teamstremf.com
Air's Autograph Page FAQ
Air's Autograph Page FAQ
Since I get a lot of e-mails asking different questions about my page, and since I really don't have a lot of time on my hands to answer e-mail, I figured I'd set up this FAQ to help both me and the visitors to my page. I'll add more to it as it becomes necessary. So, here goes...
Q: What do all the abbreviations mean?
A: There are many abbreviations used in the autograph collecting hobby. Here are the ones I frequently use on my page:
SP - Signed Photo (numbers in front denote the size of the photo)
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photo (meaning the photo is personalized)
ICS - Index Card Signed
TCS - Trading Card Signed
BCS - Business Card Signed
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
download - a picture that was printed on a computer
Q: How many stamps do I use?
A: In the US, for a 10x12 envelope you need $.55 without cardboard. You probably need around $1 with cardboard, but I'm not sure. You may want to ask someone else before you put the stamps on your envelope. I'm not sure how many stamps you need to send it outside the US or to send it into the US from another country. From the US, you'll need to get some International Reply Coupons (IRCs) from your post office if you are sending mail abroad. I've heard anywhere from 2 to 4 IRCs are needed, depending on where you're sending it to. Ask your post office to make sure. By the way, IRCs cost about $1.05 apiece.
Q: I'd like to buy some of your autographs. How much do you want for...
A: Sorry, I don't sell my autographs. I'm not in the hobby to make money. I feel that an autograph from an athlete or celebrity is worth more than money. Not only is it a great memento, but the fact that a celebrity took the time to sign something for me makes it that much more special.
Q: Would you like to trade autographs?
A: I don't really like trading autographs either, but I'll consider any offer. To see what I'd be willing to trade, go to my autograph collection page and see what autographs I have multiples of. Those are the ones I'd be most willing to part with.
Q: Do you have xxxxx's address?
A: All the addresses I have are listed on the appropriate page. If it's not there, I don't have it.
Q: Which addresses work?
A: Your guess is as good as mine. Check my Success page to see which ones worked for me. Other than that, you'll have to do a bit of research to find out what others are reliable.
Q: You have xxxxxxx listed as a success on your page, but I never received anything. Why not?
A: People frequently change their signing habits. A person that signs today may not sign tomorrow. It's part of the hobby.
Q: Can you tell me what to write to help my chances of getting an autograph?
A: I'm not going to write your note for you, but here's a few things to keep in mind. Don't write more than a page; be honest to who you're writing to - if you're not their biggest fan, don't say you are; don't ask for more than two autographs. If you ask for more the person will think you're going to sell them.
Q: Can you help me start my own page? (yes, I've actually been asked this more than once)
A: Sorry, but I can't. I barely have enough time to update my pages. If you want to know why, you can read about me to see what takes up all my time.
Q: Would you add my page to your links page?
A: Sure. Just send me your URL and add a link back to my page.
Q: Do I need to use an SASE?
A: A Self-Addressed, Stamped Envelope (SASE) isn't required, but keep in mind that most celebs aren't going to take the time to address an envelope and put a stamp on it. Look at it this way, if you want to increase your chances of getting your items back, use an SASE. The only exception would be if you're writing to a US Senator, Representative, etc. They get their mail free (one of the perks of the job).
Q: What should I send? Can I send a gift?
A: You can send something to be signed, but I wouldn't recommend sending any gifts. If someone you didn't know sent you a gift, wouldn't it make you a bit nervous? You don't want to give the impression that you're stalking them, so don't send any gifts.
Q: Are fake autographs still autographs?
A: That depends on your opinion. Technically, a preprinted, autopenned, or photocopied autographs aren't considered real autographs, but if you are a collector, it can still be special, since it is something from that particular celebrity. To the people who are in this hobby to make money, fakes aren't worth anything.
Q: What are preprints and autopens?
A: A preprinted autograph is an autograph that is printed on the picture. Sometimes the celebrity will simply sign the negative, and then thousands of pictures are run off. An autopen is an autograph that was signed by an autopen machine. The celebrity makes a plate of his/her autograph, and then the machine duplicates the autograph. In short, you stick a picture in the machine, push a button, and the machine signs the picture.
Q: How can I tell if I have a preprint or autopen?
A: It is sometimes difficult to tell. The more you see of them, the easier you'll be able to pick them out. The easiest ways to tell are: if the gloss on the picture covers the autograph, then it is a preprint. If there is a line in the middle of the autograph, then it is usually (but not always) an autopen. It's kind of hard to explain if you haven't seen it. If you send an e-mail to Tom Snyder, he'll send you an autopenned photo.
Q: How much is xxxxxx's autograph worth? Where do I go to find out?
A: I don't know how much anyone's autograph is worth (I don't concern myself with that, since it doesn't really matter to me). The only place I know of to find out how much an autograph is worth is in Tuff Stuff Magazine. It usually has a price guide for sports stars. Other than that, I don't know.
Q: Do you know where I can find a site with a successful address for xxxxxx?
A: Nope, sure don't. You'll just have to do some research.
Q: Can I copy your successes and failures onto my page?
A: You can copy the failures, but I'd appreciate it if you didn't copy anything else from my page, including my successes AND my addresses (I've found my Major College Addresses on other pages). If I let you copy everything onto your page, there would be no reason for people to visit my page.
Q: Do you send pictures to be sent, or do you ask for a signed picture?
A: I've always asked for pictures (unless I printed a picture). I usually include an index card with my request just in case they don't have any pictures.
