News and Views

Phonecard Shows

As I stated in an earlier issue, there has been a lack of collectors at previous phonecard shows. Most shows have been and are geared toward the telecommunications industry, and not toward collectors. The one exception is the Travel Lodge Hotel show held periodically in New York City. Even this show has low foot traffic. Even if collector shows were held all over the country, attendance would probably still be low. The key is to combine phonecards with other collectibles. Being interested in coins and sports cards, I know that shows for these collectibles are hurting. I recently attended a sportscard show in Rochester, New York. The promoter advertised 250 tables. I figured this would add up to about 200 dealers. Well, there were probably more like 50 dealers at the show. They filled up as many tables as possible, but it was a disappointment. Local shows in my area are never full anymore. In fact, over the past year, I think we have lost about 50% of sportscard dealers in this area alone. What we need is a combination of all collectibles. Sportscards, phonecards, coins, stamps, etc. There is a large show held in Las Vegas that does combine everything, I am surprised that this has not caught on. It would even work for smaller shows. The advantages are:

1) Promoters being able to sell all tables at shows
2) Higher foot traffic at the show
3) Most importantly, possible crossover. Collectors are collectors. If someone collects Steve Young football cards, chances are they would be interested a Steve Young phonecard or a Steve Young commemorative token. Dealers would do more business, and we would introduce phonecard collecting to people who may have had only limited exposure.

There is hope for this happening. I recently read that Jeff Rosenberg of Tri-Star Productions, who just promoted the recent Sportscard National Convention, are having phonecard pavillions at upcoming major shows. Education is the key in getting people to collect phonecards.

Rate Comparison

Although I like the price the card is worth in calling time on front, unless the units or minutes information is included, this information is basically worthless. Case in point is a recent article I read about Classic cards. Someone from Classic stated that the great thing about the new baseball phonecards is that someone would rather have a picture of Cal Ripken Jr. in their wallet for $10 rather than a generic phonecard. The problem with this is that the Ripken phonecard probably costs 67 cents per minute, the average phone rate for Classic Sprint cards. This means that there will be less than 15 minutes of calling time. On the other hand, I look for cards that have rates of less than 30 cents per minute to use. Even a 33 cent per minute card will give you 30 minutes of calling for that same $10, twice as much time. If someone sells you a phonecard for a price without telling you how much time you have on it, be wary. Hopefully the USTA will come up with guidelines for deceptive advertising. Illegal - No. Immoral, yes!

Post Office Selling Phonecards?

It was recently reported on CompuServe that the U.S Post Office will begin selling phonecards as a test in seven states. Denominations may be $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. Look for more details later.

Southwestern Bell Collector's Club

Southwestern Bell has formed a Collector's Club. Call (800) 600-Bell for over the phone enrollment. Best of all, along with club material, a free $2 phonecard will be mailed to you. What more can you ask for? How about a Stan Musial $10 phonecard (5000 limited edition) - This card is still available for face value, and postage is very reasonable at only $1.00.

New Telephone and Debit Card Newsletter

Art Becker, who is well published and quite knowledgeable about phone and debit cards, has begun his own newsletter. The cost for this newsletter is $30 for 15 issues, while will be mailed out every three weeks. I can sight unseen recommend this newsletter, my check is in the mail. If you don't want to take my guarantee, take Art's - It is satisfaction guaranteed or your money back. You can reach Art at 72072,2713 or write him at Arthur W. Becker, Box 34614. Washington, D.C. 20043.

Promotions

Here are a couple of on-going promotions.

Circuit City is offering a 30 minute phone card with the purchase of any Toshiba Cordless Phone.

Duracell and Ace Hardware have a current promotion going - Send in three UPC's from Duracell along with a coupon from Ace Hardware, get a 10 minute card. Offer ends 11/30/95

Historical Trivia

10/7 Question and Answer:

Who was The Black Prince’s Father?
Answer: King Edward III of England (1327-1377)

The winner was Deb Trinter

10/14 Question and Answer:

What was the name of the popular 14th century English heretical movement, and who was its leader? (Hint: The name was given to them because of the way some thought they talked)

Answer: Lollardy and John Wycliffe. The name Lollard was given because when they talked, people thought that they sounded like lall lall lall. There were no correct entries! Guess I need an easier question?

All correct entries will be placed in a drawing for a free used phonecard of my choice. This week’s question:

This week's question: (Easy) - Who inherited the English Crown from Henry VIII?

Distribution

Phonecards On-Line is available two way for now.

1) On-Line on the World Wide Web. The address is: http://www.idis.com/phonecards/phonecards/alan.htm

2) Direct e-mail. I'll be setting up a mail distribution system from my internet account. For those who have not already joined this mailing list, my e-mail address is: ahc3@cornell.edu

Until Next week,

Alan

I can be reached at ahc3@cornell.edu or 74074,2220

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