Greetings- I once posed as a stamp collector, purchasing FDCs and commemoratives, shuffling "collections" foisted upon me by various friends/family into the corners of the attic. Well... I'm BA-ACK!
I'll be heading to Columbus in two days to attend my first ever stamp show. To the folks who keep this particular site rumblin' and roilin' - congrats. I have spent a minimum of 4 hours today leapfrogging through your copious links. Giddy as a school boy.
I'm drowning in minutia about the hobby, and loving it. If you dear reader are attending the Aug 9-12 show, feel free to mssg me - 814-440-5122. I'll be the dope blundering about the show floor, probably wearing a t-shirt with a typewriter on the back (I collect those as well).
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Collecting King George VI from all countries, and King Edward VII and King George V from the West Indies. 07 Aug 2018 10:15:15am
re: Is there a shallow end in philately?
Good point about identity theft, but back to the original question - it might make sense to decide what you like before going to the show so you have a target. Also, consider taking the time to look at the various displays and exhibitions at the show. They will help you see the various aspects of the hobby. Then when you know your plan you can get into the water. Have fun at the show.
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"Learn more about King George VI stamps at www.KGVIStamps.com"
Tom, I recommend you make a point of seeing all of the exhibits. You can always buy stuff, but you can't easily see the stuff that folks have lovingly put together.
Cheers,
/s/ ikeyPikey
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"I collect stamps today precisely the way I collected stamps when I was ten years old."
i'll give a different opinion: GO to the stamp show. Enjoy yourself. I have bought many thnigs at shows that I ultimately sold or gave away later, but none have been wasted purchases: they helped me learn and they helped me find what was most interesting to me.
Even after concentrating on covers, there was still tons to learn, and I bought immense quantities from the dollar boxes. Much of it was not worth much, but I learned abuot things that way. I learned by finding out what it was that I had bought.
I'm not saying that that's the way you SHOULD do it, but it's one way, and a most enjoyable ride at that. I always made a point of talking to the other guys at the boxes, about anything, and got a free education in bargain.
David
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"Save the USPS, buy stamps; save the hobby, use commemoratives"
When I went to my first show I was so overwhelmed that it was nice to know I could always find an empty table at the cafeteria next door. I could grab a soda or a water, sit down, look through my notes, consult a catalog if needed, and go back in prepared to make an offer, ask a question, or search some more!
Lars
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"Expanding your knowledge faster than your collection can save you a few bucks."
Lars offers very good advice for a first-timer at a major/large show.
My first show of that size was the last APS show in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
It was very exciting, but very overwhelming.
It was fortunate - and not just for me I'm sure - that they provided 2 large areas outside the main floor that had table-and-chair seating areas where you could just sit and relax and regroup.
And as others have stated, go and enjoy yourself! No better way to learn than to experience a large show first-hand.
I am looking forward to the time I can attend another!