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DIGITAL PHILATELY TO START A
VIRTUAL STAMPEDE
Computer technology now provides an innovative
boost to the age-old hobby of stamp collecting. Swapping virtual stamp images
electronically, pasting them into digital albums and stamping your outgoing
e-mail letters and MMS's are all part of the fun of virtual philately.
It had to happen sometime. With an explosion in the world's virtual reality
markets, where not even the dearly departed escape without a virtual funeral
service, CyberStamp Club has launched a major initiative in the philatelic
field. Now you can collect stamps on your own PC through www.cyberstampclub.co.za
as an attractive extension to more usual philatelic pursuits.
Virtual or cyber stamps are defined as "accurate digital images of genuine
postage stamps, in mint or used condition, which are scanned and transferred
between collectors electronically. They are collected for exactly the same
reasons as normal stamps in as far as their non-physical form will allow."
The site www.cyberstampclub.co.za is primarily directed at the vast traditional philatelic market, as a
complimentary aid to modern stamp collecting. It proclaims: "virtual stamp
collecting is a rewarding computer hobby that has everything to do with the
appreciation of postage stamps and not much to do with old-fashioned rules."
This refreshing approach launches an age-old pastime dynamically into the new
millennium ... and cyberspace, stimulating
renewed interest in all aspects of the world's number one hobby. Within a few
months of going live, Cyberstamp Club signed up hundreds of pioneer members of all
age groups from around the world.
Interest in virtual stamps, or quality-scanned images of actual postage stamps,
does not lie with stamp collectors alone. Because of the vast universe of
commemorative material, which has been issued throughout the world over for over
150
years, no group is unable to make practical use of the CyberStamp
material: Researchers, historians, bird watchers, animal lovers, artists, etc.
… all will find these miniature art depictions invaluable as visual or
illustrative aids in their own particular field of interest.
There is a growing culture of virtual services on the internet
… from
virtual dating to virtual banking. It is within this established culture that
the virtual stamp-collecting concept thrives. Already, people from dozens of
countries around the world have subscribed to the club's free membership and
services, and more are joining daily.
CyberStamp Club foresees a time when many a bored secretary, hospital
convalescent, tired business or home executive will trade their favourite
computer game or puzzle for the absorbing pastime of theme stamp collecting on
computer.
With virtual
stamp collectors trading directly through www.cyberstampclub.co.za
and among each other, virtual philately is set to take off around the world like a virtual
hula-hoop.
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