posted 11-26-2006 09:55 AM               

I honestly like to think that collecting keeps me out of trouble. Collecting gives me a goal. It gives me something to focus my energy on. My girlfriend often jokes with me that she's sure I will never cheat on her because typically I elect to stay at home on a Friday night to organize my "stuff" rather than join my buddies out at a bar or party.

posted 11-26-2006 10:27 AM               

I also collected baseball cards and other cards. I remember arranging the cards on the table and reading the information on them. I would trade them at school with classmates. I recall the "Look and See" cards that featured historic personalities. This strengthened my interest in history. Hostory was always my favorite class in school.

As I got older, I purchased expensive albums for the stamps, which now included only mint unused stamps - particularly space stamps of the world. The baseball cards and other cards were given away when I was a teenager in high school. I gave them to a young boy who lived nearby. If I still had these cards today, I could sell them on eBay and buy a Corvette.

For me, collecting for enjoyment was my unspoken reason for collecting. I never intended to sell my space stamp collection, which included thousands of space covers. But things change and sacrifices must often be made.

In 1969, when I first came to New York City, I was given the opportunity to write for the "Explorer", journal of the IASP. This was my new hobby, since I was not paid for this work. I later bacame Editor of the "Explorer" and many years later I served as Editor of the "Astrophile" of the Space Unit. My hobby had progressed to a semi-professional level.

Collecting filled a need when I was young, a need to have and share items with others, a need to be part of a group of collectors. Now, my hobby is writing about the hobby of space collecting, particularly collecting space stamps and covers. Now I am collecting information and sharing this information with other collectors.

posted 11-26-2006 10:57 AM               

Personally, collecting space has offered a way to experience an era that I wasn't alive to witness firsthand. While I can always watch the moon landings on DVD, the thrill of having shared that activity with billions of people worldwide at the same time is lost on my generation. By owning something that was physically flown in lunar orbit or carried to the Moon's surface, I derive a vicarious thrill; a small but tangible piece of the experience.

Further, like Randy mentioned above, I feel that space collectors serve a very important role by preserving the smaller bits of history that museums and other public archives are not organized to handle. We are custodians for the future; insuring that the fine details of humankind's first steps off the planet are not lost to time.

posted 11-26-2006 11:20 AM               

The drive to collect/complete 'sets' of things is a strong one in some people, most commonly men. It's a mild form of obsessive-compulsive behaviour that can apply to all kinds of areas of collecting.

If you're happy to have a collection that just includes signatures of a few of your favourite astronauts or lets say a couple of the nicest patches from the Apollo era then you are probably not obsessive at all.

If on the other hand you feel a drive to complete a set of all moonwalkers, all Apollo crews, all M-G-A astros ... or say all Apollo-era patches made by Lion Brothers then you can count yourself amongst the mildly obesessive at least.

There's nothing wrong with that of course, and hopefully at the same time you can help preserve and document a little space history, encourage interest in others and all that.

posted 11-26-2006 11:22 AM               

------------------
Scott Schneeweis

posted 11-26-2006 11:43 AM               

I used to be more obsessive in other realms of collecting (in baseball memorabilia, for instance) but got out of it when it got a little expensive -- and, more to the point, when it stopped being fun. My space collection is much more affordable and a lot more fun -- and I rule it instead of it ruling me. Plus, I've loved space and flight longer than I loved baseball, so there.

posted 11-26-2006 12:25 PM               

When it comes to collecting space-related articles, I have found that the things that have made me the happiest are those that have enabled me to remember what it felt like to grow up during the space race. While this smacks a little bit of living in the past (which I don't think is a very good quality), what I really loved about that era was it's obsession with the future, and on the limitless wonder that it promised. I think the last couple of decades or so have been sorely lacking in that.

I guess I hope packrats get some sort of joy from their "collections", too.

posted 11-27-2006 12:17 PM               

As a relatively new space collector, I can only speak from limited experience but I’d say that my reason for collecting is based on my interests in science and history.

As a kid, I loved geology. My birthday parties often were trips to local crystal mines to dig for minerals. I was also very fascinated with astronomy, aerospace and history. In late high school, I lost the interest in geology but found a new love in Archeology, a hobby that I still enjoy today.

My father was, at one time in his life, a history teacher. He loved history so much that all our family vacations focused on going to historic sites. I learned this love of history from him, which probably explains why I got into Archeology.

In Archeology, rule number one is that you never take any material you find for yourself. You document it, collect it and send it back to the lab for analysis. You get to experience history/prehistory but you do not get to own it. It belongs to all of us.

When I got out of law school, I went to work for an elected official. In that job, I got to meet a lot of very fascinating people who took an active role in shaping history. At first, I was content with a handshake and an occasional picture with people of import. One day, I was visiting with a fellow staff member who had been in the business a long time, when he was showed me the autograph he obtained from a former President who had been to town. He encouraged me to get autographs because it would forever remind me of the experience of meeting the person. Next chance I got, I tried it and I was hooked. That addiction spread to autographs not obtained in person (after all, it is hard to get Chester A. Arthur to sign today).

Eventually I wound up back at one of my fist loves, Aerospace history. Which explains why I’m spending my lunch hour looking at this website instead of walking around out side on a nice fall day.

For me, it is the connection with history. The hand that signs the name is the hand that changed the world. There is a certain amount of pride in being able to connect with important people. I’m extremely proud of one item I have that is the only one of its kind in the world, according to the White House.

Yes, my kids may be able to land a spot on Antiques Roadshow in the year 2050 but for me, it’s the experience of contact with a person in history. I also learn from the process as I research to determine what item would be the most interesting to get signed. I find that it is more rewarding to get unique items signed than just anything (not to fault my fellows who enjoy collecting signed photos).

posted 11-27-2006 12:20 PM               

I collect for the same reasons that many others do,for one i love the fact that my litho or pic has been signed by the person in that particular moment of space exploration and that it is my little piece of history.
I also enjoy receiving the items through the post as its a little like christmas,you get that feeling of excitement and usually can`t wait to get the package open !

I have always "collected" but my interest in manned space exploration is unparalleled,i enjoy reading the books i have,watching the videos and DVDs also and i always enjoy that feeling i get when i learn something new about the NASA manned programs.

And as Spaced out has pointed that there possibly the mildly obsessive compulsives,but i for one can say i have a good lady who is happy to bring me down to Earth if i start getting too obsessive !

All the best,
Alex.

posted 11-27-2006 12:52 PM               

I also consider myself a semi-pro World War II and Civil War buff, so that took up a lot of reading time, as well as obtaining a nice assortment of stuff from family who served in the military or had stuff passed down to them.

Growing up I was a casual space fan with my main interest being astronomy. Books and an old Tasco telescope (with later Meade upgrades) kept my interest in astronomy going. What sparked my interest in manned spaceflight was seeing a shuttle launch when I was a kid, watching the EVA’s during the Hubble repair mission in ’93 on television, the movie “The Right Stuff,” and later John Glenn’s flight. I would have to say STS-95 is what got me really interested in spaceflight history to the point I wanted to collect stuff. I went through the teething stages of deciding what to collect, and only recently settled on two main things: books and autographs. The hard part now is decided on what to collect the autographs – photos or covers. I find great enjoyment on having both kinds of autographs, so the jury is still out.

What it boils down to, for me, is having that small, tangible piece of history. The autograph of one of only twelve men to walk on the Moon, or that small flown piece of shuttle hardware and hold it in your hands is an amazing feeling. I know that doesn’t include most people – others could care less about a lunar meteorite but flip out over some Cabbage Patch doll. To each his own, but man’s first steps into exploring the Solar System will far outlive and be remembered in the annuals of civilization than Cabbage Patch dolls, and dare I say, even baseball.

posted 11-28-2006 10:38 AM               

I meet many people who ask "Wasn't Apollo that moon thing?..." Whilst I don't seek to evangelise, the collection certainly serves to introduce a younger generation to what happened way back when...

=========================================
Lastly, we are evangelists. We bring the story of space exploration into communities which may never be exposed to it otherwise. By sharing our collections, we inspire others to keep our dreams for a spacefaring civilization alive. The artifacts and memorabilia represent more than just our past but our future, too.
=============================================

posted 11-28-2006 06:38 PM               

quote:

---

Originally posted by poofacio:
Any opinions on what is a good "set" for space collecting? I have a very nearly complete "my idea of a set". I did the same with Beatles records years ago and got bored when there weren't any more possibles. At least with space one can increase the spectrum of a "set"!

---

Wow...where to begin? As you can see, there are so many different types of collecting...flown items, autographs, covers, patches, medallions, stamps, models, etc. And then you have types that overlaps...such as autographed covers. And within each types you have many sub-types. If one wants to establish a "set" to go after, they must first decide what area(s) to collect.

For my tastes, I need both materials that bring the missions to life (books and DVDs) and tactile things that help connect me to the people involved in the mission (usually autographed items). Once I feel I have enough autographed items, I'll probably move on to other areas of collecting...such as patches or flown items.

Each person carves their own path through this hobby that there is no single approach that suits everyone (or even a majority of the collectors out there). And not everyone needs to build sets either. One can simply collect items which spark their interest and end up with a varied collection of autographs, patches, models, covers, books, etc. Even if such a collection doesn't complete any "sets" per se, it can still be a fascinating collection...and for my tastes, more interesting than some complete sets of one particular item.

But since you asked, here are the popular "sets" of one aspect of the hobby, autographs (in order from easy to difficult):

1. Autographs of all twelve moonwalkers.
2. Autographs of all seven Mercury astronauts (roughly the same difficulty as the moonwalkers...but Grissom's signature probably makes it a slightly bigger challenge...unless you buy a signed check).
3. Autographs of all flown Gemini Astronauts (contains the toughest of both Mercury and Moonwalker sets and adds in Ed White for increased difficulty).
4. Autographs of all 24 moon voyagers.
5. Autographs of all flown Apollo astronauts.
6. Autographs of all flown 43 Mercury-Gemini-Apollo-Skylab astronauts.
7. Autographs of all Mercury-Gemini-Apollo-Skylab astronauts, both flown and unflown.
8. Autographs of all flown US space travelers.
9. Autographs of all flown space travelers worldwide.

There are many more variations that one could come up with (especially within the Shuttle years). Also, one could probably add in "a complete set of signed crews" somewhere in the mix too. Getting all flown Apollo astronauts is enough of a challenge...getting them all as crew sets is MUCH harder. Getting all Shuttle crews would be VERY hard. (Note: anyone here have all Shuttle crews?)

A similar lineage of sets could probably be established for Russian cosmonauts, but I'm not brave enough to attempt listing it.

Now multiply the complexity that can be found within just the area of autograph collecting by the number of other possible areas of collecting (flown items, patches, models, etc.) and you start to see that one has nearly endless ways to branch out in the hobby.

posted 11-29-2006 02:30 PM               

In most ways collecting is a purely selfish act. We do it please ourselves, not others. We collect only certain items like uninscribed photos, patches, moonwalkers etc. To say you are only doing it to collect and perserve history is not really true.

Everyone is different and that makes things interesting and fun. I don't think buying, selling or trading of autographs is wrong. It is part of collecting.

posted 11-29-2006 04:49 PM               

quote:

---

Originally posted by BMckay:
Collectors have mentioned how they like to showcase their collection to others. How do you do it?

In most ways collecting is a purely selfish act. We do it please ourselves, not others. We collect only certain items like uninscribed photos, patches, moonwalkers etc. To say you are only doing it to collect and perserve history is not really true.

Everyone is different and that makes things interesting and fun. I don't think buying, selling or trading of autographs is wrong. It is part of collecting.

---

I have mentioned upthread why I collect what I do. However, this is not to say that other collectors are wrong in collecting what they do. Some have called collecting a "selfish act" or have characterized collectors and their reasons for collecting as "compulsive" or "controlling", etc.

There is no right way or wrong way to collect. It is not for us to judge what someone collects and to call it a "selfish act." You would be judging their individual interests and you have no right to do that. Live and let live. Collecting is a hobby and it is done for relaxation.

I have often mentioned in my "Capsule Comments" threads in the "Stamps & Covers" section of this message board that "Space Collectors are free to collect what they wish." There is no right or wrong way to collect. This opinion was attacked by a few collectors who think that they know better than we do.

When I had a large space stamp and space cover collection, I exhibited it once in the lobby of a large bank for a few days. I also exhibited parts of it at a New York Stamp show. I exhibited it in albums at the monthly meetings of the IASP. These are not "selfish" acts. I was sharing my collection with others. I maintain the opinion that everyone is free to collect what they wish and in any manner that they wish.

posted 11-29-2006 05:27 PM               

quote:

---

Originally posted by Astro Bill:
There is no right way or wrong way to collect. It is not for us to judge what someone collects and to call it a "selfish act." You would be judging their individual interests and you have no right to do that. Live and let live. Collecting is a hobby and it is done for relaxation.

---

I started this thread just wondering why we as a species have the urge to collect, not to be judgemental.

All animals including Homo Sapiens are intrinsically selfish, of course we collect for ourselves, even showing off our collections is arguably selfish. who can honestly say they don't get a bit of a buzz when someone admires it?
Collecting is not a right or wrong thing it is just a great hobby

posted 12-03-2006 09:21 PM               

quote:

---

Originally posted by fabfivefreddy:
I think it is interesting to meet people that wonder why we collect.
For the most part, people are impressed with collectors that do it for a passion and historical appreciation.
The money aspects sometimes taint our hobby, but overall I think it is quite a healthy hobby.

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I first noted this in the 1970's when astronaut autographs were highly prized on space covers. I tried to ignore this trend, but it was impossible to do so. Now, very few space covers are exhibited or entered into auctions without autographs. I am not interested in astronaut autographs. I am interested in space stamps and space covers without autographs.

Granted, the autographs add considerable value to the covers, but are collectors more interested in the autographs or the space covers? Some collectors, such as Bob McLeod, are more interested in the autographs than the covers (according to what he recently told me about his website).

I would prefer to separate the two hobbies, but that is impossible. Some autograph collectors have chosen to use space covers for their autographs because the space covers tell the story of the astronauts - they are historical documents.

This combination has led to considerably high prices for some autographed space covers at auction. This means that space cover auctions realize a considerable profit by selling autographed space covers in addition to regular space covers. The Space Unit is such a society. The Space Unit holds six auctions per year, each featuring approximately 1400 covers. This has led to the growth of the Space Unit because of the added income.

Unfortunately, IMHO this has "tainted" the society. The receipts from the auctions were considerable and they were never reported to the membership. Neither were the expenditures from the auctions reported to members. Again, being naive and idealistic, I tried to correct this by asking the president of the group to release this information to the membership for the last few years. He agreed. We spent many hours corresponding by E-mail to resolve the matter.

However, when the consolidated financial report for 2002-2005 was published in the recent Astrophile, the auction income/expenditures for this period was excluded from the report. The president of the group closed the matter and refused to release the information on the "secret" auction account.

The Space Unit was "tainted" IMHO. I resigned as Director immediately. The president of the Space Unit formed an Audit Committee at the urging of a past president and myself. However, they did not look into the matter. The membership should insist on an audit by a public accountant on this matter.

So, Tahir, you are correct, "The money aspects sometimes taint our hobby..."