Q: Are your autographs for sale or trade?
A: Absolutely unequivocally NO. I enjoy every single autograph that I receive and it stays in my own personal collection. To this day I like going back and seeing an autograph that I got 10 years ago. Just still having it is somehow comforting.
Q: Where do you get your addresses?
A: I prefer doing my own research whenever possible. I've used Harvey Meiselman's superb list in the past but this go-round, I've done some internet research to locate about 250 ex-football players on my own. In many instances, a basic Google search will turn up an ex-player's current business venture or current involvement in the sport (many are coaches or administrators on some level). Additionally, Sportscollectors.net and StarTiger.com are cheap, effective resources for addresses.
Q: Why don't you show the addresses that you used?
A: It's my understanding that Angelfire does not allow home addresses to be published on one of their websites. Besides, I found everything with a little research. Anybody else can do the same. I am happy to help out though, if you e-mail me with who you're interested in.
Q: What do you send to the player to be autographed?
A: The standard TTM mantra is "don't send anything you don't mind losing". The no-response is going to happen and it sucks to lose something that you prize. With me, I haven't been interested in collecting plain trading cards in years, therefore everything in my collection is game to be sent out. I'm really only interested in the card once it has a signature on it.
Q:What is your standard request like?
A: For years I handwrote every letter. I think that led to me burning out after a few months. Now I type and print, and it goes so much faster. I have a basic outline and then I fill in 5-6 sentences specific to the player I'm requesting from. I do my homework on each player and I'm sure to mention something from their career, post-playing career, or any other anecdote that I've picked up about that person. I generally send between 1-4 cards to be signed. I prefer 2 but will do 3 if I have 3. I'll usually only send 4 cards if I've seen several documented successes with that amount or more. I don't want to be a burden to the player, but if they are willing to sign that many, I'm happy to accept that many. I then always enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and send it away! One word of advice - get the self-adhesive envelopes. I'm sure the athlete appreciates not having to lick another envelope.
