll just put a sticker on the back and have them sign it there. That way I don't have to worry about the label getting ruined (what if the pen ran or the label ripped somehow?) and I can always flip it over and see the signiture.

 

I'll probably get the manual signed as well. The Activision guys put their signitures in the manuals, it just makes sense...

 

I will get the prototypes signed. The lab labels are just plain ugly, I might as well make it look nice. too bad I can't have them sign my EPROM only proto's. I'd love to get HSW's signiture on my Saboteur proto.

 

Tempest

[jahfish]

if i would be you, i'd leave quadrun at home, and get 10 pac-mans signed. keep one for you and trade the other nine for some nice items.

 

i am sure you'll get a uncommon/rare game worth 10-15$ for a signed pacman ... but don't expect "holy grail prices"

 

for example, i bought all 20 atariforce comix + a special edtition autographed by the inker.

got it for 30$ all complete, the professional comic seller said it's so expensive because of the signed book. i had to laugh because i had seen previously the AF #1 alone for 18$ at ebay once ...

 

on the other side, for the picture i prepared for that signed star wars contest (see homepage) has allready costed me more than 40$ of investments

 

so the most important for any of these carts, signed or not, is ....

 

OUR ATARIMANIA MUST SURVIVE !!!

[Tempest]

Getting my carts signed is just an added bonus for me. I really just want to meet these programmers and tell them that I enjoy their game. I also want to get some info on some of my prototypes, I want to know what they were thinking when they made changes in the gameplay or why certain things were left out. Plus I just love hearing them say "OMG, where the hell did you find that?"

 

Tempest

[Joel D. Park]

Thanks Tempest. For not getting your Quadrun label signed.

 

I appreciate it

[Tempest]

BTW, here's the Quadrun cart in question: http://www.msu.edu/user/reicher6/quadrun.jpg

Tempest