Two Year Anniversary

This issue marks the two year anniversary of this newsletter, which started on September 30, 1995. When I first started writing, I had three objectives, which were:

Give a review of the latest news and information available on-line.
Provide information for the latest promotions and giveaways.
Analyze the current phonecard market.

I never thought that this newsletter would grow as large as it has. There are currently about 2400 people directly subscribed, plus those who get forwarded copies or read the issue on the web. What amazes me over the past two years is the recognition that phonecards have received. We seemed to have gone from hardly anyone knowing what a phonecard is, to almost everyone knowing what it is. Now the big barrier is getting people to realize that these pieces of plastic are indeed collectible! We’re getting there, and I hope you are all enjoying the ride - I know I am! It’s been a lot of fun publishing the newsletter, I enjoy all the comments (constructive ones as well as positive) and I hope to be doing this for a long time to come.

For those of you who are new to the newsletter, all 98 issues are archived at: http://www.cardmall.com/pol

Telecard World Report

By Scott Nemeroff

I attended Telecard World in NY and thought I would give a brief report and comment.

The show has certainly drifted away from the collector as compared to the last Telecard World I attended two years ago. The only dealer I saw with a booth was Box Seat Collectibles who had an excellent display of cards for sale. There was steady traffic through the booth which leads me to believe they will do well. I also saw Bruce Harmon and Steve Eyer among others in attendance.

Our friends from Money Card and PCM also had booths. The new Money Card Catalog was on display and looks great. They had them for sale for later delivery.

I was only at the show for about 3 hours so I probably did not see or get all the show cards. I got extras of some of the cards and are offering them for sale on another message. The standout was certainly Continental Plastics who traditionally has one of the top entries at the shows. A description is also in my upcoming message.

In summary, I am glad I did not make a special trip to go to the show. I doubt this show will ever be what it used to be for the collector. However, I am glad to see the long distance telecard (usage) business flourish which is what we had always hoped for.

Finish Line Phone Pak 2 Finished

Collector Paul Wood has written to say that the cards from this product are no longer active. Finish Line went out of business, but the cards still worked. It appears that this is no longer the case. I’ve confirmed this by testing out my cards. It’s a shame when cards go bad before their expiration, it really gives this hobby a black eye - Especially cards that are produced specifically for the hobby.

Card Mall Essay Contest

As a way for phonecard collectors to write about their hobby, The Card Mall will be sponsoring occasional essay contests with prizes! To enter this contest, just answer the following question:

What was the first phonecard in your collection, and how did you happen to obtain it?

It's that easy - E-mail your answer to essay@cardmall.com. Five winners will be chosen (at random!) to receive a K-Mart Cash Card with $1 on it. It can be used as an AT&T phonecard, but it can also be used to purchase merchandise from K-Mart. Perhaps it will be your first cashcard, and one day in the future you will be answering a "Where did you get your first cash card from?" contest with your winnings!

All entries must be received by October 31, 1997 to qualify, and they will be posted on-line. Check the web site at http://www.cardmall.com/essay.htm for people's posts.

Tony’s Deep Dish Pizza

I'm writing to tell you about the free phonecards being offered from Tony's Deep Dish frozen pizza. You can get a 5, 10 or 15 min card, for sending in the correct amount of proofs of purchase. It is 2 proofs for a 5min., 4 proofs for a 10 min., and 6 proofs for a 15 min. card. There is a 3 card limit, requests must be received by 11/30/97 and you must have the original order form from a box of pizza. I live in Spokane, WA.

From: Chris McGowan

Radio Shack Giveaway

Here is a current promotion that just started at Radio Shack which will be running for 6 weeks. You can just walk into any store and get a free, yes, totally free, phone card. The cards have a cover on the back and when you peel it of you have the amount of time available. Most have been 5 mnute cards, but can very in amounts. You can also go in everyday and get a card there is no limits. The cards are really cute, they are "The Jetsons" from Cartoon Network". Stop by and pick one up .

From: Janice Cohen

Until Next Week,

Alan

Distribution

Phonecards On-Line is written and distributed by Alan Cohen. It is a weekly newsletter devoted to phonecards - Current news, viewpoints, and reviews of new issues. It is distributed free of charge, and available two ways.

1) On-Line on the World Wide Web. The address is: http://www.cardmall.com - All back issues are archived at the web site!

2) Direct e-mail. Send a message to: phoneline@cardmall.com

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