I'd like to get some feedback from other pros as to how they would respond to the following email. I have many other email just like this This one is the most recent.
To: richmarotta@earthlink.net
Subject: Help with puppet!!
Dear Rich,
My name is Bill XXX, I am a high school teacher/coach with magic as a
hobby. I have had the pleasure of seeing you at the A-1 in Sacramento and
on your videos. I really enjoy your comedy bits and own a few of your
props, ie. tongue ... big ear....etc.
I especially like the bit you do with the look alike puppet. I would
like to do something similar with a puppet of the crocodile man and small
crocodile puppet. I am not a professional and hope maybe to use this as an
MC bit for an occasional dance or sports banquet. I am not sure what I am
going to do but I would like some help in the construction of the crocodile
man puppet. How to split him in half and make the guts, etc.
I have been unable to find you doing your piece on video so that I might
get some ideas on how your puppet was constructed, etc. Can you help me in
any way with this. Much appreciation!!!!
In talking with Mike Maxwell he said your new video from the A-1 will be
out in November so I am looking forward to that. In the mean time I would
like to construct my puppet with your help if possible. Can you help with
this?
Much Appreciation!
Bill XXX
Response to fan query
Re: Response to fan query
Rich,
I figure that: A. You don't want to help him build his puppet (You've got to earn a living, not teach Puppetry 101), and B. You're not going to describe your routine to him (Give away material for free?? Is he nuts??)
So, in these days of the internet, here's what I'd do, especially since the guy emailed you:
"Dear Bill,
I don't really have time to help you construct your puppet. However, there are a lot of good resources on the internet with information that could help you. I typed 'puppet construction' into Yahoo and came up with lots of web sites. Here's a good one to start with:
http://www.sagecraft.com/puppetry/building/
Good luck with your project!
Rich
P.S. Buy my video!"
Jeff
I figure that: A. You don't want to help him build his puppet (You've got to earn a living, not teach Puppetry 101), and B. You're not going to describe your routine to him (Give away material for free?? Is he nuts??)
So, in these days of the internet, here's what I'd do, especially since the guy emailed you:
"Dear Bill,
I don't really have time to help you construct your puppet. However, there are a lot of good resources on the internet with information that could help you. I typed 'puppet construction' into Yahoo and came up with lots of web sites. Here's a good one to start with:
http://www.sagecraft.com/puppetry/building/
Good luck with your project!
Rich
P.S. Buy my video!"
Jeff