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 Writers Wanted! Scott 1375 (2008) The Vatican Philatelic Society (VPS) Website Team is reaching out to you, our members, for ideas and articles for the publications presented by the Society. This includes articles for the Daily Emails and Page 2 presentations and the Daily Questions sent out each day, as well as for our quarterly journal, Vatican Notes. A couple of years ago, the VPS Website Team called for volunteers to write questions to appear in the daily email distributed to its members. With a little trepidation, I decided to take a crack at writing a couple of questions on topics of interest to me. The questions were accepted and published. This began what has become a very rewarding, educational and entertaining journey for me as a writer for both the Website and the Notes. We have been fortunate to receive contributions from our members in the forms of article ideas and content, as well as comments and suggestions which have helped us expand on our daily presentations. For example, member Terry Averbeck recently shared a cover mailed from Vatican City to an officer on the USS Oklahoma. This led to a very interesting Daily Email, which we are planning to expand into an article for Vatican Notes. This is a great example of how a member's contribution can be shared with the entire membership of VPS. I am sure there are many other topics of interest to each member that can be shared which would make great presentations to all VPS members. Without a doubt, VPS is blessed to have many knowledgeable members with vast collections and expertise in a wide array of topics falling under the umbrella of Vatican philately. Perhaps you have some material in your collection—interesting, rare or one-of-a-kind items--that would be enthusiastically received by your fellow members if you are willing to share them in a Notes article or a Daily Email. What do you collect? Roman States? First Day Covers and/or Maximum Cards? Oddities and Errors? Stamps alone or postal history? Have you built a collection based on your travels to Italy and Vatican City, or to religious sites or countries depicted on Vatican City stamps? Do you have a favorite stamp or set that you have built into a specialized collection? Do you have personal experience to share? These suggestions merely scratch the surface of possible topics that would make great articles. You may have seen in my articles I like to use the word connection—how can I connect my interests in Vatican philately to events, places, saints and people who have touched my life. It has been a truly wonderful experience. Any of the general topics listed above serve as great sources of articles—short or long—that would be valuable contributions to our publications. Take it from me, you do not need to be a technical or scholarly writer to contribute an article of interest. Even if you just volunteer a topic and some supporting material, we can help turn it into something to share with your fellow members. I dipped my toe into the pond and eventually took the leap. I look back at those first questions I wrote and cannot believe it has led to such enjoyment and knowledge, and has added so much to my understanding of not only the philately of Vatican City but to my faith. I welcome all of you to join in this most rewarding venture. Contact one of us to let us know your interest and any topics you would like to tackle. Believe me, you will not regret it! VPS Contacts: |
