Through the mail (TTM) collecting invloves writing to a celebrity asking for their signature. There are a few rules to follow which will not guarentee a genuine response, but greatly increase the chances :

• Write a letter
• ALWAYS include a self addressed envelope, either stamped or with International Reply Coupons if the request is being sent overseas.
• Enclose something to be signed. This could be a photo or at the very least and Index card. Although you are asking for a signed photo, the celeb may not have any to send so it is better that you enclose an item for signing.
• Enclose strong cardboard for the photo's return journey. There is nothing worse than getting an item back only to find that it has been damaged in the mail. Write PHOTO. PLEASE DO NOT BEND on the return envelope.

There are plenty of websites that give examples of the letter writing but if you truely like the person, you will know enough about their work to make the letter good. If you don't like them, I would suggest you just make it up as you go along !! Ohhhh ... naughty me, writing requests to people I don't like ...

Okay, the next part is what you are likely to receive :

• No response whatsoever. Can happen, does happen but that's the chance we all take.
• RTS ... your letter comes back after a 5 month wait and could not be deivered !! This is a bigger bummer than the 'no response at all' scenario.
• Response but no autograph. This happens occasionally with some lame excuse as to why they could not sign. They range from the person simply having a no sign policy, to the good old 'too busy' or the volumn of requests make it impossible to sign at this time.
• Response with Autograph. This is where the hobby gets real interesting. Is what you have received 'the real deal' ...

This matter is best covered in another posting .... this posting is about getting something back through the mail. That is the exciting, exhilarating moment. The basic fact is that anything received through the mail is questionable in terms of its authenticity as you did not see it signed, therefore you can not be sure who signed it !!

For anyone new to collecting the best place to find a reliable addy for the celeb is at Star Archive. This is the best place to start.

This could have become a novel but I am stopping now as my 4 mins are up !! If anyone has any questions about ttm collecting please post them and we will be more than happy to help. I know we have a couple of newbies and I am sure you have questions that need answering. Be brave, we won't bite ... well all except Tash !!! (Just kidding).

Liz in Perth