rebuilding my collection, lost in fire - I have 2 questions

[klutch130]

Hi, I'm new to the site. I decided to join because everyone seems so friendly and communicative.
I had a small collection from when I was a kid, but it was lost due to fire. I now have nothing.
It's been a long time since I've written to my favorite celebs for autographs and it seems that a lot has changed.

My first question is: Could someone explain the abbreviations? I know IP= in person and PP= pre-print. But I've seen some other one's that I have no clue what they are. Could someone list the ones used on this site and their meanings?

My second question is about the actual request letter. I see some people send those stamp coupon things. But I figure the celebs/agents have no time to go to the post office. So I will be sending SASE's.
Is it common courtesty to send a picture for them to sign? When I was a kid you could just send a request letter and a SASE and they would send you an autographed picture. I guess PP's and pictures that they pre-signed for their agent to send out to requests.
Basically, will I be find not sending a picture and just sending the request letter and a SASE?

Also, if anyone has any information or tips that they would like to give me I'd be very gracious.
I thank you ALL for your time and help. It is GREATLY appreciated.

[Katie23]

Hey, I'm kinda new to this so I might not be able to answer every question but I'll try.
Some of the abbreviations I've seen are:

SAE-Self-addressed envelope
SASE-Self-addressed stamped envelope
LOR-letter of request
IRC-International reply coupon

When I send my requests, I include a picture, just because I think it's neat to get the picture you sent signed. However, a lot of celebs do have headshots so you don't have to send a picture. What I do is look at recent responses from the celeb I plan to send to. If a majority of people say they got back a picture from the person, I don't bother sending a pic. However, if a majority of them say they got their picture back signed, then I will send a picture.

Also, I always put my own stamps on the envelope, however if you're sending overseas, it's best to buy an IRC or two. That way the person who's mailing it back can exchange the IRCs for the proper postage to send it back to you. But that's only for international mail you're sending.

Hope that helped! If you have any other questions that I didn't answer, ask them and maybe someone else can help better than I can!

[Mr Kennedy]

Check the sticky threads at the top of the forum, they'll tell you all you need to know.

As for the abbreviations, heres a loooooooooong list lol - http://www.fanmail.biz/mboard/viewtopic ... 117&t=4681

[tim timmah27]

Im sorry ur collection was lost in the fire, that stinks!

[celeb123]

Hey, I'm kinda new to this so I might not be able to answer every question but I'll try.
Some of the abbreviations I've seen are:

SAE-Self-addressed envelope
SASE-Self-addressed stamped envelope
LOR-letter of request
IRC-International reply coupon

When I send my requests, I include a picture, just because I think it's neat to get the picture you sent signed. However, a lot of celebs do have headshots so you don't have to send a picture. What I do is look at recent responses from the celeb I plan to send to. If a majority of people say they got back a picture from the person, I don't bother sending a pic. However, if a majority of them say they got their picture back signed, then I will send a picture.

Also, I always put my own stamps on the envelope, however if you're sending overseas, it's best to buy an IRC or two. That way the person who's mailing it back can exchange the IRCs for the proper postage to send it back to you. But that's only for international mail you're sending.

Hope that helped! If you have any other questions that I didn't answer, ask them and maybe someone else can help better than I can!

Here are some more abbreviations:
TTM: Through The Mail
AP: Auto-Pen

I am really sorry your collection was lost in a fire! That is so sad! I hope you rebuild it and it will flourish!

Best wishes,
celeb123

[reindeer] Happy Holidays! [reindeer]

[Melindabear2002]

As far as sending or not sending a photo, it depends on the person. For instance, I've never Mark Wahlberg send autos unless you send him something to sign, but other will send their own photo. You're best bet is to check on that certain person. Unless you're sending to set, or play, I always send my own photos when doing that.