Conditionitis
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Where
a rigid standard of perfection
[sic] condition in United States stamps becomes the all-important
governing
feature in the formation of the collection, the underlying propulsion
is
invariably the financial angle, the resale value, the expected
profit.
I think this is generally conceded. Everyone, of
course, wants
good-looking stamps, -- this is natural and understandable, -- but
where
condition is carried to extremes, as it frequently is, where the
collector
is contented only with copies, which are calibrated for perfect
centering,
copies in absolute and precise balance, the collection in time must
become
a wearying and dangerous mental hazard. Often, after he finds
them,
he worries whether they are good enough and whether he might have
gotten
another copy, "just a little better," had he only seen some more or
waited
a little longer. When the dollar sign is not the guiding star
then
perhaps a psychiatrist could more accurately diagnose the motivating
reasons.
At any rate, stamp collecting at this stage has ceased to be a
pleasurable
pursuit. If it is agreed, then, that it is a cold-blooded
speculation
do these people give as much thought and planning to their investments
in
stocks, bonds and other securities? A bad case of
"conditionitis" can
spoil the hobby for anyone. -
George B. Sloane
Sloane's Column Stamps March 17, 1948 Posted July 25, 1999 Index of 508 Notes from the Past Note: If the link isn't returned the first try, try again. Comments? Send me an e-mail |