09:47:20am
I want to see how technology can improve the hobby of collecting, there is so much potential there. I don't want to see this hobby fade away because when people hear "stamp collecting" a person get looked at oddly and usually told "Oh I think my grandpa used to do that" People need to see this as ageless and timeless, and something they can pass on to future generations.
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Welcome Alanna!! Glad you are here. Please don't be afraid to ask questions. We have lots of knowledgeable individuals here who will be glad to help anyway they can.
Mel
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Welcome Alanna! It's great to have you here! I think you'll find that the members here will go out of their way to help you pursue stamp collecting and take your knowledge and skills to the next level!
Adam
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Hello Alanna and welcome to the club. Like others have said this is a very friendly place with many knowledgeable folks eager to help. And you are spot on. Young people who embrace stamp collecting are a breath of fresh air for us geezers. My grandfather collected stamps and . . .errrr wait, that's what my grandchildren say....oh well. Once again, welcome and we certainly hope to hear more from you.
Leon
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Welcome Alanna! Wow you've been collecting for 17 years - I'm looking forward to hearing a bit of your experiences in the world of philately.
It sounds like we have lots in common although I'm a few decades older. I also embroider! There are a bunch of us gals on here and it is funny how many of us also do some sort of needlework or craft. We're peas in a pod!
Delighted to have you join us!!! 
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10:39:14am
Welcome, Alanna! If you self identify as a nerd, you'll fit in just fine. As far as I am concerned, those who cannot be candid, self effacing, and laugh at themselves are deceiving no one and probably should consider the legal profession for a career choice. As far as age goes, not important to anyone here - we only care about your passion for philately and desire to share what you know and learn what you can.
Post freely and often, we are eager to hear from you!
Bobby
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Welcome to the club!
I'm interested to hear your ideas regarding technology and philately. I think one of the MAJOR venues that is under utilized is Youtube. When I got back into the hobby, I was surprised at the small number and poor quality of promotional and informational videos on Stamp Collecting. If you have the means and skills, that would be an excellent use of technology.
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Welcome!
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Welcome to StampoRama!
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always room for one more nerd; happy to have you, Alanna
David
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Hi Alana. Welcome here...so nice to have more young people here. And as far as nerds are concerned 
, from a certified and 99% graded one 
, you have no idea what nerds are into! It is just fun to have you on board. Go read the nerdy discussion on removable hinges for example, posted some time ago (use the search function of SOR). And try SOR's Approval Books, a land breaking nerdy application of technology to the dilemma 
of buying low cost stamps efficiently and filling all these empty slots in your collection...available no where else I may add!
I also just posted separately re a new a hi tech app for stamp collecting (developed by a fellow member 
), posted under the appropriate discussion heading...just to give our moderators a break, although I did contemplate putting it in the wrong place 
.
rrr...
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Hi Alana and welcome aboard the SOR Nerd cruise lines. I feel that everyone is a nerd, just a different type in many respects. It is also refreshing to see a pretty smiling face as yours adorn the DB. May you enjoy all of the time you spend here.
Mike
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Welcome Alanna, enjoy yourself on this site, always something new to learn and plenty of excellent free advice.
From an old feller who also did a lot of cross stitch and embroidery, but not for some time now. Guess both hobbies need care and a lot of patience.
Vic, in mucky Manitoba.
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Welcome Alanna, Nice to hear of someone so young doing stamp collecting, makes a change. when you get time let us know what it is you collect.
elk117
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Welcome, Alanna! I echo the remarks above--this is a great place to share with fellow collectors. I started collecting around 11 or so, and It is this hobby that has been one of the great constants and comforts of my life for the past 40 years! BOB
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03:05:51am
Wow thank you all for the warm welcome! I am so excited to be part of this group!
I really like to collect First Day Covers and Disney stamps, but honestly like all categories. (although I am not sure what to think of digital postage collecting at this time.)
I love love love the approvals on this site, it is so convenient! Well Happy day! Time to explore the site!
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03:16:42am
Oh @Don! That is a great idea. I have never actually made a youtube video but one of my jobs is actually hosting live trivia, so I have no issues with public speaking. I haven't really looked for collecting videos on youtube before either. That would be so awesome, make some geared towards young people and beginners. How to get started without spending a fortune. I think that is what makes people shy away. When I started I had tongs, a shoe box and plastic baggies. Maybe a first introduction video. Ideas how to get started on a dime so to speak, where to go from there etc.....
Brain clicking... Ideas welcome
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I like your thinking. There is an effort within the APS to promote the young friends of Philately (they consider 40s young) 
However, I do not think they have made any promotional videos. There are several videos produced by the National postal Museum on different topics, but there really is a void in Youtubeland on stamp collecting. I go to Youtube FIRST when I need to fix a water heater, lawn mower, learn how to trout fish or find that BBC documentary. The key is driving people to the channel.
I think we should start a new topic on this, but I wanted to respond directly here! I'm also following the other technology threads.
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Glad to have you as a member Alanna
With the technology of today, I also have my fears that hobbies such as collecting stamps is jeopardized. However, seeing someone like you and so young gives me hope that this great hobby of ours will continue. I know that there are others out there, younger ones I mean, who collect, but, are not affiliated with any clubs, which I find so unfortunate.
Maybe you can push our hobby a little for us (hint hint lol)
Chimo
Bujutsu
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The APS sure has many videos on You Tube, and has a presence on other social media as well. Here is a link to the APS Social Media page:
http://stamps.org/Social-Media
Here is a direct link to the APS You Tube videos:
https://www.youtube.com/user/AmericasStampClub/videos
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Thanks for the link. I was referring specifically to Young Friends of the APS.
The general quality of the APS videos is poor to the point of not even being able to hear the audio or really poor camera angles in some of the video. I understand that these were all done on a volunteer basis, but some truly great information is lost by not taking a few minutes to get the sound or camera correct.
Again, I salute anyone willing to promote the hobby and the APS video section has major potential. I also know that anyone who criticizes should be willing to stand up and help. I will end my criticism now, and start to work on the side of positive promotion! I looked at my old webpage, and have some ideas for blog worthy posts. I'm not sure people will want to see any video of me talking stamps though!
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08:01:59pm
Awesome links! Thanks Those are some videos I will be watching.
The idea with the videos is making something personal to get kids and people interested. There are a few videos that even have 5,000 views. Subject being how to tell if your collection is worth anything.
On a side note the Family Guy clip making fun of stamp collecting has over 75,000 views. I think this is what more young people think of when it comes to stamp collecting.
There was a nice little video on starting stamp collecting too. They interview a stamp dealer who shows some supplies and stamps that cost a few thousand dollars each. Any beginner watching that will stop right then and there thinking they can't afford it.
I just found one with a your girl teaching about the subject, but she isn't using tongs 
to handle anything, soaking stamps in soap water. Soap? Is that safe for a stamp? I always just use a little warm water. This is more along the line of what I want to do though. Her video had 10,000 views.
It's not that there aren't videos out there, because there are. I just don't feel them tailored towards children and young people.
There are more videos covering "how to apply eyeliner" (4 million views on just one video) and video game walk throughs. 
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"I want to see how technology can improve the hobby of collecting, there is so much potential there."
Welcome, Alana! You are right about technology improving the hobby. Obviously the message boards allow us to have this conversation, but there are other areas where technology helps philately:
1) Researching a subject is a lot easier, from Wikipedia articles to online APS/APRL requests.
2) Using a scanner or USB magnifier can make identification of type differences easier. I also find that scanning a coil and a ruler together allows me to use Fireworks (think Photoshop) to analyze whether that particular coil is genuine. I can add parallel lines, zoom in on a suspicious edge, and make a very precise measurement. Plus, I can share my findings and ask for other opinions.
3) Some folks are attempting to use scanners to detect watermarks. I don't know how well that is going, but that seems like a promising area.
4) Web sites are good for documenting and sharing your collection. If a conversation about a particular issue comes up, I can find it faster on my web site and then pull the appropriate album from the shelf. It also helps to document your collection in case of fire, etc.
We hope to hear from you often!
Lars
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07:46:32am
Welcome, Alanna!
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Wanting to bring the joy of stamp collecting to younger generations
12 May 2015
09:47:20am
Hi everyone! My name is Alanna and I have been collecting stamps on and off since I was about 10 years old. Now I am 27. I am a little bit of a nerd and want to connect with other people who also enjoy the hobby. It's not exactly something a lot of people in my age group are into. I just don't think people understand or appreciate things like they used to.
I want to see how technology can improve the hobby of collecting, there is so much potential there. I don't want to see this hobby fade away because when people hear "stamp collecting" a person get looked at oddly and usually told "Oh I think my grandpa used to do that" People need to see this as ageless and timeless, and something they can pass on to future generations.
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re: Hi! New Member here
Welcome Alanna!! Glad you are here. Please don't be afraid to ask questions. We have lots of knowledgeable individuals here who will be glad to help anyway they can.
Mel
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re: Hi! New Member here
Welcome Alanna! It's great to have you here! I think you'll find that the members here will go out of their way to help you pursue stamp collecting and take your knowledge and skills to the next level!
Adam
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re: Hi! New Member here
Hello Alanna and welcome to the club. Like others have said this is a very friendly place with many knowledgeable folks eager to help. And you are spot on. Young people who embrace stamp collecting are a breath of fresh air for us geezers. My grandfather collected stamps and . . .errrr wait, that's what my grandchildren say....oh well. Once again, welcome and we certainly hope to hear more from you.
Leon
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Auctions - Approvals
re: Hi! New Member here
Welcome Alanna! Wow you've been collecting for 17 years - I'm looking forward to hearing a bit of your experiences in the world of philately.
It sounds like we have lots in common although I'm a few decades older. I also embroider! There are a bunch of us gals on here and it is funny how many of us also do some sort of needlework or craft. We're peas in a pod!
Delighted to have you join us!!!
Login to Like
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They who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety. -Benjamin Franklin
12 May 2015
10:39:14am
re: Hi! New Member here
Welcome, Alanna! If you self identify as a nerd, you'll fit in just fine. As far as I am concerned, those who cannot be candid, self effacing, and laugh at themselves are deceiving no one and probably should consider the legal profession for a career choice. As far as age goes, not important to anyone here - we only care about your passion for philately and desire to share what you know and learn what you can.
Post freely and often, we are eager to hear from you!
Bobby
Login to Like
this post
re: Hi! New Member here
Welcome to the club!
I'm interested to hear your ideas regarding technology and philately. I think one of the MAJOR venues that is under utilized is Youtube. When I got back into the hobby, I was surprised at the small number and poor quality of promotional and informational videos on Stamp Collecting. If you have the means and skills, that would be an excellent use of technology.
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re: Hi! New Member here
Welcome!
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re: Hi! New Member here
Welcome to StampoRama!
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re: Hi! New Member here
always room for one more nerd; happy to have you, Alanna
David
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re: Hi! New Member here
Hi Alana. Welcome here...so nice to have more young people here. And as far as nerds are concerned , from a certified and 99% graded one , you have no idea what nerds are into! It is just fun to have you on board. Go read the nerdy discussion on removable hinges for example, posted some time ago (use the search function of SOR). And try SOR's Approval Books, a land breaking nerdy application of technology to the dilemma of buying low cost stamps efficiently and filling all these empty slots in your collection...available no where else I may add!
I also just posted separately re a new a hi tech app for stamp collecting (developed by a fellow member ), posted under the appropriate discussion heading...just to give our moderators a break, although I did contemplate putting it in the wrong place .
rrr...
Login to Like
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re: Hi! New Member here
Hi Alana and welcome aboard the SOR Nerd cruise lines. I feel that everyone is a nerd, just a different type in many respects. It is also refreshing to see a pretty smiling face as yours adorn the DB. May you enjoy all of the time you spend here.
Mike
Login to Like
this post
Approvals
re: Hi! New Member here
Welcome Alanna, enjoy yourself on this site, always something new to learn and plenty of excellent free advice.
From an old feller who also did a lot of cross stitch and embroidery, but not for some time now. Guess both hobbies need care and a lot of patience.
Vic, in mucky Manitoba.
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06:05:01pm
re: Hi! New Member here
Welcome Alanna, Nice to hear of someone so young doing stamp collecting, makes a change. when you get time let us know what it is you collect.
elk117
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re: Hi! New Member here
Welcome, Alanna! I echo the remarks above--this is a great place to share with fellow collectors. I started collecting around 11 or so, and It is this hobby that has been one of the great constants and comforts of my life for the past 40 years! BOB
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this post
Wanting to bring the joy of stamp collecting to younger generations
13 May 2015
03:05:51am
re: Hi! New Member here
Wow thank you all for the warm welcome! I am so excited to be part of this group!
I really like to collect First Day Covers and Disney stamps, but honestly like all categories. (although I am not sure what to think of digital postage collecting at this time.)
I love love love the approvals on this site, it is so convenient! Well Happy day! Time to explore the site!
Login to Like
this post
Wanting to bring the joy of stamp collecting to younger generations
13 May 2015
03:16:42am
re: Hi! New Member here
Oh @Don! That is a great idea. I have never actually made a youtube video but one of my jobs is actually hosting live trivia, so I have no issues with public speaking. I haven't really looked for collecting videos on youtube before either. That would be so awesome, make some geared towards young people and beginners. How to get started without spending a fortune. I think that is what makes people shy away. When I started I had tongs, a shoe box and plastic baggies. Maybe a first introduction video. Ideas how to get started on a dime so to speak, where to go from there etc.....
Brain clicking... Ideas welcome
Login to Like
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re: Hi! New Member here
I like your thinking. There is an effort within the APS to promote the young friends of Philately (they consider 40s young) However, I do not think they have made any promotional videos. There are several videos produced by the National postal Museum on different topics, but there really is a void in Youtubeland on stamp collecting. I go to Youtube FIRST when I need to fix a water heater, lawn mower, learn how to trout fish or find that BBC documentary. The key is driving people to the channel.
I think we should start a new topic on this, but I wanted to respond directly here! I'm also following the other technology threads.
Login to Like
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re: Hi! New Member here
Glad to have you as a member Alanna
With the technology of today, I also have my fears that hobbies such as collecting stamps is jeopardized. However, seeing someone like you and so young gives me hope that this great hobby of ours will continue. I know that there are others out there, younger ones I mean, who collect, but, are not affiliated with any clubs, which I find so unfortunate.
Maybe you can push our hobby a little for us (hint hint lol)
Chimo
Bujutsu
Login to Like
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re: Hi! New Member here
The APS sure has many videos on You Tube, and has a presence on other social media as well. Here is a link to the APS Social Media page:
http://stamps.org/Social-Media
Here is a direct link to the APS You Tube videos:
https://www.youtube.com/user/AmericasStampClub/videos
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re: Hi! New Member here
Thanks for the link. I was referring specifically to Young Friends of the APS.
The general quality of the APS videos is poor to the point of not even being able to hear the audio or really poor camera angles in some of the video. I understand that these were all done on a volunteer basis, but some truly great information is lost by not taking a few minutes to get the sound or camera correct.
Again, I salute anyone willing to promote the hobby and the APS video section has major potential. I also know that anyone who criticizes should be willing to stand up and help. I will end my criticism now, and start to work on the side of positive promotion! I looked at my old webpage, and have some ideas for blog worthy posts. I'm not sure people will want to see any video of me talking stamps though!
Login to Like
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Wanting to bring the joy of stamp collecting to younger generations
13 May 2015
08:01:59pm
re: Hi! New Member here
Awesome links! Thanks Those are some videos I will be watching.
The idea with the videos is making something personal to get kids and people interested. There are a few videos that even have 5,000 views. Subject being how to tell if your collection is worth anything.
On a side note the Family Guy clip making fun of stamp collecting has over 75,000 views. I think this is what more young people think of when it comes to stamp collecting.
There was a nice little video on starting stamp collecting too. They interview a stamp dealer who shows some supplies and stamps that cost a few thousand dollars each. Any beginner watching that will stop right then and there thinking they can't afford it.
I just found one with a your girl teaching about the subject, but she isn't using tongs to handle anything, soaking stamps in soap water. Soap? Is that safe for a stamp? I always just use a little warm water. This is more along the line of what I want to do though. Her video had 10,000 views.
It's not that there aren't videos out there, because there are. I just don't feel them tailored towards children and young people.
There are more videos covering "how to apply eyeliner" (4 million views on just one video) and video game walk throughs.
Login to Like
this post
re: Hi! New Member here
"I want to see how technology can improve the hobby of collecting, there is so much potential there."
Welcome, Alana! You are right about technology improving the hobby. Obviously the message boards allow us to have this conversation, but there are other areas where technology helps philately:
1) Researching a subject is a lot easier, from Wikipedia articles to online APS/APRL requests.
2) Using a scanner or USB magnifier can make identification of type differences easier. I also find that scanning a coil and a ruler together allows me to use Fireworks (think Photoshop) to analyze whether that particular coil is genuine. I can add parallel lines, zoom in on a suspicious edge, and make a very precise measurement. Plus, I can share my findings and ask for other opinions.
3) Some folks are attempting to use scanners to detect watermarks. I don't know how well that is going, but that seems like a promising area.
4) Web sites are good for documenting and sharing your collection. If a conversation about a particular issue comes up, I can find it faster on my web site and then pull the appropriate album from the shelf. It also helps to document your collection in case of fire, etc.
We hope to hear from you often!
Lars
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It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light. - Aristotle Onassis
14 May 2015
07:46:32am
re: Hi! New Member here
Welcome, Alanna!
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