How to write a Fan Letter.

[Dragon Lady]

I guess some people don't know but Ian Mckellen once said: "I tend to discourage people from calling me “Sir Ian,” because I don’t like being separated out from the rest of the population. Of course, it can be useful if you’re writing an official letter, like trying to get a visa or something passed through Parliament. They’re impressed by these things."

Link here: http://www.vanityfair.com/online/oscars ... ddle-earth

So please, if you want to send a letter to someone, send it because you really like him, not just to get an autograph. It will be much easier to write a letter But if you really want to do this at least do a research before. I don't want to be disrespectful to anyone here but this is my opinion.

[stillluckyas13canbe]

I guess some people don't know but Ian Mckellen once said: "I tend to discourage people from calling me “Sir Ian,” because I don’t like being separated out from the rest of the population. Of course, it can be useful if you’re writing an official letter, like trying to get a visa or something passed through Parliament. They’re impressed by these things."

Link here: http://www.vanityfair.com/online/oscars ... ddle-earth

So please, if you want to send a letter to someone, send it because you really like him, not just to get an autograph. It will be much easier to write a letter But if you really want to do this at least do a research before. I don't want to be disrespectful to anyone here but this is my opinion.

Totally good shout, some don't like it being used, but I'll say this (Sir) Ian has never baulked at signing for me either TTM or IP and I always call him that. Most who have accepted a title, will expect to have it used, and am I not one for calling (to use the same example) him Mr McKellen rather than Sir Ian. It's the writing of the full name at the top of a fanmail letter that I think is more amusing normally, you've put their name on the envelope, there's no need to write it again inside. Research is always important, as is writing to people you like, if that's what you're using collecting for. I honestly don't have time to research the amount of people I write to... with 2000+ letters going out a year, it's too hectic to find time to them and then process what is coming back in without doing that level of research.

[Dragon Lady]

I guess some people don't know but Ian Mckellen once said: "I tend to discourage people from calling me “Sir Ian,” because I don’t like being separated out from the rest of the population. Of course, it can be useful if you’re writing an official letter, like trying to get a visa or something passed through Parliament. They’re impressed by these things."

Link here: http://www.vanityfair.com/online/oscars ... ddle-earth

So please, if you want to send a letter to someone, send it because you really like him, not just to get an autograph. It will be much easier to write a letter But if you really want to do this at least do a research before. I don't want to be disrespectful to anyone here but this is my opinion.

Totally good shout, some don't like it being used, but I'll say this (Sir) Ian has never baulked at signing for me either TTM or IP and I always call him that. Most who have accepted a title, will expect to have it used, and am I not one for calling (to use the same example) him Mr McKellen rather than Sir Ian. It's the writing of the full name at the top of a fanmail letter that I think is more amusing normally, you've put their name on the envelope, there's no need to write it again inside. Research is always important, as is writing to people you like, if that's what you're using collecting for. I honestly don't have time to research the amount of people I write to... with 2000+ letters going out a year, it's too hectic to find time to them and then process what is coming back in without doing that level of research.

Ian is just so awesome that he even care about it if you send a letter with respect and affection. Regarding research is because sometimes I see something here on the forum that a simple search would solve and that is what bothers me more, which is definitely not your case

[stillluckyas13canbe]

I guess some people don't know but Ian Mckellen once said: "I tend to discourage people from calling me “Sir Ian,” because I don’t like being separated out from the rest of the population. Of course, it can be useful if you’re writing an official letter, like trying to get a visa or something passed through Parliament. They’re impressed by these things."

Link here: http://www.vanityfair.com/online/oscars ... ddle-earth

So please, if you want to send a letter to someone, send it because you really like him, not just to get an autograph. It will be much easier to write a letter But if you really want to do this at least do a research before. I don't want to be disrespectful to anyone here but this is my opinion.

Totally good shout, some don't like it being used, but I'll say this (Sir) Ian has never baulked at signing for me either TTM or IP and I always call him that. Most who have accepted a title, will expect to have it used, and am I not one for calling (to use the same example) him Mr McKellen rather than Sir Ian. It's the writing of the full name at the top of a fanmail letter that I think is more amusing normally, you've put their name on the envelope, there's no need to write it again inside. Research is always important, as is writing to people you like, if that's what you're using collecting for. I honestly don't have time to research the amount of people I write to... with 2000+ letters going out a year, it's too hectic to find time to them and then process what is coming back in without doing that level of research.

Ian is just so awesome that he even care about it if you send a letter with respect and affection. Regarding research is because sometimes I see something here on the forum that a simple search would solve and that is what bothers me more, which is definitely not your case

I am SO with you on that. The amount of posts asking basic questions are loads as it is, but those who insist on posting in the wrong forum asking things like "who replies by email" or "who is a good signer" is ridiculous and is clearly geared to just randomly adding autographs to a collection. A simple search does a lot, or a post in the right forum, but if you comment and point this out, posters accuse you of being a tool. How difficult is it to use the big shiny search box at the top of the page to type in a name?

In the case of this whole thread, guidance posts for how to write are great, we've had one here for ages, but the mini template like that is geared to people writing to anyone and everyone, and has no reason behind it.

[Dragon Lady]

It's a shame that people do not understand how rude it is to ask an address saying "I'm a big fan! Where to write?" while most people make an effort to find an address. I do not post much but I read a lot here and see how they react when you talk to them about research, it's very stupid. And I'm sure that when an artist receives certain types of cards he thinks: "Here we go ..." ehehehe

[stillluckyas13canbe]

It's a shame that people do not understand how rude it is to ask an address saying "I'm a big fan! Where to write?" while most people make an effort to find an address. I do not post much but I read a lot here and see how they react when you talk to them about research, it's very stupid. And I'm sure that when an artist receives certain types of cards he thinks: "Here we go ..." ehehehe

Couldn't have put it better myself. I've just got a PM from a member, telling me not to post on any of their posts. The same member had a massive argument previously trying to claim a non authentic autograph was real, and then realised those with experience do know a lot. Now, however, I am apparently not allowed to comment on their posts. Call me crazy, but if someone posts something fake, or indescribably stupid, then a comment will be made if not by me by one of the other regular posters. Offering advice is great, but it tends to have to be good advice.

I have first hand experience of some celebs who have spoken to me at length about fanmail requests, and their first comment is the blatant ones who just want an autograph and they can tell. Some reply once to each person, but when they write again will blank it. Some just don't bother responding and some are just nice and do it every time. The key fact is, they can tell the fans and/or those writing for a reason, and it doesn't take a gushing six page letter decorated with hearts to do that. It does take a bit more than quoted here though.

[irock]

It's a shame that people do not understand how rude it is to ask an address saying "I'm a big fan! Where to write?" while most people make an effort to find an address. I do not post much but I read a lot here and see how they react when you talk to them about research, it's very stupid. And I'm sure that when an artist receives certain types of cards he thinks: "Here we go ..." ehehehe

Couldn't have put it better myself. I've just got a PM from a member, telling me not to post on any of their posts. The same member had a massive argument previously trying to claim a non authentic autograph was real, and then realised those with experience do know a lot. Now, however, I am apparently not allowed to comment on their posts. Call me crazy, but if someone posts something fake, or indescribably stupid, then a comment will be made if not by me by one of the other regular posters. Offering advice is great, but it tends to have to be good advice.

I have first hand experience of some celebs who have spoken to me at length about fanmail requests, and their first comment is the blatant ones who just want an autograph and they can tell. Some reply once to each person, but when they write again will blank it. Some just don't bother responding and some are just nice and do it every time. The key fact is, they can tell the fans and/or those writing for a reason, and it doesn't take a gushing six page letter decorated with hearts to do that. It does take a bit more than quoted here though.

this was a friggin note! you add on for eg what i do is I write something simple first on a scrap bit of paper then i add on other bits and more and more.

If I wanted a bitch in my life I would of bought a dog so clear off

[stillluckyas13canbe]

It's a shame that people do not understand how rude it is to ask an address saying "I'm a big fan! Where to write?" while most people make an effort to find an address. I do not post much but I read a lot here and see how they react when you talk to them about research, it's very stupid. And I'm sure that when an artist receives certain types of cards he thinks: "Here we go ..." ehehehe

Couldn't have put it better myself. I've just got a PM from a member, telling me not to post on any of their posts. The same member had a massive argument previously trying to claim a non authentic autograph was real, and then realised those with experience do know a lot. Now, however, I am apparently not allowed to comment on their posts. Call me crazy, but if someone posts something fake, or indescribably stupid, then a comment will be made if not by me by one of the other regular posters. Offering advice is great, but it tends to have to be good advice.

I have first hand experience of some celebs who have spoken to me at length about fanmail requests, and their first comment is the blatant ones who just want an autograph and they can tell. Some reply once to each person, but when they write again will blank it. Some just don't bother responding and some are just nice and do it every time. The key fact is, they can tell the fans and/or those writing for a reason, and it doesn't take a gushing six page letter decorated with hearts to do that. It does take a bit more than quoted here though.

this was a friggin note! you add on for eg what i do is I write something simple first on a scrap bit of paper then i add on other bits and more and more.

If I wanted a **** in my life I would of bought a dog so clear off

In the words of the late great Michael Winner, Calm Down Dear.

Also, I know you're young, but let's try and keep the language away from profanities eh? It's not big.

As for the original post, those are my thoughts on it, and I am talking to another member. You're more than welcome to post (rather than sending me ridiculous PMs) but neither those PMs or the message there will allow you to infringe on my right to comment. If you meant that you wrote more in your requests, maybe you should include that in your advice, otherwise you invited the comments on yourself with that slapstick effort at an example.