Page 1 of 1

Moral Qualm with Writing to Someone More Than Once

Posted: Tue Mar 17, 2009 3:20 am
by AutoHound
So over the past 6 months or so, I've been on an "astronaut binge", writing to as many as I have time for. It's been extremely enjoyable to learn a little about an area I was completely clueless, and I was surprised to find that I'm receiving a larger proportion of personal responses from these men and women than I have in any other genre. This said, I'm extremely grateful for the letters, photos, mission patches, etc. that I've received. I'm up to about 40-something responses.

I mention all of this because lately I've been wanting to challenge myself a little more. I'd like to try to get some "multi-signature" photos. This means re-writing to some of the men and women I've already sent requests to. Ordinarily, I have a firm 1-time-only policy, but I'd really like to take some risks and send a photo to multiple people.

Has anyone written to someone more than once? Do I mention that I wrote before or do I hope they don't notice? I'm not sure what the best, non-obtrusive, way to go about this is...

Re: Moral Qualm with Writing to Someone More Than Once

Posted: Tue Mar 17, 2009 4:17 am
by Johnny's Fan
Well I have heard that some celebrities keep records of who has requested what and how many.

I think in your case the people might notice that you have written to them before if they don't get thouands of requests every month.

However, I also think if you explained to them your aim, and apologised for writing again, and even give them the option of "I will understand if you do not want to sign another item for me". You should be Ok.

I would think admitting that you have written to them before would be best. They may not notice or remember, true. But if they do, and you haven't mentioned that have already received something from them, they might wonder why.

I'm sure they will understand what you are trying to do, and I'm sure they will know how much you love your subject.

I've never written to people more than once (so it's just my opinion with no experience whatsoever) but I think it's just common sense and good manners to explain why you are contacting them for the second time.

Good luck with your requests! {thumb2}

Re: Moral Qualm with Writing to Someone More Than Once

Posted: Tue Mar 17, 2009 9:35 pm
by missmaexox
Well, my advice may not be the best because I've only sent to a person more than twice once (unless you count VV, and that was because I sent too early, it was a bad venue, etc.) and that was because I ripped the photo opening the envelope (I was overly excited..) hah.

But here's my advice;
You could simply write in the letter you are trying to get a multi signed item, and say that you know you wrote before but give them a reason why you're writing again, and just say you're a big fan! Honestly, that's what I'd do. Good luck, and I hope you get even more than you have already! :mrgreen: {up}

Re: Moral Qualm with Writing to Someone More Than Once

Posted: Tue Mar 17, 2009 9:55 pm
by aamir
Well I have written to the Saturdays twice with different addresses, and plan to try a third address as I haven't recieved a reply. I have also recieved an amazing personal letter from Will Poulter, so I thought to write another letter and thank him (I also included a q&a while I had the chance).

Re: Moral Qualm with Writing to Someone More Than Once

Posted: Tue Mar 17, 2009 11:28 pm
by x hayley x
I think it's best to explain why you are re-writing. Be honest from the start and then you're leaving it up to them. They may have a one autograph per person policy and keep a record of all names and addresses. Or they may refuse to sign pictures with multiple signatures on it since they would be worth more if you did try to sell them.

I have re-wrote to celebrities but only for good reasons. I got a success from Skye McCole Bartusiak but her autograph came as a postcard. So an autograph coming all the way from the US to UK on a postcard, it's bound to get ruined. So yes, it came back to me very tatty and the post office had stamped all over it. So I wrote back explaining what had happened and saying I was so sorry to write again but I'm just such a huge fan of hers and I really wanted her autograph. Well a few months later I received an A4 sized signed picture in an envelope. So I was so happy with that!

I also got a success from Jorge Garcia a while ago and since it was one of my first successes and he is one of my favourite actors I got so excited and sent him a thank you note back and just updated him on my life a little. Well about 3 months later I received a letter in the post, and I could tell it was from him because his handwriting is just so distinctive! I opened it and found a handwritten letter from him and another signed picture! I remembed bouncing about trying to read the letter but was too happy to take any of it in! :lol:

I would never just write to someone to get another autograph if the first one was perfectly fine though! But yeah if you want a picture signed by multiple people then you could give it a go, but like I said be honest about why you are re-writing so then it's their decision. Good luck! :)

Re: Moral Qualm with Writing to Someone More Than Once

Posted: Tue Mar 17, 2009 11:41 pm
by RuleroftheWorld
AutoHound wrote:So over the past 6 months or so, I've been on an "astronaut binge", writing to as many as I have time for. It's been extremely enjoyable to learn a little about an area I was completely clueless, and I was surprised to find that I'm receiving a larger proportion of personal responses from these men and women than I have in any other genre. This said, I'm extremely grateful for the letters, photos, mission patches, etc. that I've received. I'm up to about 40-something responses.

I mention all of this because lately I've been wanting to challenge myself a little more. I'd like to try to get some "multi-signature" photos. This means re-writing to some of the men and women I've already sent requests to. Ordinarily, I have a firm 1-time-only policy, but I'd really like to take some risks and send a photo to multiple people.

Has anyone written to someone more than once? Do I mention that I wrote before or do I hope they don't notice? I'm not sure what the best, non-obtrusive, way to go about this is...
Just mention in your letter that you've written before, and explain about your current project. If they want to sign, they will, if not, then fair enough.

I've sent a lot of stuff off thats already been signed, but the big warning is the obvious one - if you'd be devastated by it not coming back, dont post it. I've personally had it happen once, and its not a great feeling, but I know the risk when doing it so I accept the good with the bad.

The other main advice is to send only to the "safer" signers, unless you really want to risk a multi signed piece with someone who's very hit and miss.

Re: Moral Qualm with Writing to Someone More Than Once

Posted: Wed Mar 18, 2009 6:38 am
by lizane
Hi! ;-)

I also rarely write to the same person twice. {up} I'm very happy when I get a reply at least the first time around! :D

But I have written to some people twice, but it's either a "thank-you" letter to show appreciation or by accident when I thought I wouldn't get a reply the first time around. {thumb2} So far I have only sent to actor Charlie Cox a "thank-you" letter and I made him a little gift, and he replied back thanking me and filled out my questionnaire. :) I've gotten a few others twice too but it's because I wrote to them more than once because I didn't think I'd get a reply.

But to answer your question, yes, I would mention and explain why I'm writing again and I would thank them for their reply. {up} Otherwise, the would just think you're "greedy" if you write again. :neutral: I'm sure they wouldn't mind signing another photo for you if you explain this! {thumb2}

Good luck!
zanne