Building Your Collection?

I want to discuss using the Internet to help build your collection. First, we have to consider your collecting interests, are you interested in topical or general issues?
As a topical collector you’re looking for different ways to fill your topical interests. You can search by topic or catalog number. You can begin by looking at the philatelic agencies of the various countries. The best source is the Universal Postal Union (www.upu.int). Established in 1874, with its headquarters in the Swiss capital Berne, it is the second oldest international organization worldwide. Currently there are 192 member countries with links to those with philatelic web sites. Here you can find information regarding upcoming or recently announced issues - even before the dealers have them. Another source for information is the American Topical Association (www.americantopicalassn.org). This is a tre...