Philately & The Three-Legged Stool

This recent article, Organised Philately - The Three Legs of the Stool along with several recent TSF member posts, makes one think, hmmm.

The Trade, Postal Administrations, yup got it!  No stamps, no collecting and alas, no hobby; sad days indeed.

However, the third leg, "Clubs and Societies" is what made the grey matter spin for me.  In the past, clubs and societies with their annual general meetings were, and perhaps still are, a social event for many a collector. Fast-forward to the age of computers with its global influence and ability to meet other collectors that share similar interests or passions on a world-wide scale has certainly changed the dynamic somewhat. 

For example, The Stamp Forum is one such venue, part social-media (who does not like a 'like' or 'thumbs-up'), part bulletin board (a platform to share are collecting interests), and best of all, knowledgeable, experienced collectors willing to share their thoughts, opinions and expertise. In which case, I think TSF more than a simple website. After all, both now and in the past, we have all the makings of a club or society: exhibiting of pages, detailed presentations or in-depth discussions, circuit or exchange books in the form of the Mystery packets and let us not forget the ever-popular giveaways by some of our members.

As I reflect on TSF and its role of the three-legged stool, I am reminded it is Chapter 1591 of the American Philatelic Society.

Just thinking out loud...

Happy collecting!