Linn's monthly magazine gets new face lift with greatly expanded stamp content

Beginning in late fall last year, the Linn’s editorial and Amos Media production teams began a top-to-bottom review of the monthly edition of Linn’s.

We conducted a survey to determine what our readers like about the monthly edition, and used the feedback in going forward to redesign the magazine.

As you thumb through this issue, I think you will agree that Linn’s monthly has a whole new look and feel.

Everything, from page layouts to font (type) styles, has been improved to give the reader a more engaging and pleasurable experience. Even the paper is different.

Going forward, our focus in the monthly magazine is content, both regular columns and longer feature items, that will appeal to collectors of all levels and interests.

You will recognize some familiar names, such as Ken Lawrence’s richly detailed, meticulously researched Spotlight on Philately, and Matthew Healey’s splendidly written Auction Roundup, our monthly analysis of auction happenings. The New Listings Update for the Scott catalogs is still a part of the monthly lineup.

Keep in mind that the update often includes listings for stamps that were issued a number of years ago. In many cases, Scott learns about older stamps from eagle-eyed collectors who spot them in a mixture and send them for examination.

Additional insights from Scott may be found in the From The Scott Editors column. This month’s column presents an overview of Vol. 1 of the 2016 Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue.

We also moved some columns from the weekly issues into the monthly, including Classic Stamps of the World, by Kathleen Wunderly, and Dollar-Sign Stamps, featuring my ruminations about high-denomination United States stamps. We welcome Labron Harris and his Classic U.S. Postal History column to these pages.

And, of course, you will find new selections. Look for Denise McCarty’s engaging exploration of the world of topical collecting, in Topics on Stamps.

Each month also will have a cover feature that often explores a larger theme or idea, perhaps keyed to the anniversary of a significant event.

This month marks the 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War. To mark the occasion, Rick Miller, a former Linn’s senior editor, has put together an entertaining review of the naval aspects of war using U.S. and worldwide stamps.

Our May cover feature will showcase the results of our 2014 U.S. Stamp Popularity Poll.

We hope that you are pleased with your new Linn’s monthly magazine.

If you have ideas for future cover features or other suggestions, please tell us about them. We value and welcome your feedback.

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New head of stamp services at the U.S. Postal Service to be named soon

USPS announces Water Lilies envelopes details

Vol. 1 of 2016 Scott Standard eCatalogue available

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