For
American Philatelic Society
Secretary
End Of Campaign Special!
D E E P D I S C O U N T S
On Campaign Promises!
Sweetheart Deals * Pork Barrel * Appointments * Favoritism * Pet Projects
All At Never-Seen-Before Prices!
Seriously, there's less than a week to vote in the 2001 APS elections. Please send in your ballot now if you haven't already.
And if you have, and have voted me for me, thank you.
Issues, Principles and Goals
I think that I bring a different perspective to the Board: I collect inexpensive material, have only just begun exhibiting (with mediocre results so far), tried my hand as a bourse and mail-order dealer (with mediocre results), and continue to make my own first day covers for resale on a limited basis.It's important to remember that, with the exception of the Vice Presidents, each of the Directors is elected to the Board individually; we are a legislature, not a cabinet. We do not have to agree, and sometimes don't. Nor do we have to go along with whatever the APS staff proposes: Sometimes it's important that Directors be "difficult" and "revolutionary."
In my four years as a Director-at-Large, I have not been afraid to propose ideas that were out of step with the mainstream (see "Staggered Elections" at the August 1998 board meeting). I have also used my journalism training to ask questions, and have not been afraid to show my ignorance.
Here are some specific issues and positions:
Relevancy: The most important issue facing the APS now, in my opinion, is making it relevant and making it clear that it's relevant to today's stamp collector. What do we do for you? What should we do for you? How can we demonstrate to more people the benefits of being a member?
The Match Factory: I have supported this project enthusiastically. I see it as not only good for the APS, not only good for our members, but also good for philately in general. It gives the APS the space it needs to continue to serve the hobby, provides the possibility of generating non-philatelic revenue to help support the Society. I think the Staff and Ken Lawrence's committee have done an admirable job of safe-guarding the APS' interests.Fun: It's a hobby. For some it's a business, too, but it's still a hobby business. It's supposed to be fun. So throughout this site, I've tried to keep the tone light. Yes, occasionally you'll see me at a show wearing a suit, but it's not a habit. Or even a cassock, for that matter. Try to enjoy stamp collecting.
U.S. Postal Service: I support working with the USPS to promote philately and stamp collection, while at the same time protecting the interests of stamp collectors. Sometimes the best way to accomplish this is quietly, behind the scenes, or offering more "carrot" than "stick.""Us" versus "Them:" While on the one hand, I want the APS to be more responsive to casual collectors and those who collector inexpensive or non-mainstream material, I also want the APS to be responsive to serious collectors of high-end, expensive stamps and covers who exhibit internationally and nationally. These collectors need the APS, as the USA's national federation and sanctioning body, and, frankly, are generous in their support of the APS as well.
There's no reason we can't please both.
On the other hand, there are going to be times you can't please everybody. There may even be a few when you can't please anybody. A director has to be willing to vote his or her conscience and take his or her lumps.
Internet: I don't think the Internet is the doom of stamp collecting and "snail mail" (See my CBS Radio feature from May 1999, broadcast the same weekend as Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace was released.) In fact, I think it's been a boon to philately. However, it could spell the ruination of some parts of Organized Philately if we are not careful.
Toward that end, I have tried to make sure the APS makes the transition to the Internet, reminding members that the Code of Ethics applies online, helping the APS move from circuit books to Internet sales, while not stepping on the toes of our Internet entrepreneur members (and potential members), and making suggestions behind-the-scenes for both the APS Web site and its Stamp Store.
Mr. Carpenter in elementary school, Mr. Ascherman in middle school,
and 7 or 8 in a high school (one school)
("Why?")
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