Fanmail.biz

Am I missing something?
Why are these preprinted pictures that are created and designed for the studio to send to fans, lauded as "a great success" and congratulations heaped upon the recipient of the picture?

The recipient didnt go to any great lengths to get the picture.
They didnt stand in line to meet the celebrity or were lucky enough for a chance encounter with the celebrity.
They didnt jump through hoops and wow the celebrity into sending an autograph.

In fact, some guy in an office, gets the email, copies the address, goes into a stock room, pulls the proper picture, puts it in an envelope and sends it back.

A "great success"?

Some people appreciate preprinted autographs just as much as regular ones. They feel that even though the celebrity didn't take the time to sit down and sign a photo personally, it is still an exact copy of the celebrity's autograph. There is absolutely nothing wrong with feeling this way; it's a personal choice.

Then, there are the people who acknowledge that the autographs are fake, but still decide to keep them, just not appreciating them as much as personally signed autographs.

Then, there are the people (such as yourself, I take it) who don't like preprinted autographs at all; they feel that they are fake and not personal at all, and either don't like them or don't even keep them.

All three of these opinions are perfectly valid. Even if all a person does is send an email to a company who sends them a preprinted autograph, congratulating them is a curteous thing to do and is appreciated by the recipient of the autograph.

Plus, not everyone is lucky enough to meet celebrities in person; that is a huge privilege.

So I would ask that you not criticize anyone for feeling how they do about preprinted autographs. However, in no way am I saying you shouldn't have your own opinions.


Joey

I get happy even if its a pre-print. I get soo excited . Cuz I keep saying everyday its not here yet. How long is this going to take?? But when the pic comes I c that it was worth it. Even though its not real. But Half of my pics are real

Hi peskyspole

I understand that not everyone sees Studio Fan Mail / Celebrity Merchandise as "a great success," but you have to see the reasons why people decide to collect these in the first place.

Some people don't have the means/time/opportunity to meet the celebrity or "wow" the celebrity to get an autograph.

Some people don't mind receiving pre-prints or Autopenned photos, especially collectors who are just starting out or don't have the resources to send out letters and SASE's to celebrities. Remember, these services are free for us as the celebrity will cover the costs.

Some celebrities rarely sign TTM, and choose to send out pre-prints or Autopenned signatures. This may be one of the only ways a fan can receive an autograph, even though it isn't real.

Sometimes, it's just interesting to receive a photo in the mail instead of the usual bills/junk mail etc.

peskyspole, you may have certain opinions relating to collecting pre-printed or Autopenned photos from Studio Fan Mail / Celebrity Merchandise. Other people may share that same view. However, I am not here to critisise. You should see this argument from both sides and respect those who choose not to follow your opinion.

nowandagain [rockon]

Hi peskyspole, and welcome to Fanmail.biz

Well, you have certainly caused "discussion" with your first posting

I don't want to repeat what has been written above suffice to say I am in total agreement with what our other members have said.

It really is horses for courses. There are many collectors who concentrate solely on collecting SFM prints and preprints. When they receive a success - then that is exactly what it is, a success.

I am sure you will appreciate that because of the international nature of this website, it would be very unlikely (although not impossible) for some members to meet up with certain celebrities face-to-face.

Indeed the vast majority of preprints which are available via SFM are of celebrities who never (of very rarely) sign authentically. In which case again, to get a preprint of them is a pretty good success!

The final thing I will add, is that many of our members are youngsters (13 upwards) who receive a great deal of enjoyment and pride in receiving their first autographed pictures even if they are preprints. SFM provides a FREE access point for new members to begin their collections. Most youngsters do not have the money to be able to send out lots of letters and SASEs, but this method brings young blood into the hobby.

Perhaps you would like to share some of your own successes with the other members of the forum, rather than simply attempting to devalue the views of those who have taken the time to post here.

Ian

All,


Thank you very much for your reply and insight on this topic.
I guess I was very narrowly looking at SFM as something designed to happen (meaning people are supposed to recieve a PP pic) rather then something people enjoy and look forward to.

I apologize to any who thought I was devaluing this process and I now understand why this means something special to people.
I can see how that envelope buried in the bills, can be highlight of a day.

Thank you for your well thought out and un-hostile replies to the new guy.

Hi peskypole

No problem

We are a pretty friendly bunch really!!! We just tend to stand up for our fellow posters - whom I hope you will quickly become one!

Have fun on the forum {thumb2}

Ian

Hey peskyspole,

It's no problem Welcome to the forums.


Joey

Some people just wait for an autograph a it makes their day so much better when they open the mail box and their is a picture of their favorite celebrity.

I just became a new member yesterday and was thinking the same thing but didn't want to post that question in fear of causing a riot. I've been collecting for 25 years and the only thing good about preprints, autopens and secretarials is using them to start a fire on a cold winter night.