Download this report as an MP3 sound file.

Friend or foe?

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

What do a computer flash drive and a postage stamp have in common?




Well, Israel has issued a stamp depicting a U-S-B flash drive and two other forms of 
virtual communications -- Voice over Internet Protocol, or using the Internet for 
telephone calls, and Instant Messaging. All were developed in Israel, says the country's 
postal agency.

Now, why would a postal agency commemorate devices that may make mail obsolete? 

First of all, Voice over Internet Protocol, or "VOIP," doesn't have any greater effect 
on mail volume than any other form of telephone system. I don't think Instant Messaging 
is the reason why people write fewer letters, and a flash drive is still a physical 
object that has to be transported from one computer to another.

Second, many foreign postal agencies ALSO handle their countries' telephone and Internet 
services.

But more importantly, Israel is proud of these accomplishments -- and pride is always a 
good reason for a postage stamp.

I'm Lloyd de Vries of The Virtual Stamp Club. For more on stamps and stamp collecting, 
visit virtual-stamp-club-dot-com. 

----------------------------------------------------------
Go to Previous Report
Go to Next Report 

Go to Report Index