Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
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Many radical or not so radical opinions in this article, and a lot of trivia to help one formulate the next general knowledge contest questions (such as "What was the largest denomination to grace a stamp"....clue: it is not Germany)
Here is one statement among many to ponder: " A stamp which is not mailed on a letter is no stamp. It has never lived, it is a sham. It is like a fish who has never swum, a bird who has never flown. A stamp must have lived as a stamp.
And along the same vein: A true stamp must feel the tongue of the sender moistening the gum...etc...
It is a good read, written by Tom Broadhead. Unfortunately I don't think I can post a link, but for those who read it, what do you thinks? One omission, and an important one in my mind: The stamp as a propaganda tool or weapon...worth another article!
Correction: from the APS website link: http://stamps.org/userfiles/file/AP/feature/Feature_10_16.pdf
rrr...
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I thought it was an interesting article. On balance, I certainly identify with the Broadhead's affinity for postally used stamps however, what's not to love about pristine examples of stamps (or anything else for that matter)?
On a related note about the latest issue of the American Philatelist: I mentioned earlier how I have recently renewed my APS membership. The issue that rrr is referencing is the first one that I've gotten and I am totally and completely UNDERWHELMED!
Maybe its just an off month for them but the ones that I got some years ago were head and shoulders above this one. If the Oct. issue is any indication the magazine has declined.
From an aesthetic point of view the front cover is amateurish, unbalanced and looks like it was put together in about 20 minutes. The ads in the magazine were more aesthetically pleasing and look like they were done by professional graphic artists.
The American Philatelic Society has the expertise and resources to put together a visually stunning, beautifully written magazine that members can't wait to take out of the mailbox. I think they should step up their game.
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To be fair, Broadhead sets up the "It is a sham" diatribe against mint stamps only to knock it down immediately in favour of a more eclectic approach (i.e. 'collect how you want to').
I suppose I'm a bit surprised to find such an article, however profusely illustrated, in a specialist journal (or is it just a 'magazine'?) - the points it makes will be well-known to all but the beginner. There are quite a few sources out there which he has not apparently accessed, and of course I share Ralph's view about stamps as propaganda!
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AP is definitely not a specialist journal.
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I read it also, while i prefer a postally used stamp...i am not going to call an unused stamp a sham. I guess there are millions of ways to collect stamps. Ernie, from the last couple of issues it looks like the American Philatelist is dumbing down.
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The AP seems less so in times past as having specialist type articles. They may be trying to appeal to a broader audience or just not getting as many articles.
Al
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Every month i check the membership and they can not seem to get past the 30 thousand mark..back in the 1970s they had 58 thousand members.
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"The American Philatelic Society has the expertise and resources to put together a visually stunning, beautifully written magazine that members can't wait to take out of the mailbox. I think they should step up their game."
The articles, not the regular standard features, are written by members. So, the saying here also goes: If you want better articles, the members need to write better articles.
Tom (keesindy) recently had an article published in the AP. I enjoyed reading it. Maybe he can relate his experiences as to what the editor was looking for in his article. That can tell alot as to what the AP wants print.
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"Every month i check the membership and they can not seem to get past the 30 thousand mark..back in the 1970s they had 58 thousand members."
Vince invited me to his club meeting last month when Scott English, APS executive director, came to speak about the organization. He is a breath of fresh air, as his massive resume is working on the staff of congressmen and in politics, so he understands organizations. Interestingly enough, he's not a stamp collector. I take that he will be able to focus on the business end of the organization, which in the past has been more folksy than efficient.
One of the things he said was that they cleaned up the membership roles, they researched and deleted long dead life members, so that could show a recent decline. They will never go back to the 1970s membership level because those folks are dead, and as we all know, later generations do not collect as we do.
He also told us how they researched the collector and membership demographics, and where the APS had spent much of their budget chasing youngsters, they have changed their focus to capture people in the age groups who collect. The APS membership highest population are in members over 60, and he explained it by decade past that. I believe it was 60-69 was highest, followed by 70-79.
He also talked about the services offered by APS and which ones were effective and made money, and which ones were historic, but losers today. He said they are making changes in staffing and efforts to update their business model.
"The AP seems less so in times past as having specialist type articles. They may be trying to appeal to a broader audience or just not getting as many articles."
One of the other points was that research showed that the general collector public thought of the APS as elitist, so they were going to work on that. This may be part of what you call the "dumbing down" of the magazine to appeal to a broader audience. The numbers in the hobby today do not afford for that elitist focus. Also note that there are a lot of folks in our age group coming back to the hobby every day, who need that more basic focus, or we will lose them.
He also said that their research showed that over 15,000 people buy stamps on eBay. So they are going to go after that group for membership. It's good to have a 21st century business man at the helm. I can only see good things coming!
"I read it also, while i prefer a postally used stamp...i am not going to call an unused stamp a sham. "
I personally like my stamps on cover. That tells the whole story. As I do my own free form collecting, I've decided I'd rather have my early airmail stamps.. including the Zeps, on cover. I love holding one of those covers in my hands and feeling the vibrations of where they've been and have done!
Same for my early 19th century stamps. Why spend big money for a mint copy that has been hinged multiple times on the possible regummed side? There's too many variables of fraudulent stamps from that era! And often the same stamp nicely used on cover, which in my book gives more evidence of originality, is less costly!
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This is the one article I skipped in that issue of the AP journal, mainly because I felt my time would be better spent reading something more interesting. I decided a few years back that it wasn't necessary to obsessively read every article in all the journals I get, otherwise they just pile up.
Also, its a mistake to expect that all articles in the AP, or any journal, are going to appeal to everyone. Nor are they necessarily going to provide a deep learning experience. I look to the AP mainly for light, relaxing, entertainment.
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"Tom (keesindy) recently had an article published in the AP. I enjoyed reading it. Maybe he can relate his experiences as to what the editor was looking for in his article. That can tell alot as to what the AP wants print."
Michael, I don't know that I can offer much insight. First, and maybe foremost, the editorial staff has changed since I last submitted an article in 2012. Second, I experienced very little editing of my submittals.
I think the best "feedback" I got regarding the suitability of my articles was the time it took from submission to publication, but that isn't very helpful information for anyone considering writing an article for the AP. Their backlog of articles was always high as I recall, and I think it has risen even higher in recent years in spite of the decline in membership. However, back in 2001 or 2002, after my first article had been accepted, I was told they had a shortage of US-related articles. My first two articles happened to be US-related. So who knows how much the timing of those first two submissions affected the relatively quick publication versus the quality of my writing!
I had five articles published between 2001 and 2013. Going from memory (a risky proposition), Bonny Farmer told me back then the average time to publication was 14 months. Four of mine were published in less than 14 months and one of those (maybe 2?) was less than a year. The most recent article that Michael is remembering was published in December 2013. I initially submitted that one in August or September 2012.
I'm speculating here, but believe that articles need plenty of images. It's important that they be good quality images. I wouldn't be surprised to learn that that is a major impediment for many authors and also a major factor in the long delays some authors must experience.
I don't know the new editorial staff, but they may be willing to talk with any prospective author about the current backlog of articles and particular areas where they may have a shortage of articles. Bonny and I worked together for over a decade. We had a great working relationship. Hopefully, the new editorial staff are as approachable as the old. If anyone is thinking about writing for the AP, I recommend contacting them and discussing your ideas.
Tom
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Retired Ap. Book Mod, Pres Golden Gate Stamp Club, Hi Tech Consultant
22 Oct 2016
02:14:41pm
In case you have not seen it: The culture of stamps.
Many radical or not so radical opinions in this article, and a lot of trivia to help one formulate the next general knowledge contest questions (such as "What was the largest denomination to grace a stamp"....clue: it is not Germany)
Here is one statement among many to ponder: " A stamp which is not mailed on a letter is no stamp. It has never lived, it is a sham. It is like a fish who has never swum, a bird who has never flown. A stamp must have lived as a stamp.
And along the same vein: A true stamp must feel the tongue of the sender moistening the gum...etc...
It is a good read, written by Tom Broadhead. Unfortunately I don't think I can post a link, but for those who read it, what do you thinks? One omission, and an important one in my mind: The stamp as a propaganda tool or weapon...worth another article!
Correction: from the APS website link: http://stamps.org/userfiles/file/AP/feature/Feature_10_16.pdf
rrr...
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re: Interesting article in the Oct 2016 American Philatelist
I thought it was an interesting article. On balance, I certainly identify with the Broadhead's affinity for postally used stamps however, what's not to love about pristine examples of stamps (or anything else for that matter)?
On a related note about the latest issue of the American Philatelist: I mentioned earlier how I have recently renewed my APS membership. The issue that rrr is referencing is the first one that I've gotten and I am totally and completely UNDERWHELMED!
Maybe its just an off month for them but the ones that I got some years ago were head and shoulders above this one. If the Oct. issue is any indication the magazine has declined.
From an aesthetic point of view the front cover is amateurish, unbalanced and looks like it was put together in about 20 minutes. The ads in the magazine were more aesthetically pleasing and look like they were done by professional graphic artists.
The American Philatelic Society has the expertise and resources to put together a visually stunning, beautifully written magazine that members can't wait to take out of the mailbox. I think they should step up their game.
Login to Like
this post
re: Interesting article in the Oct 2016 American Philatelist
To be fair, Broadhead sets up the "It is a sham" diatribe against mint stamps only to knock it down immediately in favour of a more eclectic approach (i.e. 'collect how you want to').
I suppose I'm a bit surprised to find such an article, however profusely illustrated, in a specialist journal (or is it just a 'magazine'?) - the points it makes will be well-known to all but the beginner. There are quite a few sources out there which he has not apparently accessed, and of course I share Ralph's view about stamps as propaganda!
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re: Interesting article in the Oct 2016 American Philatelist
AP is definitely not a specialist journal.
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re: Interesting article in the Oct 2016 American Philatelist
I read it also, while i prefer a postally used stamp...i am not going to call an unused stamp a sham. I guess there are millions of ways to collect stamps. Ernie, from the last couple of issues it looks like the American Philatelist is dumbing down.
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re: Interesting article in the Oct 2016 American Philatelist
The AP seems less so in times past as having specialist type articles. They may be trying to appeal to a broader audience or just not getting as many articles.
Al
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re: Interesting article in the Oct 2016 American Philatelist
Every month i check the membership and they can not seem to get past the 30 thousand mark..back in the 1970s they had 58 thousand members.
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re: Interesting article in the Oct 2016 American Philatelist
"The American Philatelic Society has the expertise and resources to put together a visually stunning, beautifully written magazine that members can't wait to take out of the mailbox. I think they should step up their game."
The articles, not the regular standard features, are written by members. So, the saying here also goes: If you want better articles, the members need to write better articles.
Tom (keesindy) recently had an article published in the AP. I enjoyed reading it. Maybe he can relate his experiences as to what the editor was looking for in his article. That can tell alot as to what the AP wants print.
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re: Interesting article in the Oct 2016 American Philatelist
"Every month i check the membership and they can not seem to get past the 30 thousand mark..back in the 1970s they had 58 thousand members."
Vince invited me to his club meeting last month when Scott English, APS executive director, came to speak about the organization. He is a breath of fresh air, as his massive resume is working on the staff of congressmen and in politics, so he understands organizations. Interestingly enough, he's not a stamp collector. I take that he will be able to focus on the business end of the organization, which in the past has been more folksy than efficient.
One of the things he said was that they cleaned up the membership roles, they researched and deleted long dead life members, so that could show a recent decline. They will never go back to the 1970s membership level because those folks are dead, and as we all know, later generations do not collect as we do.
He also told us how they researched the collector and membership demographics, and where the APS had spent much of their budget chasing youngsters, they have changed their focus to capture people in the age groups who collect. The APS membership highest population are in members over 60, and he explained it by decade past that. I believe it was 60-69 was highest, followed by 70-79.
He also talked about the services offered by APS and which ones were effective and made money, and which ones were historic, but losers today. He said they are making changes in staffing and efforts to update their business model.
"The AP seems less so in times past as having specialist type articles. They may be trying to appeal to a broader audience or just not getting as many articles."
One of the other points was that research showed that the general collector public thought of the APS as elitist, so they were going to work on that. This may be part of what you call the "dumbing down" of the magazine to appeal to a broader audience. The numbers in the hobby today do not afford for that elitist focus. Also note that there are a lot of folks in our age group coming back to the hobby every day, who need that more basic focus, or we will lose them.
He also said that their research showed that over 15,000 people buy stamps on eBay. So they are going to go after that group for membership. It's good to have a 21st century business man at the helm. I can only see good things coming!
"I read it also, while i prefer a postally used stamp...i am not going to call an unused stamp a sham. "
I personally like my stamps on cover. That tells the whole story. As I do my own free form collecting, I've decided I'd rather have my early airmail stamps.. including the Zeps, on cover. I love holding one of those covers in my hands and feeling the vibrations of where they've been and have done!
Same for my early 19th century stamps. Why spend big money for a mint copy that has been hinged multiple times on the possible regummed side? There's too many variables of fraudulent stamps from that era! And often the same stamp nicely used on cover, which in my book gives more evidence of originality, is less costly!
Login to Like
this post
re: Interesting article in the Oct 2016 American Philatelist
This is the one article I skipped in that issue of the AP journal, mainly because I felt my time would be better spent reading something more interesting. I decided a few years back that it wasn't necessary to obsessively read every article in all the journals I get, otherwise they just pile up.
Also, its a mistake to expect that all articles in the AP, or any journal, are going to appeal to everyone. Nor are they necessarily going to provide a deep learning experience. I look to the AP mainly for light, relaxing, entertainment.
Login to Like
this post
re: Interesting article in the Oct 2016 American Philatelist
"Tom (keesindy) recently had an article published in the AP. I enjoyed reading it. Maybe he can relate his experiences as to what the editor was looking for in his article. That can tell alot as to what the AP wants print."
Michael, I don't know that I can offer much insight. First, and maybe foremost, the editorial staff has changed since I last submitted an article in 2012. Second, I experienced very little editing of my submittals.
I think the best "feedback" I got regarding the suitability of my articles was the time it took from submission to publication, but that isn't very helpful information for anyone considering writing an article for the AP. Their backlog of articles was always high as I recall, and I think it has risen even higher in recent years in spite of the decline in membership. However, back in 2001 or 2002, after my first article had been accepted, I was told they had a shortage of US-related articles. My first two articles happened to be US-related. So who knows how much the timing of those first two submissions affected the relatively quick publication versus the quality of my writing!
I had five articles published between 2001 and 2013. Going from memory (a risky proposition), Bonny Farmer told me back then the average time to publication was 14 months. Four of mine were published in less than 14 months and one of those (maybe 2?) was less than a year. The most recent article that Michael is remembering was published in December 2013. I initially submitted that one in August or September 2012.
I'm speculating here, but believe that articles need plenty of images. It's important that they be good quality images. I wouldn't be surprised to learn that that is a major impediment for many authors and also a major factor in the long delays some authors must experience.
I don't know the new editorial staff, but they may be willing to talk with any prospective author about the current backlog of articles and particular areas where they may have a shortage of articles. Bonny and I worked together for over a decade. We had a great working relationship. Hopefully, the new editorial staff are as approachable as the old. If anyone is thinking about writing for the AP, I recommend contacting them and discussing your ideas.
Tom
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