Phonecards On-Line© is Published by Alan Cohen
May 20, 2001
Issue #201
Current Circulation: 3,000+
Publisher's Note
It’s been a busy several weeks here for me. The biggest news is that I’ll be relocating to the Pacific Northwest (Near Portland, Oregon) by September. Long time readers of this newsletter know that moving is a way of life for me. The impact on the newsletter will be less than previous moves, as I only publish every few weeks. However, expect a long silence from August until probably October. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend the Phone Card Expo in Orlando, but I will get reports from people who do attend, and publish them here. I’m still waiting for reports from the recent Toronto show, and they will be published in the next issue. The show was held last weekend.
TJK Ceases Publication
TJK, the German telecard magazine, has ceased publication effective December, 2000. Not enough advertisers were one of the reasons for its demise. Since they published articles in English as well as German, there is one less publication aimed at collectors.
US Market Report
It’s hard to believe it has only been about three years since Moneycard Collector in the US ceased publication. The market is so different, it feels more like thirty years to me! One thing that I don’t hear much of these days is talk to get a new magazine or newsletter going. The past few months have been decent (that is compared to the previous few months only) but the hobby still appears rather inactive. People are acquiring cards (at very good prices) but the amount of activity is still rather low compared to several years ago. Most of the cards I am selling are being shipped overseas.
I still believe that there are several factors that makes buying cards (not as an investment, but to fill in a collection) worthwhile: There are a limited number of cards issued. Most US issues aimed at collectors had print runs of under several thousand, many 500 and under. Many of these cards have appealing subjects, and with cards being dispersed around the world, there will be a day when it is genuinely difficult to find the cards produced in the late 1990’s. If the hobby makes any comeback, the prices of some of these cards, many under a few dollars, will be very low. This leads very well into the next subject, the phone card expo. Having attended in 2000, there are many great deals to be had there. Browsing through the dollar boxes is almost reason enough to attend!
Phone Card Expo Press Release
The following was submitted by Peter Novak
Q1, Looking to have a great vacation and a great phonecard fair?
How about a phonecard fair in Orlando! Florida and Orlando is the perfect place for a summer vacation. Visit Disney Land, Sea World, Wet n Wild, Universal Studios and a lot more! Bring your friendas and family and stay a couple weeks in Orlando. Enjoy the
attractions and the scenery. Pair this up with an international phonecard show and
you are all set. A match made just for you.
Q, Who will be there?
You will find a large variety of exhibitors such as telecoms, magazines, clubs, dealers and collectors. In 1999 attendees came from 5 continents. You will find especially great deals on Canadian, US, Carib and Central/South American cards. The perfect place to make long-lasting relationships!
Q, How will I afford all of this?
We have special deals for you on all fronts to give you the best vacation you ever had! You will get special coupon books and savings cards worth hundreds of dollars. Stay at the Radisson, a majestic hotel, for just $60+tx/night/room. Also, get the cheapest
rates on car rentals , through a special deal with PCE. Start booking now, to get the best rates. We give official invitations so you get a VISA.
Q, So why would I go?
Magazines, clubs and dealers recommend this fair as one of the big events of 2001! If you care about your phonecards and if you want to have a vacation, might as well make the perfect match!
Stay tuned for weekly updates and info from your local dealers, clubs and magazines.
PCE2001 Orlando July 28-29 Radisson Plaza www.phonecardexpo.org
Questions: phonecardexpo@bizland.com
Best Buy Offer
At Best Buy, in packages of Maxell audio tapes, is a 20 minute phonecard. It's kind of like their old one of the guy sitting in the chair, being blown away by the music, except this one is brightly colored.
From: Ray Ellen Gillis
Nestle Disney’s California Adventure AT&T Cards
Nestle is offering 3 phonecards for buying their products and sending in UPC Codes. The site can be viewed at:
http://www.nestleusa.com/promos/phonecard.asp
Until Next Time,
Alan
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Phonecards On-Line© is published by Alan Cohen. It is a newsletter devoted to phonecards - Current news, viewpoints, and reviews of new issues.
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