Hello From Boca Raton, Florida

I'm happy to find this site! I'm a newbie that collected when in Japan in the mid 50's. I stopped when I moved back to the U.S. My dad was a stamp collector and had a collection of his own and passed it down to me. I have been studying the collection and fascinated with the history and complexity of collecting and valuating stamps. Having some trouble saying the word philately and my wife looked at me funny when I told her what I was doing. I went to the library and used the Scott catalog. Then I looked at the markets for stamps(Ihobi, Mystic, ebay) on the net, went to a local stamp club, contacted a large retailer, and now I really am feeling like a rookie. There is no one market. This is a pure supply and demand arena. To some a business and others for fun. I hope I can bring something to the family here, but I will be listening and learning from you. Warm Regards

Philately is the study of people named "Phil" - no complexity there!

Don't go to the catalogues. And don't go to a dealer. You need a friend to advise you. See if you can find one.

Welcome! You discovered a great group. I am learning much since I began with this group and met some really great collectors. Sure you will enjoy.

Stamppaige to SCF all the way from Northern Mich. God's Country

Thanks for the welcome and advise. I guess I had to go through some of the traps to find out! Still learning.

Hey it's "The Wuzzles"! lol
I was thinking they was "The Popples" but my wife got it before I did so, the Wuzzle's hey are.