Summit On The Future Of Philately

I like this idea, too, but I'm gonna take a SWAG (Silly Wild-Assed Guess) that the dealers (who bear the brunt of the expenses thru their table rent) will see more cup half empty than cup half full, eg, that we are doubling the number of competitors (for the cross-over hobbyists' dollars), and that 'sharing' sales would hurt more than lowering table rents would help ... table rent being only one of the expenses that dealers must bear to attend any show.

Where's floortrader, now that I need him?

Cheers,

/s/ ikeyPikey

In Raleigh NC, I had attended the Raleigh Coin and Stamp Show at the State Fair Grounds. The stamp only show was held on same property in a much smaller building. With coins, the attendance was obviously higher overall with the stamp dealers occupying about 1/4 of the total tables (one side). I recall most of the dealers attended both. I suspect these would vary by area. You put in guns or NASCAR and you will get people paying admission to get into the door. How many want stamps? No idea. However, they often bring friends and family so they more exposure from lookers.

I stopped going because the quality was not that great, prices no deal, and could easily get more choices from Internet sellers. I am not trying to find that rare cover, etc.so not much need to browse.

A survey was approved at the June Board meeting. We have posted a survey and the results of the focus groups we held in Portland in August. The full survey will be going out to field soon and we will present the findings to the APS Board in March in Reno.




I commented on another chat board about this as well. We secured a $25,000 challenge donation from World Stamp Show to be matched for upgrades to the website and initiating more outreach to collectors, not necessarily APS members through electronic means. This is a significant first step to better utilizing technology to promote and enjoy the hobby.

Scott

ikey

"Not everyone knows exactly what they want"?

I prefer to see us as Renaissance men and women with an all-encompassing range of interests, uncircumscribed by the mere miniaturism of the Machin or Washington/Franklin fancier. Philatelic Leonardos, in short.

Geoff

I will note again most agreed the hobby is doing pretty good. It is organized philately that is more challenged.

Indeed, we Leonardos need to stay away from other-than-stamp shows, lest we go down the rabbit hole of yet another hobby.

Cheers,

/s/ ikeyPikey

Hi Scott,

Thanks for the information. Great to hear the APS did a survey. Hopefully they were able to get some good responses from people both inside and outside of the organization.




This is great news. I look forward to seeing how this evolves. This could really have a big impact for the APS and getting new people involved.

Not going to lie, every stamp show I have been to has been like stepping into a place of worship in terms of how quiet and serious it is. I am a youngish guy (34) and I went to my first show about 2 years ago and it was such a weird experience. People just sitting at tables sifting through boxes and people speaking in hushed tones. Wasn't the most welcoming environment. I went to the APS show in Grand Rapids last year and while that was a much better overall experience, it was still pretty intimidating when you get around the dealer tables. Just a weird environment, but I don't have the answers in how to make it better.

What is up with everyone rocking the sport jackets and ties as well?

My first show was in Grand Rapids last year and have been to quite a few since then. Admittedly, I am already known, so I get approached by members and dealers at every show, but there are some very helpful dealers and members out there. Once you meet them, you are friends for life.

If you get a chance to come to another APS show - we will be in Reno in March and Richmond in August - please make sure you stop by the APS booth and visit with our staff or the volunteers at the Stamp Buddy booth. If I am there, I'd be glad to introduce you to some very helpful collectors.

If nothing else, you are welcome to connect with me any time by phone: 814-933-3814 or email: scott@stamps.org and we're happy to help. Please keep enjoying the shows and collecting!

Scott

Same question. What IS with those suits and ties? And the "hushed tones" thing sounds frankly terrifying. I wouldn't even know how to begin to mingle.

People wear what they are comfortable in. You should too. There have been shows where I have had a court appearance in the morning and gone to the show in the afternoon, so I'm sure I looked out of place.

Hushed tones? How about sitting down at a dealer table and asking, "Do you have any special focus in your stock?" That always breaks the ice for me. Just be yourself, you'll be fine.

The suit and tie thing, to me, sounds like a generational gap. People used to dress better than they do now. Myself, being a late-boomer, view that with mixed emotions - I respect people who dress well, and sometimes do myself, while at the same time, I don't necessarily want to dress up always. I usually wear at least a sport-jacket to shows, so as to not look totally unkempt.

With regard to hushed speaking tones, that, to me, is just being polite, and not bothering other people. I think that manners of dress and decorum have largely vanished from our society. Regrettably, maybe there is something to be learned from here?

I am in my 30s as well and I do hope to attend a show at some point, but for now it feels like a bit of an intimidating prospect.

Shows are perceived by some experienced folks as a social event; they renew old friendships, meet up with dealers they have previously done business with, and share a meal or two with like-minded people. But it can feel a bit like a 'good ol boys club' if you are a new hobbyist (or woman?).

I think some of this perception is driven by things that are a bit unique to stamp shows. Stamps are not like guns, boats or antiques when it comes to displaying them for sale. Many stamp show bourses are simply an 8 foot table, a dealer standing there, and inventory stacked behind the table. Stock books, albums, and cartons can contain very expensive material much of which can be damaged if handled incorrectly; this tends to make dealers keep an eye on who is browsing what. These things may result in newer hobbyists feeling uncomfortable in interfacing with dealers at shows.

I became VP of my local stamp club back in the 1970s; I was the youngest person in the room by 40 years. I still recall what it felt like to try to 'break into' that group...
Don

I'll make sure I wear an Iron Maiden T-shirt when I finally get to a show :)