Apologetic?

When the subject comes up and it's time for you to identify yourself as a stamp collector (or worse yet---a philatelist) are you tentative, fearing the reaction? I'm speaking, of course when you're talking to a non-collector. I usually identify myself as a "nerd stamp collector" as something of a pre-emptive strike. I'm 63 and have collected since I was 7. So far no derision.

It amazes me how much stamp collecting resembles my other major hobby - model railroading.. People's reactions when hearing of either hobby is a full range of response, mostly non committal or bordering on negative. However, when folks see my stamp albums or model railroad, then its typically a much more positive reaction.

Oh, my third main hobby is firearms, kind of on the opposite side of the reaction spectrum for model railroading and stamp collecting.

Sometimes I refrain from telling most I collect stamps. Like you say Howell, I to usually identify myself as a "nerd stamp collector". I get a lot of different reactions. Some say "I thought that hobby was for crotchety old men". But some are very interested in it.

I try my best to coach as many as I can into the hobby. I think most that I have gotten involved get frustrated by the different variables of stamp identification. Quite a few think its a "get rich" hobby after seeing the value of some stamps in the catalogs. I find that the younger generation consider it "boring". Like Mobilman44 said, once they see it, some change their tune. Very nice topic. Thank you. Respectfully, Gary

I feel good about myself so I really don't care what they think about the stamps and the massive collection of CD's that I have. It's who I am.
Tom

Other than close friends and family, I never tell people that I collect stamps unless I can show them my collection then and there. Most people just aren't interested unless, as Mobilman said, they actually see your collection. Then they are impressed.

First impressions are lasting impressions, so bringing this up with people you've recently met will usually brand you as "the nerd stamp collector" as others said. Of course, there are a lot of things I don't bring up when engaged in that type of small talk with acquaintances.

I have no problem telling anyone. In fact, I work at a car dealership and after speaking about them with various people there, one of the technicians pulled out his childhood collection and started again and another one has started from scratch. I enjoy getting them both started/restarted.

I too do not have any problems telling people that I am a stamp collector.

It is also not unusual that one hobby will start another. For example, my wife and I had aquariums with fresh-water fish. She had these when I met her. Once she knew I collected stamps, she asked if there are fish and sea life on stamps, and, the rest is history. She has a large collection of that plus dogs on stamps.

Once I started instructing martial arts , I decided to also collect that theme on stamps as well. So, I am not ashamed of the hobby at all.

Chimo

Bujutsu

I tend to keep the stamp thing on the down low, no reason really. If I happen to have them out when a friend drops by I will discuss it then. Usually they seem surprised but quickly move on to another topic. No biggie, I do it for my enjoyment only. People tend to move on when they don't have any knowledge or interest.

My other hobby, collector cars garners many reactions, women don't get it and turn away quickly. I just laugh. I just remind them to think of it like shoes or purses, I don't get that either.lol.

Men react different, some are enthused and interested others are uptight and look for flaws kind of like a child with gift envy. Many people get great satisfaction damaging these cars slightly when the owner is away for a moment. (keying)

For me it is my interest and fun for me. What others think is not my concern.

I tend to bring it up. Even people who are close to me never seem to bring it up, ask or want to see any of the collection. It's obviously of no interest to them.

I'll have to partly disagree with Gar. As a collector in his 20s, and one who's been collecting since I was 8, most of my friends are actually interested in what I do and not bored. Sometimes it goes as far as them helping with sorting for an hour or so while we chat. I don't really hold back in telling anyone that I am a stamp collector if the opportunity comes up and 95% of the people agree with me that it is a very interesting hobby.

Most people have a hobby of their own that they work on whether it be for stress relief after a tough day or for fun on the weekend, stamp collecting is simply one of those hobbies for me.

Hi again!
One thing I have found true many, many times over. Folks that collect stuff - whatever that may be - tend to have an instant bond with other collectors - regardless of the things being collected.

Hi and welcome CanadianBeavers, It sure is nice to see younger generations involved in the hobby. I appreciate you sharing that. I have a hard time getting the kids and grandkids away from their technology toys. Sure is good to know that the "stamp bug" still hits quite a few. Thanks, Gary

I have no problem telling folks that I collect stamps. In fact, over the years, many friends have offered to save me foreign stamps that they may receive in the mail from family & friends overseas. It gave me a good source of current foreign stamps.

I have never had the subject brought up by anyone in the presence of non-stamp collectors. I guess one reason we rarely bring it up ourselves is because collecting is a deeply personal pursuit where one can sit quietly and just enjoy the quiet moments.

You're right it is our hobby!
Tom

Interesting topic! I would say I have mentioned my long, on-off-now-definitely-on interest in stamps a little tentatively, but I don't keep it quiet. Like Mobilman44 I also went through a long period with model trains, but got out of it when I realized I would never have enough room or time for it. But it sneaks into my life sometimes. My other long time passion (50 years) is birding - that's a little less nerdy sounding than birdwatching. I have made some of my living at that but it is still a passion too. I'm also a long-time amateur folk musician and starting to make my first guitar. I'm always interested to see the reaction I get when I tell people these things, but it also reminds me to consider my own reactions to other people's interests.