What do you always do ?

[Carol]

Hey guys !
I was writing some letters to send out ad I started to see some paterns. I mean, there are things in the letters that I always do exactly the same.. So I was wondering what you guys do all the time !

I, for example, always:

-> Say it would be an honor to have that person's autograph. Just so they know I won't be selling it or anything.
-> Start saying that I'm a fan, and it's true !
-> call celebrities by their last names (ex: Mr. Cruise)

It can also be something about the picture you send, if you send pictures that is. I always try to find pictures with white backgrounds. Since I print my own pictures, I think they look nice in white photo paper because it's like it's a professional card or something and you can't really see when the picture ends

I'm waiting to see your answers !

[Johnny's Fan]

I tend to have the same format as well

1) I always apologize for bothering them, and if they work for a charity or work a lot, I add that I know they're busy so I'm sorry for interrupting them

2) Then I say my name and how old I am, and if it's an older actor/actress, how much I love old films (which I do) and how much of an admirer I am of theirs

3) I always say something like "I was wondering if it is possible" and then say I would like a signed photograph and could it be dedicated (I like to think this helps if they couldn't tell already I was a true fan and wouldn't sell their autograph), and then I say how grateful/delighted I would be if it was possible.

4) Lastly, I always thank them for whatever they've given me, pleasure/enjoyment from watching them etc, and wish them well for the future.


I haven't actually sent any of my own pictures yet, but I have a few people who I am going to send pictures too. I think with more modern actors, I'll leave it to their discretion that if they see my entire letter is about them in a certain film, they might just *possibly* send me a picture from that film. With more classic actors, I don't know if their photograph collection is as large, so I tend to pick classic studio portraits, so they're usually black and white. I like having white on the picture as well, as I hope the actor will sign there. Having a white border is nice as well, although when I get them framed I can either use that as the mount or buy one.

[Lady_Sussudio]

It's actually because of the same basic format that I find it hard to write a letter *lol* If I could make them more different, it'd be easier for me - but that would involve a lot of rambling, which I'm not going to do

-- I always start with a "hello, hope you're well" kind of comment.
-- At the moment, since I have only written a few fan letters, I say something along the lines of that to basically try to subtly get across the point that I don't write to many for autographs (not that there's anything wrong with that anyway though!) and to excuse myself if the letter is rubbish!
-- I write a little about me (just name, age, country and currently between jobs). A couple of times I went into a little bit more detail of some volunteer work I once did since it relates to them (For example, I did pottery there which an actor I wrote to does in his free time).
-- I then write about whatever it is I like/admire about them most, if something has a special meaning to me, or whatever.
-- Then I thank them for their time and ask if they could please sign *whatever I included to be signed* for me, to me (hoping "for me, to me" will help them see I really want it just for me, not to sell or anything) and I mention I included a SASE/SAE and some IRC's which I hope cover the postage.

EDIT - Oh, and with most of my letters so far I've included a DVD/CD cover for them to send. I'm writing to people who are good at replying anyway and aren't A-listers, so there's a good chance I'll get them back anyway (If not, it's not a huge loss). I hope that by sending the DVD/CD cover, it also helps prove I'm a fan - that I bought something of their's, you know? Plus I personally do just want them signed anyway rather than only having a photo of them.

Then, since I'm never happy with what I write, I block it from my mind