2010 - a good year for ttm

[thehornets]

Have had a reply today, but my webhost ftp is down right now, so I will add it later. In the meantime, here is an end of year ramble.

Have just been checking my files, and it has been one of my best ever ttm years - approcimately 100 more replies than I normally get in a year.

Usual suspects for non replies - Eastenders and current Watford players, plus some Doctor Who and Ashes To Ashes. Those four genres account for the majority of my outstanding requests from 2010. On the flip side, there were also a lot of good Doctor Who and Ashes To Ashes replies - I did send out a glut of both. 🙂

Biggest disappointment (other than the missing Denis Law request) has to be currrent Eastenders. It has been one of the worst ever years for getting replies from them. Also, the EE staff have clearly been experimenting with secs - both dedications and signatures, which is bad news if they continue.

The big plus again is sending out books for signing. It definitely brings better results than photos/record cards. Also, a new area for me which has been very positive is vintage footballers. Not an area I am too prolific in, but it has been a pleasure to get replies from some true gents of the game who could teach many a lesson or two about dealing with fans.

I am not posting any more requests now until after the New Year. Time for a break, and come back to the hobby with some fresh ideas in a week or two.

This year I sent out 374 requests. Of these,  have had 249 successes and 9 failures so far with three more delivery days left, plus know for sure 1 is coming back at some point, leaving 115 outstanding (20 of these were only sent out in the last 3 weeks).

As such, very pleased indeed. Not sure if I will send as many in 2011, but who knows. 🙂 I do intend to spend less time looking for books in charity shops, etc - I have run out of space. 🙂 We really cannot swing a cat - trust me I have tried. 🙂

Thank you to everyone who has helped me with addresses, you have been great friends, and it is appreciated. I hope everyone has a wonderful break over the next week or so, and has a brilliant 2011.

It's Christmas! Enjoy! 🙂

[swain6666]

TAKE CARE:-)

[cobblered]

Nigel, I know I am no specialist in this ttm malarkey but that sounds like a very good annual haul to me. Keep on with the vintage footballers, I find them really rewarding as a lot of them genuinely appreciate, and deserve, the recognition.
It has been a pleasure making your acquaintance this year, long may it last.
Have a good one.

Ralph.

[thehornets]

Ralph - it has been a pleasure meeting you on here also this year, even if you talk a load of old cobblers a lot of the time. 😉 I love seeing your book get added to. I think it is the most amazing multi-sig project on one item I have ever seen, and is a true labour of love for you which makes it fun to see it develop further.

[wheel-lose]

youve done well there nigel,better than me i feel:-) i never keep records so i dont know my stats,but have a feeling its less than the previous year,had some great replies though,olivia de havilland ,paul weller,abba,standing out the most i reckon,merry xmas and a new year:-)

daz

[thehornets]

They were great replies Daz, especially the Weller and ABBA replies. My stand outs would the 12 sig Liverpool legends shirt (10 sigs added by ttm this year), Boy George, Sandie Shaw, Faithless, Frank Lampard (the last 4 were all replies I was never sure would come back), and my outright favourite, the wonderful reply from Will Buckley at Watford - the match worn football boots and other goodies. Still gobsmacked by the lad's generosity.

[0779swan]

Nigel you have had a very good year for TTM.
I never keep records on how many I send out however I have a rough idea when I send photos, shrits or gloves.
Maybe I should try keeping records.
Have a good christmas

[creefan04]

A VERY NICE YEARS RESULTS INDEED NIGEL, ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAYS AND HAVE A GREAT 2011 TTM.

[kimbub16]

would just like to say nigel i find your posts most entertaning, your love of collecting  allways comes through,merry christmas

[cobblered]

I think the DeHavaland and Abba replies were amongst the best on here I have witnessed.

[tots-junction-baby-shop]

Nigel....it's been a fabulous year and I'm sure you'll find time to send some requests out in 2011
Have a fab Christmas
Jane x

[film4watcher]

That's a good reply count Nigel. I have enjoyed seeing the Ashes to Ashes collection come together and seeing the Watford names. Have a good Christmas and may 2011 be another top TTM year.

[serenamorgan]

thats a serious amount of requests Nigel and a great success rate from them too.

I sent our 137 this year and recieved 86 back so not a bad return and still hopeful some of the other will come back (about 30 of the ones outstanding have been sent in the past 2 months).

hard to pick a highlight but from memory my 10x8 signed by Douglas Slocombe would have to be up there probably alongside the books I received back from Dannii Minogue and Lynda Bellingham.

[loobyloo6]

Sounds like a great year was had by all, I've done ok. Plenty of books have come backed signed, also plenty of cards signed by Football league managers too.
Let's hope we can all have a successful 2011.

I also got another book or 2 back today but have not  to photo and post it but I will when I get chance.

[rcsmg1]

Well done Nigel,I've enjoyed seeing your Ashes to Ashes successes and Daz's Abba ones.
There have been some great replies and gifts from other forum members,and I would like to thank some of the pther members for helping me getting retired players.

[westiesx2]

Well done to everyone this year. Have had plenty of success with the older players on pics, team photos etc. Like a message earlier said, they do like to get letters and always seem happy to reply. Good luck to all next year. Have not sent out any in December, will resume next week with some more requests.