There are a few terms you are likely to encounter during your autograph collecting. From other sites, other collectors, etc.

RTS - RETURN TO SENDER (This is when the address you used is incorrect or the star is no longer there.)

PP - PRE-PRINT (This is when you are sent a standard photograph that is printed with the autograph already in the picture. In other words, a non-original.)

SP - SIGNED PICTURE (This is when you receive a picture from the star with a signature.)

ISP - INSCRIBED SIGNED PICTURE (This is when you receive a picture from the star with a signature and signed directly to you, eg. To Mandy.)

SC - SIGNED CARD (This is when you receive an index card, movie card, etc signed by the star. Usually a 3x5" card.)

SASE - SELF-ADDRESSED STAMPED ENVELOPE (This is an envelope you send to the celebrity with your letter (usually a 9x12" envelope), with your address on it, and with the correct postage added already.)

SAE - SELF-ADDRESSED ENVELOPE (This is an envelope you send to the celebrity with your letter (usually a 9x12" envelope), with your address on it. Usually sent by international collector's, who can't put on US or UK postage.)

IRC - INTERNATIONAL REPLY COUPON (These are similar to money orders, that entitles the receiver to redeem it for sending 1 standard airmail letter to the country it came from. To receive a response, 2 is the lowest amount you can send.)

AP - AUTO-PEN (This is when a machine is used to "sign" the autograph of the celebrity onto a picture - either from the celebrity, or a picture/item you have sent yourself.)

SEC - SECRETARIAL (This is when a secretary or personal assistant at the agency, signs on behalf of the celebrity. PLEASE NOTE: This means that the autograph is NOT authentic. Some people consider this fraud.)

IP - IN PERSON (These are autographs obtained by yourself/or a friend in person from the celebrity.)

LOR - LETTER OF REQUEST (This is of course, the letter you sent to the celebrity, requesting an autograph.)

TTM - THROUGH THE MAIL (This refers to receiving your success through the mail, and not in person/traded/bought.)

Edited by LadyRaven - May/04/2009 at 12:21am