Gaining Knowledge?

I just read a post from a forum member, name is the combination of why we're all here and a four letter word for a really ugly bird (no offense) about identifying a 3 cent Washington as an 11 or 11a.

He, or she, picked 5 points of identification on the stamp and discussed the plating. To say the least, it was impressive.

My question: Where in the world does a newbie go to even begin amassing that kind of knowledge? Is there a book, a website, a secret society?

I understand that I am just getting started but the expanse of information is so great how did you guys approach it?

thanks
wp62

Why not just direct it to his screen name.....stampcrow???

I am with Kevin on the first part of your post. Please be a bit more specific if you want our help.
The second part is answered easily! Become a member of a local stamp club, or if there is not one, start one!
Become a member of the APS, or maybe another group where your interest lies!

Peter

wp62

What is your area of interest? What do you collect?

If you have a very specific area of interest, focus on learning all you can about that area. Don't try and know at all. There are certain areas I know a lot about (history and dead countries for instance), but other areas I know next to nothing (US Stamps, printers and engravers, and absolutely zero understanding of how to identify plate positions).

As mentioned by Peter APS is a good place to start. While I don't learn much from the organization itself, but if you become a member of APS you can check out books from their wonderful library and they will mail them to you. Also ask for knowledge and expertise from members of forums such as this one.

warriorpoet62, I'm glad you appreciated that post (assuming it was mine). Let me say though, I'm no expert! I probably know a bit more than average about the 10's and 11's. The reason for that, answers your question.


Yes, yes and maybe...
Yes there are books
Yes there are websites, this being one!
Maybe there are secret societies, for sure there are open and public societies/clubs.

I actually started on this forum. I Asked questions. Followed links that were shared. Purchased books that were suggested. Did I mention ask questions?!

So now I'm adding to my knowledge with all the tools I learned about on this site. And I continue to come back here and ASK QUESTIONS.

Don't be afraid of being humbled. There are truly experts on this site.

Yes, there's a secret society, but I can't tell you about it

@Kirks...that's exactly right. I wouldn't want to directly mention a fellow member without his or her permission. Decorum and propriety are what keeps a forum civil. Thank you for letting me know what is expected when referring to other members.

@stampcrow...Yes it was your post. I'm pretty sure my attempt at ambiguity could have been much more deceptive had I chosen to be. But I was really trying to acknowledge you post (not to mention your expertise.)

@everyone thanks for all the help with this and all my questions. I have a lot of interests and, therefore, am a member of a lot of forums, but none as well run and high quality as this.

wp62

I forgot to mention that I am interested in collecting US stamps, including BOB. Hopefully, this helps with any suggestions that you folks may have.

-IBFS

Crows ugly? Look again

http://galleryfantastic.com/red+jays+birds

@IBFS ..In the short time I've been here, I have enjoyed your posts; none more than this one.

@GeoffHa..I stand corrected. Still not my favorite, though. I like birds of prey (owls mostly.) I think I'll collect owl stamps, but I haven't seen many.

wp62

Warriorpoet, if your interest is in USA stamps, then I would recommend getting a copy of the Scott Specialized Catalog of United States Postage Stamps. It is published each year, the current edition is 2016, but the secondary market will have older editions available at a much reduced cost. It is the "gold standard" reference for collectors of US Postage stamps, including back of the book. Get a copy and use that as a great teacher to introduce you to the world of American postage stamps.

Beyond Scott there is a massive amount of philatelic literature published that goes into even greater detail regarding specific issues, but I would argue the best way to educate yourself on US stamps is to get a good solid introduction to the entire field, and then as your knowledge improves (and asking questions in the forum along the way to explain things you may not find clear, we are a very welcoming lot here for the most part and are more than willing to help new collectors learn the hobby) you can consider going more in-depth in one special area, or start a new overseas area.

Or be a loon like me and just collect worldwide.

In the end though knowledge is power so getting a good Scott US specialized catalog I would say is the best place to start your journey.

Warrior-- I was quoting chris2015's post, if that's the one you're referring to. Wish I could take credit for it tho. Good one.

warriorpoet62, you may wish to checkout this link...

http://www.uspcs.org/resource-center/

...very informative.

Regards,
Stampalotapus