An APS Idea

The American Philatelic Society has fallen on hard times. Membership has plunged to 33,000, not far from the number where huge service cuts will have to take place. Finally, acquisition and retention of members has become a priority and a committee under former Vice President Steven Rod is exploring ways to increase membership. The main reasons for the APS decline need retelling if only to underscore how difficult a turn around will be. Most people belong to organizations because of the benefits that membership confers. Thirty years ago, APS membership got you the best stamp magazine in the hobby. It got you access to the stamp circuits where you could shop for the stamps that you wanted in the comfort of your own home. The society sponsored the best stamp shows in the country. Members had access to specially priced and easy to get insurance. Members had instant credit with stamp dealers. Quite a list. And for the $15 that membership cost, quite a bargain. Today, APS membership is not so great a value. The magazine isn’t what it was, stamp insurance is available without membership, and stamps can be bought day and night from the comfort of your own home without society membership. And at $48, membership in the society has to confer real benefits to be worthwhile. Steve Rod’s committee is working on several ideas including one that will provide new members with a coupon book with substantial savings from stamp dealers and publishers. A national stamp society is an important representative of our hobby. The APS has been around nearly 130 years and it would be a pity if it disappeared on our watch.