Sorry it has taken me so long to get back to those who have kindly gave me pointers on this topic. ThanXs! I think--with your help--I'm developing a better strategy/ more serious approach to autograph collecting. {thumb2}

I'd say check feedback on here and other sites. If money is an issue, then don't write to anyone who sends autopens, preprints, or who doesn't answer back at all.

I guess it's all up to you. Me personally, I don't write to any of the A-list stars. You will rarely have any success, cause frankly they just receive too many requests. I would also never write to people that send out known autopen, secretarial or preprints. Imo it's just a waist of money.

As for your picture question, make sure your picture is HQ, which means a large file. Like 800x600 or even bigger. Anything smaller usually doesn't come out good when printed as an 8x10. I print my own pictures but in the past I used Walgreens, they are pretty cheap and their quality is better then lets say Walmart or Target.

Try writing to people of your favorite tv's show and movies from a few years back, chances are if they are no longer as hot as they used to be, they might have time to catch up on their fan mail. And for bigger stars try writing Via Venue, the chances of receiving something authentic back is usually higher.

There's this battle in me going on regarding who to send to first. My resources--especially money and the fact that I have no access to photos to send--are limited (notably around this [Christmas] time of year.) I reckon eventually I'll get around to sending off to them all. {{{Sigh}}}

Do I go with someone who I'm extremely interested in even if he or she is on the list of worst autograph signers and/ or has no feedback on this forum? ( Demi Moore or Bruce Willis, for example.)

Do I go with someone who's such a classic that I think that my collection rightfully should contain their autograph even if I'm not particularly interested in them? (For example, Bette Midler and Barbara Walters.)

Do I go with someone who I think is kind-o' like a novelty (like Dr. Ruth, Sylvia Browne, or David Blaine)?

This is perhaps my most burning question. Should I send to people who I know will send out autopens or preprints?

Hmm... a part of me wonders if I should just hold off until I get a decent printer that is capable of printing high quality photos to send. I've tried finding pics online and taking them to WalMart to be developed, but they turned out blurry and/ or blotchy.

I'm mostly just rambling, but any imput that you have would be apprieciated. Me thinks I'm thinking in circles! lol!