Confessions Of An Old School Stamper, Worn, Used, Newly Minted

Like so many others, I collected stamps as a kid and came back to the hobby again..and then again. Most pleasurable activity is diving into a box of venerable stamps and sleuthing where/when. Many albums bought at auction years ago. Have to admit to being somewhat split in the way that I regard stamps. Years ago, I vowed not get caught in the trap of valuation and just appreciate stamps for what they are telling me visually, the journey they take me on. In this regard, I have a particular fondness for any stamp with intrinsic beauty, as well as first day covers. As a kid I was in love with stamps from San Marino, where every one seemed to be a mini work of art. These days, I must admit that I do indeed get caught in the trap at times, with a multi-volume Scott catalogue and the Harris US guide. And I just purchased my first high value stamp, a Penny Black, warming to the idea of having such a venerable piece of history. In "life", I'm a writer and radio producer, very happy to have rediscovered the hobby of kings; the hobby all the rest of us can jump into. Having said all that, I have to admit to feeling like a total newbie, knowing very little about stamps, compared to the knowledge pool so evident in this forum. Glad to be part of it.

soundman,

Collecting for the enjoyment of collecting, whatever that might be, is the name of the game. Don't hesitate to ask questions especially if you need basic information and especially more advanced sources of information for any possible topic. You should be able to find folks on this board a little further along on their collecting journey glad to share experiences.

My personal bias is a used stamp loses the story of its journey in the postal service when it is removed from the cover it transported to its destination. Collecting postal history adds a whole new aspect to your journey in our hobby.

Wishing you many enjoyable future days in our hobby. Russ

Welcome

Howdy!

Welcome to the club! There's a wealth of knowledge on this forum!