750th stamp blog: Evaluation
After consulting with my philately friends, the vast majority opted for an evaluation for my 750th blog, rather than a celebratory event. Normally, an evaluation is conducted at a lower number—for example, 100, 250, or 500 blogs—so at 750 blogs, I have every right to conduct a major evaluation. I will certainly return to the recent negative comments from the two bloggers. An evaluation does not consist solely of pleasant matters; unpleasant aspects are also addressed.
Social media
Stamp blogs are an example of social media tools in the field of philately. In general, there is a multitude of social media programs/systems such as Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, YouTube, etc. In my opinion, they all have two important objectives worldwide:- Sharing knowledge;
- Conveying viewpoints.
It is clear that we live in a changing global landscape with many uncertainties and dangers lurking around the corner. Polarization, wars, famine, and refugees are just a few of the trends of our time. Yet, recently, two bloggers (Willem Hogendoorn and Jan van de Wal) felt the need to respond negatively to me in a number of my posts regarding the format of my blog. I will return to this later in this blog. But apparently, worldly problems do not appeal to either of these gentlemen; instead, they feel the need to lecture a simple blogger. But what do they achieve as bloggers themselves?
Stamp blog (according to Wikipedia)
We start by first searching for 'Postzegelblog' on Google. There is no Wikipedia page, but AI does provide results. Those who Google frequently will see the hits from the AI overview first at the top of the search results. A stamp blog is a blog about stamps and philately. These blogs can range from personal collections to more informative articles about the history, value, and other aspects of stamps. Wikipedia describes philately as the hobby of collecting stamps and other postal items.
Contents of a stamp blog:
Collections: Collectors showcase their collections, share tips on collecting, and search for new stamps. History: Articles on the history of stamps, important statements, and the evolution of postal services. Information: Articles on stamp value, rare specimens, and the meaning of stamps. Tips and tricks: Tips for collectors, such as buying, storing, and caring for stamps. Personal experiences: Bloggers can share their experiences with philately, for example regarding stamp knives or stamp fairs.
Examples of stamp blogs:
There are countless stamp blogs to be found online. Some examples are: Philatelist's Blog: A blog where an enthusiastic philatelist shares his collection and experiences. Blog with Information about Stamps: A blog focused on providing information about stamps, such as their history and value. Blog about the Stamp Market: A blog focusing on the stamp market, with information about auctions and sales.
Benefits of a stamp blog:
Improved communication: Bloggers can connect with other philatelists and share their knowledge. More information: Stamp blogs offer a wealth of information about stamps and philately. Access to collections: Bloggers can share their collections with others and find inspiration for their own collections.
Home Stamp Blog
In early March 2006, TPG Post launched the weblog Postzegelblog.nl. The primary target audience consists not of hardcore philatelists, but of the million potential Dutch stamp collectors. In the long term, TPG Post also intends to place advertisements on the blog, but no revenue model has yet been formulated for the first year.
Postzegelblog.nl offers stamp news and a platform on stamp-related themes. There is also a calendar for fairs and auctions and a bulletin board where visitors can place their own advertisements. Furthermore, Postzegelblog offers, among other things, a version for mobile internet users, a search function for the news archive, and links to other stamp sites. The driving forces behind Postzegelblog from the very beginning are Frank Janssen (founder and CEO of Frankwatching.nl) and, involved as a consultant, Lia Vieveen (then Internet Communications Coordinator at TPG Post, worked at PostNL for a total of 11 years, now Chief Operating Officer at Frankwatching.nl) and Simon (??). Stamp collectors reacted with pleasure but surprise. Ties Koek, chairman of the Dutch Philatelist Association, knew nothing about it, even though he consults with TPG Post twice a year. “We were not involved in the preparations, but I can only applaud any initiative to promote stamps.” According to Rob van Bruggen of the Dutch Association of Stamp Collectors, the weblog can help reverse a negative trend. “The Netherlands has between 20.000 and 25.000 registered stamp collectors. But that number is unfortunately declining. Thanks to the internet, collectors are no longer as dependent on associations. If the membership fees become too high, they cancel their membership and start offering or buying stamps themselves via the internet. This is a great initiative to bring everything back together.”
Lia Vieveen (TPG Post): “There are about a million potentially interested people in the Netherlands for whom the philatelist associations are just a little too specialized. With Postzegelblog.nl, we want to offer them an accessible platform.” Isn’t she afraid that serious collectors will feel overlooked? “No, because something as overarching as this doesn’t exist at all yet. There are some sales and association sites, but nowhere is there a place for news and discussion. Currently, TPG Post only has a brief press release on the website whenever a new stamp is released, and a link to the webshop, but nothing else. The weblog needs to become a platform where new stamps can be discussed. It is perfectly acceptable for it to be critical. We have hired external bloggers who can write whatever they want. The management has no influence on that.” Ultimately, the intention is also to place advertisements on the blog. “But for the first year, no revenue model has been created for that yet,” says Lieveen. “A million potentially interested people naturally says nothing about site visits. We haven't formulated targets for that yet either. Broadening interest in stamps is the primary objective for the time being. And the blog for TPG is in any case a fun way to experiment with blogging. Yes, we had to overcome quite a few hurdles to achieve that.” Source: Emerce, March 2006.
Continuation of Stamp Blog
Later, Postzegelblog was acquired by PostBeeld. The acquisition of Postzegelblog by PostBeeld.nl is a step towards an integrated collecting platform, where users can find more content, articles, and features.
bloggers
The number of bloggers has decreased in recent years. Partly due to old age, illness, and declining interest, the continuity of the blogs is maintained by two bloggers, namely Randy Koo and Bate Hylkema. I have great appreciation for the philatelic knowledge and the knowledge of designers and designs of Bate HylkemaHis specialization in Dutch editions is highly appreciated by many readers of his blogs. He is also uniquely capable of establishing the connection between new editions and earlier editions by the same or a different designer on the same subject. Bate surprises and amazes me every time with his new blogs. His strongest point is above all his eye for detail! Thanks to the following readers who frequently comment on my blogs: Willem P, Lars, Ger, Ramon, Jan 1964, Hans Krul, Boris, Guido (Breda), Willemijn V, Fam A. Kroesemeijer, Aad, Fer, Otto E, Jaap K, Pieter, Helga, and others I have not mentioned.
When I read Bate's blogs, it is clear that he writes differently than I do. That is precisely what makes it so refreshing when multiple bloggers write in different styles, with great diversity and varying depth. That is the added value of Postzegelblog. So, new bloggers, do not let yourselves be distracted by these two gentlemen who always react negatively, but choose your own path to bring your theme to the attention of philatelists. Only the blogger decides for themselves which theme they will write about. You do not need to ask others for permission.
Stars and Forum
At the end of each blog post, there are stars (from 1* to 5*) and a Forum where a reader can leave a comment. This can be a question, an addition, or a correction of parts of the blog. What strikes me about the stars is the following:- There is always someone who gives a 1* or 2* immediately after the blog goes online. Does that person want to point out what is wrong with the blog, because the blogger doesn't know what they do to deserve this? The reader has no idea how much work goes into writing the blog.
- Does the reader dislike the blogger, does the topic not appeal to them, or does the reader disagree with the blogger's viewpoint in the article? We don't know, but it is very petty to give a low rating without indicating why that is the case.
Improve Stamp Blog
A list is available from PostBeeld to improve Postzegelblog. This relates to the management aspects of the blog or the development of a new Postzegelblog site that aligns with the modern structure and requirements of the blog. It is up to PostBeeld to address these matters.
Gathering information
Imagine the following situation. My grandparents live in the woods. They can be reached by horse and carriage, essentially by stagecoach. Upon arrival, I am sent to the attic to consult the Winkler Prins encyclopedia to gather information about the subject I am going to write about for my new blog post. Then I have to travel back the same way and write the article. Jan, it would take a month for the blog to be ready if I had to work this way.
All journalists from all (new) media search Wikipedia for their information and use ChatGPT. There is not a single investigative journalist who goes out to look for information if that info is already available online. News publication follows short deadlines, and there is cutthroat competition among all (new) media to publish first. A simple blogger like me also uses these internet options (Wikipedia, press releases, websites, etc.) to write the blog. It helps if you do NOT read my blogs, because then it won't irritate you, and the same goes for me. The blogs are free, and just like on a TV, there is an ON/OFF button. So use that button!
To score
Criticizing me (Willem) because I write too many blogs, because I want to score, is really absurd. If you don't know me, then you shouldn't say falsehoods about me. My real (philately) friends who know me know that all 750 Blogs align with my areas of interest. I wouldn't be able to write if a particular subject didn't move me. Then there is no reason for me to write about that subject. When I write a blog, I don't think in terms of 'scoring' and 'not scoring'. Here is an example for you, Willem (just like for Jan). Did you see the magnificent UEFA Champions League final between PSG and Inter Milan, 5-0, on May 31st? With all those star players scoring beautiful goals. Did you send an email to PSG after the match telling them not to score so many goals, because you are bothered by 5 goals?
Coordination etc
Jan remarks that a consultation group (which I translate as a vetting committee) and an editorial board (which reviews the blogs before they go online) remind me that players in a football team (to continue the comparison with the previous point) comment on and advise each other. The result is that they lose every match. It is not the players who should listen to each other, but to the team's coach. For example, Sepp Herberger (Germany) or Helmut Schön (Germany).
In 1936, he took over following Nerz's departure. Sepp Herberger led the West German national football team to its first World Cup title in 1954. Herberger brought Helmut Schön in as an assistant coach for the West German national team, where Schön assumed final responsibility in November 1964. During his career as national coach, he achieved 92 victories and 26 draws in 162 matches. The Seppl-Herberger-Stadion in Mannheim was named after him.
Helmut Schön (1915–1996) is the most successful German national coach to date. He won the European Championship in 1972, including a dream match and the first victory against the “motherland of football” on English soil, and won the World Cup in 1974 on home soil – the highlights of Schön’s era, which ran from 1964 to 1978. As a player for Dresdner SC, the technically gifted striker won the German Championship twice (1942/43 and 1943/44) and the Tschammerpoule twice (1940 and 1941). As an international, he scored 17 goals in 16 matches. Franz Beckenbauer once expressed his appreciation as follows: “Helmut Schön was a coach of great stature and great humanity. For the up-and-coming professional player who was already well at home in the trade, he was exactly the right type of national coach.” Incidentally (see earlier under Bloggers), PostBeeld and its employees do not impose any requirements on bloggers regarding how they write their blogs. Imposing requirements only raises the barrier and causes bloggers to drop out. Even at the time of the launch of Postzegelblog, TPG Post did not impose any requirements regarding the writing of the blogs. The content of the blogs was allowed to conflict with the interests of the postal service. Jan, it is outrageous, inappropriate, and uncollegial to make a big fuss about what someone who has written more than 725 blogs has to comply with. You have only written one blog yourself. If you have written more than 100 blogs, then you are welcome to come back with criticism. If I may mention another comparison in the sports world, to be more specific in the world of football: it would surely be absurd if Anthony Correia, the manager of the newly promoted football club Telstar gives advice to Arno Slot (trainer of) regarding the Eredivisie for the 2024/2025 season Liverpool and champion of the Premier League in the 2024/25 season) how he should play in the upcoming season and which new players he should buy.
My tip is, read this book, then you can still learn a lot from Remco Claassen's advice:
Consequences of criticism
My friend, the psychologist, has read this criticism and provides this analysis, or rather 'interpretation': A. Jealousy and envy. Two major reasons for both gentlemen to criticize someone who, in their eyes, is successful and whom they cannot match with their own blogs. B. Disadvantage for the PostBeeld company. They are constantly working to recruit new bloggers, but potential new bloggers will drop out because they have to write blogs in their spare time and receive such criticism from both gentlemen. No, thank you.
Randy, thank you for your comprehensive article in which you clearly outline the state of affairs and your vision, and of course, thank you for your other 749 blogs covering a wide variety of, yet mostly very topical subjects.
PostBeeld acquired Postzegelblog in 2012 with the goal of putting philately in the spotlight on the internet as a leading stamp retailer. From the very beginning, we have focused on allowing everyone to write whatever they wish and consider important. Although the blog is directly linked to our world catalogue and webshop, and we naturally advertise ourselves occasionally, that remains not the primary goal to this day. Founded by the current PostNL, PostNL co-sponsored Postzegelblog for many years. Unfortunately, PostNL has stopped doing so as of 2025, meaning that keeping Postzegelblog running is now fully funded by PostBeeld. This also applies to our English-language blog, feestampmagazine, which features completely different articles. As long as there are enthusiastic volunteer bloggers like you who want to share their vision and knowledge, we will continue to do so, and we gladly welcome new bloggers.
Rob Smit, PostBeeld Haarlem.
There is a funny typo in my comment above that suggests exactly the opposite. Our English-language blog is not called Feestampmagazine. It doesn't require payment, and that is precisely why it is called Freestampmagazine!
Congratulations on this wonderful milestone, Randy.
It is indeed a shame that (some) people give bad grades without explaining why, and/or (often) react negatively to the blogs. I can imagine that writing a blog indeed takes a lot of time and effort.
I read almost everything that appears on this site; sometimes I find it more interesting than others, but I wouldn't be quick to react negatively to what is written.
It might sound like a cliché, but I think it would be fun to write something sometime, though I wouldn't know where to start or if I possess sufficient (philatelic) knowledge.
Could you or another author give me some tips?
'@ Ramon: My tip is: look at the content of your album(s) and what you like about it. And write something about that.
Good luck, Willem
@Randy: It seems receiving feedback bothers you sometimes. Perhaps we should meet up sometime in our beautiful Leiden to discuss it over a cup of coffee and a Leiden cookie.
@Rob: Thanks for your addition regarding the history of Postzegelblog. I couldn't find everything, not even on the internet. I'm going to continue and hope to write issue no. 1000 before the summer holidays.
@Ramon: In one of the next follow-up blogs, Evaluation (2), I will give you some tips on how to write a blog about any topic. Perhaps this will lead to more bloggers. I hope you will join in to increase the number of bloggers. There are currently too few bloggers for continuity. Anyone can be absent for a long period due to illness, for example, or due to private circumstances.
@Willem: We do NOT live in Russia, China, or the USA, but in a democratic country where I exercise my freedom of speech. Agreed?
That also applies to you and Jan giving a negative reaction to my blogs. But if they contain falsehoods, I unfortunately have to give feedback in return. That is a normal reaction. It would be strange if I didn't respond. I am very busy in the coming weeks, so meeting up isn't possible. As you know, I visit approximately 200 expos and events per year throughout the Benelux and Germany, and on top of that, I write blogs and network. Busy, busy, busy.
@to everyone giving me stars: I have turned off the stars so that I no longer have to deal with the annoyance of those low ratings from readers who disagree with the content of my blogs! I hope that the readers of my blogs use the Forum to submit additions, tips, and corrections, and not to comment on the format of the blog. The newspaper is also written by multiple journalists. And if you don't find my blog interesting, then simply don't read it. Just like a TV with an ON/OFF button.
On to 1000 blogs!
@Randy: You are completely wrong to dismiss my earlier proposal—editing for fellow authors—as a selection committee. After all, such a committee assesses whether you already possess sufficient knowledge and talent to progress to an educational program or workplace. That is absolutely not the case here. As Rob also indicates, everyone is welcome to write something on this platform. That does not alter the fact that, as authors, we can improve each other's level using the method I proposed. In your further argument and metaphor, you draw a comparison with a football team. Fine. Isn't it true that every footballer, from a pupil at amateur level to a professional in paid football, will have to keep training throughout their entire career? So there is always that coach indicating how things can be done even better. But are you open to such input? Because if someone currently offers you constructive criticism—something you could benefit from in the future—that person is immediately cornered. You immediately go on the defensive, launch into a long story, but can no longer listen to what the other person is saying. Comments and criticisms act on you like a red rag to a bull. In this way, you remain trapped in your own sense of being right. How much criticism do you think I have received over the past few years while writing articles for magazines or books? I would think I had done my very best, only to receive my draft back full of comments and criticisms from an editor. But I learned so much from it. And I am so grateful for that editorial input. So stop being stubborn and seize the opportunity for help. Do engage in conversation with your fellow villager. And LISTEN to someone else for a change.
‘@Jan…
The big difference between you and Randy will be that you have worked as a "bread-and-butter writer," whereas Randy writes his blogs as an enthusiastic and respected philatelist.
If I may ask, what are your philatelic interests?
Classic, Thematic, or Posthistorical?
@Pieter: That difference may exist. But that seems like all the more reason for Randy to accept advice for a change. I am still learning too. Every single day. By opening myself up to it.
I collect everything philatelic from and about Friesland: PostNL and its predecessors, City Post, Personal Stamps, FDCs, and even foreign stamps that can be linked to this theme.
How open to criticism is someone who blocks the star rating? So we are allowed to vote, but Randy’s ballot box slot is taped shut. And those excuses not to talk to fellow author Willem. Busy, busy, busy. Well, this is RACO instead of TACO: Randy Always Chickens Out.
‘@ Jan,
The beauty of advice is that the person receiving the advice is not obliged to accept and/or use it.
If I interpret the tone of your comments (hopefully correctly), you are of the opinion that the person being advised should indeed do so.
It seems as if you are surprised and indignant that this is not being done (fully) and that it is starting to look more and more like mudslinging than constructive criticism.
Your own words—"But that seems to me all the more reason for Randy to accept advice for a change," "You are completely wrong about my earlier proposal," "But are you open to such input," "DO have a conversation with your fellow villager. And LISTEN to someone else for once"—reinforce this feeling in me.
I don't know your background, but this doesn't seem constructive and doesn't allow for a perspective different from your own.
Finally, I would like to express my feeling that this is not the place for such a heated discussion. Naturally, (constructive) criticism is accepted by most of us, but as the French says: C'est le ton qui fait la musique.
‘@allen:
Pieter couldn't have put it better. I write the blogs for pleasure; I read the beginning of this blog with the goals of sharing knowledge and conveying viewpoints. As a simple blogger, I use Wikipedia, just like all other journalists. Nothing wrong with that.
I write the blog this way, and not the way Willem or Bate or Hero or Cees write blogs. That is their choice.
Everyone has their own writing style. As long as the content is accurate and there is no nonsense. For me, there is no room for discussion regarding the format of the blog. I resolved long ago NOT to listen to the advice of Willem and Jan. It is too far removed from my reality and actually blocks my creativity. And I certainly do not accept advice from Jan, who has written only one blog post. I wonder if his second blog will appear before Christmas 2025.
Then there's Christien with her unnuanced reaction. I've never seen a comment from her before, and now suddenly this reaction. But you don't know me at all, so you don't know if I'm busy or not. You don't know my private situation, and then you say things like that?! It's not surprising that I turned off the *****. The reasons why are in this blog. Hero Wit disabled his Forum right from the start so as not to have to listen to all that whining. He can write his blogs in peace.
There is another reason not to have lunch with Willem, if you read his comments on this blog:
https://www.postzegelblog.nl/2018/05/02/koningsdag-in-groningen/
A blog post from 2018 where Willem H responds positively on May 2, 2018 (and Ramon does too, by the way). Then a negative comment appears from Jan vd W. Suddenly, Willem H goes along with Jan's comment. So, a one-two punch to blacken my name and criticize me again.
There is sufficient evidence that they repeatedly criticize my previous blogs, but do not do so with other bloggers. Isn't that strange?
My old Dutch teacher is right: the best captains stand on shore.
Before writing a blog post, I have extensive contact with stamp collectors (national and international) who are knowledgeable about the relevant themes. I also receive sufficient information (text and images) from them to write the blog. I obtain the rest of the information from the internet.
Do I have to explain everything about how I write a blog now? The other bloggers don't give that explanation either. But since you ask so nicely...
‘@Ramon:
I forgot to reply to Ramon's comment. I completely agree with Ramon's comment.
I don't like the tone of Jan's response at all. It is just negative criticism that I can't do anything with.
Call to all potential new bloggers: Do NOT let yourself be distracted by this discussion and sign up with PostBeeld as a new blogger. Accept nothing from Willem H and Jan, who are always looking for arguments to criticize. You can always choose to turn off the ***** and the Forum at PostBeeld. Then you can write all your blogs in peace!
@Randy: I am truly amazed by everything that is happening here. That so-called evaluation of yours is just bragging about the “milestone” reached. Just patting yourself on the back. What does this have to do with stamps anymore? And time and time again, you prove with your comments that you absolutely cannot handle criticism. Everyone who agrees with you is glorified. But woe betide if it touches a sore spot for His Holiness. In the PostNL days, there were still good authors; now there is only a select few. The standard has dropped sharply. It doesn't all have to be Librije Zwolle for all I care; Van der Valk has tasty food too. But now it is sinking to below Big Mac level. I am removing the Postzegelblog from my Favorites list. I’ve had enough of this. Write good articles about stamps or otherwise keep a low profile. I bet you’re going to write a whole blog post this coming weekend, completely filled with your view on the matter. You are so predictable. Ugh.
‘@Leo:
Fortunately, we do not live in Russia, China, and the USA, but in a country with freedom of speech. I also believe that you are entitled to this opinion, but then you must also respect mine if I keep receiving negative reactions from the same people. That is no longer a coincidence. And an evaluation after 750 blogs seems justified to me, doesn't it?
And if you can do better, I invite you to sign up as a new blogger, because I'm sure you can do much better. Just do it, and the level of the blogs will rise!
It is rather strange that for the past few years I have only received positive news from various sources, and now, over the past few weeks, readers have been stirring up the discussion. If you had come earlier with a constructive response (I have been writing since February 2017), I could have changed my writing style. Not anymore!
Dear Randy,
Please keep writing as you have for years. Even though not every subject interests me, I still read every submission of yours, and there is always something new to discover or learn. I feel that your contributions to the stamp blog really matter. And there is nothing wrong with your writing style, I say as a retired Dutch teacher. It was about time I conveyed this compliment to you.
Best regards,
Hans
Randy, I remember well that I once had a valid, critical response to one of your blogs. I didn't get a reply, which I thought was cowardly. During the fun period when I wrote blogs, I often gave you complimentary feedback. From your side, I never received a response, whether positive or negative. I always found that very unfortunate. That shaped my opinion of you.
‘@Yvonne:
I can't remember anymore. So many blogs were written, and I read a lot as well. I do know that I was going through a difficult period with illness in the family, caregiving, and ultimately a death, and the aftermath of it.
I have always found your articles to be of a high quality. I also mentioned that in my evaluation. Will you be returning as a blogger? There are so many themes that haven't been covered yet.
Randy, what an achievement, 750 blogs on postzegelblog. I think it's impressive.
The topics are very diverse and also very current. For me, it is mainly for inspiration and to learn something. Discussions on social media, and specifically here in the blogs, often lead to nothing. People drop out, for example. Fortunately, we live in a free country, and blogs are a great medium for sharing information. Feedback is "in itself" no problem at all and is usually even welcome. As soon as it becomes personal, it becomes less palatable. Keep on blogging, I would say.
Someone who is a fry cook, and yet wants to play in the kitchen of a 3-star restaurant, shouldn't be surprised if he gets in the way there.
My chemistry teacher just told me the other day that Randy can't even tell an a from a c. Well, I think that's a bit lame. But my math teacher told me that Randy has trouble squaring a and c. Maybe we should ask the geography teacher. He surely knows.
I was already looking at that Dutch teacher with amazement too. Randy was born in 1958. That teacher must be at least 25 years older, so 1933 or even earlier. So still from the spelling era of De Vries and Te Winkel. A philatelist instead of filatelist and Nederlandsch instead of Nederlands etc.
I am surprised by the criticism, in this case regarding the railway buildings blog. I believe I understand that the articles illustrate the relationship between the stamp and the background. The goal is to share knowledge about the subject. And Randy has succeeded in that. I read his blogs with pleasure, and I also learn about the background of the themes. Otherwise, a visit to the library is recommended. I am also surprised by the many subjects Randy writes about. This applies to the other bloggers as well.
My clients at the Taalhuis use the stamp blog to better understand Dutch language and culture. Multiple goals are possible for the blogs. Keep going until you reach 1000 blogs. And of course, I hope that the other bloggers are encouraged to write more blogs as well, and that they may continue their noble work.
Congratulations on blog 750, Randy.
Congratulations on your 750th blog post. Always surprising themes and topics. What strikes me is that they relate to current events. Do not listen to other readers of the blog or bloggers who leave negative comments. They are not philatelists, but are out to damage bloggers. That is so recognizable by the tone they use. Keep up the good work and on to the 1000th blog post!