Do's and Don'ts of sending a request

[detroitpistons]

I thought this may be useful to some new collectors, or just veteran collectors looking for tips. You can reply with any of your Do's and Don't's and I'll add them to the list.

DO
-Include a SASE or SAE at least
-Politely request for the autograph
-Include a picture or index card at least
-Call them by their real name, no nicknames and even call them Mr/Mrs/Ms
-Sign your name at the end of the letter (they're giving you their auto!)
-Handwrite the letter
-Patiently wait for a reply

DON'T
-Not write a letter and expect an auto
-Pay for only a portion of the postage (it's easier for all of the postage for the celeb or not to have to pay for any)
-Act as if the auto is mandatory or demand the auto
-Write your life-long story and flatter them so much (it'll bore them! make it short, simple, and to the point!)
-Tell them your #1 fan (they've heard it a thousand times before)
-Use bad, tattered, stained paper (make yourself seem reasonable!)
-Copy a generic letter and send to a bunch of people
-Send five more requests to the same person because you didn't get a reply in a week

[Paigey012]

These are really good tips

[noodlez]

DO
-Call them by their real name, no nicknames and even call them Mr/Mrs/Ms

When I wrote to Anoop Desai I called him Anoop Dogg and got an answer. Don't see what's wrong with nicknames. Other than that great list!

[EastendersFan]

Great thread

[detroitpistons]

Thanks for you replies, I'm glad you guys like the thread. Feel free to add anything else you'd like.

DO
-Call them by their real name, no nicknames and even call them Mr/Mrs/Ms

When I wrote to Anoop Desai I called him Anoop Dogg and got an answer. Don't see what's wrong with nicknames. Other than that great list!

I'm glad you got a response, but I just though out of politeness you are speaking to someone you don't personally know you'd call them b their real name. I think yours is ok with the Anoop Desai, but I don't think "Yo Barack" is a reasonable or acceptable saluation to President Obama.

Thanks,
DP

[omgitscaro]

Nice list. I can't think of anything else to add.

[noodlez]

Thanks for you replies, I'm glad you guys like the thread. Feel free to add anything else you'd like.

DO
-Call them by their real name, no nicknames and even call them Mr/Mrs/Ms

When I wrote to Anoop Desai I called him Anoop Dogg and got an answer. Don't see what's wrong with nicknames. Other than that great list!

I'm glad you got a response, but I just though out of politeness you are speaking to someone you don't personally know you'd call them b their real name. I think yours is ok with the Anoop Desai, but I don't think "Yo Barack" is a reasonable or acceptable saluation to President Obama.

Thanks,
DP

I get your point {thumb2} You're right!

[beecs]

great list easy and to the point


congrats

- Rebecca

[1name1legend]

I type all my letters because it makes reading easier.
Sign my letter? No thanks

[x-Jen-x]

Good tips!

Oh, and sometimes, but not so often, celebs are kind enough to pay for postage if you live abroad. Amanda Seyfried paid for mine and I sent an IRC and she sent it back, and I have re-used it. {thumb2}

Jen