Category Archives: Editorial
Collectors put printers under the magnifying glass
One thing I learned very quickly is that printers think a little differently than the rest of us. For them, a good quality printing job is all about the appearance of the printing. It doesn’t matter if the press is running publications, advertising material, or even stamps, the printer’s goal is to produce a product... Continue reading →
Collectors and collections evolve with the postal system
I recently had the pleasure of attending the Canadian Stamp Dealers’ Association convention, held in Toronto. For me, one of the best parts of getting to a stamp event is that it gives me the chance to spend time talking to stamp collectors. A publication such as Canadian Stamp News is unique in that the... Continue reading →
Position on ‘reverted’ Jenny depends on perspective
The commemorative stamps with the Jenny right way up are not an error the way the inverted stamp was, they are an intentional variety created to invoke a treasure hunt mentality among collectors and members of the public. Continue reading →
Stamps’ subject matter can hook new collectors
It took me a bit of searching to discover that Helvetia was really Switzerland. I also learned that some countries’ stamps were harder to find than others. While I ended up with dozens and dozens of Spanish definitives featuring Francisco Franco’s smiling face, my Portugal page had just two or three lonely stamps. Continue reading →
Super opportunities to grow the hobby
They may have little more than an accumulation of interesting stuff, but they probably consider it a collection. I think the hobby should be viewing these people not as aberrations, but as potential hobbyists. They should be welcomed into the hobby and given encouragement and information. Continue reading →
Harry Potter casts spell over cash-strapped USPS
If these stamps convince some of these young people to step away from an electronic device and look at a real stamp as something worth owning, then they will be good for the hobby. Continue reading →
Canada Post shows Orwellian tendencies
Apparently, in every area, Canadians overwhelmingly support Canada Post. Everyone likes the idea of replacing home delivery with community mailboxes. Even senior citizens, who often dread winter walks in icy weather, welcome a way to get out of the house. In fact, one Canadian was quoted as saying door-to-door delivery is unreasonable in this day... Continue reading →
Confusing days make for intriguing possibilities
Canada Post’s stand through all of this has been to point out that two-thirds of Canadians already don’t get home delivery so this is taking away a benefit unfairly given to some Canadians based solely on geography. Sort of similar to when residents of Toronto’s affluent Rosedale district were told that garbage collectors would no... Continue reading →
Not just another War of 1812 tribute
The United States Postal Service and Buffalo Fire Department are remembering that fateful night of Dec. 30, 1813, when a mixed force of around 1,400 British regulars, Canadian militia, and native warriors crossed over the river near Niagara. They landed at a place called Black Rock, dispersed a larger force of Americans, and chased them... Continue reading →