Sports Autographs Ain't What They Used to Be

Newspapers across the country are fading away and hurting for cash as the world's journalism landscape changes to an online model that has yet to be defined--or adequately monetized to keep many traditional outlets in business.

Perhaps, then, the Nashville Tennesseean is looking to find a sympathetic shoulder.

The paper delved into the sports autograph industry with this feature story that seemed to paint a rather dismal picture of the hobby. Many of the points are valid. Fewer shows. Fewer shops. Wealthy athletes not interested in appearing anymore or charging outrageous fees.

However, no real mention is made of the ongoing recession that's left nearly 1/10th of eligible Americans out of work at times. We do, however, get the usual suspects--eBay, Operation Bullpen and the kids who'd rather be playing video games than collecting autographs.

And we also learn that there is apparently a huge seller's market for Chris Johnson autographs...according to Chris Johnson.