Stanley Gibbons "My Collection" Question

Hello --

I'm new to the list but began collecting as a child, back when none of us were safe from the dinosaurs. I've been out of collecting for about 20 years and am just now getting back into it. I have a few questions with which I'm sure someone out there can help.

1. The catalogue/software issue. I'm a big believer in using software to catalogue my collections, but from what I've observed there does not seem to be a really good, much less definitive piece of software available. My collection is worldwide, so even if Scott or someone else has a good US program it will not help me very much. In looking around I see that Stanley Gibbons offers a "My Collection" service for 29.95 pounds/yr. Unfortunately, their description is extremely vague and I cannot figure out precisely what type of service they are offering. Ideally what I would like is to be able to transfer/update my collection as I have noted in my 1992 Scott catalogues onto some form of database. Do you know if that's what the SG is all about or am I going to have to spend the rest of my life creating my own personal computerized version?

2. Kiloware. This is new to me. I've read a bit about it and am interested in taking the plunge, but I've read horror stories about people getting bricks dumped on them (not sure if "brick" is commonly used in philatelic circles, but in sports card collecting it refers to having a bunch of copies of one particular, worthless card thrown into a batch purchase). Obviously it's not to the advantage of any of the regular publications to "out" bad dealers as they'll lose advertising, so I would very much appreciate some recommendations as to reputable dealers/individuals of whom you might be aware.

3. I know this is going to be an enormously broad question and I certainly do next expect anyone to go into any great length if you choose to answer, but I presume there must have been at least a few developments in the world of stamp collecting in the past two decades of which I ought to be aware. The problem is, it's kind of difficult to Google a question like that A few words on anything that strikes you as glaringly obvious would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much for whatever help you may be able to offer. I have very much missed being out of collecting and am enjoying FINALLY getting around to pulling out all of those envelopes full of miscellaneous stamps that have been accumulating for so long! Thanks again.

Cassie

Hi Cassie,

1) SG MyCollection is/was based on simplified (and outdated) Stamps of The World, and basically it has (sometimes generic) stamp image + value + button to add/remove specific stamp to Your virtual collection (of which you can create reports). In a way it's kind of neat tool, but way too simplified for anything useful (as it is based on Stamps of the World)...

SG was supposed to update the MyCollection (better data, better tools, new pricing) this spring, but it seems they are still working on it.

The alternatives... There is a bunch of dedicated stamp inventory software (MichelSoft,3D Stamps,ezStamps etc) , but none of them are worth their selling price IMHO.

2) No comments on this one

3) The internet / online revolution... Getting in touch with collectors / dealers / buyers / information has never been easier.

Hi Cassie and welcome to the Forum/Family.

Regarding your question #3, I have learned so much about developments in the world of stamp collecting by participating in this wonderful online forum and encourage you to return here to read others' posts and the topics that are of interest to you.

I also get knowledge/enjoyment from reading current stamp publications like Linn's Stamp News, etc.

Jeremy

self adhesive stamps and the inability to soak them off, and welcome celam.

Welcome Celam! You've made the first right decision by finding this forum. In my opinion and I've ventured through many this (SCF) is by far the best most friendly stamp board on the net. As for questions 1,2,3 well I can't get a grip on my own collection so trying to use software is a tough call . The Kiloware option is a great venture or as you said a pile of bricks. I believe if you search kiloware on here there are some in depth pcs and opinions on different sellers. As far as latest greatest in stamps- seems that China material is doing extremely well both internet and general auctions. US classics are definatly holding their own but as always the hobby is one for any and all budgets to do as you please and what satisfies you the most.
Once you reach 50 post here you will be able to buy sell trade and there are generally some fantastic deals to be had . Again welcome and join in the fun.

Plastic stock pages (Vario, Hagner)

ebay, Delcampe, Bidstart, Wensy, etc online auctions / sales

Lots and lots of kiloware on ebay etc. Search for 'kilo*' (* = wildcard) or 'on paper' and unpicked or unchecked. ebay sellers alizabethy or weaver36 in the UK, more shipping (pay for airmail as slow seamail takes months), but England has a thing about collecting and donating stamps to charity and churches etc.

Welcome!

to the forum celam.

There's a discussion of the most popular stamp management software in this thread : https://goscf.com/t/12016

As has been mentioned, the biggest development has been the use of the internet. Brick & mortar stamp shops are vanishing, with online stamp shops and auction sites taking over. But it's not only with buying that the internet has become invaluable, but with the sheer amount of information available online. And this forum is a part of that information sharing.

Another development is the grading of US stamps.

Balf

Hi celam

Welcome to the group.

Regarding Stamp Collection software. When I got a PC I looked around at the software available. Nothing really seemed to fit. So, being a software consultant, I decided to write my own. I learned the Macro language VBA in Microsoft WORD (all MS Office products come with it). I then created a software package. It has sufficed for a number of years but lacked a certain finesse. Now that I am learning VB.NET (Microsoft has VB 2010 Express for free) I am going to re-do the software with the bells and whistles that it currently lacks. One thing the software does. I created a "language" that allowed me to define catalog number ranges and then generate those numbers automatically.

I do not know if you have a programming background. If you do, I can give you the catalog number generator code. If no programming background, I am willing to help you out. VBA is easy but VB.NET is a little daunting.

You can e-mail me at jerrybemail-stamps "at" yahoo "dot" com if you want the code or help.

Jerry B

Is anybody currently using "My Collection"? If so, how is your experience?

Two considerations when choosing inventory software as a worldwide collector:

1) I see you are US based. Thus you'll probably be using - or start using at some point - the Scott world wide catalog. That being so I would strongly suggest using software that is 'catalog neutral' or based on Scott. Using Scott to catalog your stamps and a SG based inventory tool will prove to be frustrating as the way the catalogs are set up is very different - what stamps are listed with what country, numbering system and so on.


2) When you expect to build a collection with thousands or ten of thousands of stamps - which a world wide collection soon becomes - you may want your inventory software to be as simple as possible. Having to input to many fields for so many stamps will become very time consuming. I have worked for years with a set of simple Excel spreadsheets that take half an hour to set up and minimum time to fill.

US based yes, but I don't collect US Stamps. My specialty is pretty eclectic (Dead Countries). Currently I use Scott, but it has it's limitations. I use Michel or Stanley Gibbons when it is better.

I also use Excel spreadsheets and over the years have built up a pretty sophisticated spreadsheet. However it can be a pain in some cases. Times change and was just checking to see whether the Online Inventory tools are getting better.

If you collect dead countries, do you have a Scott Classic? (it goes into more detail than the regular Scott catalogs).

You're absolutely right. So do I. But I do have my albums, inventory, want lists and so on set up based one catalog - in my case the Michel. Thus the basic set up is consistent and additions from other catalogs are easy to make without getting lost.

How about some advice from a old timer .......forget the "Software to catalog my collection" your not at that point yet ,your not spending hundreds of dollars for stamps ,forget that idea .
On your question #3 what's new ,the biggest thing is the "print your own album pages " ,that is the biggest advice you should try . The plastic stock pages mentioned by PUZZLER is a good idea for you to look at if you don't want to mount and hinge your collection .
If your going for a worldwide collection the fun place to start is for KILOWARE lots but that will get old after a year or two and your duplicates expand in volume faster than your collection . Then start looking at all the country lots that are offered on line ,stuff like 100 different France for .99 cents or 300 different Brazil for $10.00 ,those are fun lots and fill up your collection .
Spend your time finding and adding to your collection and please ,please organize it and don't accumulate boxes of stuff you later will organize . Start out and keep it well kept ,I couldn't tell you how many well intented collectors loose control of what they collect.

Yes of course, in it is my goto catalog.

floortrader

Since I am specific in what I collect, I never buy kiloware or stuff. I accumulate what I need to fit my collection.

Also regarding printed albums, Dead Countries collecting is so specific that I could never use pre-printed albums. Instead, I design my own pages. I don't normally print them though, but create digital albums where I scan images of my stamps (which I keep safely in stockbooks) and display them online.

If anyone is interested in seeing the hundreds of pages I have made to date from my collection, visit DCStamps.com, and go to to the "ALBUMS" Section. Always happy to have comments.