Bookmark Collector

I recently joined the Yahoo group Collecting Bookmarks. The group has been around since 2004, and currently consists of 89 members out of which 12 signed up for the last bookmark exchange. The membership is an internationally diverse set of collectors with at least one representative from all 6 populated continents. From my ‘Hello’ message, I received responses from Australia, England, Portugal, and Indonesia. A very friendly group, indeed.

One major focus of the group is the monthly bookmark exchange. Basically, all those interested sign up for the next month’s exchange, indicating interest in categories such as: sets of 5 free bookmarks (random); 5 free bookmarks on a particular subject (October’s subject is Music); 5 bought paper bookmarks; 1 bought leather; 1 bought metal; 1 bought from a craftsman; 1 antique; or 1 personally handmade bookmark. At the beginning of the month, partners are selected from the list by the leader of the group and exchanges are made. All of those participating seem quite enthusiastic about the exchanges. I look forward to being part of the October exchange.

There’s also a fair amount of information exhanged. The bookmark exhibition I discussed in a previous post was pointed out in a messages from Laine. I’ll also be putting up posts about other items I’ve seen in the forums. So, even if you’re not interested in the exchanges (and why wouldn’t you be?), there’s good reason to just lurk.