I'm new to collecting autographs... Advice please?

[Spongebobfan88]

I would have posted this in the correct forum but no one was in it so I apologize if I am taking up space on the page that something you would like to read about could be.

Hello, I am new to the collecting of autographs and have a few questions...

-I see people using "Text Talk" For example "IP" Can someone explain that to me?
-How should I go about requesting autographs?
-Where do people get the pictures they send in to get autographed? (Are they sold in stores?)

-Any Other tips would be GREATLY appreciated, I would collect the autographs and keep them for myself because I could not imagine parting with something I worked so hard for.

[Maverick96]

Welcome Spongebobfan88,

To answer your questions:

1. Here's a rundown of text talk:

IP=In Person
TTM=Through the Mail
PP=Preprinted autographs
AP=Autopen
SEC=Secretary

2. Everyone is different yet most follow this procedure:

a. Print photo you would like signed
b. Look up address on fanmail database.
c. Either hand write or type a letter. I usually just say a few kind words and request an autograph in the letter.
d. Send a self-addressed, self stamped envelope along with your photo so that the celeb can return your pic. I usually send the photo and letter attached to a 9 in. x 11.5 in. photo mailer envelope-all inside a 10 in. x 13 in clasp envelope.

3. I usually print my photos from online. I use google, choose images, and select "large" images in the filters.


Hope this helps!

[Spongebobfan88]

Interesting, When you print the photo off of google isn't it Paper like?

I am thinking about ordering some 12 x 12's online and having them printed like a poster would be.

[Maverick96]

You can print them at home on photo paper. I usually send 8x10 photos but some people send smaller or bigger. Just remember it will cost more to send 12x12.

[chadallen985]

My suggestion would be to buy the photos off of ebay. I found a guy who has thousand of great 8x10 photos and I only pay 3.99 per photo. As for his shipping, it cost 3.25 for the first photo and if you buy more then 1 photo then the rest are free. They are packaged great and I have never had any damaged photos, and he ships them out fast. I have probably bought 60 photos from him. If you print your own photos, buy the time you figure the photo paper, ink, etc... you might as well spend it on a good quality photo.

Also, another suggestion would be to collect who you are into. Just because someone has success with someone doesn't mean you need to try to get one as well. Go after who you are a fan of, and use this site as a tool for collecting success info and addresses. I wouldn't do like some people and send 3 or more items to sign. That makes it seem as you are trying to make money off of them.

Any questions, feel free to ask...

[SaberFireTiger]

I usually print my photos at a local walgreens or ritzpix. Just upload them online and pick them up when they are ready.