Avoiding the TTM Blues...

[djauwerda]

Was sifting through the recent successes thread and came upon RGP's where many members discussed a sense of burnout. It's an interesting phenomenon. We all get so juiced when the mailbox opens and we see that SASE in the box. But, I too have experienced some of the TTM Blues from time to time. I realize that after awhile, you probably get the sigs from all the athletes you want and you run out of ideas. I'm just wondering how some of you avoid this.

I've been able to avoid the bad burnout in a couple ways:

1. Concentrating on a couple different sets like my Cubs Retro set. It helps that I've got about a 70% return rate on those cards, so it's been successful. But building a collection keeps me going. That's why as a card collector I was always a set builder, too.

2. Take a break. Clear the head, get some fresh ideas. Walk away for a month or two. Currently, I'm in a little hiatus from sending some out. I'm out of ink and paper, don't have the money or time to work at it right now. So, I've spent some time designing a new custom to send, plus I'm writing a letter or two every other day or so. I'm getting antsy now, hoping to see a return from someone I sent to awhile ago that hasn't responded (I'm looking at you, Roy Smalley, Sr. and Bobby Hull). When I get my customs made, I'll send off about 50. I've never done that big of a mailing before, so I'm interested to see what my mail looks like when I get that done. I usually only send to a player one time, although there are a couple I'll send to multiple times. This also increases burnout because the "hunt" of getting the sig you want is done.

3. Change your media. I'm a card guy. Always will be. But I'll occasionally send out something different.

4. Send something along with the request, like Rockiesfan's questionnaires. See what you get back.

Anybody got any other ideas? I just figured it might be worth a thread to discuss it since there were a large number of my favorite posters that seem to be discussing the matter.

[mmalpedo01]

Good thread. I am in the middle of an absolute burnout. I stayed busy for 10 months straight. I added about 700 signed cards to my collection but am just simply "burned out".

I agree with you about taking a couple months and coming up with a new project. I have literally run out of cards to send and the players I needed, I had success with them in the past year.

I have never really sent to football players but may start sending to football players next month. I hope this gets me going again and I will be as passionate about football TTM as I have been about baseball.

[djauwerda]

Agreed. I've thought about branching out into different areas (TV Shows, NASCAR, more hockey) but I really don't have the space for it at home. I will probably stick to my football and baseball.

I remember reaching a saturation level back in the 1990's when I first did this as well. I'm hoping to avoid it this time. My next project may be a 1980 Olympic Team project like some on here have done. Or at least something with multiple signatures.

[indyreds]

I often take breaks during the year and start looking ahead to a project I want to do. My wife actually bought me a box of Topps Minor League baseball for my birthday last week. I really enjoyed seeing players who were prospects that I did not have cards of coming out of packs. The three autos and a Bryce Harper base materials card was a nice bonus, but it actually has me thinking ST mailers already! I was thinking that should I build 40 envelopes in Oct, November, December and January that I would have 160 set for Valentines to hit the mailbox and be ready for a huge spring return. Seriously, ST is my favorite time to mail and I have at least one of most of the legends who sign well TTM. I am thinking young guys and even sending basic customs to guys I do not have cards for this ST, just to get fresh players into my collection. Maybe I will target the Baseball America top 100 prospects list.

[SMVintage]

I've got a system to where I send out 80-200 requests and then wait a month or so while I get my successes, rarely sending out in that waiting period!

[cyberer]

I do something similar to the "send 200 and wait" but on a much smaller scale. I send out a few dozen, wait a few weeks/months, then send a few dozen more.

[lizard-jd]

I seem to get the "blues" whenever I look at my list of non-returned 8x10s & large postage items. I always wonder what the heck they do with my items & postage on the SASE. However, I try to look past the loses & failures.

I really admire members like Brian (Rockiesfan33) that seem to be very resilient, steady and always looking forward to his next mailing. I am always amazed at the diversity of graphs that he goes after. He always tries to help others and makes some real killer customs! That is why I send TTMs to whoever happens to come to mind that I want at the time (if I have the addy!).

[LakersMC]

Nice thread & nice discussion.

When I get burned out:
- Start a new set for TTM. Set collecting is really challenging & I love how the graphs look when they are all together as a set.
- Go get some IP. Unfortunately the NBA lockout is killing this plan for me personally.

Interesting thread. Will definitely read what others have to say.

[C&C Collecting]

My burnouts only last a couple of days. I took almost a year off because I was staying in an apartment and knew I wouldn't be there long so I waited to send out requests. Did get a few back though which only added to the Jonesing. Money is always an issue, especially with stamp prices seemingly going up every year. I am solely concentrating on the NY Giants right now. I got tired of adding guys who never played for my favorite teams. Plus, by sending out to the Giants its a bit of a history lesson and a trip down memory lane. I don't know how many times I said to myself, "Wow, I remember him!" I also never knew that Jamal Duff, formerly of the Giants is now an actor. You might remember him from "Dodgeball" where he played Ben Stiller's fitness consigliere.
I am getting amped up for Spring Training after having missed it last year.

[Oxxon]

I have slowed down a bit as of late.