A Must Read Siegel Despatch - Winter 2021

The editorial/article by Scott Trepel regarding "Infrastructure" portends a lot of interesting developments in our hobby. Also some spectacular upcoming sales.

https://siegelauctions.com/desp/Despatch.pdf

He is correct that there is a certain "critical mass" (minimum amount) of infrastructure needed to allow the hobby to continue in a significant way. In my opinion the internet has been a detriment to some of that infrastructure and an enhancement of other parts.

B grill - Oh Myyy

Scott is right. "... Too many entry-level collectors get burned, either by bad material or inflated pricing, ... " This will continue as long as purveyors of material guilty of these practices are tolerated amongst us. Here is looking forward to a day in the near future when this will not be the situation.

I've enjoyed looking at these rarities catalogs for decades. Of course, these items are far beyond beyond the budgets of the vast majority of collectors.

Thanks for the link to the article. It was inspirational, though a little depressing, to think that some have the ability to purchase this kind of material. Almost seems these rarities belong in a museum instead of in private hands, but I feel that way often when I see works of art valued in the tens of thousands in private hands as well. Guess I am just jealous or envious.

Thank heavens the majority of us can still have a decent collection of reasonably priced materials to enjoy.

Does anyone have more information about the proposed remote philatelic training that is to be offered?

BobbyT touched upon one of the key items in Scott's article. The reason I recommended reading the Despatch was this statement:




I thought that this statement was important to note as well and am curious to see where it goes:




"Eyeonwall" had it right when he said


eBay comes to mind when you look at the upside/downside to e-commerce. It has brought voluminous material to the masses that was previously controlled by a relatively small group of dealers. It has also become a minefield for newer collector's and greedy more seasoned collector's. I wonder just how many people have turned away from stamps because of being burned. Impossible to quantify but somehow doing so would be invaluable. You need to quantify the damage in order to bring the proper level of attention and resources to combatting/fixing what caused it.

What would your stamp market "safe space" look like?

Yes, eBay. "It has brought voluminous material to the masses that was previously controlled by a relatively small group of dealers." They [these dealers] are the real cartel controling our hobby in the name of helping it but rather to help themselves. However, with this new econmic freedom comes a higher level of personal responsibility on the individual collector. Knowledge acquired through education and experience is the key to the future of our hobby in general and new individual collectors

I am all for personal responsibility but when it comes to beginner stamp collectors? How does a beginner know if she is getting ripped off?

I Love E-Bay, but it is the Wild West. I was shocked to learn that this cartel could still be operating even after the leader was jailed. And people are bidding on material put on E-Bay by him or his associates. How has E-Bay allowed that to happen?

Good morning BobbyT and all,

The short qick answer to your question is probably not as short and quick as you might like but it is honest. Like any other advocation or profession or business endeavor philately takes time and effort to study the subject gradully building your experience level over time.

This board shares much useful information with collectors. It is a great place to ask questions. Yes, there can be bargins out there on eBay and from dealers. Things sell when a seller finds a willing buyer at an agreed to price. Always look at how similar items have sold or not sold to establish the going price range.

Stay within your price range on individual items and hobby expenditures in total. Enjoy what you acquire and your journey in our hobby.