For broadcast on CBS Radio Network stations 
May 15-6, 1999:


Consorting with the enemy?


The Stamp Collecting Report, I'm Lloyd de Vries


Stamp collecting has taken to the Internet with a 
vengeance -- websites, chatrooms, email lists.  But some 
collectors wonder if patronizing the Internet isn't 
contributing to the end of the postage stamp.  After all, if 
our mail is mostly electronic, what need is there for stamps 
for Snail Mail?


To paraphrase Mark Twain, rumors of the stamp's demise are 
premature. There will always be a need for physical 
transportation of material from one point to another.


Stamps and stamp collecting may change, of course. The labels 
we currently use may be replaced by meter impressions, but 
then people will collect meters -- some already do.


Stamps and mail survived the telephone in the late 1800s, 
radio early in this century, even the fax machine.


It's like when television came on the scene, and many 
predicted the end of radio and the movies.  Well, you're 
listening to this report on the radio, and if you think 
movies aren't doing well.....May the Force be with you.

And that's stamp collecting this week.  

I'm Lloyd de Vries, CBS News. 

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