April 2005

Title Pages (front sheets)

On page 6 of Flash No. 90 (2004) the well-respected FIP Director Lumir Brendl reports on the status of two FIP experimental classes, “Open Class” and “One Frame Class.” In the report is an illustration of a “good” title page. It is not clear whether this is the feeling of Dr. Brendl or of that of aero juror Michalis Tsironis of Greece. On page 6 of Flash No. 91 (2005) Mr. Jussi Tuori, Chairman of the FIP Commission for Traditional Philately, takes the opposite point of view, stating that this is a “bad” title page.

So, what makes a title page “good”? The most important aspect of a “good” title page is that it must explain the concept of the exhibit. The exhibitor must lay out what he intends to do and also tell how he intends to do it. Without this, the judging team has no way to measure whether the exhibitor accomplished what he set out to do, and the awarding of “treatment” points becomes difficult. The exhibitor should receive a significant deduction because of this.

The illustrated title page consists of history and statistical data gleaned from a catalog. There is no indication of the concept of the exhibit or the plan. (Perhaps there was a plan page following?) As such, it is just much wasted space. 

If you have an example of what you feel is a “good” title page e-mail me a scan and we will all have a look!

Washington 2006

There is still time to apply to exhibit at what may well be one of the last really large internationals. I don’t know how many frames will be allocated to aerophilately but I would like to see as many aero applications as possible. Please think seriously about exhibiting and contact your National Commissioner now. If you do not know who your National Commissioner is contact me by e-mail and I will supply you with the information.

FIP-FISA

I will be meeting with the FISA Board of Directors in early June, just prior to the German National Exhibition NAPOSTA. At that time I will continue to explore how FISA and the FIP Commission for Aerophilately can work together to promote our hobby. It is time to come up with some concrete proposals, and act on them. Both groups need to become much more proactive in the promotion of aerophilately. If you have any ideas please let me have them now. Incidentally, I have been told that there are 16 aero exhibits (120 frames) entered in NAPOSTA.

Until next time…
Your friend in aerophilately,
Stephen Reinhard

Respond to me by e-mail at sreinhard1@optonline.net. I will use some, and perhaps all, responses in a future “Chairman’s Chatter.”