TTM Letters/Requests - How Long & Simple?

[deeakay]

Hey SCF-

I'm wondering how short of a fan letter/request are you all sending with your TTMs!?

I'm thinking these players are not reading the letters and are merely sign and returning the items they want to sign. The times I've requested getting an IC signed (along with a trading card) in the letter it doesn't get done. What I have seen helping is if I put a Post-it on the item I want signed a certain way, that gets done (but that's because it's a short request on the Post-it, stuck to the item). Like in the case of my Mike Cameron (2) 8x10 TTM request, I had a Post-it stuck to 1 of the photos I asked him to inscribe "NL Wildcard '08" and he did (but on both instead just the 1 asked for).

I'm currently writting a short letter & request on 4x6 paper stock. I'd like to just get to the request if that works just as well. I'm wondering if it's worth getting rid of the *fluff* and just kindly asking the player to sign and return the TTM.

What does the SCF gang say?

[ttmautographs4me]

here is what a letter should look like:

Dear _______,

My name is ___________, and i have been a fan of yours for many years. I think you are very talented and a very nice person. I collect autographs through the mail and i was wondering if you can sign the enclosed (card, photo, etc.) for me so i can add it to my collection. If so, that would be great. Thank you for your time.

From,

XXXX


*short and sweet*

[NU_Fan]

How often do you find you get success with the short letter? I always thought that players would have a greater tendency to sign if you put more time into the letter. I tend to write a page each request, but if most players don't even read the letter it would be easier to write a pretty short letter.

[ttmautographs4me]

i guess, i think it depends on the player.

for example, i think older players appreciate long letters, and current players probably don't even read the letters.

[neverfinished94]

this is my normal letter...

Dear _____,
i hope you're having a good day. i'm a big fan of yours and i would be honored if you would sign this _____ for my sports room. Thanks!

thats it. its worked so far and i have had dozens of balls, mini helmets and jerseys signed using this short letter. i dont really think there is a wrong way of doing it and i would agree that most current players dont read the letters so i make it short.

[C&C Collecting]

I have had some instances where retired guys read the letters, including answering some questions. According to Pat Neshek, active players tend to like shorter letters. He even gives an example on his website. Everybody has their own style. When I first started I tried to make a little more personal. Now I am more assembly line-like. I have had success with both about equally.

[ALEX55]

mine are always a full page, maybe thats why i haven't had much successes i dont know

[Oxxon]

Current players should be short and to the point and for retired players I add a little more.

[lambeauleap87]

I tend to write about 3/4 of a page to all that I send to. I mention my favorite moment in their career and why I would like their autograph. Retired players often read the letters and occasonally will send a letter back. It all depends, but there isn't a wrong way to do it.

[Racer64X]

i call my letters suck-up letters for obvious reasons, lol