Some advice on getting into the WOM circles

I have read a few postson this forum about the negativity, albeit mild, towards the WOM circles.
If you are newbie, it is unlikely you will jump into a WOM group, if you can get your self out there and collect around the 500 mark and leave your stamp in as many of the boxes as you can it helps get you known.

If you find a box and there are contact details in the book send the owner an email if applicable letting them know the condition of their box, be it good or bad.

If the box is damaged and you can find a phone number - give them a call.
When you have done this for a short while you could perhaps ask for some clues if they have any.
As for the next step I will let you figure it out for yourselves but having your own set of WOM boxes to exchange will go a long way to help, and don't use commercial stamps for your WOM boxes

This makes interesting reading.

With the risk of boring the newer boxers to this community - it should be explained the reason for the 'word of mouth' AS I SEE IT!

Yes, you will always find that 'elitist set', that special 'cliche' of people, the 'know alls', etc., etc. in ALL groups of people forming whatever!

Going back to the 'good old days' (sorry, but that is my age era!) when going out for boxes was with skill, compass, dedication, and of course clues. More often than not the stamps were hand cut ,or manufactured but not to the quality obtained today. Shop bought ones have improvede a lot since those days!

Those that 'cut 'their own stamps spend up to maybe 4/5 hours or like me as many as 12 hrs for one stamp. AT TODAYS MINIMUM WAGE THAT WOULD REPRESENT £85!!!!!
For £24 or so you can get a manufactured A4 sheet done of whatever.

To my mind - the hand cut ( though maybe not as 'clinically'precise in detail) is after all a personal work of art!

Why 'Word of Mouth' - to ensure the box is safe - FOR OTHERS TO COLLECT AND ENJOY.

I have seen so many !!!!! clues go out and within a few days the stamps have gone missing - wonder why? If you do not know you have not read my above! Sorry!

ABOVE ALL ELSE ENJOY YOUR BOXING.

TWA