Stamp collecting vs. philately

Are all stamp collectors "philatelists"?

Not necessarily so says Wikipedia, the free on-line encyclopedia.

They make the distinction that stamp collecting is not the same as philately.

"A philatelist often does, but need not, collect the objects of study, nor is it necessary to closely study what one collects. Many casual collectors enjoy accumulating stamps without worrying about the tiny details, but the creation of a large or comprehensive collection generally requires some philatelic knowledge."

So put that in your album and hinge it.

To go to Wikipedia's excellent stamp collecting Web page, click here.