The purpose of the newsletter is to update you on the philatelic sites available through the SuperSite, in hopes that the site increases your enjoyment of stamp collecting. We hope that you will feel free to contact me with suggestions and comments about the site and this newsletter.

If the Internet a.k.a. World Wide Web is going to change the Stamp Collecting hobby (and I believe it will) then the revolution begins with the auction facilities.

At the PHILATELIC SUPERSITE "AUCTION HOUSE" we have arranged links to guide the collector through the range of options available to enhance your collecting experience.

We begin with the top auction houses, where the "six-figure" stamps are sold. Even if you aren't a six-figure collector, it's a joy to "surf" these sites and view the gems and rarities they hold.

Start with Siegel Auctions Gallery of Rarities where they boast of the stamps which they have auctioned in the past.

Our next level is the auction-companies that meet the mid-range collectors. Pick your area of fancy, and you can either order mail-sale catalogues on-line, or at several sites view the current offerings, the prices realized in prior auctions and again lots of stamp images.

Then come the real excitement for the future of collecting. The Interactive Auction Sites. These sites are built around web site software that present the offer, usually with a picture if available, records your bid information, then notifies you and the seller if you are successful. The programs also allow for recording your experiences with the sellers, so repeat sellers can establish a track record of prior customers' complements and complaints.

This is a short review of some of these facilities, all of which are listed on the Auction House page of the SuperSite:

Stamp Auctions.com is, in our independent opinion, the leader in this field for better quality stamps. This site is exclusive to stamp collecting, and presents a broad range of stamp offers for all collecting interests. Click on the camera icon to view an image of the offered stamp(s).

For example, currently offered is a Scott #35 used; cat. 65.00; currently with a bid of $9.00

CollectIt.Net is a new entry to the field, backed by Krause Publishing, which includes Stamp Collector and Stamp Wholesaler magazines. With its ability to promote the site through its publications, I expect the auction to do well and be able to present a broad range of interesting material.

eBay showed me why they are the darling of Wall Street. While a giant all-interests auction, the stamp section is very well presented, with a chat facility and over 1500 lots currently listed.

How do you compete against eBay if you are in the on-line auction business? Collectors Auction has resorted to being a TOTALLY FREE site as they build market share. While no eBay in size, the site does offer plenty of material and is worth the surf.

The SUPERSITE COLLECTOR'S AUCTION also offers an auction, which is free to collectors and charges a minimal fee of for-profit-dealers.