What's Wrong with Stamp Shows?

And, what's wrong with organized philately? Much like organized religion, organized philately has challenges when it seeks to interest and educate its practitioners. Having just watched Graham Beck's Exploring Stamps Youtube video 'Visiting a Stamp Show' the reasons behind these challenges really struck me. As the video progressed, I took some screen captures to illustrate this post. Ask yourself, Why would I want to participate, and if I did, what activity would I enjoy the most?

For me, the top photo spoke volumes. Youth tables, like the one pictured, are hosted to introduce youngsters (but not adults?) to stamp collecting. Come and grab some free stamps! (Adults will have to buy them, in contrast at the nearby bourse!)

That top photo just looks like fun to me! At McIntyre's stamp shop on Brock Street, there were always a stamp bin and a coin bin to root through. The proprietor told me, "We put all kinds of stamps in there, there are even some valuable ones" and he was right. I found several U.S. special delivery stamps that caught my eye. Even as an adult, while on a break from a short visit to Hotel Dieu Hospital to provide intraoperative pathology services, I would wander over at lunchtime before heading back to Kingston General Hospital. Just to explore that bin and fill an envelope for pennies per stamp.

Then we have to graduate to the adult practices on the bourse (above and below). Sitting down in front of rows and rows of albums or stacks and stacks of stock boxes. Perhaps with one's own binder, stock book and want list. And money. Why is there no in-between? Where is the social media-like interplay and conversation between collectors? These activities do not look like fun to me. Hence the grey hair and lack of youth or young adult representation, except for the videographer, that is!

Perhaps even worse, the display of frames (below) with videographer Graham being the only viewer. Getting to a one-frame display seems to be the trend, and no wonder. Who but the most hardcore philatelist, or judge, would go through frame after frame?  Now, books are even being published on how to get your frame 'right'. I'm all for research, and clearly those who do research like to share the results of their hard work. Where is the quick bite, the fun assembly of attractive stamps, the non-standard display?

The purpose of this Working Stamps blog is to try to describe what I enjoy about philately, but always my child-like hope to keep stamp collecting fun, despite the 'Working' title of this blog!