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For broadcast on CBS Radio Network stations December 25-26, 2004:

Cranking it up.

The Stamp Collecting Report, I'm Lloyd de Vries. 

It's amazing sometimes how intense stamp collectors can get, and not just over the stamps 
themselves. They'll have heated arguments about organizations, about the right way to do 
something, or the best areas to collect.

You feel like you want to grab these people by the neck and scream right back at them 
"IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE FUN!"

Recently, however, I've come to realize it's not just stamp collecting. The major coin 
collecting organization has had a few scandals in the past few years. Nor is it even just 
collectibles.

A few weeks ago, a friend who is involved with an arts-and-crafts specialty saw a heated 
exchange on a stamp collecting message board, and commented that he thought it was only 
the people in HIS area who got so worked up over their hobby.

Polymer clay - who'd've thought it?

One theory is that so many of us are stymied in our day-to-day jobs and lives, with no 
opportunity for fame, fortune or creativity. Hobbies provide an outlet and a chance to 
shine.

And that's Stamp Collecting this week. 

I'm Lloyd de Vries, CBS News. 

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