tomiseksj
Moderator 
Woodbridge, Virginia, USA
Posts: 6,263 
What I collect: Worldwide stamps/covers, Cinderellas, Ohio Prepaid Sales Tax Receipts, U.S. WWII Ration ephemera
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Post by tomiseksj on Oct 24, 2022 21:57:33 GMT
daniel , I think we can get the postage cost down to the $27.15 rate using the First-Class Package International Service -- still excessive. The book is in the Forum's library and I've included a copy of the table of contents for your review. If any of it is of particular interest (within reason, as stated in the recent Newsletter), let me know and I'll try to get it to you. 
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Post by daniel on Oct 24, 2022 23:58:06 GMT
Steve, tomiseksj, many thanks for looking into this for me. The book just doesn't appear to be available in the UK, there are a couple of listings, Abe UK, Blackwells etc but they have sold out. However, I made a further search in Abe USA and found a copy for $12.51 plus $14.50 postage and went ahead and ordered it. I have a few Rocket Mail catalogues including the 2 volume Ellington-Zwisler Rocket Mail Catalogs which are considered the main source but volume 2 came out in 1973. Walter Hopferwieser wrote and published Pioneer Rocket Mail & Space Mail a couple of years ago but this only covers pre-war Rocket Mail, the classic period. The Kronstein book should provide a slightly more up to date perspective. Your help was much appreciated. Daniel |
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Admin
Administrator 
Posts: 2,637
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Post by Admin on Dec 5, 2022 16:11:11 GMT
APS is currently running a Holiday Special for new members -- join in December using coupon code "cheers22" and save $13.00. |
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de61
Member 
Posts: 262
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Post by de61 on Jan 20, 2023 15:15:57 GMT
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angore
Member
Posts: 5,335
What I collect: WW, focus on British Empire
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Post by angore on Jan 20, 2023 18:44:13 GMT
I believe APS should have a substantial plan before merging with anyone. Charles Epting of HR Harmer resigned from ASDA recently as well.
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stanley64
Member
Posts: 1,818
What I collect: Canada, USA, Netherlands, Portugal & Colonies, Antarctic Territories and anything that catches my eye...
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Post by stanley64 on Jan 21, 2023 10:46:43 GMT
“I also believe that a strong organization must be in place to effectively enforce such a code, and that this organization be on sound financial footing and have capable leadership in order to not just survive, but grow in the future. Unfortunately my time on the Board has left me uncertain of these facts, which is why I am announcing my resignation from the Board effective immediately".
Not sure about the politics, but like the rest of the world, it makes for interesting times...
Have fun and happy collecting!
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tomiseksj
Moderator
Woodbridge, Virginia, USA
Posts: 6,263
What I collect: Worldwide stamps/covers, Cinderellas, Ohio Prepaid Sales Tax Receipts, U.S. WWII Ration ephemera
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Post by tomiseksj on Jan 23, 2023 22:45:33 GMT
TSF member peter is featured on the APS Website's Collecting Insights with his article "The Philatelist as Social Historian". You can read the article by clicking here.  |
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tomiseksj
Moderator
Woodbridge, Virginia, USA
Posts: 6,263
What I collect: Worldwide stamps/covers, Cinderellas, Ohio Prepaid Sales Tax Receipts, U.S. WWII Ration ephemera
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Post by tomiseksj on Apr 16, 2023 12:26:13 GMT
Questions about StampStore?One of our StampStore sellers, Henrik (APS Seller #638656) recently wrote, "Today I realized what a great move that was joining HipStamp. My sales have improved considerably and I like the whole works." StampStore is an important service for APS members, allowing you to sell stamps online and we do the work. We recently moved to HipStamp and members have questions. That's why we're inviting you to join us on April 19th for our "Ask Me Anything" at 6 pm Eastern (A recording will be available). Have a question about using the StampStore? Join Carol Hoffman, APS Sales Director, and Anna Taylor, General Manager of HipStamp and HipPostcard for tips, suggestions, and answering your questions. Register to join us for this great discussion. Have a question for Carol and Anna? Submit here
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angore
Member
Posts: 5,335
What I collect: WW, focus on British Empire
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Post by angore on Apr 26, 2023 9:45:27 GMT
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Admin
Administrator
Posts: 2,637
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Post by Admin on Sept 5, 2023 10:43:09 GMT
Recapping GASS 2023 If you weren't able to attend in Cleveland for GASS 2023, or if you didn't have a chance to see the whole show, don't worry — no matter how you like your recaps or what information you're interested in, APS has you covered. You can... Browse the GASS 2023 album on Flickr Peruse the 2023 palmaresWatch show videos on Youtube Read articles recapping GASS, or see what attendees had to say And don't forget to start making plans for GASS 2024 — Hartford will be here before you know it! Save the date for GASS '24 in Hartford Connecticut - August 15-18, 2024.
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tomiseksj
Moderator
Woodbridge, Virginia, USA
Posts: 6,263
What I collect: Worldwide stamps/covers, Cinderellas, Ohio Prepaid Sales Tax Receipts, U.S. WWII Ration ephemera
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Post by tomiseksj on Sept 11, 2023 16:04:11 GMT
APS Announces New Free Digital Magazine9/8/2023 BELLEFONTE, Pa., September 8, 2023 – The American Philatelic Society today announced plans to launch a free quarterly digital magazine in February 2024. Dubbed StampEd, the magazine invites the digital generation to connect with stamp collecting in new and exciting ways. With the average age of stamp collectors on the rise, the longevity of the hobby is a significant concern for APS members. StampEd is one of many steps being taken by the APS to spark interest in collecting among younger generations and create a strong foundation for the hobby for decades to come. “StampEd is not just a magazine, it will also become a community for the next generation of collectors,” said APS Executive Director Scott English. “If we’re serious about growing the hobby, we have to go meet these collectors where they are and stop waiting for them to come to us.” StampEd engages beginner and non-traditional collectors with innovative philatelic content that enlightens and inspires. The magazine shares entry-level practical collecting advice and mentorship; explores the connections between stamp collecting and other interests; and celebrates the growing online community of active collectors. "StampEd’s target audience, the digital generation, actually looks a lot like me,” said APS Editor-in-Chief Susanna Mills. ”We come to stamp collecting through different avenues than the average APS member. StampEd celebrates that, us, and everything we are: curious, artistic, energetic, crafty, (maybe a bit chronically online), and most of all, genuine. Did I mention that it’s free?" The team behind The American Philatelist – Mills, Senior Editor Jeff Stage, and Graphic Designer Chad Cowder – will also head up production of the new magazine. To pitch an article for upcoming issues, please email stamped@stamps.org. About the American Philatelic SocietyWith members in more than 110 countries, the American Philatelic Society is the largest, non-profit organization for stamp collectors in the world. Founded in 1886, the APS serves collectors, educators, postal historians and the general public by providing a wide variety of programs and services. Resources include the American Philatelic Research Library; the monthly magazine The American Philatelist; stamp authentication services; adult and youth education initiatives; and more at www.stamps.org. For more information, contact Editor-in-Chief Susanna Mills (via email (smills@stamps.org), 814-933-3803 ext. 207).
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angore
Member
Posts: 5,335
What I collect: WW, focus on British Empire
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Post by angore on Sept 13, 2023 10:29:00 GMT
I had suggested a publication for articles of distinction in the past so maybe this may be a vehicle.
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Post by nick2302 on Sept 17, 2023 18:02:06 GMT
The APS Journal editors are always asking for articles. I would think if sent an article to them there is a very good chance they would publish it. The Journal recently has some articles that captured my attention and were really interesting to read. I have copies of the Journal all over the house, to pick an read an article or refer back to something. Anyone who collects stamps even if they feel like they are not major collectors., even one country they would find the APS publications and other offerings beneficial. Really worth a collector's money for what is received in return.
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Post by nick2302 on Sept 26, 2023 2:31:08 GMT
In the Sept 2023 American Philatelist Scott English is presenting Joint Capital Plan 10-year plan to put a new roof over the original section of the headquarters. He also mentions that 40% of the available retail space is unoccupied. The need for money is somewhere in the neighborhood of $2.2 million over the next 10 years.
The APS was able to pay the original debt of much faster than anticipated and a good thing as the Factory needs maintenance. Also, the computer systems need to be modernized. That is one of the reason the APS STAMPSTORE was moved to Hip stamps. This was done to save money. IMO Hip Stamps has quite a few issues of its own. But that battle was lost so the APS members deal with the hand that was dealt.
If any stamp collector has any wish to help the APS financially the opportunity is presenting itself. It is not a lot of money to join and it would be nice to see the membership count not go down in the neighborhood of a net 1000+ members each month. The APS Journal has improved by publishing more readable articles and is generally more interesting.
Nick
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angore
Member
Posts: 5,335
What I collect: WW, focus on British Empire
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Post by angore on Sept 27, 2023 10:47:42 GMT
APS cannot cover all the expenses related to the society through member dues in part because APS has not raised dues in many years due to the the concern of an accelerated membership decline.
Paying off the mortgage as well as funding other improvements, especially the library, have been funded in a large part from deceased members' estates. APS still faces a continuing decline in membership with the end of July 2023 count at 24,861 (down 1030 from prior year).
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Post by scottenglish on Sept 27, 2023 17:52:27 GMT
I'm not sure how far back you'd have to go to have APS dues pay for the business operations. The membership loss will drop over the next few months for two reasons: 1. Reinstatements for people who get dropped in April, and 2. 3Q New applications are substantially higher than 3Q 2022 - closing the new membership gap from 1Q and 2Q.
As I note regularly, death is the biggest reason for leaving the APS. Those losses come substantially from the free life membership category, so our revenue losses are significantly lower than one might expect. The loss also offsets increases in magazine production and mailing costs, so it washes out. Net of everything, we still operate a balanced budget strictly based on business activities.
We also cut the digital membership by $10, which we project will increase new applications for 2024. Digital membership is a great deal for collectors around the world. The digital member price change will go live in October if you want to try the APS out for just $35 a year.
Most non-profits rely on donations to run the organization; we do not. We set aside donations for one-time or capitalized costs. Cultivating donors, including those who generously leave their estates for us, still requires building positive relationships and trust with the APS and APRL. I truly miss some of the folks who've passed away in the past few years. The most recent example is Al Kugel, whose collection is with us and will go to the Joint Capital Fund. Al was a wonderful man, a great collector, and a friend to the APS.
There are no small contributions to the APS and APRL. Every dollar we receive is valued, and we work to ensure it delivers the greatest possible return.
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tomiseksj
Moderator
Woodbridge, Virginia, USA
Posts: 6,263
What I collect: Worldwide stamps/covers, Cinderellas, Ohio Prepaid Sales Tax Receipts, U.S. WWII Ration ephemera
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Post by tomiseksj on Sept 27, 2023 21:12:14 GMT
Scott ( scottenglish ), I'd be interested in learning how much of an impact that donations received via the Mighty Buck Club are having on business operations. |
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Post by scottenglish on Sept 27, 2023 21:23:30 GMT
Steve --
Like other donated funds, the Mighty Buck Club goes to secure one-time items. Typically hardware purchases like computers, printers, copiers, scanners, or license purchases like when we upgrade MS Office. It's been a wonderful program in helping to alleviate those costs on the operations budget, or worse, deferred purchases in tight budget years.
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Post by nick2302 on Oct 3, 2023 16:36:02 GMT
How does a member send a MIGHTY BUCK? Just through the mail, or off the web site?
Nick
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Post by scottenglish on Oct 3, 2023 16:46:36 GMT
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tomiseksj
Moderator
Woodbridge, Virginia, USA
Posts: 6,263
What I collect: Worldwide stamps/covers, Cinderellas, Ohio Prepaid Sales Tax Receipts, U.S. WWII Ration ephemera
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Post by tomiseksj on Oct 17, 2023 12:23:30 GMT
APS Publications: New DiscountsThe APS Publications store is now offering over a dozen publications at special reduced rates! Remember: it's never too early to score deals on gifts for the holidays (or grab a little something for yourself). I just ordered a hardbound copy of Theron J. Wierenga'a United States Incoming Steamship Mail (464 pages) for $12 postpaid.
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Post by nick2302 on Oct 25, 2023 16:32:10 GMT
I went to the site you mentioned and logged on. I see the donate button, but I don't see how to send the $12.00. Do I fill out the donate information and key in $12.00 and then some other screen will pop up and let me put in my Credit card info? I assume the site is secure? Just in case asking. Would it better to send a check with a note enclosed that this is for the mighty buck program?
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tomiseksj
Moderator
Woodbridge, Virginia, USA
Posts: 6,263
What I collect: Worldwide stamps/covers, Cinderellas, Ohio Prepaid Sales Tax Receipts, U.S. WWII Ration ephemera
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Post by tomiseksj on Oct 25, 2023 22:11:43 GMT
nick2302 Click on the link that scottenglish provided ( stamps.org/donate/mighty-buck-club ) When the Mighty Buck Club page opens, click on the "Join" button.  When the Donate Now page opens, insert the amount of your donation, select Mighty Buck from the Gift Designation pull-down menu, then click on the "Submit" button.  You'll be taken to your Shopping Cart page where you can verify your donation -- if correct, click on the "Check out" button.
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tomiseksj
Moderator
Woodbridge, Virginia, USA
Posts: 6,263
What I collect: Worldwide stamps/covers, Cinderellas, Ohio Prepaid Sales Tax Receipts, U.S. WWII Ration ephemera
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Post by tomiseksj on Dec 5, 2023 14:08:50 GMT
TONIGHT! Launching StampEd Join APS tonight, December 5 at 7 p.m. Eastern for the last Stamp Chat of 2023! Join Editor-in-Chief Susanna Mills for a Stamp Chat all about the APS's newest publication, StampEd! Susanna will be talking all things StampEd, from how the idea for the magazine came about, to outreach and marketing, to what you can expect from the first issue.
To submit a question click here.
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TimG
Member
Posts: 160
What I collect: Worldwide
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Post by TimG on Dec 5, 2023 15:09:24 GMT
I am not an APS member nor have I ever watched anything produced by APS, so...I had to go to their Youtube site and see what Steve was promoting. I started watching their latest video - Episode 30 and had a hard time getting into it because of all the video cuts. Wanting to give APS another chance, I started watching the next video: APS StampChat, Ep 8: Behind the Scenes Curating. Although I haven't finished watching it, the presenter, Alex Haimann, has done an excellent job in communicating his own story, as well as the 1879 Anglo-Zulu War, along with related postal topics. I'm not sure tonight's topic interests me but I will subscribe to the APS channel to stay updated on future videos. |
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tomiseksj
Moderator
Woodbridge, Virginia, USA
Posts: 6,263
What I collect: Worldwide stamps/covers, Cinderellas, Ohio Prepaid Sales Tax Receipts, U.S. WWII Ration ephemera
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Post by tomiseksj on Dec 19, 2023 0:49:43 GMT
From our friends at the American Philatelic Center:  |
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TimG
Member
Posts: 160
What I collect: Worldwide
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Post by TimG on Dec 19, 2023 11:33:28 GMT
An appropriate response to this time of the year that respects the various traditions without cancelling them for fear of insulting someone.
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tomiseksj
Moderator
Woodbridge, Virginia, USA
Posts: 6,263
What I collect: Worldwide stamps/covers, Cinderellas, Ohio Prepaid Sales Tax Receipts, U.S. WWII Ration ephemera
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Post by tomiseksj on Dec 24, 2023 21:20:53 GMT
The APS Reference CollectionThe Society maintains two reference collections of philatelic material — one for fakes and forgeries and one for genuine stamps and postal history. Many items that have been judged “not genuine” subsequently have been donated to the APS Reference Collection of Fakes and Forgeries. Established and managed by the late James Beal in the 1970s, APS continues to add material to this 38-volume display of spurious stamps and covers. The APS Collection of Genuine Stamps and Postal History was created in the early 1990s and is separated into two groups. The United States collection is housed in 42 albums. All other countries are arranged in alphabetical order in over 400 binders. All the contents come from generous contributions by thoughtful APS members. These collections provide a clearinghouse of resource material for philatelic researchers visiting the American Philatelic Center. APS had been posting portions of the collection monthly on their website; however, it seems that practice ended in August 2019. You may view and/or download those that have been posted here (some of the links may be broken). Here is an example of what you'll find there, a page that has been extracted from the .pdf on Japan. 
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tomiseksj
Moderator
Woodbridge, Virginia, USA
Posts: 6,263
What I collect: Worldwide stamps/covers, Cinderellas, Ohio Prepaid Sales Tax Receipts, U.S. WWII Ration ephemera
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Post by tomiseksj on Jan 2, 2024 18:48:38 GMT
Plan Your Visit: APS Stamp and Cover Shop
Did you know the APS gift shop in Bellefonte stocks not just philatelic gifts (like postcards and stylish stamp ties), but also countless stamps, covers, and stamp collecting supplies curated by Carter-award-winning couple Leonard and Darlene Bloom? All materials were kindly donated by APS members from around the world, and the proceeds of all purchases help fund the APS mission. Plan your visit today! APRL: November New ResourcesNovember brought a whopping 73 new resources to the APRL, from Post Office Plan of Edinburgh and Leith Constructed from Ordinance and Actual Surveys, 1925-1926 to Philatelic Maps: A Series of Maps Including Countries, Colonies and Localities That Have Issued Stamps. You can learn more about these resources and how to access them in librarian Scott Tiffney's monthly column, " APRL New Resources."
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tomiseksj
Moderator
Woodbridge, Virginia, USA
Posts: 6,263
What I collect: Worldwide stamps/covers, Cinderellas, Ohio Prepaid Sales Tax Receipts, U.S. WWII Ration ephemera
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Post by tomiseksj on Jan 9, 2024 13:46:21 GMT
Stamp Chat Season 2 Episode 1: State of the APS/APRLAPS is kicking off Season 2 of Stamp Chat at the end of the month with Episode 1: State of the APS/APRL! Join APS President Cheryl Ganz, APRL President Melanie Rogers, Executive Director Scott English, Librarian & Director of Information Services Scott Tiffney, and Editor-in-Chief Susanna Mills as they discuss the challenges and successes of 2023 and look ahead to the opportunities awaiting the APS and APRL in 2024. Have questions for the panelists? Click the link below to submit them in advance!
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