For those of you that are/were members, what can you tell me
about The Circuit - the organization's newsletter?
Is it usually informative?
Is it usually varied in its articles?
I am not a WW collector, but I do dabble in some foreign countries;
would it have an interest for me on a semi-regular basis?
I visited the website and yes I did look at their sample copy
that was available for viewing - however, one issue may not be
a good representation of, say, a year's worth of issues.
I see they also have mail bid sales - did any of you partake in this?
How did that go?
So I am asking your opinions - do you think it would be something
that would be worth investing my $15 in to join?
I realize this isn't much if you were to divide this into a monthly amount,
but I do already subscribe to 4 monthly, bi-monthly and quarterly newsletters
magazines for stamp collectors. Would it be worth getting a 5th one?
IPDA Chairman, Scaramento Philatelic Society #2112-vice president, ISWWSC #2966, Iran philatelic study circle, US Army Veteran, Grandfather of 6, stamp collector/seller! 24 Feb 2019 08:51:26pm
I have submitted many write ups for the news letter. I enjoy reading it cover to cover. I sat next to Dr. Joanne, the Prez, at the Sacramento Philatelic Society for stamp club every Thursday. She asked me to join and I did. I enjoy it.
Lee Coen
Aps#173697-25 year member
IPDA#251
ISWSC.ORG #2966
30+ year member APS; member of ATA, ISWSC, ATA, PSS, MSS, PMCC, FDCS 25 Feb 2019 12:13:58am
re: ISWSC Membership?
I've been a member for several years and have participated in their auctions on several occasions. The journal is entertaining enough and I've gotten some pretty decent lots at auction. I keep renewing my membership so I must be getting something out of it. All in all its a light-hearted affair and a pleasant read. I'd recommend it to anyone interested in worldwide collecting.
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"Never take yourself too seroiusly... that way you won't be too disappointed when noboby esle does either."
For $15 per yr. you receive 6 issues of The Circuit. I think each issue is well worth $2.50 per.
My overall reservations have to do with the lack of a Discussion Forum - like we have. Also, the Mail Auction Items are very well described, but you don't get to SEE the Items. The Approval Program (called OMNI CIRCUIT) is via snail mail (not good). Other Programs are handicapped for those residing in foreign countries because of insurance requirements. It's only going to get worse with the new IPU regulations. I guess I have to say that "time" has passed the ISWSC by. I probably won't renew in 2020.
I've been a member at least since 2012. For me, the journal is well worth it, but my real reason for maintaining membership is to support the ISWSC as an advocate for worldwide collecting.
This is the table of contents of the latest issue. The articles are ok and what you may expect from a generalist group. The group really seems to revolve around trading groups.
Executive director's report/Joanne Murphy FC
Board & program managers 2
Philamusings/Bill Harris 3
Mail bag - Swap circuit update/Jeannine Mayer 4
New editorial staff announced/Eddie Janusz 4
Dead country series ... Central Lithuania/John Seidl 5
Whatzit?/Richard Barnes 7
Tong tales/Dale Kreutter 8
Price is right/Lee Coen 11
Around the net: WADP numbering/Alyn Lunt 12
Gems of New Guinea/Vladimir Kachan 15
Stamp grading/Michael Dodd 18
Stamp out cancer 19
Outreach up 22%/Rich Rizzo 20
Former swap circuit manager closes album 20
Mail bid sale #87/Smokey Stover 22
Auction abbreviations 28
Mail bid sale #85 prices/Smokey Stover 37
Dupes!/Richard Barnes 38
Cheap is cheap/Barry White 39
Where to send what 40
Collector’s corner (member changes) 41
Classified ads, ad rates 41
New Grab It program/Monie Finley
I am the current President (Joanne is the Executive Director) of the ISWSC and would be happy to answer any questions, suggestions or concerns people might have. I'd also be happy to email you a recent issue of The Circuit if you'd like. The group continues to grow (unlike so many other philatelic societies) and we encourage people of all levels to join us and take full advantage of our programs including 1:1 swap circuits (both mailed and online), sales circuits, our auction, our journal and other members benefits. You can learn more on our website iswsc.org. We also have thousands of followers on Facebook and a very active stamp outreach program.
yep.. I am a member and enjoy the journal. ( just a pleasant generalist kind of stuff) I have participated in the mail bid with a bit of success. I also have participated in a swap group which is pretty fun as well. For the 15$ I am happy and will continue to renew.