» About me

About me

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Hi,

I’m Keijo Kortelainen, the “casual stamp collector” behind all the stories of Stamp Collecting Blog.

I’m a 30+ years old family man, small business owner (in B2B consulting & training services) and above all, a stamp collector, from Sumiainen, Finland.

I have collected stamps since the mid 1980’s – sometimes more, sometimes less passionately. Like most collectors I have started with wholeworld, but then specialized to my own country (Finland)… After few years I swiched back to collecting worldwide stamps, as it is simply much more fun. And unlike most advanced wholeword collectors, I collect all eras – from classics to recent issues.

If you want to get in touch with me, just leave a comment / message to some blog entry and I will response you in one way or another… You can also get in touch with me trough StampBoards.com, FaceBook, StumbleUpon, LinkedIn and several other online communities.

About Stamp Collecting Blog

I started Stamp Collecting Blog in late January 2009. It’s my “personal hobby project” without any timelines or goals… I write new posts when (and if) I have the time, or a good story to share.

Some numbers about the blog (October 2011):

350 posts and 4,000 comments
over 10,000 unique visitors / month
over 40,000 page views / month
over 650 subscribers for the weekly (email) newsletter
over 200 RSS subscribers

If You are interested in advertising, please read more about advertising rates.

109 Responses to “About me”

Alex wrote (on January 6, 2010) :

Hello!
I have the complete collection of stamps from 1961 to 1991. What exactly are you interested in?
Thanks, Alex
Keijo wrote (on January 7, 2010) :

Hi Alex,

I took the liberty of editing your message to remove links to your “selling page”… I think I’ve written enough many times that “NO commercials and NO exchange ads (or similar)” to user responses. >:o

But to make this discussion worth something… If you (or anyone else) has a specific interest to promote their personal/business website on this blog, please leave a contact request (with your email) that you’d like to discuss about advertising possibilities.

best,
-keijo-
Paul wrote (on January 25, 2010) :

I wonder if you could send me your excel template.
Thanks
Keijo wrote (on January 26, 2010) :

Hi Paul,

please check your mail for template and instructions.
best,
-keijo-
cba wrote (on February 19, 2010) :

Keijo,

Thank you for the help. What I have is NOT related to anything posted on your blog. I will acquaint myself with the workings of chat rooms, specifically those you suggested.
Kristina wrote (on April 14, 2010) :

We wonder about a stamp that we find on your website.
It will be great if yoy e-mail me.

Kristina/sweden
Gordon Greatorex wrote (on April 14, 2010) :

I would be grateful if you could send me a copy of your Excel template as I am about to embark on a project to list my world collection…..and you may have just saved me a lot of work.

Thankyou,
Gordon.
Keijo wrote (on April 15, 2010) :

Hejsan Kristina,
just sent you email. Please check your inbox .
Keijo wrote (on April 15, 2010) :

@Gordon… You’ve got mail too…
Ted wrote (on April 19, 2010) :

Good day, Keijo. I just wanted to let you know that I really enjoy your blog. I am just now trying to start a worldwide collection so am getting some good information from your blog. Please keep up the good work and have a wonderful day, sir!

Sincerely, Ted
Keijo wrote (on April 19, 2010) :

Thanks Ted
Levent wrote (on May 3, 2010) :

Do you interesting exchange from Turkey.
if you .. please reply me.
regards
levent
Keijo wrote (on May 4, 2010) :

Hi Levent,
please see my stamp exchange page for details I’m willing to swap some stamps.
Ian Billings (norvic) wrote (on May 28, 2010) :

Keijo,

On the main blog the links to comments are not working. The link to ‘read more’ and ‘4 comments’ is the same, and I don’t see any comments.

Thought you’d like to know – software problem, evidently?

regards
Ian
Keijo wrote (on May 28, 2010) :

Thanks for the tip Ian,
there was a bug in the code. It should work OK now
Jalal HB wrote (on June 30, 2010) :

I have have been associated with stamps since I was 11 (that was long time ago). Now I only cherish seeing my collection and seeing on net what others are doing. Found your site interesting and informative. You may visit mine where I share news of stamps of Pakistan in particular and others in general.
Keijo wrote (on June 30, 2010) :

Thanks Jalal,
Based on quick peek I’ll be spending some time reading / browsing your archived posts, LOL. I’ll be browsing it in more detail in near future.
Jalal HB wrote (on July 1, 2010) :

Thank you Keijo – I have added your blog in mine as one of my favourites.
Keijo wrote (on July 2, 2010) :

Thanks
Keijo wrote (on July 2, 2010) :

Hi Ale,
you’ve got mail.
Chris wrote (on July 24, 2010) :

OK Keijo. I shall look forward to the article on definitives.

BTW – Those pre-1930 issues – both Russian era and post-1917 (Eliel Saarinen) – are so beautiful. But a nightmare to identify for a beginner like me!!

As for my Finnish…well, I visit Helsinki often, and I do try hard. I can even understand some of YLE TV-uutiset (I watch every day!). But as for my being able to speak/write the language myself…well, that is another matter! LOL

Thanks again for your support.

Chris
Joseph V Kocian, M.Ed. wrote (on October 21, 2010) :

Hello Keijo:

I read on the blog about you using Excel and I was wondering if you might share your template with me. I tried to post but it stated I did not pass the “spam test”. Not sure why that is as I do not spam.

Anyway, I’m a retired teacher and currently subbing in various classes. I had a stamp club with the kids in my classes and I continue to promote stamps as I sub.

Also I to about given up on commercial stamp databases…. So I came upon your blog and I would really like to try it.

Thanks,

Joseph
Keijo wrote (on October 21, 2010) :

Hi Joseph,
I just sent You email with template. Hope you’ll find it useful.

Re, “spam test”… It’s the IQ-test (below the comment form) where you have to pick picture that is not a stamp. Passing it successfully is required in order to save a comment.
Dick Worthington wrote (on November 5, 2010) :

Keijo:
Like many others, I have a collection of US stamps passed down to me from my grandfather. From your comments, rather than using a software program such as EZ Stamps to inventory the collection, you suggest using a catalog, such as Scott’s along with your Excel spreadsheet. So, I’m willing to give that a try… please forward a copy of you Excel worksheet.. and thanks
Keijo wrote (on November 5, 2010) :

@Dick… Email with template file sent… Hopefully You will find it useful.
Geir Mostad wrote (on December 5, 2010) :

hi Keijo
i’m collecting norwegian stamps, and wander if there is any possibility of swopping. I am not very good at using internet like this, but if any interest, please contact me.
Keijo wrote (on December 6, 2010) :

Hi Geir,
please visit my stamp exchange page for details / instructions (right now I’m having a small holiday break with exchanges, but it will continue sometime in early 2011).
Beezer wrote (on December 13, 2010) :

Greetings Keijo,

I just wanted to send you a quick note to tell you I enjoy reading your blog and I tune in regularly to read your new posts. As a matter of fact I can say your blog played a contributing role towards my decision to create my own blog. This past year I began collecting stamps issued by South Korea and I created a blog dedicated to this field. If you have a free moment sometime check out: http://koreastampcollector.blogspot.com/

I hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

v/r
Beezer
Keijo wrote (on December 13, 2010) :

Thanks for the kind words Beezer. I’m heading to visit your blog right now

PS. Just visited Your blog, and would have left a comment/question about what catalog do You use for print numbers, but… I was unable to do that, as there was no Name+URL/Email option under the “comment as” option.
Beezer wrote (on December 13, 2010) :

Hi Keijo,

Thanks for letting me know about the issue with leaving comments. I was unaware of this and will have to look into it.

Regarding your question about the catalogue I use to obtain print numbers…I have been relying on the Korea Postage stamp Catalogue (KPC). While Korean is used extensively throughout the catalogue I fortunately understand enough to be able to gist the meaning. I really love these catalogues! Very nice layout and extremely easy to use!

Have a great week!

v/r
Beezer
Bharat wrote (on January 7, 2011) :

Hi Keijo,

First of all you have created a wonderful blog which is highly interactive and organised. secondly, I would like to exchange stamps with you. I have a collection of over 20,000 stamps from across the world. So I would like to know the postal details to forwarding my stamps to you. Looking forward to hear from you.

Regards

Bharat
Keijo wrote (on January 7, 2011) :

Hi Bharat,

as said on my stamp exchange page, I’m having a small break from the exchanges. I will resume the exchange program sometime in next month or so; and will make a public announcement when it’s open once again.
Marvin Pearce wrote (on January 22, 2011) :

Hi Keijo,

I just discovered your blog tonight and was very impressed! You have a very solid and strong understanding of this wonderful hobby!

I have about 30 years additional collecting experience compared to yourself (which means I don’t move as fast as I used to and have been collecting, as you say, with varying degrees of passion, for about half a century now). I originally started with my home country of Canada, but quickly found myself going worldwide, with the full intent of acquiring a complete world collection – just like every other stamp collector in the beginning. However, I eventually decided to specialize in Canada and the provinces (along with Canadian coins and banknotes). I do have mountains of used, but my “collection” is for the most part MNH (except when a copy starts demanding 5-figure prices – then I seriously consider a used copy!)

I especially liked the knowledge you displayed in your article talking about the worth of a stamp collection. Too may collectors concern themselves with this aspect. It is meant to be a fun and educational hobby! If you are looking at it as an investment tool you must seriously consider the fact that you are looking at purchasing stamps BEGINNING at several hundreds of dollars and easily escalating into the four and five figure realm. Too many collectors think that by merely going to the post office, buying some stamps, and then waiting a few years they will be assured a profit. Not only are they missing out on the “true meaning” of the hobby, they are more often than not, in for a disappointment when it comes time to sell.

I took a quick look at your stamp exchange. What a great idea and excellent way to promote the hobby! Unfortunately, I cannot see myself participating as I a) do not collect worldwide, and b)probably have every Canadian stamp that you have to offer. (But you never know,….I have many articles to catch up on, and plan on subscribing to your newsletter,…I just may be tepted to “float” a few freebies of Canada and its provinces your way. I literally have tens of thousands of used Canadian stamps, often with hundreds and even thousands of duplicates of a given catalog number. Its always a good feeling to help a fellow collector out to fill some “holes” in their collection)

Again, a great blog!
Keijo wrote (on January 22, 2011) :

Thank You Marvin,

It’s always fascinating to read opinions of more experienced fellow collectors. I think writings such as Yours shows that stamp collecting (or philately) can be a hobby of a lifetime and much more if nurtured with proper care.

Re, my Canada collection… Let’s just say there is still a huge number of spaces to fill. With a bit of luck it will hopefully pass 60% completion level this year… As a side note, today I learned that stamps of Newfoundland are still valid for postage. I had received a very nice mixed Canada-Newfoundland cover by mail last week
Rick Young wrote (on January 28, 2011) :

Hi, Keijo. I am extremely interested in your stamp exchange. I have a worldwide collection that I worked on when I was MUCH younger (I am now 54). A few years ago I picked it up again with the help of a local dealer and am now concentrating on Europe and the US. I now have lots of Europe duplicates I would love to trade. When you get the exchange started up again I would love to know.
Keijo wrote (on January 28, 2011) :

Hi Rick,
my exchange will relaunch in few weeks time. I’ll make a separate announcement of this…
Oliver Black wrote (on January 29, 2011) :

Hello Keijo:
My stamp collection albums(worldwide with emphasis on South America and Israel)have sat on my shelf, unopened, since 1979. The demands of both my job and the raising of four children pulled me away from a hobby I eally enjoyed.
Now, in my late 70’s, if I can tear myself away fron the Internet, I’d like to restart the hobby.

I look at the tools now existing for collectors… instant, worldwide communications with other collectors and offerings (including images), collection data base management systems, etc. Wonderful stuff.

I also glanced at an old, 1978 offering catalog from a well-known, long and still established stamp company that was tucked into one of my albums. I compared the then offering price for (in this case some stamps from France) to the current asking price of the same stamps by one of the better-known offering houses today. It appears that the majority of the stamps increased in value by 300%. If I remember my old mathematics correctly, that’s equivalent to about 30 years of compound interest at 5% or 6%. Not great, but not too bad an investment either.

Would you also send me a copy of the Excel cataloging program you have developed. Thank you.
OB
Keijo wrote (on January 30, 2011) :

Hi Oliver,

I agree that a lot has occurred in stamp collecting scene since the era of Internet began. Like most things in life it has it’s ups & downs, but if You find a proper balance (especially with use of time), then it will make a highly useful tool.

Re, the prices… I’d say when you add up inflation to mixture, the real annual interest would be close to non-existing.

As requested, I’ve sent You a copy of my Excel template. Hopefully You will find it useful.

best,
-keijo-
Oliver Black wrote (on February 4, 2011) :

Just a note to tell you that your Excel program has not yet been received.

Thank You
Keijo wrote (on February 4, 2011) :

Hi Oliver,

I emailed the template & instructions once again to Your email… If it doesn’t reach You, then it’s likely being filtered/blocked as “spam” by Your ISP/email provider.
Patty Allison wrote (on February 10, 2011) :

Hello Keijo

Loved your blog. After reading the posts. I, like some here, have recently regained my interest in stamp collecting. My father started collecting stamps when he was a child and that was 70 years ago. (He started me collecting stamps also when I was young). So I found all my old albums and stamps in my attic and started sorting again. I forgot how much fun and interesting it is. I never had decided on any specific country, so needless to say I have a variety of stamps from around the world, some very old. My problem has been that I am not good at figuring out how to mount them. I see some people here mentioning that you have an excel spreadsheet already set up for this purpose. I will gladly pay you for it, I am terrible at that stuff. My father discovered a way to hinge stamps without using the sticky hinges that can ruin the gum on a stamp. It is the Scotch removable double sided tape, found at any office supply store. It does not leave any mark on the stamp. It works very well although I dont know how it stands the test of time. I have noticed with my old stamp albums that even the glassine hinges dont last forever . Love the way you keep track of the number and percentage of stamps from each country!!

Patty
Keijo wrote (on February 11, 2011) :

Hi Patty,

it’s always nice to hear from fellow collector returning back to hobby

Re, mounting… It’s thing of the past for most. These days a lot of collectors, especially in Europe, use either stock books or stock pages for storage. With them, there is truly no need to hinge anything…. Or if you don’t like the concept of stockbooks/pages, then there are plenty of pre-mounted stamp albums (but they are filthy expensive).

Re, Scotch removable table… Personally I haven’t tried/used it, but I do know collectors of the past who have done so. But please beware, the representatives of Scotch Inc have stated that it’s NOT SUITABLE for archival usage (like mounting stamps) , and it will eventually cause permanent damages.

The Excel file so many people are asking from me… It’s an utility for keeping track of ones collection. It doesn’t make collecting any bit easier IMHO, but it’s useful tool to have if You need/want to build lists of what You have/don’t have. If you want a copy of it, please say the word, and I’ll email it to You.

best,
-keijo-
Laurence wrote (on February 11, 2011) :

Hi Keijo
I found your blog through your response to my “should i collect worldwide” question on Stampboards. I would be interested in receiving your Excel spreadsheet. I have procrastinated over taking the “big” step to collecting again (gave up years ago as a teenager and dumped everything when I got in too deep to specialised Machins and lost the love of the hobby)…but seeing your blog and other sites provides evidence of how much interaction you can have and helps alleviate the thought that its a waste of money to spend money on bits of paper – the fact that people are willing to do trades from around the world builds encouragement. Although I have waffled on I think I have decided – I am going to attend the big 6 monthly fair in tomorrow and buy some kiloware to get started. Used stamps. I look forward to reading more on your blog/site. Laurence
Keijo wrote (on February 11, 2011) :

Hi Laurence,

and welcome back to the hobby I do agree that Internet has made this hobby of ours much more interactive than before. It’s no more the “boys club behind closed doors”, but more of a worldwide social network of peoples sharing common interests. Like most things in life, it does have it’s ups and downs – but for many people of my age (with regular working hours, family etc), it’s extremely practical way to be in touch with other collectors.

As requested, I’m sending You a copy of my template…

Hope You’ll have a good time at the stamp fair
best,
-keijo-
Rick Young wrote (on February 11, 2011) :

Patty, et al.:
I can tell you how to purchase online ready made album pages at a VERY economical price, if you are interested. This way you can mount them if you prefer that to stock pages, but only print the pages that you want. You will need an ink jet or laser printer and will have to purchase slightly heavier stock paper (I use what we call “cover stock” in the US). You can purchase a binder, or do what I am doing, which is putting the pages in folder organizers so they can still stand up on my bookshelves.
Keijo wrote (on February 11, 2011) :

@Rick… You are likely talking about Stamp Albums Web (also known as Steiner pages). Here’s a link to review I wrote way back in Nov 2009.

You will need an ink jet or laser printer

If printing Your own pages, I’d be very careful what type of ink and printer to use. Both of these printing methods have ups and downs. For example several inkjet inks will bleed (both when wet, and when exposed to wet/moisture afterwards); especially any kind of “DIY” refill inks should be avoided IMHO… Laser prints on the other can cause transfers/reliefs to stamps under specific storage conditions (though in general they are much more safer to use than inkjet output).

…album pages at a VERY economical price…

Here’s a chart about the costs of different storage methods… As uncanny as it is, DIY stamp album pages are actually one of the most expensive methods for storing stamps.

best,
-keijo-
Laurence wrote (on February 12, 2011) :

Hi Keijo
Thanks for the template. The fair was disappointing. Aimed towards serious or “big money”. No kiloware or packets to encourage newbies or kids. Ended up with a 0.5kg bag of world coins for $10 for my 4 yo so got something out of it. Stamp collecting (philately) just seems so much more egalitarian than coin collecting (numismatics); plus a lot more different entities have issued stamps to promote their claims etc than issued coins. Regards.
Keijo wrote (on February 12, 2011) :

@Laurence… Sorry to hear that. Better luck next time I hope…
Patty Allison wrote (on February 12, 2011) :

Hello again Keijo

I read your summary about storage of worldwide stamps on stock pages and since I am basically starting fresh here. They sound like a good idea and would like to try them. I will be taking the stamps out of my old WW Albums and remounting them anyway. However I am fairly illiterate when it comes to the wheres and whats of stamp collecting supplies. If you could give me a clue as to where and what to buy that would be great. Also, I would like to see what your template looks like because as I mount these stamps I would like to keep track of what I have at the same time.

Thanks for your time and information I will relay the info on the double sided tape to my Dad. He did find an article on removing the self stick stamps from their backing. I was very disappointed when they made them self stick. I will try to scan the article and send it to you. It seems like a lot of trouble and may not work on all stamps

Thanks for the excel spreadsheet and your time, in advance!!

Patty Allison
Keijo wrote (on February 13, 2011) :

@Patty… I’d recommend that You shop around a bit when looking for stamp supplies. There are plenty of online stores that sell stamp supplies, but also the prices (and delivery costs) vary a lot. It is worth noting that the prices of stock books are way lower in Europe than in US.

When buying stock books, I usually focus on well known quality brands (such as Lighthouse or Lindner). Bottom line is that sparing a few bucks doesn’t get You anything good… Feature wise I prefer plain, 32 page stock books with white cardboard pages; the thicker ones has a tendency to break apart during years. If You live in area with high humitidy or lots of dust (like desert), then an additional protective slipcase is a must have… Here’s a link to Lighthouse online store with proper stock book selected.

Re, self stick stamp… I’ve got a separate blog entry about unsoakables; with lots of alternative solutions discussed.
Rick Young wrote (on February 13, 2011) :

Yes, Keijo, I was referring to “Steiner pages” — why am I not surprised you aware of my source! Anyway, I use a high-end HP inkjet printer with 67 lb. (148 gm/mtr^2 cover stock per recommendations I found online from other collectors. I started this about a 3 years ago. I find that while it is a much bulkier way to store stamps than stock pages, etc., I love having the descriptions right next to where I am mounting the stamps, such as at what point in history inflation and deflation occurred in various countries, and the events that lead them to issue special commemoratives, etc.

BTW, you have inspired me to do a detailed inventory, starting with my US collection. Lots of fun.
Y M Kakar. wrote (on February 14, 2011) :

Hi dear Keijo,
Nice to be addressing you here. Can you kindly give an image
of the cover your received from Canada with mixed stamps
from both Canada and New Foundland. Tks best regards.
Y M Kakar,Quetta.Pakistan.
Jim Oliver wrote (on February 15, 2011) :

Good evening, Keijo,

I have just discovered the blog, read entries for an hour or so and have subscribed.

I would appreciate your forwarding a copy of your Excel file/template. I have developed my own templates over the last few years as well as used EZ Stamp, but I would like to see yours.

Thanks,and

All the best,
Jim
Keijo wrote (on February 15, 2011) :

@Jim… Happy to hear you are having a good time with my blog A copy of my Excel template has been forwarded to Your inbox.

@YM Kakar…. Here’s a partial picture of the cover:
Jim Oliver wrote (on February 15, 2011) :

Hi Keijo,

I noted on the archived messages that you had e-mailed re the Excel file/template. I have also noted that there have been some problems in transmission to others. I’m afraid I must be added to the list. I have checked my spam file and there is no message there nor have received any other information.

Thanks,and

All the best,
Jim
Keijo wrote (on February 16, 2011) :

Hi Jim,
I did re-mail the template to You once more few minutes back. If it delivers, then hooray. If not, then shit happens
It’s kind of satisfactory to know that traditional postage can still defeat email on some areas though…
Levona wrote (on March 9, 2011) :

Hi Keijo,
I am a newbie to the world of stamp collecting, I have inherited my grandfathers collection (mostly South African, and some worldwide) and I am having great fun trying to figure out what is what and the history of the stamps, why the particular image was chosen, the printing methods, all very interesting I think. I have visited a lot of sites and blogs trying to find info and your has definitely been the most interesting and welcoming, I look forward to making my way through all your posts and many more to come.

P.S.If I have any strange stamps that I want to get an outside opinion on is there a spot on here I can post the pics?
Keijo wrote (on March 9, 2011) :

Hi Levona,

I’m happy to hear you like my approach to stamps/collecting/blogging

Re, uploading images… I prefer people to upload images to public photosharing sites (such as photobucket, flickr, picasa, facebook etc), and then share the URL/address of the image file with me & other readers.

best wishes,
-keijo-
shaikh wrote (on April 7, 2011) :

Hi

I’m a writer and would like to do a guest blog on an amazing set of stamps being released in the UK very soon. How can I get in touch/email?

Could you perhaps email me?
Keijo wrote (on April 7, 2011) :

@shaikh… Thanks for the offer, but no thank You…I’m not totally excluding the idea of having some guest bloggers / writers in future. But even in such case, they will be people I know & value as collectors.
Mark wrote (on April 12, 2011) :

Hi Keijo

Great blog,very informative for somebody like me who has only been collecting just over a year.I will certainly bookmark your blog to read more intersting articles.Through this hobby I have made many friends around the world.Could I ask you to send me your excel spreadsheet,Many thanks
Keijo wrote (on April 13, 2011) :

@Mark… It’s always heartwarming to hear some positive feedback
I’ve sent you a copy of the template with instructions too.
Ralph Ordiz wrote (on April 16, 2011) :

Dear Keijo Kortelainen,

Hello!

I’m Ralph from the Philippines. I am a stamp collector too.

I’m a regular visitor of your blog. It’s great! Very informative. You have a wonderful collection!

I’ve added new posts on my blog, covers from different countries. Please visit and enjoy browsing on my collection. Please visit!

http://ralphscollection.blogspot.com/

Thanks!

Regards

Ralph
Keijo wrote (on April 16, 2011) :

@Ralph… Looks great
The Nagorno-Karabakh cover you display on your blog have is definitely something to drool.
ram wrote (on May 9, 2011) :

Keijo,

How do you get your exchange material?
Manuel wrote (on May 9, 2011) :

I found your website today, and i like it a lot.
I haven’t counted the stamps i have in my collection, but i’m afraid it goes the same direction as your collection.
I made a small blog too (http://rainbowstampsandcoins.blogspot.com/) but i haven’t posted anything on Finland so far.

with kind regards,

Manuel (Belgium)
Keijo wrote (on May 10, 2011) :

Hi Ram,

A small percentage of exchange stamps comes from personal correspondence, but most are simply remainders from random stamp (bulk) lots I have bought in the past decade or so.
Keijo wrote (on May 10, 2011) :

Hi Manual,

I’m happy to say that your blog too is definitely very attractive. I started with reading the Esperanto post, and then the rest all the way to Siam/Thailand stamps. Now I’m a subscriber of your blog
It seems most of us worldwide collectors are very much alike
Manuel wrote (on May 12, 2011) :

Dear Keijo,

thanks for the reply.I just started my blog this year. I try to post weekly a couple of items, but there’s so much to write about. As you might have seen, lots of articles are dealing with Swedish stamps. Since that’s the first country i’m going through for a complete update.

Thanks for subscribing, i’ll be following your site too now.

Manuel
Keijo wrote (on May 12, 2011) :

I try to post weekly a couple of items, but there’s so much to write about.

@Manuel… Since each stamps tells a story, there are at least 650,000 stories left before hitting the writers block
Manuel wrote (on May 17, 2011) :

Dear Keijo,

don’t worry, i noticed that next to Sweden there are hundreds of other countries. I won’t be running out of inspiration, for the next 150 years
Pete wrote (on May 26, 2011) :

I am looking for a collection of older stamps that have biological or scietific themes (animals, plants, science etc) that I can use to set an examination question for my students. They will have to work gently with the stamps and sort them into themes and make comments on how effectively they communicate their message. Do you have such stamps or would you know how I could get hold of them?
Keijo wrote (on May 27, 2011) :

Hi Pete,
I’d suggest you try contacting a local stamp dealer (here’s a list of some NZ dealers), and ask them for topical stamp packets of specific topics (such as animals, farming, science). These usually cost from $5 upwards depending on size of packet (anything from 50 stamps up to thousands of stamps).

And checking eBay and other online auctions is also a checkworthy option. A quick peek on NZ eBay brought up a lot of topical stamp packets.
Y M Kakar. wrote (on May 29, 2011) :

Dear Keijo,
So many world collectors have already commented, no doubt I am also one of them. You are doing and performing a good job specially for we the retirees who are also collectors. Our hands up before Allah for you long life and success. You have been a source of happiness for us so we pray for your pleasure.

Wish to have your hand-written letter in my collection with a small note and your lovely signatures to be kept on record. Oh, no, why you got worried I will surely post a nice cover in its exchange from Pakistan duly decorated with our nice commemorative thematic stamps.
Best regards.
Y M Kakar
Keijo wrote (on May 29, 2011) :

Thanks for the prayers, Kakar.
Re, sending a cover to your collection… Wait till autumn, and take part to my stamp exchange. This way both of us will get more stamps.
Paul Geoghegan wrote (on June 6, 2011) :

Hi Keijo,
I found your blog accidentally today and I have found it very interesting with a refreshingly honest and open style. Thank you for your efforts, I know how time consuming these things can be to keep up. If you have a moment sometime please visit my website, I would genuinely appreciate your comments on it.
Keijo wrote (on June 6, 2011) :

Thanks Paul. It’s always a pleasure to hear positive feedback

Re, your site.. Well, it didn’t put me away at first sight, but didn’t want to make me dig in deeper either. The £130 000 price tag for a collection made me consider whether to cry or laugh. It’s totally absurd some people can even consider placing such money for stamps – even with investments in mind. Just being honest…
FRED MUGURUZA wrote (on June 6, 2011) :

That’s ridiculous!…If I want make an investment of such amount, definitively I’ll go for 24k gold!!!…no more no less.
vivre la vie!
Paul Geoghegan wrote (on June 7, 2011) :

Keijo
I suppose it depends on the buyer, some Chinese investors are buying at this level and much higher.
Paul
Keith wrote (on June 18, 2011) :

Hi,

I’m intersted in recording my collection and would love a copy of your excel template. I am impressed with your enthusiasm at a time I thought stamp collecting was dying.

Keith
Keijo wrote (on June 19, 2011) :

@Keith… I’ll send you a copy of the template with instructions…

Re, the death of stamp collecting… I think any rumors are highly pre-mature. Yes, the hobby is eons away from it’s glory days, but it’s equally far from being dead too. Thanks to Internet, the hobby and collecting community is IMHO much more interactive and connected than ever I’d say.
manuel wrote (on July 5, 2011) :

Dear Keijo,

i posted you a message before here on your blog.
Since then, i had serveral visitors coming through your site to visit mine.
Thanks a lot, knowing that all others came through a google search or my own facebook, it means you’re the third most important source hehe.
It was only 23 people so far, but still, I want to thank you.

With kind regards

Manuel
Keijo wrote (on July 6, 2011) :

@Manuel…

Thanks a lot, knowing that all others came through a google search or my own facebook, it means you’re the third most important source hehe.

That’s pretty super
Luis Laprovitera wrote (on July 23, 2011) :

Hi, very happy to found someone like you, with such a love for stamps! you are (forgive the expression) a rare bird! So do i, I am 43 yo. from Uruguay, South America.
I follow my country stamps, also collect all Germany stamps (in all ages), Aerophilately, and less but also football, stamp on stamp and now cars & ag. machinery.
Would be interested on swap, sell or buy, better if swap. Hope to be in contact with you and other stamp lovers.
With my best regards, Luis
Keijo wrote (on July 23, 2011) :

@Luis… Thanks for the comment. I can say that you are a rare bird too; can’t say that the blog has many readers from Uruguay. Don’t know if it is a question of language barrier, or simply that there are very few stamp collectors in Uruguay?

Re, exchanges… I’m sure you have noted that I have a separate page for a href=”http://www.stampcollectingblog.com/stamp-exchange”>stamp exchanges? Please take some time to read the rules and announcements on that page. Right now the exchange is on a summer break, but it will continue later this year.

Hope to see more of You. Best wishes,
-keijo-

PS. As requested, I added you as my friend on Facebook.
Mary wrote (on September 9, 2011) :

Hi Keijo,

Your blog has been what got me into stamp collecting again. It’s so full of information without being too technical but instead fun and interesting. Now when I say that you “got me into stamp collecting again” I don’t mean that I was a serious collector before. The stamps I have were the ones I got from my aunt and I only really have maybe two to three hundred stamps as I wasn’t actively collecting. However, a few months back being a stay at home mum, I got bored and suddenly thought that maybe I could start collecting again. And that’s how I came across your articles.

Anyway, I’m writing because I would like a few pointers on what to collect. I’ve been thinking of making a thematic collection but from what I’ve read it seems like a daunting task because you don’t just collect stamps of a certain theme but also the story behind it. So I thought that maybe collecting by country is better though there might not be a chance of being able to complete a country as there have been thousands of stamps issued. What are your thoughts on this?

As of now, the stamps I’ve got are still in envelopes waiting until such time when I know what I want to do (after some advice/tip from you).
Keijo wrote (on September 9, 2011) :

Hi Mary,

it’s superb to hear I / my writings have been a source of inspiration

If you plan to build your collection for competitive purposes, then it is advisable to follow general guidelines/ recommendation that different philatelic organizations give out. Personally I find this approach extremely boring, as the guidelines are about as attractive and detailed repair manual for lawn mower

But if you are doing the collection for personal fun / pleasure (like me), then who says you have to follow any specific practice? Display the stamps in any way you like. Include as much background / details of the topic as you like to. Collect either by country, or topic, or bit of both. Aim for perfection, or learn to live with partial sets… Nobody except You cares on how consistent / inconsistent your approach is. If you follow this path, then just follow your heart and desires. And be prepared for the fact, that you might have random mood swings every once and awhile; they are just a sign of your progress as collector.

Hope this helps.
FRED MUGURUZA wrote (on September 9, 2011) :

Mary, Mary…just listen to the master (Keijo) he never will lie to you…sincerely.
I’ve been collecting stamps since 1992, and I’ve had many ups and downs with it…sometimes I was fed up of stamps (mainly kings & queens) and changed the routine…then I decided to do it on a different way…collecting only mint…then changed to used only…back to mint/used and so and so…at the end of the day still doing it! but…how good I feel when I get an stamp so elusive that make me nuts!…c’mon Mary don’t let anyone to tell you what to collect…is you who decide what to do with the stamps and you’ll see a marvellous world on it!… let Keijo to answer the technical questions…
Y M Kakar. wrote (on September 9, 2011) :

Deariest Keijo,
Good day !
Wish you good health and a happy mood. Why no news or information from you. Have you deleted me from your blog for mailing me your updates. Hope the same is restored and I receive news from you as usual. Thank you in advance and best best regards.
Y M Kakar.
Keijo wrote (on September 10, 2011) :

@Y M Kakar…. The last newsletter was sent out on August 12th, and it was sent out to over 600 subscribers. I’ll try to push out a new edition in next few days….

A totally different issue is whether or not the newsletters land to every subscribers inbox. This is something I have very little control, as each ISP and user have different spam-control setting that affect how the emails are treated… If you haven’t received any of the newsletters or You stop receiving them suddenly, then You likely need to tweak the spam/bulk mail settings of your email account.

The simplest trick is to add the newsletter email (newsletter@stampcollectingblog.com) to your address book / friends list – this will usually bypass most of the spam related settings.
Jim Hall wrote (on September 13, 2011) :

hello:

I have just started or re-started my collecting interests, and wonder if you could have contest of sorts, about favorite stamp collecting stories or what stamp collecting means to me.
I have also published on PhilatelicDataBase.Com in the past and I would like to add my feelings to your site as well.
jim hall
Keijo wrote (on September 14, 2011) :

@Jim Hall

Anything is possible. It all depends to a very large degree on how much resources (mainly time) and interest I can devote into such venture. After all, this blog is a personal website of mine and I have limited number of hours to put in. The main goal of this blog is to share my views about the challenges and pleasures of worldwide collecting. I’ve put some extra care to keep the blog and it’s content open for all: anyone can chime in about any topic any time as long as they keep the messages polite and legal. For example the “Ask anything about stamps, life etc.” section has a mountain of questions, opinions, stories from people reading the blog – and anyone can freely add their own messages for others to view.

But still, in the end, the main focus of this blog is me and my collection. And that’s the way I like to keep it
tikithindi wrote (on September 27, 2011) :

Hi Keijo,

My admiration and Regards… I forgot When I stumble
to you Site… but it was not very long ago. I read your site
time to time. Lot of information people like me big plus is
that from other peoples comments and suggestions. I can
Say for myself improving my collection organization after
reading from your site.
For listing of my Items I have started two way…
1. Making Excel spread sheet (no doubt you sent me template)
2. Access Database..
I like your site very much. Keep it up.

Cheers
tikithindi
Keijo wrote (on September 28, 2011) :

Thanks for the praise Tikithindi
Mary wrote (on September 28, 2011) :

Thanks Keijo for pointing me in the right direction. You are right, this is a hobby and I should enjoy it. Whatever mood I’m in it will be reflected on my stamps. I guess as long as it gives me pleasure that is really more important.

Thanks also to Fred #88 for affirming what you have said and for his easy going attitude and funny writing style. Your banter gives me the laughs. You could be a comedic act.
Jim Hall wrote (on October 15, 2011) :

Hello:
I would like to be able to SEND you my duplicates of my world collection for YOU to GIVE away to other YOUNG STAMP COLLECTORS in YOUR AREA. I will send them to you, I will suffer the postage, so that someone in your country will have something for thier collection.

All I need is your address and a response to this note!

Please respond

JIM
Keijo wrote (on October 16, 2011) :

@Jim Hall… I thank You for the generous offer, but (and I’ve written this before)…

I’m just one guy middle of nowhere, and I have little/none means or interest to become a channel for donations to charity. Seriously. A lot of people may not think about it, but there’s quite a lot of work involved in accepting donations and pushing them onwards (been there, done that).

That said, I have no objections IF somebody wants to give ME some free stamps (as a personal gift; as that is the only thing I can accept per Finnish legislation)… If anyone is interested of this option, my mailing address can be found on my exchange page.

all the best,
-keijo-
Roger Stinnett wrote (on October 25, 2011) :

I love this blog. Please continue forever.
Keijo wrote (on October 26, 2011) :

@Roger… Thanks for the praise
Let’s just say that as as long as I’m alive & kicking (and paying the annual hosting etc. fees), this blog should carry on. As for what happens afterwards… Well, it’s not my decision / concern.
Dinka Spirovska wrote (on November 1, 2011) :

Greetings, Keijo.

Your blog is wonderful…. will you please share your excel template and instructions (whatever you can)… will be most useful.

Many, many thanks

-Dinka
Keijo wrote (on November 2, 2011) :

@Dinka… Thanks I just sent you email. Hopefully you find the template useful.
Seth wrote (on November 2, 2011) :

Hi Keijo,
I have been meaning to ask you a question for a while that has been troubling me. You have such clear ideas and advice about so many stamp related matters and I have already learnt so much from past correspondence and from reading this blog. Really it has revolutionised the way I approach my collection.

One thing I cannot work out is why you would not want to collect unused stamps? When I sort through piles of stamps looking for new material or better examples of what I already have in my collection, the ideal I am looking for is something with all four colours, with as little as possible obliteration (or interference with the image) and something that is bright and clean. An unused stamp seems ideal in every way.

Also where do you draw the line? If you find a stamp which has been posted, but which has escaped being postmarked will you exclude it? Also I know you are trying to assemble a whole work collection and a stamp from every issuer and one thing in particular you have taught me is to be as inclusive as possible (whole world, CTO, etc.) Often I find unused stamps turn up in bulk lots from some of the most unusual places. Finally, in some cases an unused stamp might be of considerable value. Do you chuck it in the discard pile just because it hasn’t got a postmark?

I would be fascinated to hear your explanation…(am I just about to have to discard the best 15-20% of my collection!!!?)
Keijo wrote (on November 2, 2011) :

@Seth… Shortly put it’s just a personal preference. The longer explanation is a bit more complex….

Way back in my early days I did collect both used and mint stamps. And I loved them somewhat equally; though all the hinge traces and gum breaks on older stamps did bother me a bit from time to time. At one point I did experience a series of awakenings, that alienated me from collecting mint stamps.

My first, and somewhat rude awakening included an auction purchase of older German collection. This included lots of mint stamps, many with notorious sulfuric acid gum. Most of them were in very severe condition, way beyond salvation…. This was pretty much the first time I got interested about archivability, and how different materials behave over time. The more I dugg on the topic, the more I began to realize how “evil” gum can be for stamps in point of preservation. I was worried, but I still continued to collect both mint and used stamps.

The second, gentler awakening was about year later when I understood what a statement “a mint stamp is like an unread book, a used stamp always tells a story” meant… In a way I got interested in postal history / research. I never started collecting covers or full items; but various postal markings and cancellations on single stamps do intrigue me very much.

The final awakening was when I & my wife moved together in late 1990s. We both were (and still are) worldwide collectors, and we made a decision to join our collections as one. This lead to somewhat unexpected situation: our joined collection had quite a large number of stamps where we had both a mint and used copy. This made the collection look clumsy, it made the maintenance somewhat difficult, and it did eat a lot of space. So we made a decision to focus on collecting used stamps only… I think that we sold ~10-15,000 face different mint stamps in following year (and yes, it was truly difficult to let go, especially for the first week or so)… But that’s pretty much the story behind it all…

Re, where to draw the line… Whatever feels comfortable… I would say that 99.8% of stamps in our collection is canceled one way or other. The rest… Well, they usually have some sort of special story, personal preference or memories why they are saved.
Bill Coons wrote (on November 8, 2011) :

Hi Keijo,

I also have been a collector for over 25-30 years and collect various type of issues. My largest collection is Wildlife on Stamps which is comprised of issues of 10 or more stamps in a specific set or series. Also includes WWF
Stamps & Maximum Cards

I saw a blog, on your site, about Stamp Collecting Software and I also was not very happy with what I found–to complicated so I developed my own.

So, I built 6 databases (Using Microsoft Excel 2007 or higher) for the following specfic collections:
(1) WWF (Very extensive) (2) International Year of the Ocean (3) Birdlife International (4) John James Audubon
(5) National Baskeball Association (6) Elvis Presley Movie Issues.

Please view my website at http://www.comtopco.com and click on the link (Instructions) There you can view how the various databases work. I am in the process of acquiring the issues for the Audubon series which is not posted as yet. This database will also have the same features as the above including pic of the stamps.

How do I go about advertising my databases on this your website?

Please give me feed back at your convienence.

Regards,

Bill
Keijo wrote (on November 9, 2011) :

@Bill… Interesting looking products. I’m bit puzzled by the screenshots that show Scott catalog numbers and values. Did you get a license from Amos/Scott in order to use them; or are they something end users are expected to type?

Re, advertising on the blog… This has been asked by many in recent months, and I finally made a page about advertising on the blog. I recommend taking a look on it for starters. If interested, we can talk further details in private (simply follow the instrutions on advertising page)… I know the rates I’m asking are not of the cheapest kind, but in the end there’s no point for me to sign up individual advertisers at lower rates that this.
Shital Pradhan wrote (on January 18, 2012) :

I almost left philately….your work encouraged me….thanks.

regards

Sheetal Pradhan
Sikkim,India
Keijo wrote (on January 18, 2012) :

@Shital…
Harth wrote (on January 25, 2012) :

Hello Keijo

It is nice to visit your home and going through usufull info on it plus reading the visitors comments . I hope you will add more and more info about stamps
And post history related news and info . please let me know if I can upload some Saudi Arabia stamps to your home page for your reader and visitors fun. I hope I am going set up my blog home page soon so I can connect it with you your home page
All the best .
Keijo wrote (on January 26, 2012) :

@Harth…

please let me know if I can upload some Saudi Arabia stamps to your home page

Unfortunately that’s not possible for few reasons:

1) copyrights – as a website owner (and per Finnish legislation) I’m held responsible for everything published on this website. I have very little means to check/verify if the images people would upload are their own (=which would be ok) or ripped from some other website (=which would be possible copyright infringement).

2) costs – If I allowed (all/most) users to upload their images, the costs of running this blog would go sky high and well beyond what I’m willing to put in.

Possibly the easiest route is to display any images you want to share, is to upload your images to some photosharing website (like Photobucket, Picasa, Flickr etc) and share the address with rest of us.