The Locking of Topics on this board

When people are not allowed to respond to comments generated by their posts, it shows a lot of insecurity on the part of the moderator in my opinion.

Dirk taking money for his autograph makes absolutely no sense to me. It never will. It's just tremendous bad judgement. I guess that's just the way I feel.

I can't even name half a dozen celebs offhand that "Sell" their autograph. Unless of course you count Gary Coleman and Kato Kalin.

NONE of the current big name celebs SELL their autograph. I challenge you to show ANY evidence that they do outside of a convention setting. At least in a convention setting, the fee offsets the cost of the facility, the venue, the coordination. Dirk is selling them at the same price on a WEBSITE.

I work in this biz now, LaLa land born and raised, and I have to tell you, this practice is looked at with horror and laughter by other professionals.

If Dirk NEEDS the money that badly, I guess I just feel bad for the guy.

I would have to be hellishly desperate to ask money for a simple gesture from people who have supported me.

Maybe I'm naive, but in my world, I could never put a price tag on "thank you."

And if the autograph is NOT a thank you...what exactly is the point of it anyway?

If Dirk's name on paper amounts to a pure monitary comodity...it's disturbing to know he prostitues himself for $20 a pop.

(lets also think about this too.... Assuming you can sign your name five times in a minute, Dirk seems to think that his time is worth $6000 an hour. Last I checked, pediatric oncologists don't make anything NEAR that in an entire work day.....and they care for dying children for God's sake.)

[MrsSpooky]

The only times I asked for and got autographs from celebs were at conventions or when they were working on a tv show. Yes, you pay for them at the cons. While they're working on tv shows, in most cases the production company if not the network springs for the pictures and postage. I do know of one case where someone sent me an autgraph picture that came out of his own pocket (he was not one of the stars and the powers that be decided that they didn't want to pay for his pictures and postage). He didn't sign that many anyway, so it wasn't that huge a burden for him.

Dirk, while not a part of an ongoing production, has to pay for it himself and do it on his own time. Time that could be spent doing something else (like taking care of his home and property and spending time with his sons). I have no idea of the volume of mail he gets for autograph requests - or even just letters from well-wishers or other fans, if you will.

Maybe it's just me, but I can't see the point of getting upset about it. I sent him a letter not too long ago, not because I wanted an autograph (I didn't ask for one and don't expect one), but because I had stuff I wanted to tell him.

Personally, I think it's asking a lot of someone who probably gets a LOT of mail to have to answer every request for autographs.



But that's just me. 8)

[jigglypuff]

I am sorry, but I must agree with Splash. I thought a forum was supposed to be a place for people to openly express their opinions,without fear, not a dictatorship. I would also like to think that Dirk cares enough to know what his fans are feeling and thinking, if he doesn't care at all about us, why should we about him?
When a person writes to an actor, it is up to them if the letter is heartfelt enough, if they wish to respond. Otherwise, simply ignore the correspondence. I certainly know that all four of mine over a period of 21 years was ignored. And, NO, I am not bitter about it!
Yes, Dirk goes around to conventions. Great! BUT, I am also getting the impression that he is saying, "If you are poor and don't have the money for the conventions and don't have the $20 to send, then I don't want you as a fan, don't even bother being a fan. I only deal with those that have extra money, if you don't then get lost. You are not worhty of me". Society says that to the poor enough, without someone that you look up to saying the same thing. The last time I checked, just because a person is poor doesn't mean that they are NOT a person and that they DO NOT have feelings and emotions. And the very thought of this makes me angry and heartbroken, simply sitting here wanting to cry over the whole thing!
Over the years, I have saved up money to buy his movies, books, etc. Money that could have been MUCH better used on rent, food, and clothing. But I spent it anyway believing that I was supporting someone I wanted to be like, someone I admired. Instead, I now find that it was a complete waste of money. The only one convention I have ever been to was because my boyfriend paid for the entire thing, hoping to cheer me up and help me to forget the daily struggle for one day. He has said that he would be willing to take me to the Chicago convention, for the same reason (to cheer me up), but at this point, I would not even use his money.

[Tracy]

I am sorry that this topic has upset people. IT was certainly not the intention of anyone at DBCentral.com to upset anyone.

I posted the autograph policy. If the message was not worded properly or has upset anyone then I am to blame for that. And I do apologize for any misunderstandings. I have pulled it.

Please do not take out anger on this board at Dirk. He has tried so very hard to be as open and available as possible with his fans. The website is here for one purpose. HIs books and their message. Everything else is Tahini on the rice cake. It is with his blessing the site is here.

It has been with great personal satisfaction I have been able to fill this site with ALL aspects of his career and have tried very hard to accomodate all interests of his fans.

Please know that all of the support this site has received over the past six years has been greatly appreciated and would not be here if it were not for his fans. We most certainly do care.

The Webmaster

[Wakefieldrose]

This is my first post for any actor, but I feel I wanted to put my 2 cents worth in or for whatever they're worth.

I don't believe the autograph policy was to solicit for money. Dirk is too remarkably talented and intelligent to beg for money.

Look at his repertoire: dozens of film, several tv shows & plays, 2 sensational books, directed a couple of movies, written music & screen play, ect.

He's a hard worker and he works hard for his fans.

I believed the reason for the policy was to curtail or "nip it in the bud" the problem that was brewing.

It doesn't mean he no longer cares for his fans. I think he does. He's a personable person. It shows in his interaction with people.

One thing I don't understand is, from what I've read before, if fans are willing to pay $20 for his autographs at conventions and is to help fray the convention cost, why not pay $20 to help him fray his cost? Am I missing something? Maybe so.

Well that's just my 2 cents worth. :)

Oh btw Tracey, the policy made perfect sense to me.

[Lt. Templeton TLoS Peck]

I am sorry that this topic has upset people. IT was certainly not the intention of anyone at DBCentral.com to upset anyone.

I posted the autograph policy. If the message was not worded properly or has upset anyone then I am to blame for that. And I do apologize for any misunderstandings. I have pulled it.

Please do not take out anger on this board at Dirk. He has tried so very hard to be as open and available as possible with his fans. The website is here for one purpose. HIs books and their message. Everything else is Tahini on the rice cake. It is with his blessing the site is here.

It has been with great personal satisfaction I have been able to fill this site with ALL aspects of his career and have tried very hard to accomodate all interests of his fans.

Please know that all of the support this site has received over the past six years has been greatly appreciated and would not be here if it were not for his fans. We most certainly do care.

The Webmaster

I think you do a great job. Personally I would have added to the autograph policy one sentence to stress the fact he loves his fans. Because you never can be carefull enough with some fans.

But hey, you can never blame the site administrator for this. He or she has to deal with a complete website, and we visitors pick one or two sentences of the website to comment it. Easily to complain, and not fair.

I don't like topics to be closed, but visitors have to understand they can at least act like adults when taking part in a discussion.

"He prostitutes himself",... Can't we discuse in a more adult way ???

I think the policy is really understandable. People must understand Dirk does not have a team who helps him sending autopgrahps whole day long. And the fact he was a star in two big tv-shows does not mean he can finance all costs for his fan mail.

He restarted acting, the a-team is really popular again because of the dvd-releases,... I can imagine Dirk received a lot of fan mail in recent months.

Asking money for an autograph is not prostitution. There are people making money with his autograph and pictures on ebay, while he has to make effords answering letters and sending autographs. He probably gets lots of demands for autographs from people who aren't even really Dirk Benedict fans.

I think it's a good policy to say: "i want to handle my fan mail myself, and not sending standard answers. but i can't handle all the mail, so i ask a fee so only the real fans will do the efford asking me an autograph."

and the fact real poor people can't pay 20$... :roll: I don't think getting an autograph is a priority for them. they don't have internet to get his mail address. and i'm sure they will get an autograph for free if they really want an autograph and explain their situation. :wink:

believe me: if you have visited conventions, you really know who are the stars who attend them for the money only, and who are the ones who really care giving their fans a good time. and believe me: there is no star taking care of his fans during conventions like Dirk Benedict. nice talk, great picture, if you've read his book even an autograph for free. and a Q&A with Dirk Benedict is really unbelievable.

I really hope Dirk never reads this topic because we really have to sound like little children... :D

[MrsSpooky]

The biggest problem with some discussions, especially if there are disagreements, is the personal attacks that tend to arise.

I certainly didn't care for that comment you brought up ("prostituting himself"??) and a few others that were made. Those are unnecessary and do reflect badly on the fandom.

Giving people the benefit of the doubt, I would say it's possible people don't realise they are posting personal attacks. However, now they know, so if they choose to continue posting about it, they will raise the level of their comments and discuss it more maturely.

[ostarella]

I guess I just find it hard to understand how someone who was such a "die hard" fan for all these years could turn on him so quickly over something so insignificant. As to the $20 being excessive - it's not like you're spending this every week, for heaven's sake. I know what tough times are - I was a single parent who had to count pennies many, many times. But you know what - throw your spare change in a jar and believe it or not, you'll have that huge expense covered in a very short time...

[horselightning]

Wow, you people ever realize the cost of postage! Say Dirk gets 900 fan letters and each asks for a reply. So it is 37 cents a stamp. 900 x 37 cents = 333 dollars. Not even counting the cost of envelopes.

Now today the cost of geting headshots , a basic head shot can cost as must a 45.00 a picture , the whole pakcage plus the sitting is 295 bucks. outch. So let's see 900 fan letters all wanting a pictures. Thats is 900 x 45.00 =40500 dollars. WOW!

let's see now he needs envelopes to put the pictures is. 900 8x 10 manilla envelopes . What they come packs of 500 at cost 17.28 . And he needs 900 envelopes. So 2 boxes. 900 x 34.56=31104 dollars. outch!


So the cost for him to answer all 900 hundred people is =

333 stamps
40500 headshots
31104 envelopes
________________
=71937 dollars to answer all us happy fans! Wow you people sure 20 dollars is to much to ask to compinsate for all this? :D




Ooof !

[Nacky]

I guess I just find it hard to understand how someone who was such a "die hard" fan for all these years could turn on him so quickly over something so insignificant. As to the $20 being excessive.

THAT'S exactly what I was thinking! Being a devout fan? Writing tons of fics, having bragged about Dirk to some yadda yadda people and having a trunk full of stuff and then one day just "stumbled" onto this board...yeah right. Pa-lease!

[Dawg]

Wow, you people ever realize the cost of postage! Say Dirk gets 900 fan letters and each asks for a reply. So it is 37 cents a stamp. 900 x 37 cents = 333 dollars. Not even counting the cost of envelopes.

Now today the cost of geting headshots , a basic head shot can cost as must a 45.00 a picture , the whole pakcage plus the sitting is 295 bucks. outch. So let's see 900 fan letters all wanting a pictures. Thats is 900 x 45.00 =40500 dollars. WOW!

let's see now he needs envelopes to put the pictures is. 900 8x 10 manilla envelopes . What they come packs of 500 at cost 17.28 . And he needs 900 envelopes. So 2 boxes. 900 x 34.56=31104 dollars. outch!


So the cost for him to answer all 900 hundred people is =

333 stamps
40500 headshots
31104 envelopes
________________
=71937 dollars to answer all us happy fans! Wow you people sure 20 dollars is to much to ask to compinsate for all this? :D




Ooof !

There's only one flaw - well, only one math flaw - in your thinking: postage is 39 cents now, not 37.

Well, two flaws - you can get a digital 8X10 printed for less than $45... But a photographer would charge at least that for a sitting, then you would have digitizing (if not taken with a digital camera) and duplicating - it still wouldn't cost more than $40 grand to print out 900 pictures.

But a hundred is as unaccessable as a million if you don't have it...

I am
Dawg
8)

[Nacky]

Wow, you people ever realize the cost of postage! Say Dirk gets 900 fan letters and each asks for a reply. So it is 37 cents a stamp. 900 x 37 cents = 333 dollars. Not even counting the cost of envelopes.

Now today the cost of geting headshots , a basic head shot can cost as must a 45.00 a picture , the whole pakcage plus the sitting is 295 bucks. outch. So let's see 900 fan letters all wanting a pictures. Thats is 900 x 45.00 =40500 dollars. WOW!

let's see now he needs envelopes to put the pictures is. 900 8x 10 manilla envelopes . What they come packs of 500 at cost 17.28 . And he needs 900 envelopes. So 2 boxes. 900 x 34.56=31104 dollars. outch!


So the cost for him to answer all 900 hundred people is =

333 stamps
40500 headshots
31104 envelopes
________________
=71937 dollars to answer all us happy fans! Wow you people sure 20 dollars is to much to ask to compinsate for all this? :D




Ooof !

There's only one flaw - well, only one math flaw - in your thinking: postage is 39 cents now, not 37.

Well, two flaws - you can get a digital 8X10 printed for less than $45... But a photographer would charge at least that for a sitting, then you would have digitizing (if not taken with a digital camera) and duplicating - it still wouldn't cost more than $40 grand to print out 900 pictures.

But a hundred is as unaccessable as a million if you don't have it...

I am
Dawg
8)

Well, there was another error on the math of needing 31,104 for envelopes. If they came as 500 per package, he would only need two packages and some envelopes would be left over if it were only 900 envelopes he were needing. So the cost of envelopes would only be the two packages of 500 envelopes which horselightning said was 34.56.

I have a list of demands for Dirk, ahem, I need 4-5 long straight wooden boards, also replicas but made out of cork, 300 yards of lightweight wire and 10 lightbulbs. A couple rubber tubes for floatation and safety, a steering wheel from a small boat and maybe its compass, too. 45 packs of rubber gloves and a very large waterproof chicken. About 8 transparent suction cups, a big pair of glasses and a fake pair of eyeballs (or real, it doesn't matter), and alot of glue.

I happen to have 900 envelopes Dirk can use to send all this to me! :P Oh I hope he don't mind, but it'll have to be shipped to Mongolia because I'll be there investigating a shipwreck in the Gobi Desert.

[horselightning]

1. I did research on my calculations via the internet.
2. yeah i was off by two cents on the postage. so what.
3. Instead of picking it appart why don't you focus on the point of it all?


Like say 20 dollars isnt munch , seeing what it would cost him to answer all of us. Another way to look at it besides , he is just being mean or unfair to us fans. Really! I consider 20 bucks a privellage, casue do you know Leonard Nimoy charges 150 or so for his. I would rather pay 20 than 150 anyday. :D


And anyway Dirk is going to do what he wants regardless of what others think of him. If you read his books you can tell a lot sbout the man himself.Like His focus and if you can;t tell it already is his sons and who he is to himself. And he dosent care what anyone thinks of him expsecially hollywood. Which is a great way to think. If we all think about it. You should like yourself to begin with, an d than you can like others. :D


And why is it a problem now? It wasn't a problem when Dirk had his Kamikaze web page up and he was saleing autographed pics for 20 bucks than. Course now you have to send something to him to be signed cause he no longer furnuished the pictures. Maybe that makes it different I do not know. This is all getting silly peeps! :D

[Dawg]

:lol:

We are only having fun, horselightning - we know what you're saying and agree with it. But it's worth laughing about if we can.

I'd pay $20 for a made-to-order, personalized autograph from someone I'd come to admire.

I am
Dawg
8)

[Tracy]

This is my first post for any actor, but I feel I wanted to put my 2 cents worth in or for whatever they're worth.

I don't believe the autograph policy was to solicit for money. Dirk is too remarkably talented and intelligent to beg for money.

Look at his repertoire: dozens of film, several tv shows & plays, 2 sensational books, directed a couple of movies, written music & screen play, ect.

He's a hard worker and he works hard for his fans.

I believed the reason for the policy was to curtail or "nip it in the bud" the problem that was brewing.

It doesn't mean he no longer cares for his fans. I think he does. He's a personable person. It shows in his interaction with people.

One thing I don't understand is, from what I've read before, if fans are willing to pay $20 for his autographs at conventions and is to help fray the convention cost, why not pay $20 to help him fray his cost? Am I missing something? Maybe so.

Well that's just my 2 cents worth. :)

Oh btw Tracey, the policy made perfect sense to me.

Wakefieldrose,

Welcome to the forums :)

Chime in whenever you see anything that interests you. Hope you like it here :)

Tracy

[jigglypuff]

I would like to apologize for my earlier tirade.
When I write to a celebrity, it opens even the smallest hope that I will receive something in return and someone with major depression, that needs any small hope to latch onto to face the following days, to take away even that hope simply because there is not a check for $20 with the letter truly hurts. Is this so wrong? Has this become a sin somehow to want that? As before, he does not have to answer every single letter and I know for a fact that he has not, but to say if you want any answer back at all it had better be with $20 or forget it, is just wrong.
I make $620 a month and rent is $480. After paying phone, electric, and cooking gas, is the matter of buying food for two. I go to the local Christian Service Center every month, otherwise I would not eat the last week of the month. I would not even have this computer except for the fact it was donated to me. Even then, I try to use the one at the library whenever I can to save on electric. When I go out, I search the ground for pennies to fill a wrapper to take to the bank for laundry money. But is any of this supposed to mean I can't care about receiving an autograph or that I'm not supposed to care?
I cherish the pictures I took with Richard Hatch and Herb Jefferson Jr. and have them placed in the center of my living room to remind me of the happiest day of my life. All I'm saying is that a celebrity should keep in mind that they can make the biggest difference in someone else's life with even the smallest gesture.
As for writing Dirk a letter expressing how much I admire him and then saying, "I'm sorry there isn't a $20 check with this, but I'm a poor, idiotic, ugly schmuck that can't afford it". I don't think that would work out too well, do you?
As of late, if by some amazing miracle, I have any extra money at all, even a few pennies, I give it back to the Christian Service Center so they can help others who are poor, hungry, and in need. Or should I now save it so I can send it to Dirk?

[Nacky]

:lol:

We are only having fun, horselightning - we know what you're saying and agree with it. But it's worth laughing about if we can.

I'd pay $20 for a made-to-order, personalized autograph from someone I'd come to admire.

I am
Dawg
8)

The concept of autographs has always eluded me...the only practical reason for ever really needing one would be to practice how to forge the signature. LOL!

[Tracy]

:lol:

We are only having fun, horselightning - we know what you're saying and agree with it. But it's worth laughing about if we can.

I'd pay $20 for a made-to-order, personalized autograph from someone I'd come to admire.

I am
Dawg
8)

The concept of autographs has always eluded me...the only practical reason for ever really needing one would be to practice how to forge the signature. LOL!

Personally, I don't even own an autograph. Of anybody.
For myself, just didn't want one I guess :)

[Wakefieldrose]

I do! I do! I do like this website. :D

So little to see, so much time to do. Oh wait! That's backward. Scratch that! Turn it around. :lol:

So much to see and read and so little time to do.

[Nacky]

I would like to apologize for my earlier tirade.
When I write to a celebrity, it opens even the smallest hope that I will receive something in return and someone with major depression, that needs any small hope to latch onto to face the following days, to take away even that hope simply because there is not a check for $20 with the letter truly hurts. Is this so wrong? Has this become a sin somehow to want that? As before, he does not have to answer every single letter and I know for a fact that he has not, but to say if you want any answer back at all it had better be with $20 or forget it, is just wrong.
I make $620 a month and rent is $480. After paying phone, electric, and cooking gas, is the matter of buying food for two. I go to the local Christian Service Center every month, otherwise I would not eat the last week of the month. I would not even have this computer except for the fact it was donated to me. Even then, I try to use the one at the library whenever I can to save on electric. When I go out, I search the ground for pennies to fill a wrapper to take to the bank for laundry money. But is any of this supposed to mean I can't care about receiving an autograph or that I'm not supposed to care?
I cherish the pictures I took with Richard Hatch and Herb Jefferson Jr. and have them placed in the center of my living room to remind me of the happiest day of my life. All I'm saying is that a celebrity should keep in mind that they can make the biggest difference in someone else's life with even the smallest gesture.
As for writing Dirk a letter expressing how much I admire him and then saying, "I'm sorry there isn't a $20 check with this, but I'm a poor, idiotic, ugly schmuck that can't afford it". I don't think that would work out too well, do you?
As of late, if by some amazing miracle, I have any extra money at all, even a few pennies, I give it back to the Christian Service Center so they can help others who are poor, hungry, and in need. Or should I now save it so I can send it to Dirk?

You know what, if I ever come across a 8x10 glossy of Dirk, I'll send it to you for FREE! Please stop with the assumption that Dirk would think anything like you're dumb and ugly just because you don't have 20$! That's just silly. I'm not trying to be mean, but that is really just weird. If Dirk ever thought of anyone as dumb and ugly it would be along the lines of someone who truly deserves that. Charles Manson comes to mind...

[MrsSpooky]

I do! I do! I do like this website. :D

So little to see, so much time to do. Oh wait! That's backward. Scratch that! Turn it around. :lol:

So much to see and read and so little time to do.

LOL!!

Ok, Mr Willie Wonka. :)

Loved the original, missed the remake.

Glad you're here.

[Nacky]

:lol:

We are only having fun, horselightning - we know what you're saying and agree with it. But it's worth laughing about if we can.

I'd pay $20 for a made-to-order, personalized autograph from someone I'd come to admire.

I am
Dawg
8)

The concept of autographs has always eluded me...the only practical reason for ever really needing one would be to practice how to forge the signature. LOL!

Personally, I don't even own an autograph. Of anybody.
For myself, just didn't want one I guess :)

I know what you mean, Tracy, I've never been too big on stuff like that. Personally I think autographs ruin the package for me. I want no writings or marks on anything. I like everything to be tidy. Those Sharpie marks NEVER come off no matter how many times I throw my glossies in the washing machine.

[horselightning]

Hey Dawg Tis alright I got you! With me I never have asked for an autogrpah yet. They were all just giving to me,. I was like ok that is nice of you. I just assume it was a kind jesture on there part. I only have a few. I didnt even exspect Dirk to really answer me, though I gave him the chance to do it. Boy was I shocked when he did it. I got talked into writin g in the first place and was scared maybe I shouldnt bother him. It turned out alright for me though. I'm very greatfull. You have to unerstand that I was raised that fanmail was a nuesance and silly. So thats why I was nervous and maybe thin king I was doing something wrong in writing him. I'm so glad it turned out alright! shooo! :D

[Dawg]

I would like to apologize for my earlier tirade.
When I write to a celebrity, it opens even the smallest hope that I will receive something in return and someone with major depression, that needs any small hope to latch onto to face the following days, to take away even that hope simply because there is not a check for $20 with the letter truly hurts. Is this so wrong? Has this become a sin somehow to want that? As before, he does not have to answer every single letter and I know for a fact that he has not, but to say if you want any answer back at all it had better be with $20 or forget it, is just wrong.
I make $620 a month and rent is $480. After paying phone, electric, and cooking gas, is the matter of buying food for two. I go to the local Christian Service Center every month, otherwise I would not eat the last week of the month. I would not even have this computer except for the fact it was donated to me. Even then, I try to use the one at the library whenever I can to save on electric. When I go out, I search the ground for pennies to fill a wrapper to take to the bank for laundry money. But is any of this supposed to mean I can't care about receiving an autograph or that I'm not supposed to care?
I cherish the pictures I took with Richard Hatch and Herb Jefferson Jr. and have them placed in the center of my living room to remind me of the happiest day of my life. All I'm saying is that a celebrity should keep in mind that they can make the biggest difference in someone else's life with even the smallest gesture.
As for writing Dirk a letter expressing how much I admire him and then saying, "I'm sorry there isn't a $20 check with this, but I'm a poor, idiotic, ugly schmuck that can't afford it". I don't think that would work out too well, do you?
As of late, if by some amazing miracle, I have any extra money at all, even a few pennies, I give it back to the Christian Service Center so they can help others who are poor, hungry, and in need. Or should I now save it so I can send it to Dirk?

Frankly, jiggly - I have a much higher degree of admiration for someone in your position than I do for 99.99% of the rest of the world. You're not having an easy time but you're working at it - you're sticking to the priorities. Too many people simply throw up their hands and walk away from their responsibilities - but you don't, even when you're being pressed harder than many who do give up. That's big.

I wish more people in this world had your determination and moral fiber. It would be a much better place. Never forget that you are a valuable individual, because you're going to teach others how it should be done.

I salute you.

I am
Dawg

[Wakefieldrose]

I do! I do! I do like this website. :D

So little to see, so much time to do. Oh wait! That's backward. Scratch that! Turn it around. :lol:

So much to see and read and so little time to do.

LOL!!

Ok, Mr Willie Wonka. :)

Loved the original, missed the remake.

Glad you're here.


MrsSpooky

Don't you just love originals.

Like Battlestar Galatica, Starbuck.

Though Dirk was not in the original pilot of The A Team, I think he made Faceman his own original. I don't think anyone can fill that spot.

[MrsSpooky]

I would like to apologize for my earlier tirade.
When I write to a celebrity, it opens even the smallest hope that I will receive something in return and someone with major depression, that needs any small hope to latch onto to face the following days, to take away even that hope simply because there is not a check for $20 with the letter truly hurts. Is this so wrong? Has this become a sin somehow to want that? As before, he does not have to answer every single letter and I know for a fact that he has not, but to say if you want any answer back at all it had better be with $20 or forget it, is just wrong.
I make $620 a month and rent is $480. After paying phone, electric, and cooking gas, is the matter of buying food for two. I go to the local Christian Service Center every month, otherwise I would not eat the last week of the month. I would not even have this computer except for the fact it was donated to me. Even then, I try to use the one at the library whenever I can to save on electric. When I go out, I search the ground for pennies to fill a wrapper to take to the bank for laundry money. But is any of this supposed to mean I can't care about receiving an autograph or that I'm not supposed to care?
I cherish the pictures I took with Richard Hatch and Herb Jefferson Jr. and have them placed in the center of my living room to remind me of the happiest day of my life. All I'm saying is that a celebrity should keep in mind that they can make the biggest difference in someone else's life with even the smallest gesture.
As for writing Dirk a letter expressing how much I admire him and then saying, "I'm sorry there isn't a $20 check with this, but I'm a poor, idiotic, ugly schmuck that can't afford it". I don't think that would work out too well, do you?
As of late, if by some amazing miracle, I have any extra money at all, even a few pennies, I give it back to the Christian Service Center so they can help others who are poor, hungry, and in need. Or should I now save it so I can send it to Dirk?

Jiggly, we love ya, doll. You're not ugly or stupid, so just let's not go there, ok? *hug*

I've been broke (at one point a few years ago I was over my head in debt), so I know the crushing pain that comes with it. Just because there is a policy in place doesn't mean that it can't be circumvented when the opportunity arises. I deal with processes and policies all the time, and I know for a fact that people often ignore them to do what they feel is best for the person they are dealing with.

Tracy says Dirk reads these boards, which tells me he knows how we feel about him. I can't believe that he would think any less of someone who was in an economically challenging situation - I think it would be quite the opposite.

We all have our different crosses to bear, and we do that with varying degrees of strength and courage. You, my dear, are someone I respect greatly, and woe to anyone who shows you any disrespect.

Please give yourself a hug for me, ok?

[jigglypuff]

Just wanted to say a *big* thank you to everyone for their kind words. They truly do mean alot. Whoever came up with the saying, "Sticks and stones....", was really full of it.
I wasn't saying what Dirk would think of me, I was saying what I think of myself.
As for him sometimes reading these posts, all I can do is hope that he doesn't, I would be waaaay too ashamed if he did. :(
Again, just wanted to say thanks and take good care of yourselves. :)

[Nacky]

Just wanted to say a *big* thank you to everyone for their kind words. They truly do mean alot. Whoever came up with the saying, "Sticks and stones....", was really full of it.
I wasn't saying what Dirk would think of me, I was saying what I think of myself.
As for him sometimes reading these posts, all I can do is hope that he doesn't, I would be waaaay too ashamed if he did. :(
Again, just wanted to say thanks and take good care of yourselves. :)

You need to cheer up, there, chicky girl! Whether Dirk reads this board or not...just be yourself and hang loose. Chill with us. Dirk's cool. It's gonna be alright...remember that old saying "This too, shall pass". It's true ya know! Don't let the clowns get ya down, and having money isn't the key to happiness. Use the Schwartz! Hee Hee Hee!

[Tracy]

I second what Nacky said. :)