Philatelic New Year's Resolution

IMHO, every philatelist, most especially the newest collectors, should make the following New Year's Resolution:

I resolve to purchase and read at least one book associated with my area of philatelic interest this year. I will keep that book as the start of, or as an addition to, my philatelic library.

I know it's sometimes hard for a new collector to justify spending $20 or even $100 on a book when you can buy a hundred or a thousand stamps for the same money, but research and knowledge are the foundations of a life-long interest and not a flash-in-the-pan collection.

I agree with you.

However, if one can't justify the price, my suggestion would be to keep a look out at your public library. Many libraries these days sell off the books they have that no one checks out, and it seems to me that a lot of books on philately show up there for pennies. Also, they tend to sell off old versions of books when they get the new versions of things like Scott's catalogues.

Never underestimate the power of research.

I like my stamps, but I like the books more. I buy new catalogues every 2 to 3 years, plus I buy at least 2 other books every year. Plus I look for books that are inexpensive, even if I don't need them. You never know what you will come across in your collecting. It's always handy to have a bit of reference material on just about everything.

Hi Greg....

I agree completely.......

Education is the key to learn as much as possible from your collection. It will help you identify and avoid poor quality or mis-identified items......money spent on poor quality material is money lost.

Even after 50+ years collecting I still buy at least one book a year (many years I've bought several)......in fact just this week received my first copy of the Scott Classic Specialized Catalog that covers the whole world from 1840 to 1940 in one book with up to date values......it also includes the value of many worldwide stamps on cover. With just a cursory glance I found useful info.....I can't wait to get the time to see what it has for each country.

Just a few books a year will quickly add up to a decent collectors library.

i resolve to spend more on my hobby..if I buy nickle and dime stamps I will have a nickle and dime collection..i want my time spent on stamps to count for more than that !!

I agree but find it difficult to do unless I'm researching for a project. Best place I've fond to purchase books is at our club auctions - often they go real cheep.

I read various things associated with my areas of interest (WWII Germany and the pre-1960 British Commonwealth). Unforunately, I feel my money for books right now has to go to textbooks. In a couple years when I'm finished school and have a decent job...we'll see.

Great advice and a great idea! I'm getting the Barred Numerals of Victoria for xmas, so that can count as this years.

my new year resolution is I will not buy my stamps from my own store so others can buy it

the rest of you please dont make that resolution or I will go out of business :)