TTM Beginner Tips

So I'm finally going to get back into sending out some more Through the Mail Requests, which I have been slacking in in the past year. I'm probably going to be sending out a lot of Minor League cards and retired players (since I missed out on my big Minor League boom in autos with not going to Spring Training). This all brought up a few arguments I hear a lot with TTM requests:
-Handwritten vs Typed Letter
Let's be honest, most players don't read the letters you send them. I say most because I know players such as Pat Neshek and lower minor leaguers do enjoy fan mail. But through my (and others) experience, handwritten does not boost the chance of getting a TTM request. For the most part it is luck of the draw, your package just happened to be put in the signed pile rather than the RTS pile. A person in a forum put it best: "It is what you say, not the type of ink you use." So instead of Dear "Insert player" you are my favorite "insert position" on the "insert team name", try to make personal letters. If they do happen to read your letter, that will resonate more no matter what form it's printed.
-Include your own sharpie/pen?
Only if you want the item signed in that particular ink (and that's not a guarantee either). Most players have lot's of sharpies and pens available so you do not HAVE to send your own. However sometimes you will get signatures with poor inks because of the pen the player is using. Case in point I got 2 horribly signed cards from Eric Hinske who used a fading thick black marker. I appreciated the sigs and can't really complain considering his signing habits aren't the best, but I can't help but wonder "what if I sent my own sharpie"
-Spring Training vs. Regular Season
Lot's of players who don't like to sign will sign more (remember 1 auto is MORE than none) during spring training. Big names like Ortiz, Manny or Schilling in the past would sign a few TTM requests, but definitely not all. Also, most players will not take their mail with them, so if they don't sign it in Fort Myers, chances are it won't come back to Boston. So like any TTM request, it is a gamble, just don't send anything you aren't willing to lose.
-Where do you get Home Addresses?
Home addresses can be a great way to get some signatures in the off season. I have gotten Pedroia, Bowden, and Timlin among others through their home addresses. The best lists are Harvey Meiselman and Jack Smalling. If you google those names you'll be able to find what I'm talking about.
That's a few tips to help you with your TTM requests, tomorrow will be question from a fan day, so stop by then too! Thanks for stopping by!