Which Resource Is Best?

Hi Family,

I recently attended the WalPex show in Waltham, Mass. My first show in over thirty years. It was very, very enjoyable. As I was leaving, the lady at the APS desk asked me if I would like to become a member. She gave me a complimentary copy of the American Philatelist Magazine and an application. The membership includes the quarterly magazine.

It got me to thinking so I am asking you: Should I join the Society or should I subscribe to Linn's? If Linn's, should I subscribe to the weekly/monthly or just the monthly? I see the Linn ad shown above on the site. I will appreciate your responses.

Jack Kelley

Jack Kelley

Well, I do both, but I'm not sure I have a good answer for you --- other than "it depends" on what you want.

First the APS magazine is MONTHLY and is well-done. Good articles in a wide range of beginner to advanced collecting. The content, as you probably noticed, is worldwide.

Linn's is mostly "news' with a few regular columns. Be sure you check the price for the online subscription. The online version is cheaper and is well-done. It's easy to read from your computer (or tablet) and you can download the issues as PDF for reference. The weekly subscription includes the old Scott Stamp Monthly, which is now just a once-a-month version of the weekly. The monthly does include a 'catalog update' with new issues from around the world.

Kirk

One thing you're not factoring in as far as value: Becoming a member of the APS gets you not only a subscription to the American Philatelist, but also other membership benefits, as well as supporting the hobby as a whole.

Points well taken. I was leaning towards Linn's, but now I may do both.

Thanks for your inputs.
Jack Kelley

I do both as well and find both beneficial.

The APS magazine is quite good, and I gain from some of the other benefits as well, particularly the research library.

Linn's is quite good. It is the only philatelic publication I currently receive that is not part of a philatelic organization.

Of course, there are several organizations I belong too primarily to obtain their journals - or more generally - their knowledge.

Family,

I joined both. Thanks for your inputs.

Jack Kelley