A DRIVING FORCE in the HOBBY......

It is believed by many, that if our hobby is to have a healthy expansion into future generations, that topical collecting need be given equal footing in the broader philatelic community.  That is a debate for the philatelic philosophers, but hopefully provided here will be tools to help accellerate that process.  Similar to the country listings suggest in "PERFORATIONS WORLD", a matching approach will be provided, over time, for a host of topics that appeal to that growing community.  List, links, and information(s) will be generated and contributions most welcomed.  The goal again is to provide a free service to the philatelic community offering a comprehensive presentation on selected topics.  There will be additional benefits provided to both traditional members of the OPS as well as virtual members and work is currently being explored so that these services might begin to be offered in the near future.

The following is an example of a small part of a typical "topical checklist".  Traditionally, the collector would be required to access a full range of philatelic catalogues to cross-reference such information accurately.  It is hoped that in the near future and "interactive" listing will also be available.

This example below is part of a more comprehensive list (first six pages)taken from the "BELLS Topical List" provided to members of the American Topical Association (ATA). It is provided here for illustrative purposes only and within the copyright usage guidelines of the ATA.  OPS members are encouraged to visit and join the American Topical Association.  Redirect to thier site at the following link: (www.americantopicalassn.org) or click the illustration logo above.