Start Here Topic

Hi all, maybe there can be a " Start Here" type topic under the introduce yourself topic in the main forums for those new members to have a small guideline for when they inherit, buy, or find stamps. This way it could be set up with "how to begin' type topics. Just basics such as separating stamps, research catalogues, some hyperlinks, and purchasing a basic type kit of tongs, perforation gauge etc. So it would provide an easy access to simple questions that need to be answered. Plus info on possibly finding a gem, but not to get their hopes up too much.. After all its a great hobby.. I would gladly help in setting it up if needed. I'm not an expert by far, but I know it could be helpful.. ????? Keith

Good idea Keith gkc. It has been broached before now on SCF but nothing seemed to come of it at the time.

Assuming that Admin and help have other duties that would keep them from writing this up and modifying it as time passes, we would have to do it ourselves.

But you need to be able to edit and modify as errors are found or better or more understandable ways of writing or phrasing something is found, over time.

One other concern I think about is that a lot of things can be phrased in different ways using different words but mean the same to most people. Thus when a term is searched for you might not find it if that exact word is not referenced in the article. And no, not everyone needs to learn 'the correct way' to call something. Example, soaking, floating, removing, releasing, soak, float, remove, release, stamp, self-adhesive, S/A, SA, PS, etc etc.

Hard to cover all words in one go at writing the article or entitling it even to make it the most found article when someone searched for it or Googled it.

There are already lots of great writings on topics like those you mentioned on SCF here and on many other web sites elsewhere.

The search function on here is pretty good when you learn how to use it and realise it is actually there also. It is easier to type a post with the question you have and then be told to go look here or there than to access a nice list and spend time reading and researching things for yourself. Just the nature of the beast.

I am perhaps creating problems before they have arisen.

Hi Puzzler, I was thinking a simple format like the Stamp Communiy Rules. Just a typed up guideline, it wouldn't need any hyperlinks really, and a thread could not be started in it. Thanks for your time. I appreciate the response. Keith

I agree it would be useful. Members already answer a lot of threads on the subject of inherited/found stamps, often relating to possible worth, and also discussing the basics of stamp collecting for newbies. There's probably a wealth of information on the forum that could be edited down to make a basic guide as you suggest. I think it would have to fairly basic as if you go into too much detail, the subjects can get contentiousand also we are an international forum and not everyone speaks English as their first language.
It would be a lot of work for someone, or a few working together, to write up. But then it might save time for members answering newbie questions.
Having said that, asking newbie questions is a great way for someone to become engaged and welcomed into the forum, and the range of answers they receive does give them a more personal introduction to the hobby, so I wouldn't ever want to discourage it altogether.

I put together a printable guide to stamp collecting for the American Topical Association that Admin is welcome to use as they see fit. The topics covered are:

Tools
How to Soak Stamps
How to Hinge Stamps
Stamp Glossary
Stamp Identifier
Where to Find Stamps

Here is the link:
www.americantopicalassn.org/pdf/youth/introcollect.pdf

It is written at a juvenile level but might be a good start for beginners.