Why are people so happy to get fakes from SFM???

[ianwzxr]

I keep seeing people post about happy they are to get this junk from SFM, and I still don't get it. I asked once before and actually got this response...

"You are right that all the photos from SFM are preprints or autopens, but that doesn't make them fake! They are the genuine signature of the celeb produced photographically.

In fact, considering the photos from SFM are totally free of charge (you don't even have to pay the outgoing postage!) the quality of the pictures you receive are great.

Some people make their whole collections SFM / preprint based, and I guess that is their choice. "

I'm not denying anyone the right to enjoy SFM, although the more they're used by fans the more they'll be used by celebs, and it'll do it's own small part to kill the hobby I love so dearly. And the comment that "that doesn't make them fake!" is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. If it's a preprint or autopen, that means NOBODY signed it, therefore it is most definitely a fake. I'd almost rather have a secretary sign something for me than get a pic from SFM. They should at least quit using PPs and just use autopens, so I can at least remove the signature and try to get a real one on the photo. Not to mention I see SFM crap on auction sites all the time listed as real sigs, and it's criminal.

I just don't get the happiness when you get one of those envelopes in the mail. I don't consider SFM collectors to be Autograph Collectors, I just consider them to be photo collectors. To each their own, but think about what companies like SFM and Celeb Merch are doing to real autograph collectors.

[nowandagain]

Hi ianwzxr

I understand that not everyone sees Studio Fan Mail in the same way that you do, but you have to see the reasons why people decide to collect SFM photos in the first place.

Some people don't mind receiving pre-prints or Autopenned photos, especially collectors who are just starting out or don't have the resources to send out letters and SASE's to celebrities. Remember, these services are free for us as the celebrity will cover the costs.

Some celebrities rarely sign TTM, and choose to send out pre-prints or Autopenned signatures. This may be one of the only ways a fan can receive an autograph, even though it isn't real.

Sometimes, it's just interesting to receive a photo in the mail instead of the usual bills/junk mail etc.

I don't see that SFM will kill the hobby you like. As you can see, not a lot of celebrities choose to use this service, and many will happily sign autographs TTM for your. It's a small minority (for a variety of reasons) that choose do send photos this way. In a way, the photos are fake, but then again, the photos are authorised by the celebrity themselves.

It's up to the celebrity whether they choose to use PP's or Autopens on their photos. Sure, this is a great way to get a nice photo, but you have to respect the celebrity's decision on which way they would like to go about using SFM.

I know there are probably some SFM photos being passed off as the real thing, but you have to agree that some celebrities send out PP's and they're not a part of SFM. Yet, people are still passing off these PP's as the real thing on auction sites too.

Whatever you think about SFM, please respect the opinions of celebrities and others, as they may have a different view to you.

nowandagain [rockon]

[cowboys]

I am very much of the "would like to receive a nice photo in the mail instead of junkmail and bills" school of thought.

I haven't received an SFM pictures in the mail yet, but have sent a few requests over the last month so hopefully some will start appearing soon.

Another reason I like the idea is that if a celebrities I *LIKE* uses SFM then I requested their photo through there. Celebrities I *LOVE*, I have written to via alternative (ie. Agency) addresses.

Also, I've got a few autographs via ebay before discovering this forum. I'd now like to get SFM photos from some of those celebrities, so I can do a close comparison to try and guage the authenticity.

[TheCollector]

Hi ianwzxr

If you remember correctly, it was me who posted that response to you last time Come on, you have only made 5 posts!!!!! I can't be that hard to remember

Of course you are totally entitled to your own opinion, but many many people on this forum look forward to receiving SFM successes. Please don't spoil it for them

On the issue of fake, my understanding of the word is that in order to be faked an autograph has to be signed by someone other than the celebrity in question, and the autograph then has to be passed off as genuine.

SFM successes are preprints or autopens - not fakes.

Why not increase your post count by showing details of your own successes rather than simply repeating the same tired old post over and over

Ian

[mkainsworth]

Why not increase your post count by showing details of your own successes rather than simply repeating the same tired old post over and over

Ian

I agree