VIRTUAL PHILATELY TO START STAMPEDE

Computer technology now provides an innovative boost to the age-old hobby of stamp collecting. Swapping virtual stamp images electronically, pasting them into virtual albums and stamping your outgoing e-mail letters 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.com 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 innovative site www.cyberstampclub.com 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 which has everything to do with the visual appreciation of postage stamps but not much to do with old-fashioned rules." This refreshing approach launches an age-old pastime dynamically into the new millennium ... and cyberspace. It promises to stimulate renewed interest in all aspects of the world's number one hobby. By March this year, over 100 people in countries across the globe signed up as pioneer members of CyberStamp Club. More are joining daily. All age groups show an interest in virtual philately.

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 150 years, there is no group which is unable to make practical use of the CyberStamp material: Researchers, historians, bird watchers, animal lovers, artists, etc. … all will find the miniature art depictions invaluable as visual or illustrative aids in their particular field of interest.

CyberStamp Club provides simple directions for anyone wanting to convert their favorite computer programs into virtual stamp albums or stamp stock books.

There is a growing culture of virtual services … from virtual dating to virtual banking. It is within this established culture that the virtual stamp-collecting concept thrives.

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.com and among each other, virtual philately is set to take off like a virtual hula-hoop.

CyberStamp Club claims that it provides "virtual fun for everyone". The site makes modern stamp collecting a really fun experience.