Stamp Collectors Are A Fierce Bunch (In China)

I knew Stamp Collecting was a popular hobby and/or investment in China, but didn't realize how much chaos it can cause when collectors try and get the latest 2014 annual stamp album. To quote from the article:




http://shanghaiist.com/2014/12/03/b...llectors.php

You just don't see that kind of intense interest in stamps in other parts of the world.

'... this year's stamps have 3D effects which can be activated by scanning QR codes and stamps in the album with a smart phone ...'

Well, at least *somebody* is thinking of how to get young people interested in stamps, and meeting them halfway, to boot ;)

Cheers,

/s/ ikeyPikey

Don't look for Canada Post officials to soon jump on the 3-D bandwagon because they always say they need three years lead-time before releasing new stamp designs.
Apparently that means the CP brain-trust knows about rate increases three years in advance?
So, maybe they can pick some lotto numbers for us.

New Zealand Post got ahead of the game in 1994 with a hologram on a stamp. Man on the Moon - $1.50

The hologram, which was designed by New Zealand Post, was produced by Woodmansterne of England and applied to the printed stamp by Southern Colour Print.

...........and in 2011 the first 3D stamp
https://stamps.nzpost.co.nz/new-zea...bb-ellis-cup

The problem in NZ would be the lack of population.....currently 4.47 million, but they are taking in a inordinate number of Chinese....so stamp collecting in NZ could blossom.

Neat that they say this. Here we are crying we are not making enough cash. They are fighting to make cash and are probably good at it too.

Hmmm, wish I was still travelling. I would visit all these far away mystical places.

Beijing Post Office (from article above - reduced) at the opening for the new 3D stamps:

Look at the neat old-style (well, for me) crutches on the left. They remind me of an army stool or chair or something I saw at my grandmother's; sturdy, lasting, well-made. The crutches I used here when my leg came off were aluminum and I had to hold one upright and the other sideways to get in spaces or climb stairs or get on buses, so no crowds or line-ups for me.

I have only heard of line-ups (in the 1970's or before) such as this for stamps here in Halifax, NS.

I don't know if it has changed much or not, but seeing that picture reminds me of riding buses and trains in the Far East back in the '60's. Human flesh pressed together until no more could get in. Perhaps that is why I'm a bit claustrophobic now?
I don't see how that follows. The stamp selection committee here in the US requires a three year lead time as well. That is just for the the subject matter or design of the stamp. The denomination can almost be an afterthought.

blcjr
There's the expression about 'speaking with a forked tongue'.
Well, I have my tongue firmly planted in my cheek when I say the CP stamp selection committee wouldn't lead anybody astray.
But, one time I made a stamp design suggestion (with a two-year heads up); and, I was told it was too late.
When our Governor-general died, within weeks, a stamp honoring him was released.
Canada won its first gold at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics; a stamp for that win was put out THE NEXT DAY.
When 1st class rates were suddenly bumped up, this year, from 63 cents to 85, a new 22 cent stamp was quickly released.
There are other instances their own rules being broken.
Could it be the committee is made up of psychics and/or lotto winners?

Yes, the people of China have affected the stamp collecting hobby including United States classics and will continue to have that affect – of course this could be said about anything they turn their interest. They consistently issue very beautiful stamps.

http://jobs.aol.com/videos/career-a...h/517941090/

The article doesn't describe unusual behavior in China. Pushing and shoving of this type is customary in many situations. I don't think the writer of the article is familiar with Chinese culture. In a country of a billion plus people, if there is a limited supply of something and you want it, the only way to get it is to scratch, push and shove, whether it's a seat on a train, fresh meat at a market, or new postage stamps. It seems shocking by Western standards but it's standard over there.

OOPS! That is a stool, of the kind able-bodied people bring with them when 1) they know they are going to be spending a long time in line, and/or 2) will want a weapon handy to keep from losing their place in line.

Cheers,

/s/ ikeyPikey