Rpsc Vs. BNAPS

In getting a little more involved in my Canada collection, I was looking into possibly joining a Canadian philatelic organization. I enjoy reading up on the journals and some of the information that is offered through societies such as the APS. I was wondering if any posters could provide some insight into the benefits and differences between the RPSC and BNAPS.

I don't think you can compare the RPSC and BNAPS. They have different purposes. The RPSC is the Canadian national organization representing all stamp collectors regardless of collecting interests. BNAPS is a society of collectors specializing in Canada and British North America. I suggest you take a look at both the Canadian Philatelist and BNA Topics to get afeel of the differences. Back issues of both journals are available online.

Thanks for the info Jarnick.

As jarnick states, the two societies serve totally different collecting communities. I strongly recommend that you go to their respective websites and review the journals that are posted online ---- its FREE. While you are at it, you should check the Canadian Philatelic Society of Great Britain.
I enjoy membership in all three societies and find distinct benefits in each that make the annual dues most worthwhile.

GJP

Both jarnick and gportch are exactly correct: BNAPS and RPSC serve collectors, but with different mandates and focuses. There is a LOT of overlap in membership and I know of only a few people who are adamantly pro- or con- one or the other, and honestly, I have yet to hear a good reason to negatively describe either - beyond the occasional personality issues that ALWAYS crop up in hobby societies.

gportch mentions the CPSofGB and I'd also throw in the PHSC (Postal History Society of Canada) for consideration.

Yes, each one is different and budgets being what they are, I make choices each year about renewals. The one that I maintain, which serves me most consistently for my main areas of collecting interest, is BNAPS. I have chosen to serve in volunteer roles with it as well.

Happy to provide more details on any of them if you wish to send an email. But these will only be my personal views of course!

I once asked the same question ... and received good advice

https://goscf.com/t/11552

Bottom line -- if you are collecting CANADA, then BNAPS will teach you more about Canadian stamps.

I was a member of RPSC for one year; I'm still a member of BNAPS (5+ years now)

Kirk

While collecting only Canadian stamps, I am a member, of some five years, of both. I find both publications have articles that I enjoy and those that deal with topics outside my collecting sphere add to my general knowledge. Because it its nature, BNAPS give more opportunity to meet and interact with other members and I find this very beneficial.

BNAPS has a lot of specialised study groups that are very useful if you have a particular interest. Some of these newsletters are available for free as well.

CPSGB does not have these.

If you are interested in postal history there is the Postal History Society of Canada.

AQ

Thank you to all the members for their feedback. Based on what I read here and the research that I had done, I decided to make the plunge and join BNAPS. I feel that my membership with the APS gives me enough general philatelic coverage with the AP.

I do the same knuppster.

APS gives me info about worldwide collecting ; BNAPS gives me specific information about Canada.

Hi Knuppster. Now that you have committed to join BNAPS, you should also give some serious thought to attending the annual convention. The BNAPS annual event is one of the best small stamp events that you could visit. The exhibits and dealers are BNA oriented and, as a bonus, you get to hang out with the key people in the BNA collecting field. This is a super friendly convention and there is a lot of knowledge to be picked up by attending the study sessions. The convention is one of the best member benefits.

GJP

All BNAPS members are entitled to join the Study Groups. This makes it easier for you to contact other members with the same collecting interests. Some of these Study Groups are free. They may all be now since the newsletters are not printed out, thus removing all costs. A list of the different groups is on the BNAPS website: http://bnaps.org/study.php

I am a member of the Pence Cents Group, the Re-entry and Constant Plate Variety Group and the Large & Small Queen Study Group. Each has a newsletter full of info that comes out a few times a year. So I get those three plus the BNAPS Topics which is printed and mailed out to you.

Sort of late to the esteemed responders above :

BNAPS in opinion is wonderful--a great resource, group of individuals (a small few who are not friendly) but on the whole an amazing club.

I can't imagine collecting without access to it over the years.

Taking nothing away from the other organizations of course, I only collect Newfoundland.

I don't belong to them yet but I am leaning towards BNAPS. From listening to the senior members of our club BNAPS has lots to offer to those who collect Canada and the Provinces. (Publications, Study Groups etc.)

Dianne

PS My Club is hosting BNAPEX this year and it's going to be a great one.

With my stamp budget decreasing, I have only kept my memberships in BNAPS and RPSC while dropping my membership of APS and subscription of CSN. In the past, they were all easier to afford for me.

The BNAPX will be September 30 to October 2 in Fredericton, New Brunswick, a 1.5 hour drive from my home outside Saint John. Hosted by the Fredericton Stamp Club, it should be a great show and within comfortable driving distance from most major New England and Quebec and Maritime Provinces centres. Great scenery; great hospitality and lots to do nearby. Could be a great family vacation trip at the best time of the year here. Canadian $ at 70 cents US or thereabouts.

With respect to BNAPS vs RPSC - both are great; slight edge to the BNAPS journal, in my opinion; but, otherwise, both are welcoming organizations with benefits to all collectors. BNAPS obviously oriented more to BNA stamps.