During a discussion on another thread the thought arose that there might not be a term to adequately describe identifying face different issues. For example differentiating between stamps that only differ by watermark, perforations, grille, die types, and such oddities as varnish bars.
In the other discussion, I used the term "flyspecky nitpicky" to describe that type of philatelic identifying or sleuthing. But, I think that we need a better term. Any suggestions? Someone MUST have a better idea than my "flyspecky nitpicky" LOL!!!
I'll offer an imperf block of 4 of the USA seed packets issue as a little prize to whomever comes up with the best term. I'll use one on the cover to mail to you, too.
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"Just one more small collection, hun, really! LoL "
re: Find a term to describe identifying face different issues - small prize offered!
philately dissection because I can see us all in there with our tongs twisting and turning the stamps, holding them under the light and then the uv light and then in the watermark fluid just to see if we can figure things out.
re: Find a term to describe identifying face different issues - small prize offered!
As a confirmed "fly specker" for many years, I can attest to the never ending mindless search for minute differences among look-alike stamps. Search for minutia if you will. So my offer for the contest is "minutia madness".
Bulldog
re: Find a term to describe identifying face different issues - small prize offered!
Great ideas!!! Keep 'em coming - enter as many ideas as you want, the more the merrier.
Let's give this another week or so, then we'll vote - I'll assign them all a number then everyone posts which number they like best. Wouldn't it be fun if we actually managed to create a word that made it into Websters? LOL you never know - stranger things have happened?
re: Find a term to describe identifying face different issues - small prize offered!
Here's the list of ideas --- WOW - great ideas - clever and funny too!
FYI - I've added a few ideas of my own, but if any of my ideas win, I'll give the prize to the idea with the second greatest number of votes. I'll start the vote next Sunday, so keep the ideas coming! I wonder if we should have a special prize for the one that just gives us the biggest laugh! A few really tickled my funny bone
Here's the running list;
Variations on a theme; Michael#s
Surface Schmurface; Hungaryforstamps
Physical Philately; Noernberg
Phacial Recognition; Chris - anglophile
Flyspecky Nitpicky; philatelia
Philatelic Schizophrenia - Michael#s
OCD - Croman
Stumps, stumping - Whitebuffalo
Identifacing - Anglophile
Philately dissection - Carolee
Forensic philately, Forensic philately - Ted
Perforatitus Philatelipilification Syndrome - winedrinker
Zahnungsschlussel! - Ted
Varietal Collecting - Sean
Minutia Madness - bulldog
Philatelling - Theresa
phinicky philately - david
quadriphaletly, with a nod to the Who - david
Hardcore Philately == Philatecore - josh
Phacebook - beesee
kindly note; If you want to debate the relative merits of the concept of this type of collecting, there is a new thread 'collectors vs philatelists.' Please post those comments there, and kindly limit posts here to your contest entries.
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"Just one more small collection, hun, really! LoL "
re: Find a term to describe identifying face different issues - small prize offered!
boring -(bawr-ing, bohr-) adj. used to describe the identifying of face different stamp issues. For example differentiating between stamps that only differ by watermark, perforations, grille, die types, and such oddities as varnish bars.
re: Find a term to describe identifying face different issues - small prize offered!
I've been surprised by this discussion so far although I've enjoyed many of the suggestions.
I've always used "face different" stamps to mean stamps that are easily distinguished from each other from the front because of the design, colour, value etc.
A packet of 100 face different stamps would not include the same basic stamps with different watermarks or with different perforations etc.
The "SG Stamps of the World" catalogue (or "SG Simplified" as it used to be called) is basically a listing of face different stamps although it also excludes shades.
This seems to be the opposite meaning to that used by the OP and in some other postings.
Maybe this is another transatlantic language thing or I'm just even more confused than usual!
re: Find a term to describe identifying face different issues - small prize offered!
"I've always used "face different" stamps to mean stamps that are easily distinguished from each other from the front because of the design, colour, value etc. "
Same here, Nigel. I must be on the wrong side of the pond?!?
re: Find a term to describe identifying face different issues - small prize offered!
Absolutely. Face different is the normal term, but this contest is about coming up with a term to define the process whereby we distinguish stamps that are face different, but differ by perfs, watermarks, die type, printing, etc.
Would either of you like to make an entry to the contest?
In any case, if you would like to continue this discussion of 'face different' would you kindly start a new thread? I'd like to keep this one centered on the contest entries.
Thanks for understanding!
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"Just one more small collection, hun, really! LoL "
re: Find a term to describe identifying face different issues - small prize offered!
I thought about this and then it occurred to me we all like abbreviations.
PAL (Pinpoint Appearance Likeness)
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"Appreciate the beauty of nature. You never know when life will deal you an unplanned twist of fate. Enjoy things while you can, because you just never know."
re: Find a term to describe identifying face different issues - small prize offered!
"Absolutely face different is the normal term, but this contest is about coming up with a term to distinguish stamps that are NOT face different, but differ by perfs, watermarks, die type, printing, etc."
Theresa,
I will start with my submission: Philal-retentive.
But I must stress that you seem to be conflating two very different ideas and that may lead to the confusion of some.
Stamps that differ by perf or watermark only may not be face different at all. Stamps from different dies may be assigned different Types even with the same perforations. Stamps printed on flat plate versus rotary press could be identical other than dimensions. Even more obscure distinctions like "wet printing" and "dry printing" provide additional challenges. It all boils down to what the particular collector deems worthy of differentiation.
Fly specking is a VERY small subset of what you are talking about. My collecting philosophy seems to mirror what you suggest but I am at a loss for a description. If you find the answer, please let me know!
Lars
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"Expanding your knowledge faster than your collection can save you a few bucks."
re: Find a term to describe identifying face different issues - small prize offered!
Thanks, Lars - I misspoke. I knew what I wanted to say but it didn't make it from my brain to my fingers! LOL! OOPs! I edited my post to say what I meant to say. Sheesh!
Here's what I meant to say;
"Face different is the normal term, but this contest is about coming up with a term to define the process whereby we distinguish stamps that are not face different, but only differ by perfs, watermarks, die type, printing, etc. "
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"Just one more small collection, hun, really! LoL "
re: Find a term to describe identifying face different issues - small prize offered!
Hi Philatelia,
I think you mean:
"Face different is the normal term, but this contest is about coming up with a term to define the process whereby we distinguish stamps that are not face different, but differ by perfs, watermarks, die type, printing, etc. "
re: Find a term to describe identifying face different issues - small prize offered!
OMG I think I need a brain transplant! Yes! Good Grief Charlie Brown! I've got my head full of ideas for starting the Weekly Auction Highlight and there didn't seem to be many neurons leftover for writing that sentence.
Thanks, Nigel! Got any spare neurons for a needy soul? LOL!
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"Just one more small collection, hun, really! LoL "
re: Find a term to describe identifying face different issues - small prize offered!
Ive alway's like the term "Cherry Picking" which coin collectors use. maybe we should commandeer it or find another edible to plug in place of cherry......
re: Find a term to describe identifying face different issues - small prize offered!
Not to veer off topic (as he veers off topic), but there is just no feeling, when trying to flyspeck a stamp, like working through the watermark, and getting it right, and working through the perforation, and getting it right, and then getting the die right if there is information for that. And then finding you are left with two candidates, one listed as Bistre and the other listed as "not so bistreish" or something along those lines. Bringing in color subjectivity at the last step is just plain evil.
And Philatalia please take note of my use of your term "flyspeck," not that I am seeking undue favor in the contest.
re: Find a term to describe identifying face different issues - small prize offered!
I see. Your first paragraph seeks a noun and your second paragraph is looking for a verb. I thought the verb was already established as fly-specking. I am too exhausted to macrospeck this microspecking discusion.
re: Find a term to describe identifying face different issues - small prize offered!
From a possibly reputable online dictionary.
Fly-Specking, tr.v.
1. To mark or foul with flyspecks.
2. Slang To examine closely or in minute detail; scrutinize.
I will be voting for "fly-specking." The hyphenated word has verve, dash, and a reference, in one of its meanings, to fly excrement. I know I will be examining my stamps a lot more closely in future.