Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Dan Morris on January 12, 2022 at 12:28pm

Cute story. Would be intrigued to see how many are secretarial and autopens, Costner and Travolta were even back then but a pretty cool idea

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Nick Dimeo on January 12, 2022 at 12:36pm

Finally got thru the story after all the pop ups and ads. I agree, cute story but I hate to rain on her parade but half of them probably are secretarial/autopens. I’ve been doing TTM for years and some of the ones she mentioned just don’t send out the real stuff.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Rich on January 12, 2022 at 1:30pm

I tried TTM for the first time in many years last year, mostly due to pandemic boredom. All musicians. My success rate wasn't particularly high (I think something like 3 of 14 or 15), though I suspect it had more to do with the labels and management firms than the artists themselves. Via venue seems to be the better way to go.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Nick Dimeo on January 12, 2022 at 1:48pm

Same with me, boredom and the fact that the most exciting part of my day is getting the mail as I am watching my kids all day, lol. I heard that there are a few quality musicians that respond TTM but may take a few years so I don’t bother. Pete Towshend and Joe Walsh are two that come to my mind that send authentic autographs.

I usually stick to celebrities that aren’t on anybody’s radar anymore and I’ve had a great success rate. I am a big All In The Family fan and sent a DVD cover to Sally Struthers. It literally only took less than a week to get my autograph where I live in MD. Almost like Sally was waiting by her mailbox for someone to remember her, lol. 

Last year I had success rates and authentic autographs from Bob Newhart, Martin Sheen, Ed Asner (RIP), Francis Ford Coppola (one of my favorites), Tony Lo Bianco, M. Emmett Walsh (he sent me a ton of stuff from his own collection), probably a few more I can’t remember now.  

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Rich on January 12, 2022 at 1:51pm

I didn't really swing for the fences with the musicians one - mostly younger rising stars. Again, it was kinda just to see what would happen, and I did get a couple of really nice ones. On the other hand, the money does add up for postage, photos, mailers, etc. Almost better for me to just wait for their shows and try in person.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Nick Dimeo on January 12, 2022 at 1:59pm

Years ago I wanted to get into the stamp hobby but it fizzled out. I started to collect stamps like the Elvis stamps and James Dean stamps. I’m now doubling them up on envelopes and using them because they are worth more as postage than collectibles.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by JMS1223 on January 12, 2022 at 2:27pm

I attempted a few ttm last year hoping to get at least SOMETHING, even a printed response but got NOTHING in 2021. Usually the President, Senate or Supreme Court respond in some capacity like they used to when I originally collected in 2005-2011. Guessing COVID impacted the typical printed responses that one was used to getting when writing to any of the people in our Government. Some used to and heard still do send authentic autographs in the Supreme Court or some Congress members. So such luck yet for me. I also attempted former Presidents and no response of any kind from any of them yet. I heard other people were much luckier than myself and not only got a response but some AUTHENTIC responses. 

I guess I will keep trying and waiting hoping 2022 is better.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by BC on January 12, 2022 at 5:51pm

Unfortunately for her, many of those are not signed by the actual person. That's the key to TTM autographs. Know what you're going to get back before you waste the stamps.

My TTM is niche and I do well. Hollywood and the music industry are a waste of time going after.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Dan Morris on January 12, 2022 at 8:41pm

TTM have certainly gotten harder to find genuine items with so many now flipping items. I agree that most music and large stars are autopen or prints at best.

I've found some of the older stars still sign as do some of the up and coming musicians and actors; however, most f the time I stick to sports if ever doing TTMs and find Olympians are often the most accommodating 

• ▶ Reply