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For broadcast on CBS Radio Network stations July 30-31, 2005:

Don't Be A No-Show

The Stamp Collecting Report, I'm Lloyd de Vries. 

With so much stamp buying, selling and discussion on the Internet, why would anyone need or 
want to go to a stamp show?

Well, there are several reasons.

First, there are two basic types of stamp shows: At a BOURSE, there are usually just dealers. 
At a full-fledged stamp show, there are dealers AND meetings, seminars, exhibits and often 
youth areas.

Even if your interest is just buying and selling individual stamps or a collection, a stamp 
show can provide the chance to see and examine the items. The really valuable and really 
cheap stamps just aren't sold often on the Internet. In the exhibits, you'll frequently see 
rare stamps and envelopes, in person, that you probably will never own.

Stamp accessories, such as albums, are often expensive to ship. With few stamp stores still 
open, shows may be an economical way to buy them.

And, of course, there's the social aspect: Seeing old friends, meeting with fellow 
collectors, and hearing experts.

And that's Stamp Collecting this week. 

I'm Lloyd de Vries, CBS News. 

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