An unexpected connection arises when sending a Connecticut cover to a buyer in Michigan.
Are you a member of the American Philatelic Society? If the answer is "yes," great! Thanks for your support of philately in the United States. If the answer is "no," what are you waiting for?
In the interest of full disclosure, I'll note up front that I serve as the chair of the APS membership committee. But writing this post has less to do with my position than my belief in the benefits of membership.
I start with the proposition that APS is the national voice of philately in the United States. By supporting the APS, you support stamp collecting: APS not only serves its members, it promotes philately. Second, APS membership has meaning: because of the APS code of ethics to which all members are bound, APS members have credibility in the philatelic community (and in the case of a problem or dispute with an APS member, the APS can help resolve it through disciplinary action).
APS is also a good way to connect with other collectors. With hundreds of local stamp clubs as APS chapters and hundreds of specialty societies as APS affiliates, there are ways to find other collectors in your area or who collect what you do. APS-sponsored shows and events also serve to connect collectors. APS provides ideas, resources, and support to its chapters and affiliates around the country and beyond.
There are many tangible benefits to APS membership as well. Members receive the monthly American Philatelist magazine. Members can buy and sell through sales circuits, where stamps are mailed to you for inspection and purchase, and have discounted pricing for APS online sales (and can sell material online as well). Members have access to the largest philatelic library in the United States, to a useful philatelic insurance program, to the APS expertization service, and many other things. I find that APS membership offers excellent value for the money.
Take a look at www.stamps.org , and consider joining if you haven't already. I'd be happy to serve as a member sponsor for your application.
In the interest of full disclosure, I'll note up front that I serve as the chair of the APS membership committee. But writing this post has less to do with my position than my belief in the benefits of membership.
I start with the proposition that APS is the national voice of philately in the United States. By supporting the APS, you support stamp collecting: APS not only serves its members, it promotes philately. Second, APS membership has meaning: because of the APS code of ethics to which all members are bound, APS members have credibility in the philatelic community (and in the case of a problem or dispute with an APS member, the APS can help resolve it through disciplinary action).
APS is also a good way to connect with other collectors. With hundreds of local stamp clubs as APS chapters and hundreds of specialty societies as APS affiliates, there are ways to find other collectors in your area or who collect what you do. APS-sponsored shows and events also serve to connect collectors. APS provides ideas, resources, and support to its chapters and affiliates around the country and beyond.
There are many tangible benefits to APS membership as well. Members receive the monthly American Philatelist magazine. Members can buy and sell through sales circuits, where stamps are mailed to you for inspection and purchase, and have discounted pricing for APS online sales (and can sell material online as well). Members have access to the largest philatelic library in the United States, to a useful philatelic insurance program, to the APS expertization service, and many other things. I find that APS membership offers excellent value for the money.
Take a look at www.stamps.org , and consider joining if you haven't already. I'd be happy to serve as a member sponsor for your application.
