The Internet Philatelic Dealers Association - IPDA

July IPDA Newsletter now available

2009-07-02T02:38:00.000-07:00

All members receive a copy of the IPDA Monthly Newsletter.

If you are visiting this site and are not a member and wish to receive a free copy please email me at michaelatipda@gmail.com and I will send you a copy of the Newsletter.

In the July issue we cover topics such as Dealer Supplies, Books on Stamps, The Business of Stamp Dealing Part II, Paraphilately

If you want to know more about the IPDA please visit our website at http://www.ipdaonline.org

Enjoy your stamps and stamp colleagues.. Michael IPDA Director and Newletter Editor

Michael

IPDA AGM US time 18 May / Australia 19 May

2009-05-16T01:48:00.000-07:00

Dear Member, The 2009 Annual General Meeting of the association will be held on Monday, 18 May 2009.

The Meeting Room will open at 5.30pm for member’s to register. The meeting will start promptly at 5.45pm
The Meeting will take place in the IPDA Private Chat Meeting Room at
http://ipdaonline.org/html/private_chat.html

You should have received the Meeting Documents a week ago. The agenda is

1.The Notice and Agenda for the Annual General Meeting;
2. The Minutes of the AGM held on 13 May 2008;
3. 2009 Chairman’s Report;
4. 2009 Secretarial and Financial Report;
5. 2009 Annual Accounts & Balance Sheet;
6. List of Motions, and Elections (Items 7 & 8 of the Agenda)

Proxy Voting Form Members who will be unable to attend the Annual General Meeting are requested to send their apologies to the Secretary at secretary@ipdaonline.org .

Members who cannot attend are invited to use the Proxy Voting Form to participate at the Meeting. Please send your Proxy Voting Form to the Secretary at the above email address no later than Saturday, 16 May 2009.

Please support your Association.. I look forward to you join the Directors at this important meeting

Michael

May 2009 Newsletter now available

2009-04-28T22:00:00.000-07:00

I have published the Newsletters to Members. If you are a member and have not received a copy please let me know: email me at michaelatipda@gmail.com

If you would like to see a copy because because you are thinking of joining the the IPDA please click the link May Issue

You can increase the font size by clicking the + button just above the IPDA Logo in the tool bar.

Regards ....Michael Director and Newsletter Editor

IPDA MARATHON CHAT 25th APRIL

2009-04-24T18:44:00.000-07:00

Hello - just a reminder that the marathon chat is tomorrow. Hope to see you all there.
This is the place to ask stamp questions or possibly establish stamp trades.
IPDA Chat

Michael

THANK YOU and what is next.........

2009-04-17T02:14:00.000-07:00

To everyone who completed the Poll and the Survey. How rewarding for me to get your feedback, and I hope how rewarding it will be in time for you when I start to include some of the ideas and suggestions into the Newsletters.

Now, how about joining me, and other Directors on our Marathon Chat. Will be fun I am sure, and I look forward to chatting with some of you. Well for the few hours I know I will be on. We have the Directors on the chat line for 24 hours, we all take a turn to be host, as you might think of us.

Hope I get to meet some of you.

Oh yes..when is it... 25th 26th April... too complicated to say a time as we are from all around thw world.... wherever you are just try logging in. Go to the IPDA website IPDA and click on CHAT NOW

see you next week.... Michael (Director and Newsletter Editor)

IPDA Newsletter Survey

2009-04-13T17:16:00.000-07:00

Hello, A simple survey, in two parts.. Would you please take a minute to answer? Many thanks.. Michael, Newsletter Editor IPDA Inc

Please click the answer that best describes your interest in the IPDA Newsletter

If you answered Very Interested , or Somewhat Interested it would be really appreciated if you could take one minute - honest that is all - to answer the 5 questions in the following Survey.

Newsletter Survey

2009-04-11T02:27:00.001-07:00

I should be showing Easter eggs on stamps.

I have to show you this. I really do. It is for sale for US $2 on a website I found. Described as "Used Condition" although the seller does note the right corner is damaged. Oh, and it is not the only piece of junk I found on the site. Obviously the web site seller is not a member of the IPDA - Internet Philatelic Dealers Association Inc.

How bad that someone should even think of selling this. It should be put in the garbage. More importantly, I hope you all know rubbish when you see it. I am so angry that people can use the internet to sell stamps when they are obviously just trying to take advantage of people. Don't buy just because you want a stamp for your collection. And please make sure your friends don't get suckered into these type of buy situations.

Ruined my day to know there are people out there trying to sell stuff like this. Who are these unscrupulous morons.

If ever in doubt about a stamp please email at michaelatipda@gmail.com I am a Director of the IPDA and if I do not know, one of the Board will.

Enjoy your stamps ........ Michael

an update on GB New issues..

2009-04-01T03:05:00.000-07:00

“Royal Mail special stamps are always a commemoration of greatness in one form or another…”

These are the opening words from the Royal Mail “The Collection” publicity brochure I recently received. A really nice publication and one worth keeping. I applaud Royal Mail for the style and structure of the publication. It made interesting reading. And the quality of the paper and images is excellent.

This catalogue, as they also call it, shows all the 2008 issues. It has 48 pages so is not a slime tome by any means, as, after all, there were rather a lot of issues in 2008.

The 2009 issue should be even bigger based on the number of issues announced so far. I counted 32 but then I could be considered pedantic I suppose.
On 2009 issues I am pleased to see once again recognition of the need for collectors to not get bored with new issues. A few new issues every month is what we need to keep us interested. I am sure you will agree.
Sadly June and July will be drought months as there is only one issue planned for each month. What will I do with that extra cash I will be thinking. Will I turn to drink? I thought my addiction with GB stamps was bad enough. Maybe I will realise drink is cheaper, and I will sleep better anyway with drink.
But I hear Royal Mail have acknowledged the short supply in both months and are going to correct it with two additional issues. Recognising the sterling job that Royal Mail do in promoting and recognizing the history of Great Britain Royal Mail and things postal there will, I understand, be an issue in June to commemorate Free Standing Post Boxes and in July there will an additional issue of 12 stamps on the theme of Mythical Creatures. I even heard there will be a Pole Mounted Post Office box issue later in the year. This is exciting news, you have to agree, really you do :-)
I think this is wonderful and am really quite excited about these issues. I have long been a believer that not enough recognition goes to the Post Office Box, be it free standing or wall mounted – and by chance I happen to have a few photos from my own archives including one of my favourite wall mounted boxes; a GVI of course - and as for Mythical Creatures; Well, there can never be too many of these printed can there. Don’t we all enjoy regaling stories to the children / grandchildren of such creatures as we show off our stamp collections when they visit. I know I do. Surely I am not alone.

What a wonderful year we have ahead of us – of course if you don’t collect GB then my thoughts go out to you. How boring your life must be. And perhaps how sad your bank manager must be; you will have little debt. Enjoy your stamps…………………. Michael :-) :-) :-) April 1st 2009

February Newsletter

2009-02-07T02:30:00.000-08:00

The February Newsletter has been published. Hope you got your copy? if you didn't it could be because you are not a member of the IPDA.

For a free copy please email me at michaelatipda@gmail.com

Great association.. have a look at us at www.ipdaonline.org

Michael

your advice...please..........

2009-01-29T04:32:00.000-08:00

Hello, yes have been travelling. sorry not written for ages. have so much to write about. So much to say. Will be short though as am rather disturbed! Recently flew the inaugural Qantas A380 Sydney Singapore. great flight excellent cabin crew, and had my FFC carried on the Singapore London leg. Will show genuine first flight covers soon (am in KL right now with no access to covers or scanner)

BUT,

I have been looking at a well known auction site recently.... seen a few "envelopes" that have Qantas and A380 and London Singapore flight related references. What do I do? I wrote to the seller asking if the covers had been flown, how did the frankings get to be there, you know, some credential type information. Guess what reply I got. You guessed it. yet I see these envelopes being sold. I know it is all buyer beware but is there some code of ethics out there? seems not. Is it wrong for for me to care. To think that fraud and misrepresentation should be stopped? Is it wrong that I want honest and genuine material to be sold.

I am confused. I am annoyed. I am angry that this is happening and I feel helpless to stop it.

Your advice? Get over it? Live and let live? .... How do I (we) get a message out there to the people that these are nothing other than envelopes created to be sold at a profit when they have no real linkage to the actual event they pertain to represent? would value your thoughts.

Michael

January Newsletter issued

2009-01-05T01:48:00.001-08:00

Hello.. yes I issued the newsletter and a brilliant issue it was too :-)

Have you read it? If you want a free copy please write to me at michaelatipda@gmail.com

Are you promoting the IPDA to friends and colleagues?

Please do. PLease read my article in the January Newsletter on "Quality" and tell me we don't need to promote the IPDA and what membership of the IPDA means to the collectors who might be buying from whatever source, preferrable an IPDA member.

Michael

January Newsletter.............

2008-12-29T00:23:00.000-08:00

January Newsletter to be issued soon. Still time to send an article if you have something you want to write about for members to read.

Lets make 2009 a year of participation :-)

Enjoy your stamps and stamp colleagues.. Michael

Merry Christmas

2008-12-24T00:20:00.001-08:00

Hope you had a good stamp year and with everything else in your life

Merry Christmas and all the best for 2009

Michael

why join the IPDA???????????

2008-12-16T05:54:00.000-08:00

well I guess the first question is, are you qualified to join the IPDA?

I say this will all respect to sellers who maybe wonderful people, but who I have little respect for, at least based on what I see them selling.

Take this for example. I don't think an IPDA member would be selling this as described - or not described - as the case maybe.

It is clearly damaged. The beauty of a scan is that the smallest detail actually can be seen on a large scan. So a really honest seller will use a big scan maybe and show beyond doubt the quality of the stamp. The less than lets say knowledgeable seller will show a big scan and not realise the quality that is being shown. Sadly the inexperienced buyer won't know squat all and just want the stamps for their collection and won't know to see if the seller is an IPDA member.

So moral: Lets promote IPDA; membership and what it stands for to the buyers, and join IPDA or tell sellers you know and recommend them to join the IPDA and hopefully stop some buyers getting a poor deal. ..

Michael ( Newsletter Editor and Publicity Officer)

2008-12-10T03:14:00.000-08:00

Hello, I have not written for ages. Excuse.. been busy, travelling mostly. Sorry. Did you receive the December Newsletter? Want a free copy if you are not a member? write me at michaelatipda@gmail.com

As for stamps... well I was looking at an auction site the other day and saw these stamps I liked.. but as I scrolled down the pages I saw the seller had also shown a copy of the reverse of the stamps. Well done to the seller. It helped clearly show the condition of the stamps.

Do you show front and back, Sometimes maybe not necessary I agree. But often a good idea if what you are selling has a flaw, or is really "fine"

Just a thought. Enjoy your stamps and if you sell stamps and are not a member of the IPDA.. why not?

Best wishes ...Michael

2009.. News Years resolution

2008-12-05T04:50:00.000-08:00

Hello.. sorry not written that much.. been travelling.. and work really gets in the way of stamps as well you know.

So what are going to be your News Years Resolution?

1) Join the IPDA because you support what they stand for.

Good idea.. check out http://www.ipdaonline.org or write to me at michaelatipda@gmail and I'll send you a copy of the November and December Newsletters. I think you will enjoy and hopefully you will say, hey I want to contribute.

It would be good to be able to say to your customers you are a member of the IPDA. wouldn't it? Yes I know there are many good Associations out there but we are interested in the Internet... Philatelic Dealers... Association. and quite frankly there are some real shonky sellers on the internet... sellers taking business away from you, a genuione stamp dealer ... maybe... so support us and help the buyers learn to recognise that there is a difference..

If you want my two hour lecture on some of the sellers on Stampwants and Stampoffers, hey write to me.. if you already agree with me.. and don't need to hear what you already know, then go to the website and sign up and help us help the collectors get a fair deal and .....improve your business.

Best wishes.. Michael

Novemeber IPDA Newsletter now issued

2008-11-02T02:15:00.000-08:00

Hello, are you trawling and found this site because you are a stamp collector or are some way involed in phaliately?

If you sell and would like a free copy of the IPDA monthly newsletter please send me an email to michaelatipda@gmail.com

You might enjoy the Newsletter, and please have a look at our IPDA web site

Maybe you will find joining us would be good for your business?

Best wishes.. Michael IPDA Director, Publicity Officer and Newsletter Editor.

1938.................

2008-10-30T04:21:00.000-07:00

why am I showing you this.......... dar dar dar dar, dar dar dar dar

IPDA Vacancies

2008-10-10T23:05:00.000-07:00

Would you like to become a member of the IPDA Committee?

There are two positions available. Association Secretary, and Membership Secretary.

Both are Directors of the IPDA. You would have the opportunity to play a significant role and put forward your ideas for the IPDA. The Association’s procedures are all online and all contacts with fellow officers and members are conducted via the internet. If you are willing to help, or wish to learn more about these positions please contact Alan at secretary@ipdaonline.org

October Newsletter just issued. Late I am afraid, but it has been mailed. If you are a seller, selling via the internet, and you are not a member I’ll send you a past copy. Please think about joining us. find us at http://www.ipdaonline.org/ Small membership fee to get involved and begin to help promote philatelic activities, good practices etc, for those buying and selling on the internet.

Email me at michaelatipda@gmail.com

Enjoy your stamps......... Michael

September IPDA Newsletter

2008-09-01T03:16:00.000-07:00

Hello, I should write more to the blog. Sorry I don't.

Just want you to know the September Newsletter has been published and if you are a member and did not receive your copy please email me.

If you are not a member but want to receive a free copy - I think you will enjoy it. I enjoyed writing it - please email me at michaelatipda@gmail.com Maybe you should think about joining the IPDa.. check us out at http://www.ipdaonline.org/

Are you reading stamp related blogs I wonder? Have you any favourites? Write to me please with your favourites and why. I want to do an article in the next Newsletter on Stamp related blogs.

One of my favourites is Machin Mania at http://machinmania.blogspot.com/ If Machins interest you in any way, this site is for you. Written by a few of the best guys around and the most knowledgeable on Machins. If you don't learn something from this site you never will. :-)

Enjoy your stamps Michael, IPDA Publicity Director

call for Newsletter text

2008-08-17T21:38:00.000-07:00

If anayone wants to contribute to the September Newsletter please send me your text by close of Business Friday 22nd August.

email me at michaelatipda@gmail.com by all means include scans, prefer in jpg format if poosible.

Best wishes. Michael

2008-07-29T05:55:00.000-07:00

Well I got those phosphor graphite stamps at USD $23 including postage. Cat was some 60 plus GB pounds... I think that is a pretty good buy. Your thoughts? email me at michaelatipda@gmail.com.

Are eBay prices getting lower due lack of bidders?

enjoy your stamps.. Michael

2008-07-27T03:24:00.000-07:00

It has been suggested that with eBay trying to prompt payment only by Paypal, or cash on delivery - a move that was knocked back in Australia by the ACCC - many people, both buyers and sellers, have decided to try other auction sites for stamps. I decided to check out eBay yesterday - I have not really had time or inclination to check them out in recent months, and certainly had no time to sell any material.

So I checked one of my favourite stamps - GB SG 494. I think it is undervalued in SG GB Concise and good well centred copies, UM or even VFU are in my view worth picking up.

So I did - I bid and won two lots, at prices that I have to say were the cheapest I have managed to get for at least two years.

Now you may be thinking more fool am I as the price really shouldn't be as high as SG are cataloging the stamp anyway. I guess that is something none of us really know. But I was happy none the less.

However, I did feel for the sellers. And to come back to my opening point, are people actually turning away from eBay. Well, are buyers turning away? Less buyers equals less competition.

I am currently watching a lot which contains the three higher value GB phosphor graphites, MNH. Current bid is just over ₤3. Yes that is right. No typo on my part, ₤3.

Hopefully you wont read this before the bid closes and outbid me :-)

Your views??? Drop me an email at michaelatipda@gmail.com

Enjoy your stamps Michael

2008-07-26T04:44:00.000-07:00

I have not written for ages.. I am sorry about that. Been busy and lots of travelling to say the least.

August issue of the IPDA newsletter will be issued tomorrow, again slightly ahead of month end but next week is nuts and I fly back to Sydney next weekend. Free copy if you email me at michaelatipda@gmail.com if you are reading and are not a member.

We have lots to offfer I think and are growing .. slowly, but we are growing as an Association and in the contribution we are trying to make to the Internet philatelic world. Have a look at our website. http://www.ipdaonline.org

Also we are now associated with the APS (American Philatelic Society) and that offers our members more exposure for their businesses.

Thought I'd show a stamp.. well two frankings actually. What do you think? Rather interesting to say the least. So far apart in mail frankings and the one of the brown paper being 10 days in advance of the issue date. And with a double farnking

Anyone think it worth anything????

Enjoy your stamps and stamp colleagues... Michael

2008-06-10T02:58:00.000-07:00

Hi..I have been away too long.. apology.. and this is nothing to do with IPDA - well it is to do with stamps of course - but I hope you enjoy reading it and the accompanying links

This day in history intrigued me today.. Hope you like the stamp I show.
On this day in 1752, Benjamin Franklin flies a kite during a thunderstorm and collects a charge in a Leyden jar when the kite is struck by lightning, enabling him to demonstrate the electrical nature of lightning. Franklin became interested in electricity in the mid-1740s, a time when much was still unknown on the topic, and spent almost a decade conducting electrical experiments. He coined a number of terms used today, including battery, conductor and electrician. He also invented the lightning rod, used to protect buildings and ships.
read more at http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history.do?action=VideoArticle&id=52605 and for some more stamps on this topic have a look at
http://www.electricconsumer.org/MonthlyIssues/SEPT2007/tabid/331/ctl/Details/
mid/1335/ItemID/108/Default.aspx

Best wishes.. Michael