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Hi, I was wondering if someone could help me, as I'm brand new to this board/website, and to the whole autograph collecting thing.

I've read through a few posts and have gained a lot of knowledge , but I still have a few questions.

I would like to know what you guys usually put in your letters; do you keep it short and to the point (ie. Hi my name is ... I would like an autograph) or do you write a bit (I know that it's good to keep it to a page or less). I'm having a bit of trouble writing my letters.

Also, I'm wondering about IRC's and SASE. I'm from Canada, and I was wondering what would be better to use. I Know SASE's are easier for the receiver to reply (but I'm not sure how much postage to put or if I can even get it) I'm mainly going to be sending letters to the USA.

Another thing is the size of the envelope; what's a good size to use? and what's better, to print a picture from home or to buy one? I was thinking about printing them from home. I was thinking about going to staples and buying some photo paper, and getting the pictures from either Google or Altavista (searching pictures that are large)

Thanks in advance to anyone who can help me out,

Michael

mpent wrote:Hi, I was wondering if someone could help me, as I'm brand new to this board/website, and to the whole autograph collecting thing.

First off, welcome and good luck collecting!!

mpent wrote:I would like to know what you guys usually put in your letters; do you keep it short and to the point (ie. Hi my name is ... I would like an autograph) or do you write a bit (I know that it's good to keep it to a page or less). I'm having a bit of trouble writing my letters.

Try writing about some of the movies or tv shows that they have stared in/songs and cd's they have created/books they have written. You can write about why you started watching/listening/reading and other personal details. My letters usually take up 3/4's of a page, typed. Once you start talking about different works, it becomes easier. You'll get the hang of it! {thumb2}

mpent wrote:Also, I'm wondering about IRC's and SASE. I'm from Canada, and I was wondering what would be better to use. I Know SASE's are easier for the receiver to reply (but I'm not sure how much postage to put or if I can even get it) I'm mainly going to be sending letters to the USA.

The easiest thing to do would be to find someone to trade stamps with (USA <-> Canadian). I read on this website, not to long ago, that someone had contacted a countries postal service and asked for them to mail them stamps if (s)he ordered them. I'm not sure if it was the United States Postal Service or not, though, but it's worth a shot!!

mpent wrote:Another thing is the size of the envelope; what's a good size to use? and what's better, to print a picture from home or to buy one? I was thinking about printing them from home. I was thinking about going to staples and buying some photo paper, and getting the pictures from either Google or Altavista (searching pictures that are large)

I use 9x12 inch envelopes for 8x10 inch pictures and 6x9 inch envelopes for 4x6 inch pictures. They work great. You can buy bulk boxes at places like Staples and Walmart/Sam's Club. As for printing pictures at home or getting them professionaly done: I find it easier to print mine, but I have a good printer that is just for high quality documents. Many people order their pictures from various websites, too; I'm not sure what the websites are, though. Sorry. Another good place to find high quality images is a celebrities fansite! They are easily found on google when you search the person's name and you can go into the fansite's gallery. Most will have tons of high quality pictures available.

I hope I helped you out a little bit! If you have any other questions, feel free to PM me!

mpent wrote:
I would like to know what you guys usually put in your letters; do you keep it short and to the point (ie. Hi my name is ... I would like an autograph) or do you write a bit (I know that it's good to keep it to a page or less). I'm having a bit of trouble writing my letters.

I typically try to keep it to a page (front and back). I write what I think of their work, what they've done that's inspired me. If it's a TV show, I'll tell them what storyline I liked the best.

Also, I'm wondering about IRC's and SASE. I'm from Canada, and I was wondering what would be better to use. I Know SASE's are easier for the receiver to reply (but I'm not sure how much postage to put or if I can even get it) I'm mainly going to be sending letters to the USA.

You're right. SASE's are easier, but IRCS are fine if you can't get U.S. stamps. However, I would check the feedback on here because some celebs will only respond to those who send SASE's.

Another thing is the size of the envelope; what's a good size to use? and what's better, to print a picture from home or to buy one? I was thinking about printing them from home. I was thinking about going to staples and buying some photo paper, and getting the pictures from either Google or Altavista (searching pictures that are large)

I usually print my photos at home with photo paper. What I do is I take a 10X13 envelope and stuff it with a 9X12 SASE. (the 9X12 fits perfectly inside and you don't have to fold it. Plus you can prestuff it with cardboard if you like - I just use file folders cut in half). I'm also sending off 6X9's because it is cheaper. It all depends on the size of photo you're sending. In my experience, most celebs send back an 8X10 if you don't provide them with something to sign.

I do get most of my photos from Google. I also search official websites for photos. I've also taken a few people's suggestions/ideas on here and started making my own custom autograph cards. So that's something you can do as well.

Hope that helps! Also, I do have some tips on my website: http://anniesautos.webs.com/ttmtips.htm if that helps. Good luck! {thumb2}

Thanks for all the info.

Just a few more things, if you dont mind answering; do you guys type or handwrite your letter (does it affect the outcome), and how long do you usually wait to send another letter to the same person.

Thanks again for all the help.

Can't wait to try this.

mpent wrote:Just a few more things, if you dont mind answering; do you guys type or handwrite your letter (does it affect the outcome), and how long do you usually wait to send another letter to the same person.

I type my letters because my handwriting isn't the easiest to read unless you are used to it. I haven't had a problem with autographs because I type my letters and I don't see why it would change the outcome. It's true, a handwritten letter may seem more personal, but it wouldn't do any good if the celebrity couldn't read your writing.

I don't send another request unless I haven't gotten anything back within a year. You have to patient with this hobby. It may take a while to get something back!! I've waited over two years for a Monique Coleman autograph...

I hope I helped you out.

Thank You for the aditional info.

Can't wait to start trying this, time to buy the envelopes etc.

Also congrats on you success with Monique Coleman.

mpent wrote:Thank You for the aditional info.

Can't wait to start trying this, time to buy the envelopes etc.

Also congrats on you success with Monique Coleman.

Good luck with your collecting!!

If you have any additional questions feel free to PM me.