irock wrote:

stillluckyas13canbe wrote:

Dragon Lady wrote:It's a shame that people do not understand how rude it is to ask an address saying "I'm a big fan! Where to write?" while most people make an effort to find an address. I do not post much but I read a lot here and see how they react when you talk to them about research, it's very stupid. And I'm sure that when an artist receives certain types of cards he thinks: "Here we go ..." ehehehe

Couldn't have put it better myself. I've just got a PM from a member, telling me not to post on any of their posts. The same member had a massive argument previously trying to claim a non authentic autograph was real, and then realised those with experience do know a lot. Now, however, I am apparently not allowed to comment on their posts. Call me crazy, but if someone posts something fake, or indescribably stupid, then a comment will be made if not by me by one of the other regular posters. Offering advice is great, but it tends to have to be good advice.

I have first hand experience of some celebs who have spoken to me at length about fanmail requests, and their first comment is the blatant ones who just want an autograph and they can tell. Some reply once to each person, but when they write again will blank it. Some just don't bother responding and some are just nice and do it every time. The key fact is, they can tell the fans and/or those writing for a reason, and it doesn't take a gushing six page letter decorated with hearts to do that. It does take a bit more than quoted here though.

this was a friggin note! you add on for eg what i do is I write something simple first on a scrap bit of paper then i add on other bits and more and more.

If I wanted a **** in my life I would of bought a dog so clear off

stillluckyas13canbe wrote:

Dragon Lady wrote:It's a shame that people do not understand how rude it is to ask an address saying "I'm a big fan! Where to write?" while most people make an effort to find an address. I do not post much but I read a lot here and see how they react when you talk to them about research, it's very stupid. And I'm sure that when an artist receives certain types of cards he thinks: "Here we go ..." ehehehe

Couldn't have put it better myself. I've just got a PM from a member, telling me not to post on any of their posts. The same member had a massive argument previously trying to claim a non authentic autograph was real, and then realised those with experience do know a lot. Now, however, I am apparently not allowed to comment on their posts. Call me crazy, but if someone posts something fake, or indescribably stupid, then a comment will be made if not by me by one of the other regular posters. Offering advice is great, but it tends to have to be good advice.

I have first hand experience of some celebs who have spoken to me at length about fanmail requests, and their first comment is the blatant ones who just want an autograph and they can tell. Some reply once to each person, but when they write again will blank it. Some just don't bother responding and some are just nice and do it every time. The key fact is, they can tell the fans and/or those writing for a reason, and it doesn't take a gushing six page letter decorated with hearts to do that. It does take a bit more than quoted here though.

Dragon Lady wrote:It's a shame that people do not understand how rude it is to ask an address saying "I'm a big fan! Where to write?" while most people make an effort to find an address. I do not post much but I read a lot here and see how they react when you talk to them about research, it's very stupid. And I'm sure that when an artist receives certain types of cards he thinks: "Here we go ..." ehehehe

Dragon Lady wrote:

stillluckyas13canbe wrote:

Dragon Lady wrote:I guess some people don't know but Ian Mckellen once said: "I tend to discourage people from calling me “Sir Ian,” because I don’t like being separated out from the rest of the population. Of course, it can be useful if you’re writing an official letter, like trying to get a visa or something passed through Parliament. They’re impressed by these things."

Link here: http://www.vanityfair.com/online/oscars ... ddle-earth

So please, if you want to send a letter to someone, send it because you really like him, not just to get an autograph. It will be much easier to write a letter But if you really want to do this at least do a research before. I don't want to be disrespectful to anyone here but this is my opinion.

Totally good shout, some don't like it being used, but I'll say this (Sir) Ian has never baulked at signing for me either TTM or IP and I always call him that. Most who have accepted a title, will expect to have it used, and am I not one for calling (to use the same example) him Mr McKellen rather than Sir Ian. It's the writing of the full name at the top of a fanmail letter that I think is more amusing normally, you've put their name on the envelope, there's no need to write it again inside. Research is always important, as is writing to people you like, if that's what you're using collecting for. I honestly don't have time to research the amount of people I write to... with 2000+ letters going out a year, it's too hectic to find time to them and then process what is coming back in without doing that level of research.

Ian is just so awesome that he even care about it if you send a letter with respect and affection. Regarding research is because sometimes I see something here on the forum that a simple search would solve and that is what bothers me more, which is definitely not your case

stillluckyas13canbe wrote:

Dragon Lady wrote:I guess some people don't know but Ian Mckellen once said: "I tend to discourage people from calling me “Sir Ian,” because I don’t like being separated out from the rest of the population. Of course, it can be useful if you’re writing an official letter, like trying to get a visa or something passed through Parliament. They’re impressed by these things."

Link here: http://www.vanityfair.com/online/oscars ... ddle-earth

So please, if you want to send a letter to someone, send it because you really like him, not just to get an autograph. It will be much easier to write a letter But if you really want to do this at least do a research before. I don't want to be disrespectful to anyone here but this is my opinion.

Totally good shout, some don't like it being used, but I'll say this (Sir) Ian has never baulked at signing for me either TTM or IP and I always call him that. Most who have accepted a title, will expect to have it used, and am I not one for calling (to use the same example) him Mr McKellen rather than Sir Ian. It's the writing of the full name at the top of a fanmail letter that I think is more amusing normally, you've put their name on the envelope, there's no need to write it again inside. Research is always important, as is writing to people you like, if that's what you're using collecting for. I honestly don't have time to research the amount of people I write to... with 2000+ letters going out a year, it's too hectic to find time to them and then process what is coming back in without doing that level of research.

Dragon Lady wrote:I guess some people don't know but Ian Mckellen once said: "I tend to discourage people from calling me “Sir Ian,” because I don’t like being separated out from the rest of the population. Of course, it can be useful if you’re writing an official letter, like trying to get a visa or something passed through Parliament. They’re impressed by these things."

Link here: http://www.vanityfair.com/online/oscars ... ddle-earth

So please, if you want to send a letter to someone, send it because you really like him, not just to get an autograph. It will be much easier to write a letter But if you really want to do this at least do a research before. I don't want to be disrespectful to anyone here but this is my opinion.

irock wrote:Tips...

1) Be formal don't start the letter saying something like "to Dave you are awesome man" No you want to be formal "To Sir/Mr David Tennant"

2) Try and keep it less then 1 A4 full of writing.

3) Never say anything strange on the letter like "OMG I FREAKING LUV U" If you want to say you like there work say something like "I have followed your acting/singing work for years"

4) For authors... Don't say anything like "I have wrote a short story you could use for the next book" They could get offended and take it the wrong way.


Anyway here is an example for asking for an autograph...


Dear Sir_________

My name is ________ and I live in _________, I love your acting work and I have been following it since ______ when I first saw you in ______ Which was great, I love how your portrayed _________ in it. I can't wait until ______ I know it will be amazing with you in.


Anyway I was wondering could you please maybe sign me an autograph? and send it back in the SASE I sent? I would be greatly honored.


Kind Regards
_________

That is just a short example you could make it bigger.

andi0317 wrote:Hi,

I've got a problem for years now. I live in Europe in a small country. And there are some celebs (singer, actor, and so on...) who I wanna write to. I can find so many addresses here too where I can ask for an autograph.
But where should I write if I want to be sure that the famous person I want to write to a letter really gets it. You know what I mean. Not her/his assistant, not anybody else, but the celebrity her/himself really gets my letter and maybe (oh, I know, it's just a big dream) answers too.

So what do you think? Where should I write to them? Maybe to the same address where we write to ask for autographs?
Any idea?

I have no idea how these things work. All I know is that some stars don't sign those cards oneself.
But I have no idea what's with the real fan letters.
I'm reall, really thankful for your help!!!