posted 01-17-2026 07:10 AM               

I have tried to find out the rules online for exhibiting but to be honest the results are dense, verbose, tedious legalese.

What I have gathered is that a frame is 16 pages of A4. Different categories require submissions of varying frame size. Astrophilately is not thematic. And that you can only enter if you have already competed and won 'medals' or such like at local level.

So, to cut to the chase, I am seriously thinking of submitting an entry to AMSIPEX 27 (I'm too late for '26, and have no idea if '27 will take place). My reasons: because a) it is virtual and I don't have to risk my precious covers in transit or left overnight in some random building, and b) I fancy a challenge.

I have discovered there is a novice category, of 1, 3 or 5 frames with no previous medallions required. Walter (cosmos-walter) has kindly enrolled me to his Austrian affiliated society. So all I have to do is put together an exhibit and submit it.

So, I am seeking advice so that I can not only win the category but dazzle.

I have picked a subject - A History of Pioneer Rocket Mail in Australia. Is that too narrow a subject?

I have decided on three frames. 48 pages is too long for the eleven flights involved (one frame, 16 pages is too short), so it needs padding. Is a one frame introduction using non Aussie rocket mail covers too long?

Is it frowned upon to use really common covers, even if they illustrate the story beautifully?

How wordy are you allowed to be? I don't want to write a novel, but I would like to express the narrative fully.

posted 01-17-2026 02:11 PM               

On the FIP home-page you find the general regulations and the Guidelines for Astrophilately.

At international exhibitions a frame measures 1 x 1 m. It covers 4 x 4 pages size A4. 297 mm height is the absolute maximum. The pages might be a little bit wider than the 210 mm of A4. However it takes additional effort to create your own size. At some local exhibitions a frame cover 12 pages A4.

The title page should follow specific requirements given by FIP. The best items are highlighted by a red frame. Thus also non-English speaking visitors and judges can understand the collection.