Greetings one and all.

I've been an autograph junkie ever since I got my first one. I'll never forget the time I asked all three Hanson brothers to sign the cover of my VHS copy of "Slapshot". After I walked away with that little treasure, I began exploring how I could obtain more autographs.

I will post a few guides on requesting mail autographs from certain performers, so I though I'd post a quick guide for mail autographs in general that I can refer to. Be sure to check out my specific guides soon!

AUTOGRAPH TERMINOLOGY

Preprint (PP) - A photo with a pre-printed autograph on it. You can find variations of the same idea here on E-bay being sold as "Autograph Photo", where the item in question is a high-quality photograph of an original autograph.

Secretarial - A "ghost writer" signs the photo or item on behalf of the performer.

TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL MAIL AUTOGRAPHS

(1) Send A SASE: Be sure to include a self-addressed stamped envelope when you request an autograph. This will save the performer time in responding. For those of us requesting international autographs, be sure to include enough Internal Reply Coupons. These IRCs can be swapped for postage in the currency of the country where the performer is located.

(2) Be Polite And Send A Letter: Send a short letter along with your request and complement the performer on some of their more recent accomplishments or tell them you are looking forward to one of their future projects. Be sure to thank them for their time and the autograph.

(3) Be Patient: Performers have busy schedules and it may take a long time for a return letter. I've waited for 12 months in some cases for a reply :) .

(4) Include Your Own Photo or Item: Many of my friends rely on the prformer to send their own photo. I like to include my own. I have found that I received more original signatures when I used my own item as opposed to my friends who dependent on the performer to supply something (In many cases, they recieved a preprint). The choice is yours.

(4) Win Some. Lose Some: Not everyone signs, but don't get discouraged. If you do not get a reply, you may want to see if there is an alternative address to contact the performer at for requests.