In a perfect world all the things that you pointed out would not have happened. This is a hobby, and though a store bought stamp might make you think less of the hobby, it meant something to the person that put it out there for you and others to find. I believe that every box is special, and enjoyed all the ones that I have found thus far, store bought stamp or not. Someone took the time to think enough of this hobby to start, and we all have to start somewhere. Not everybody is a master carver, and some people may not be able to carve a stamp. I say, Buck Up and ENJOY this Hobby. One of the things I seem to remember about the rules is, there are none. Just good impressions.


Only recently had I discovered through the internet the hobby of
letterboxing. Especially intrigued by letterboxing.org, I could not
wait to start locating boxes, designing stamps, and placing my own.
After designing and carving my signature stamp, this past weekend I
went out and found my first letterbox. I am writing this post
because my experience has left me completely unimpressed. The
directions provided by the placer were clear and I had no trouble
locating the box. It is what I found inside the box that has
thwarted my enthusiasm.

Inside the box were a logbook, pen, and letter explaining
letterboxing--just as I expected. Of course, there was also a
stamp, but definitely not as expected. The stamp that I found was a
store-bought stamp! In fact, the placer did not even bother to take
the price tag off ($5.99). Oh well, I thought, it was probably an
exception to what I assumed was the "art" of letterboxingdesigning
and carving distinctive one-of-a-kind stamps.

So I made a print in my book that I had just bought, and went to put
my stamp in their logbook. Of course, I wanted to flip through the
book first to see who had come before. This is what really
disenchants me. Of seven stamps already placed in this logbook, all
seven were store-bought stamps! There is no mistake that these were
indeed completely unoriginal off-the-shelf stamps. Since the box's
placement in May, seven stamps had been placed and none were
original.

I was truly disillusioned. How else can I explain it. I thought I
was getting into a wonderfully creative pastime. I envisioned going
on these letterboxing hunts on a grand road trip all across the
country. I had already bought supplies to carve many unique stamps
that I intended to place on this trip. But after my first located
box, I was frustrated to say the least. I really see no
creativeness or imagination in buying a stamp to put in your box.
Worse yet, I don't see why someone would be satisfied seeking out a
box just to leave an image that is not unique to them. One can go
to the local craft store and fill a book with all the pre-made
designs they want-so what? I truly thought letterboxing was about
sharing a unique treasure with those inclined to seek ita treasure
that we would not be able to find by any other means.

Some might say that the value of the hobby comes from the
experience of finding the box, not what's inside. Maybe this has
merit, but I also have to mention that there was nothing striking
about the box's placement either. The box was located in a city
park mere yards from the parking lot. I stood at the box location
and could read the license plate on my car. The box and other
supplies (including the stamp) could have been purchased in the
shopping plaza not even three miles away. However, I guess it is
best that I did not invest time or effort finding a box in which the
placer invested no originality in placing. I suppose I may be even
more disappointed if I had hiked miles and followed complex
directions to find this miserable box.

I'm trying not to rant too much about this, because I would like
honest feedback. Maybe I've just had a bad first experience. Maybe
the 8 instances that I saw of store-bought stamps are all exceptions
to the hobby. Or maybe I was expecting too much.

Jenn





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---------------------------------
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Where do you live? Here in CT, I know lots of people who have carved their
own stamps for their letterboxes.

Music Woman


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

-In a perfect world all the things that you pointed out would not
have happened. This is a hobby, and though a store bought stamp might
make you think less of the hobby, it meant something to the person
that put it out there for you and others to find. I believe that
every box is special, and enjoyed all the ones that I have found thus
far, store bought stamp or not. Someone took the time to think enough
of this hobby to start, and we all have to start somewhere. Not
everybody is a master carver, and some people may not be able to
carve a stamp. I say, Buck Up and ENJOY this Hobby. One of the
things I seem to remember about the rules is, there are none. Just
good
impressions.
-- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "roadsideguide"
wrote:
> Only recently had I discovered through the internet the hobby of
> letterboxing. Especially intrigued by letterboxing.org, I could
not
> wait to start locating boxes, designing stamps, and placing my
own.
> After designing and carving my signature stamp, this past weekend I
> went out and found my first letterbox. I am writing this post
> because my experience has left me completely unimpressed. The
> directions provided by the placer were clear and I had no trouble
> locating the box. It is what I found inside the box that has
> thwarted my enthusiasm.
>
> Inside the box were a logbook, pen, and letter explaining
> letterboxing--just as I expected. Of course, there was also a
> stamp, but definitely not as expected. The stamp that I found was
a
> store-bought stamp! In fact, the placer did not even bother to
take
> the price tag off ($5.99). Oh well, I thought, it was probably an
> exception to what I assumed was the "art" of letterboxingdesigning
> and carving distinctive one-of-a-kind stamps.
>
> So I made a print in my book that I had just bought, and went to
put
> my stamp in their logbook. Of course, I wanted to flip through the
> book first to see who had come before. This is what really
> disenchants me. Of seven stamps already placed in this logbook,
all
> seven were store-bought stamps! There is no mistake that these
were
> indeed completely unoriginal off-the-shelf stamps. Since the box's
> placement in May, seven stamps had been placed and none were
> original.
>
> I was truly disillusioned. How else can I explain it. I thought I
> was getting into a wonderfully creative pastime. I envisioned
going
> on these letterboxing hunts on a grand road trip all across the
> country. I had already bought supplies to carve many unique stamps
> that I intended to place on this trip. But after my first located
> box, I was frustrated to say the least. I really see no
> creativeness or imagination in buying a stamp to put in your box.
> Worse yet, I don't see why someone would be satisfied seeking out a
> box just to leave an image that is not unique to them. One can go
> to the local craft store and fill a book with all the pre-made
> designs they want-so what? I truly thought letterboxing was about
> sharing a unique treasure with those inclined to seek ita treasure
> that we would not be able to find by any other means.
>
> Some might say that the value of the hobby comes from the
> experience of finding the box, not what's inside. Maybe this has
> merit, but I also have to mention that there was nothing striking
> about the box's placement either. The box was located in a city
> park mere yards from the parking lot. I stood at the box location
> and could read the license plate on my car. The box and other
> supplies (including the stamp) could have been purchased in the
> shopping plaza not even three miles away. However, I guess it is
> best that I did not invest time or effort finding a box in which
the
> placer invested no originality in placing. I suppose I may be even
> more disappointed if I had hiked miles and followed complex
> directions to find this miserable box.
>
> I'm trying not to rant too much about this, because I would like
> honest feedback. Maybe I've just had a bad first experience.
Maybe
> the 8 instances that I saw of store-bought stamps are all
exceptions
> to the hobby. Or maybe I was expecting too much.
>
> Jenn

--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "roadsideguide"
wrote:

> The stamp that I found was a
> store-bought stamp! In fact, the placer did not even bother to take
> the price tag off ($5.99). Oh well, I thought, it was probably an
> exception to what I assumed was the "art" of letterboxingdesigning
> and carving distinctive one-of-a-kind stamps.


Hmmmm Not ALL of us can get away with being professional art snobs,
let alone "professional letterboxers" though the thought crosses my
mind daily, I don't mind the idea of a store bought stamp or a custom
crafted stamp if it is appropriate for the location and box.

In my experience, I have actually found quite a mix of hand-crafted
masterpieces mixed in with store-bought and some rather crude
creations too, but it's not the reason that I box.

However, you'll NEVER find a store bought stamp in ANY of my boxes.

phyto
p70 f179 x62

Well, here's what I think......

Not being an Art Critic keeps me from critiquing others attempts at carving
or not carving.

Not being an Artist keeps me from creating "The Perfect Hand Carved Stamp"!
(tm)

Not being a Professional letterboxer keeps me from assuming anything.

Not being anything but myself keeps me from worrying to much about how this
hobby is done.

I carve my own stamps. My first signature stamp was store-bought. My
current signature stamp is hand carved. I've found both hand carved and
store bought stamps. Both are wonderful for me. It stamp is not the reason
I box. It is to get outside with my family and my dogs (If we are at a place
that allows dogs) and see something we wouldn't normally see, be it nothing
more than a trail through a wooded area we didn't know existed.

Try this.......

Relax. Seek each box for the feeling you get when you've deciphered a set of
clues and have successfully discovered the treasure whether that treasure be
a golden doubloon or a steel penny. Enjoy the day when you box. Enjoy the
scenery. Live life and realize that there are a ton of better things to get
worked up over and worried about.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
-+> Steve of Team Rayvenhaus <+-
"We leave nothing but an image to mark our passage......"
A Letterboxing Upcoming Events Calendar is available at
http://www.myndworx.com/modules.php?name=Kalender
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(This is a randomly selected tagline, your mileage may vary.)
Real life doesn't have a plot. It just bumbles along aimlessly on it's way,
unless you direct it by sheer force of will.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

The first two boxes I ever found had store bought stamps. I was thrilled
with both of them.

One of my plants had (It's since disappeared. I think the squirrels got it)
a store-bought stamp. It was exactly what I wanted for that box, and beyond
my ability to carve. I noted on the clues, so if it was that important to
someone, they didn't have to go after it.

My personal stamp is store bought. I got it originally just so I could get
out there and get boxing fast. Then, when I got to where I could think about
carving one, I'd gotten attached to the one I had. It was "me," you know?
So I added a few embellishments with colored pencils, to make it more unique,
but it's still the same basic design.

Despite these handicaps, I'm having a wonderful time with letterboxing.

DebBee


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

~Sigh~ (Shaking head)
Letterboxing is a lot of things to a lot of people.
For some it is the art and creativity of the carving.
For some it is the thrill of the hunt.
For some it is the time spent with friends and family.
For some it is sharing beautiful places and amazing sights to behold.
For some it is meeting new people.
For some it is puzzles and mysteries.

I'm not sure where you got your information about letterboxing, but it is SO
much more than carving stamps.

-Kim (Rustypuff)


In a message dated 2/19/2004 5:42:16 PM Eastern Standard Time,
roadsideguide@yahoo.com writes:
Only recently had I discovered through the internet the hobby of
letterboxing. Especially intrigued by letterboxing.org, I could not
wait to start locating boxes, designing stamps, and placing my own.
After designing and carving my signature stamp, this past weekend I
went out and found my first letterbox. I am writing this post
because my experience has left me completely unimpressed. The
directions provided by the placer were clear and I had no trouble
locating the box. It is what I found inside the box that has
thwarted my enthusiasm.

Inside the box were a logbook, pen, and letter explaining
letterboxing--just as I expected. Of course, there was also a
stamp, but definitely not as expected. The stamp that I found was a
store-bought stamp! In fact, the placer did not even bother to take
the price tag off ($5.99). Oh well, I thought, it was probably an
exception to what I assumed was the "art" of letterboxing—designing
and carving distinctive one-of-a-kind stamps.

So I made a print in my book that I had just bought, and went to put
my stamp in their logbook. Of course, I wanted to flip through the
book first to see who had come before. This is what really
disenchants me. Of seven stamps already placed in this logbook, all
seven were store-bought stamps! There is no mistake that these were
indeed completely unoriginal off-the-shelf stamps. Since the box's
placement in May, seven stamps had been placed and none were
original.

I was truly disillusioned. How else can I explain it. I thought I
was getting into a wonderfully creative pastime. I envisioned going
on these letterboxing hunts on a grand road trip all across the
country. I had already bought supplies to carve many unique stamps
that I intended to place on this trip. But after my first located
box, I was frustrated to say the least. I really see no
creativeness or imagination in buying a stamp to put in your box.
Worse yet, I don't see why someone would be satisfied seeking out a
box just to leave an image that is not unique to them. One can go
to the local craft store and fill a book with all the pre-made
designs they want—-so what? I truly thought letterboxing was about
sharing a unique treasure with those inclined to seek it—a treasure
that we would not be able to find by any other means.

Some might say that the value of the hobby comes from the
experience of finding the box, not what's inside. Maybe this has
merit, but I also have to mention that there was nothing striking
about the box's placement either. The box was located in a city
park mere yards from the parking lot. I stood at the box location
and could read the license plate on my car. The box and other
supplies (including the stamp) could have been purchased in the
shopping plaza not even three miles away. However, I guess it is
best that I did not invest time or effort finding a box in which the
placer invested no originality in placing. I suppose I may be even
more disappointed if I had hiked miles and followed complex
directions to find this miserable box.

I'm trying not to rant too much about this, because I would like
honest feedback. Maybe I've just had a bad first experience. Maybe
the 8 instances that I saw of store-bought stamps are all exceptions
to the hobby. Or maybe I was expecting too much.

Jenn


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

There is quite an art to the hobby. Just a different art from different people. I enjoy carving stamps, though they're not especially amazing. Others have confessed to me that they shouldn't be holding sharp object lest they draw a quart of blood. A lot of children play in the hobby, too, and shouldn't have blades. Some very young ones may chose spots and have their friends find the box, too.

However, these folks often play to *their* strengths, by devising great clues or finding special places to send folks. Others create new inventions, like hitchhikers, urban microboxes, postal letterboxes and letterbooks (Diane and my specialty!).

We're a polyglot bunch, and each has something to bring to the game. If you're a fair hand at carving, then maybe we'll be seeing some neat pieces coming out. There's some INCREDIBLE stamps out there which put me to shame (but I know I used some nice places, so I don't feel bad at all)!

Despair not! The craft improves with each passing day! Where are you from? Maybe we can collectively lue you into some hot rubberwork.

Dave
the von der Insels

----- Original Message -----
From: roadsideguide
To: letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thursday, February 19, 2004 11:26 AM
Subject: [LbNA] first letterbox--disappointment


Only recently had I discovered through the internet the hobby of
letterboxing. Especially intrigued by letterboxing.org, I could not
wait to start locating boxes, designing stamps, and placing my own.
After designing and carving my signature stamp, this past weekend I
went out and found my first letterbox. I am writing this post
because my experience has left me completely unimpressed. The
directions provided by the placer were clear and I had no trouble
locating the box. It is what I found inside the box that has
thwarted my enthusiasm.

Inside the box were a logbook, pen, and letter explaining
letterboxing--just as I expected. Of course, there was also a
stamp, but definitely not as expected. The stamp that I found was a
store-bought stamp! In fact, the placer did not even bother to take
the price tag off ($5.99). Oh well, I thought, it was probably an
exception to what I assumed was the "art" of letterboxing-designing
and carving distinctive one-of-a-kind stamps.

So I made a print in my book that I had just bought, and went to put
my stamp in their logbook. Of course, I wanted to flip through the
book first to see who had come before. This is what really
disenchants me. Of seven stamps already placed in this logbook, all
seven were store-bought stamps! There is no mistake that these were
indeed completely unoriginal off-the-shelf stamps. Since the box's
placement in May, seven stamps had been placed and none were
original.

I was truly disillusioned. How else can I explain it. I thought I
was getting into a wonderfully creative pastime. I envisioned going
on these letterboxing hunts on a grand road trip all across the
country. I had already bought supplies to carve many unique stamps
that I intended to place on this trip. But after my first located
box, I was frustrated to say the least. I really see no
creativeness or imagination in buying a stamp to put in your box.
Worse yet, I don't see why someone would be satisfied seeking out a
box just to leave an image that is not unique to them. One can go
to the local craft store and fill a book with all the pre-made
designs they want--so what? I truly thought letterboxing was about
sharing a unique treasure with those inclined to seek it-a treasure
that we would not be able to find by any other means.

Some might say that the value of the hobby comes from the
experience of finding the box, not what's inside. Maybe this has
merit, but I also have to mention that there was nothing striking
about the box's placement either. The box was located in a city
park mere yards from the parking lot. I stood at the box location
and could read the license plate on my car. The box and other
supplies (including the stamp) could have been purchased in the
shopping plaza not even three miles away. However, I guess it is
best that I did not invest time or effort finding a box in which the
placer invested no originality in placing. I suppose I may be even
more disappointed if I had hiked miles and followed complex
directions to find this miserable box.

I'm trying not to rant too much about this, because I would like
honest feedback. Maybe I've just had a bad first experience. Maybe
the 8 instances that I saw of store-bought stamps are all exceptions
to the hobby. Or maybe I was expecting too much.

Jenn





------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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a.. To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/letterbox-usa/

b.. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
letterbox-usa-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

c.. Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Jenn--
It sounds to me like you were disappointed because you see the
potential for so much more in this pastime. That is great!
Incorporate that vision into some boxes of your own. Some will
appreciate them, some won't. Some even prefer my crude handcarved
stamps to storebought (and some don't). The more boxes I find, the
more I appreciate different styles. And a great handcarved stamp is
even more of a treat when you aren't expecting to find one in every
box.
y-nought


--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "roadsideguide"
wrote:
> Only recently had I discovered through the internet the hobby of
> letterboxing. Especially intrigued by letterboxing.org, I could
not
> wait to start locating boxes, designing stamps, and placing my
own.
> After designing and carving my signature stamp, this past weekend I
> went out and found my first letterbox. I am writing this post
> because my experience has left me completely unimpressed. The
> directions provided by the placer were clear and I had no trouble
> locating the box. It is what I found inside the box that has
> thwarted my enthusiasm.
>
> Inside the box were a logbook, pen, and letter explaining
> letterboxing--just as I expected. Of course, there was also a
> stamp, but definitely not as expected. The stamp that I found was
a
> store-bought stamp! In fact, the placer did not even bother to
take
> the price tag off ($5.99). Oh well, I thought, it was probably an
> exception to what I assumed was the "art" of letterboxingdesigning
> and carving distinctive one-of-a-kind stamps.
>
> So I made a print in my book that I had just bought, and went to
put
> my stamp in their logbook. Of course, I wanted to flip through the
> book first to see who had come before. This is what really
> disenchants me. Of seven stamps already placed in this logbook,
all
> seven were store-bought stamps! There is no mistake that these
were
> indeed completely unoriginal off-the-shelf stamps. Since the box's
> placement in May, seven stamps had been placed and none were
> original.
>
> I was truly disillusioned. How else can I explain it. I thought I
> was getting into a wonderfully creative pastime. I envisioned
going
> on these letterboxing hunts on a grand road trip all across the
> country. I had already bought supplies to carve many unique stamps
> that I intended to place on this trip. But after my first located
> box, I was frustrated to say the least. I really see no
> creativeness or imagination in buying a stamp to put in your box.
> Worse yet, I don't see why someone would be satisfied seeking out a
> box just to leave an image that is not unique to them. One can go
> to the local craft store and fill a book with all the pre-made
> designs they want-so what? I truly thought letterboxing was about
> sharing a unique treasure with those inclined to seek ita treasure
> that we would not be able to find by any other means.
>
> Some might say that the value of the hobby comes from the
> experience of finding the box, not what's inside. Maybe this has
> merit, but I also have to mention that there was nothing striking
> about the box's placement either. The box was located in a city
> park mere yards from the parking lot. I stood at the box location
> and could read the license plate on my car. The box and other
> supplies (including the stamp) could have been purchased in the
> shopping plaza not even three miles away. However, I guess it is
> best that I did not invest time or effort finding a box in which
the
> placer invested no originality in placing. I suppose I may be even
> more disappointed if I had hiked miles and followed complex
> directions to find this miserable box.
>
> I'm trying not to rant too much about this, because I would like
> honest feedback. Maybe I've just had a bad first experience.
Maybe
> the 8 instances that I saw of store-bought stamps are all
exceptions
> to the hobby. Or maybe I was expecting too much.
>
> Jenn

My first letterbox was in Ct. with my Son & daughters & grandchildren with
stamps from a Bobby Doll game my granddaughterhad. My son knew where the sites
were that I printed from the list. We had a great family outing and gave us
something to do during our family visit.
Little Mac now 7 is hooked and has her own store bought stamp. I have
planted one box which was lost within 3 mos. very disappointing. I live on Long
Island, New York where there are very few boxes, so I wait till I go to Ct
where my son lives & find some cool boxes & stamps. Every search is a surprise
sometimes great and sometimes terrible. But that's life.

STAR:W+S=DRR


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I want to congratulate my fellow 'boxers' for their gently
understanding replies to "disappointment", when it's very easy to
feel some degree of pique that our multi-faceted letterboxing efforts
were judged rather harshly on the basis of just one experience with
it. Most know how variously rewarding they are as a whole. Let the
new 'boxer' take heart; there's a very wide world of letterboxing
out there.
And one of these days (soon) I'm-a-gonna carve my own personal stamp,
but it will be enuf like the store-bought one pressed early into
service that I hope y'all will recognize my imprint.
Bob / 'Cock o' the Trail'

--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "roadsideguide"
wrote:
> Only recently had I discovered through the internet the hobby of
> letterboxing. Especially intrigued by letterboxing.org, I could
not
> wait to start locating boxes, designing stamps, and placing my
own.
> After designing and carving my signature stamp, this past weekend I
> went out and found my first letterbox. I am writing this post
> because my experience has left me completely unimpressed.
>
>
>
> I'm trying not to rant too much about this, because I would like
> honest feedback. Maybe I've just had a bad first experience.
Maybe
> the 8 instances that I saw of store-bought stamps are all
exceptions
> to the hobby. Or maybe I was expecting too much.
>
> Jenn

Well said Team Dakota!! Hear hear!!

teamdakota5 wrote:-In a perfect world all the things that you pointed out would not
have happened. This is a hobby, and though a store bought stamp might
make you think less of the hobby, it meant something to the person
that put it out there for you and others to find. I believe that
every box is special, and enjoyed all the ones that I have found thus
far, store bought stamp or not. Someone took the time to think enough
of this hobby to start, and we all have to start somewhere. Not
everybody is a master carver, and some people may not be able to
carve a stamp. I say, Buck Up and ENJOY this Hobby. One of the
things I seem to remember about the rules is, there are none. Just
good
impressions.
-- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "roadsideguide"
wrote:
> Only recently had I discovered through the internet the hobby of
> letterboxing. Especially intrigued by letterboxing.org, I could
not
> wait to start locating boxes, designing stamps, and placing my
own.
> After designing and carving my signature stamp, this past weekend I
> went out and found my first letterbox. I am writing this post
> because my experience has left me completely unimpressed. The
> directions provided by the placer were clear and I had no trouble
> locating the box. It is what I found inside the box that has
> thwarted my enthusiasm.
>
> Inside the box were a logbook, pen, and letter explaining
> letterboxing--just as I expected. Of course, there was also a
> stamp, but definitely not as expected. The stamp that I found was
a
> store-bought stamp! In fact, the placer did not even bother to
take
> the price tag off ($5.99). Oh well, I thought, it was probably an
> exception to what I assumed was the "art" of letterboxingdesigning
> and carving distinctive one-of-a-kind stamps.
>
> So I made a print in my book that I had just bought, and went to
put
> my stamp in their logbook. Of course, I wanted to flip through the
> book first to see who had come before. This is what really
> disenchants me. Of seven stamps already placed in this logbook,
all
> seven were store-bought stamps! There is no mistake that these
were
> indeed completely unoriginal off-the-shelf stamps. Since the box's
> placement in May, seven stamps had been placed and none were
> original.
>
> I was truly disillusioned. How else can I explain it. I thought I
> was getting into a wonderfully creative pastime. I envisioned
going
> on these letterboxing hunts on a grand road trip all across the
> country. I had already bought supplies to carve many unique stamps
> that I intended to place on this trip. But after my first located
> box, I was frustrated to say the least. I really see no
> creativeness or imagination in buying a stamp to put in your box.
> Worse yet, I don't see why someone would be satisfied seeking out a
> box just to leave an image that is not unique to them. One can go
> to the local craft store and fill a book with all the pre-made
> designs they want-so what? I truly thought letterboxing was about
> sharing a unique treasure with those inclined to seek ita treasure
> that we would not be able to find by any other means.
>
> Some might say that the value of the hobby comes from the
> experience of finding the box, not what's inside. Maybe this has
> merit, but I also have to mention that there was nothing striking
> about the box's placement either. The box was located in a city
> park mere yards from the parking lot. I stood at the box location
> and could read the license plate on my car. The box and other
> supplies (including the stamp) could have been purchased in the
> shopping plaza not even three miles away. However, I guess it is
> best that I did not invest time or effort finding a box in which
the
> placer invested no originality in placing. I suppose I may be even
> more disappointed if I had hiked miles and followed complex
> directions to find this miserable box.
>
> I'm trying not to rant too much about this, because I would like
> honest feedback. Maybe I've just had a bad first experience.
Maybe
> the 8 instances that I saw of store-bought stamps are all
exceptions
> to the hobby. Or maybe I was expecting too much.
>
> Jenn


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A hand made stamp or a store bought stamp makes no
difference to me at all.I don't care what kind of
stamp is in a box as long as there is something in
there. There are some beautiful store bought stamps in
some letterboxes. I do carve my own stamps but have
also used store bought stamps to make some boxes. We
also use store bought stamps as our signature
stamps.....Chuck and Molly

--- roadsideguide wrote:
> Only recently had I discovered through the internet
> the hobby of
> letterboxing. Especially intrigued by
> letterboxing.org, I could not
> wait to start locating boxes, designing stamps, and
> placing my own.
> After designing and carving my signature stamp, this
> past weekend I
> went out and found my first letterbox. I am writing
> this post
> because my experience has left me completely
> unimpressed. The
> directions provided by the placer were clear and I
> had no trouble
> locating the box. It is what I found inside the box
> that has
> thwarted my enthusiasm.
>
> Inside the box were a logbook, pen, and letter
> explaining
> letterboxing--just as I expected. Of course, there
> was also a
> stamp, but definitely not as expected. The stamp
> that I found was a
> store-bought stamp! In fact, the placer did not
> even bother to take
> the price tag off ($5.99). Oh well, I thought, it
> was probably an
> exception to what I assumed was the "art" of
> letterboxingdesigning
> and carving distinctive one-of-a-kind stamps.
>
> So I made a print in my book that I had just bought,
> and went to put
> my stamp in their logbook. Of course, I wanted to
> flip through the
> book first to see who had come before. This is what
> really
> disenchants me. Of seven stamps already placed in
> this logbook, all
> seven were store-bought stamps! There is no mistake
> that these were
> indeed completely unoriginal off-the-shelf stamps.
> Since the box's
> placement in May, seven stamps had been placed and
> none were
> original.
>
> I was truly disillusioned. How else can I explain
> it. I thought I
> was getting into a wonderfully creative pastime. I
> envisioned going
> on these letterboxing hunts on a grand road trip all
> across the
> country. I had already bought supplies to carve
> many unique stamps
> that I intended to place on this trip. But after my
> first located
> box, I was frustrated to say the least. I really
> see no
> creativeness or imagination in buying a stamp to put
> in your box.
> Worse yet, I don't see why someone would be
> satisfied seeking out a
> box just to leave an image that is not unique to
> them. One can go
> to the local craft store and fill a book with all
> the pre-made
> designs they want-so what? I truly thought
> letterboxing was about
> sharing a unique treasure with those inclined to
> seek ita treasure
> that we would not be able to find by any other
> means.
>
> Some might say that the value of the hobby comes
> from the
> experience of finding the box, not what's inside.
> Maybe this has
> merit, but I also have to mention that there was
> nothing striking
> about the box's placement either. The box was
> located in a city
> park mere yards from the parking lot. I stood at
> the box location
> and could read the license plate on my car. The
> box and other
> supplies (including the stamp) could have been
> purchased in the
> shopping plaza not even three miles away. However,
> I guess it is
> best that I did not invest time or effort finding a
> box in which the
> placer invested no originality in placing. I
> suppose I may be even
> more disappointed if I had hiked miles and followed
> complex
> directions to find this miserable box.
>
> I'm trying not to rant too much about this, because
> I would like
> honest feedback. Maybe I've just had a bad first
> experience. Maybe
> the 8 instances that I saw of store-bought stamps
> are all exceptions
> to the hobby. Or maybe I was expecting too much.
>
> Jenn
>
>
>
>


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well jenn

it is sad you feel that way...i just started myself and in a number of articles and 'how to begin" they say to start and if you can't carve get something anyway until you carve and join in the fun. you make it like it is a competition and maybe some of us work about 65 hours a week and haven't had the time to carve. i travel about 16 days a month and last time i checked, the airlines wouldn't let me carry an exacto knife on the plane!! i never respond to any of these emails but i felt compelled this time... do you think LESS of me because i have a store bought stamp, and, it is from an antique store from a trip to CA so isn't that unique enough? this should be about the fun, the adventure, the exploring new parks, places, locations

live life and don't get wrapped up the simple things

best regards

dana

I say try a harder stamp to find. That one sounded way to easy to
judge the hobby by. You said it was found very close to a craft
store. Maybe someone from there did a class or something like that.
I rather hunt a box that requires me to lace up the boots and grab my
walking stick than one that I drive up to like a fast food window.
Although if finding a store bought stamp disappointed you I must warn
you about the biggest disappointment. Drive 100 miles then hike 3
miles to find a box not once but twice and still don't have the
stamp; that's disappointing. I do agree that who ever placed that
box could have at least removed the price tag!

Steve

Man, this was the kind of reply I was waiting on. Way to go Steve! If
the first box sucked, go find a better one. And if you don't find the
box that you wasted 3 weekends looking for, well then you might have a
reason to gripe about something. Store-bought stamps--to me, that is
too easy of a target. Do some hiking and then you can complain.
Sorry, that's just how I feel. What's next? How do I carve cool stamps?
Mark


--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "Steve" wrote:
> I say try a harder stamp to find. That one sounded way to easy to
> judge the hobby by. You said it was found very close to a craft
> store. Maybe someone from there did a class or something like that.
> I rather hunt a box that requires me to lace up the boots and grab my
> walking stick than one that I drive up to like a fast food window.
> Although if finding a store bought stamp disappointed you I must warn
> you about the biggest disappointment. Drive 100 miles then hike 3
> miles to find a box not once but twice and still don't have the
> stamp; that's disappointing. I do agree that who ever placed that
> box could have at least removed the price tag!
>
> Steve

hhmmmmmm....

Absolute rigid flexibility!!

Daniel

--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, Irene Martin
wrote:
> Well said Team Dakota!! Hear hear!!
>
> teamdakota5 wrote:-In a perfect world all the
things that you pointed out would not
> have happened. This is a hobby, and though a store bought stamp might
> make you think less of the hobby, it meant something to the person
> that put it out there for you and others to find. I believe that
> every box is special, and enjoyed all the ones that I have found thus
> far, store bought stamp or not. Someone took the time to think enough
> of this hobby to start, and we all have to start somewhere. Not
> everybody is a master carver, and some people may not be able to
> carve a stamp. I say, Buck Up and ENJOY this Hobby. One of the
> things I seem to remember about the rules is, there are none. Just
> good
> impressions.
> -- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "roadsideguide"
> wrote:
> > Only recently had I discovered through the internet the hobby of
> > letterboxing. Especially intrigued by letterboxing.org, I could
> not
> > wait to start locating boxes, designing stamps, and placing my
> own.
> > After designing and carving my signature stamp, this past weekend I
> > went out and found my first letterbox. I am writing this post
> > because my experience has left me completely unimpressed. The
> > directions provided by the placer were clear and I had no trouble
> > locating the box. It is what I found inside the box that has
> > thwarted my enthusiasm.
> >
> > Inside the box were a logbook, pen, and letter explaining
> > letterboxing--just as I expected. Of course, there was also a
> > stamp, but definitely not as expected. The stamp that I found was
> a
> > store-bought stamp! In fact, the placer did not even bother to
> take
> > the price tag off ($5.99). Oh well, I thought, it was probably an
> > exception to what I assumed was the "art" of letterboxingdesigning
> > and carving distinctive one-of-a-kind stamps.
> >
> > So I made a print in my book that I had just bought, and went to
> put
> > my stamp in their logbook. Of course, I wanted to flip through the
> > book first to see who had come before. This is what really
> > disenchants me. Of seven stamps already placed in this logbook,
> all
> > seven were store-bought stamps! There is no mistake that these
> were
> > indeed completely unoriginal off-the-shelf stamps. Since the box's
> > placement in May, seven stamps had been placed and none were
> > original.
> >
> > I was truly disillusioned. How else can I explain it. I thought I
> > was getting into a wonderfully creative pastime. I envisioned
> going
> > on these letterboxing hunts on a grand road trip all across the
> > country. I had already bought supplies to carve many unique stamps
> > that I intended to place on this trip. But after my first located
> > box, I was frustrated to say the least. I really see no
> > creativeness or imagination in buying a stamp to put in your box.
> > Worse yet, I don't see why someone would be satisfied seeking out a
> > box just to leave an image that is not unique to them. One can go
> > to the local craft store and fill a book with all the pre-made
> > designs they want-so what? I truly thought letterboxing was about
> > sharing a unique treasure with those inclined to seek ita treasure
> > that we would not be able to find by any other means.
> >
> > Some might say that the value of the hobby comes from the
> > experience of finding the box, not what's inside. Maybe this has
> > merit, but I also have to mention that there was nothing striking
> > about the box's placement either. The box was located in a city
> > park mere yards from the parking lot. I stood at the box location
> > and could read the license plate on my car. The box and other
> > supplies (including the stamp) could have been purchased in the
> > shopping plaza not even three miles away. However, I guess it is
> > best that I did not invest time or effort finding a box in which
> the
> > placer invested no originality in placing. I suppose I may be even
> > more disappointed if I had hiked miles and followed complex
> > directions to find this miserable box.
> >
> > I'm trying not to rant too much about this, because I would like
> > honest feedback. Maybe I've just had a bad first experience.
> Maybe
> > the 8 instances that I saw of store-bought stamps are all
> exceptions
> > to the hobby. Or maybe I was expecting too much.
> >
> > Jenn
>
>
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> To visit your group on the web, go to:
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>
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>
>
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> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

How ironic! My family & I are new to letterboxing TODAY,I just
finished writing a looong message to a local person on this board to
say how AWESOME we found the whole experience. While searching the
internet for geneology purposes I found personal website that
mentioned letterboxing, so I searched, was also intrigued by
letterboxing.org as was my husband & believe it or not our two
youngest kids (14 & 16). We grabbed the supplies that it said we
needed ( I actually had a hand carved stamp that I made for a club
that my husband belongs to (hope they don't mind too much, it has no
name only an image)& set off to the nearest site (2 blocks from our
house) We had an awesome Saturday afternoon. We went to another a
few miles away... There we actually found a hitchhiker (we didn't
realize actually how special that was at the time, & left it for
now) But I do have to say that even though the 4 stamps we found
were all original, as was ours, that wasn't really important. We
didn't have time to think about it (& I was really tempted to take
one of my "good" stamps instead). View the experience... I guess
the most important thing to me was that my family & I were "treasure
hunting" together & it was FUN for all 4 of us. My kids are already
planning where we can put our own box. This is not about art... it's
about the experience. We went to a 15-20 acre park that is 2 BLOCKS
from my home that I have only driven through on my way to the kids
baseball games!!!
Have fun & enjoy the ride....
Patty



--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, team dakota
wrote:
> In a perfect world all the things that you pointed out would not
have happened. This is a hobby, and though a store bought stamp might
make you think less of the hobby, it meant something to the person
that put it out there for you and others to find. I believe that
every box is special, and enjoyed all the ones that I have found thus
far, store bought stamp or not. Someone took the time to think enough
of this hobby to start, and we all have to start somewhere. Not
everybody is a master carver, and some people may not be able to
carve a stamp. I say, Buck Up and ENJOY this Hobby. One of the
things I seem to remember about the rules is, there are none. Just
good impressions.
>
>
> Only recently had I discovered through the internet the hobby of
> letterboxing. Especially intrigued by letterboxing.org, I could
not
> wait to start locating boxes, designing stamps, and placing my
own.
> After designing and carving my signature stamp, this past weekend I
> went out and found my first letterbox. I am writing this post
> because my experience has left me completely unimpressed. The
> directions provided by the placer were clear and I had no trouble
> locating the box. It is what I found inside the box that has
> thwarted my enthusiasm.
>
> Inside the box were a logbook, pen, and letter explaining
> letterboxing--just as I expected. Of course, there was also a
> stamp, but definitely not as expected. The stamp that I found was
a
> store-bought stamp! In fact, the placer did not even bother to
take
> the price tag off ($5.99). Oh well, I thought, it was probably an
> exception to what I assumed was the "art" of letterboxingdesigning
> and carving distinctive one-of-a-kind stamps.
>
> So I made a print in my book that I had just bought, and went to
put
> my stamp in their logbook. Of course, I wanted to flip through the
> book first to see who had come before. This is what really
> disenchants me. Of seven stamps already placed in this logbook,
all
> seven were store-bought stamps! There is no mistake that these
were
> indeed completely unoriginal off-the-shelf stamps. Since the box's
> placement in May, seven stamps had been placed and none were
> original.
>
> I was truly disillusioned. How else can I explain it. I thought I
> was getting into a wonderfully creative pastime. I envisioned
going
> on these letterboxing hunts on a grand road trip all across the
> country. I had already bought supplies to carve many unique stamps
> that I intended to place on this trip. But after my first located
> box, I was frustrated to say the least. I really see no
> creativeness or imagination in buying a stamp to put in your box.
> Worse yet, I don't see why someone would be satisfied seeking out a
> box just to leave an image that is not unique to them. One can go
> to the local craft store and fill a book with all the pre-made
> designs they want-so what? I truly thought letterboxing was about
> sharing a unique treasure with those inclined to seek ita treasure
> that we would not be able to find by any other means.
>
> Some might say that the value of the hobby comes from the
> experience of finding the box, not what's inside. Maybe this has
> merit, but I also have to mention that there was nothing striking
> about the box's placement either. The box was located in a city
> park mere yards from the parking lot. I stood at the box location
> and could read the license plate on my car. The box and other
> supplies (including the stamp) could have been purchased in the
> shopping plaza not even three miles away. However, I guess it is
> best that I did not invest time or effort finding a box in which
the
> placer invested no originality in placing. I suppose I may be even
> more disappointed if I had hiked miles and followed complex
> directions to find this miserable box.
>
> I'm trying not to rant too much about this, because I would like
> honest feedback. Maybe I've just had a bad first experience.
Maybe
> the 8 instances that I saw of store-bought stamps are all
exceptions
> to the hobby. Or maybe I was expecting too much.
>
> Jenn
>
>
>
>
>
> ---------------------------------
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
> To visit your group on the web, go to:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/letterbox-usa/
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> letterbox-usa-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of
Service.
>
>
>
> ---------------------------------
> Do you Yahoo!?
> Yahoo! Mail SpamGuard - Read only the mail you want.
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Dear Hooksbrandy; Hooray! We took off from Cincinnati as a team on Saturday at 6:15 a.m. and, after finding 28 boxes and 2 HH's, 250 miles later, returned home at 8 p.m. thrilled by the day, the finds, the comraderie, the meeting up with Cardinal mom and Bigguy on the other side of Ohio, and the challenge. We hit more parks and historic sites than we would have ever attempted years past, but boxing is something else! Glad you liked it. Snowbird


sbrandy@yahoo.com> wrote:
How ironic! My family & I are new to letterboxing TODAY,I just
finished writing a looong message to a local person on this board to
say how AWESOME we found the whole experience. While searching the
internet for geneology purposes I found personal website that
mentioned letterboxing, so I searched, was also intrigued by
letterboxing.org as was my husband & believe it or not our two
youngest kids (14 & 16). We grabbed the supplies that it said we
needed ( I actually had a hand carved stamp that I made for a club
that my husband belongs to (hope they don't mind too much, it has no
name only an image)& set off to the nearest site (2 blocks from our
house) We had an awesome Saturday afternoon. We went to another a
few miles away... There we actually found a hitchhiker (we didn't
realize actually how special that was at the time, & left it for
now) But I do have to say that even though the 4 stamps we found
were all original, as was ours, that wasn't really important. We
didn't have time to think about it (& I was really tempted to take
one of my "good" stamps instead). View the experience... I guess
the most important thing to me was that my family & I were "treasure
hunting" together & it was FUN for all 4 of us. My kids are already
planning where we can put our own box. This is not about art... it's
about the experience. We went to a 15-20 acre park that is 2 BLOCKS
from my home that I have only driven through on my way to the kids
baseball games!!!
Have fun & enjoy the ride....
Patty



--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, team dakota
wrote:
> In a perfect world all the things that you pointed out would not
have happened. This is a hobby, and though a store bought stamp might
make you think less of the hobby, it meant something to the person
that put it out there for you and others to find. I believe that
every box is special, and enjoyed all the ones that I have found thus
far, store bought stamp or not. Someone took the time to think enough
of this hobby to start, and we all have to start somewhere. Not
everybody is a master carver, and some people may not be able to
carve a stamp. I say, Buck Up and ENJOY this Hobby. One of the
things I seem to remember about the rules is, there are none. Just
good impressions.
>
>
> Only recently had I discovered through the internet the hobby of
> letterboxing. Especially intrigued by letterboxing.org, I could
not
> wait to start locating boxes, designing stamps, and placing my
own.
> After designing and carving my signature stamp, this past weekend I
> went out and found my first letterbox. I am writing this post
> because my experience has left me completely unimpressed. The
> directions provided by the placer were clear and I had no trouble
> locating the box. It is what I found inside the box that has
> thwarted my enthusiasm.
>
> Inside the box were a logbook, pen, and letter explaining
> letterboxing--just as I expected. Of course, there was also a
> stamp, but definitely not as expected. The stamp that I found was
a
> store-bought stamp! In fact, the placer did not even bother to
take
> the price tag off ($5.99). Oh well, I thought, it was probably an
> exception to what I assumed was the "art" of letterboxingdesigning
> and carving distinctive one-of-a-kind stamps.
>
> So I made a print in my book that I had just bought, and went to
put
> my stamp in their logbook. Of course, I wanted to flip through the
> book first to see who had come before. This is what really
> disenchants me. Of seven stamps already placed in this logbook,
all
> seven were store-bought stamps! There is no mistake that these
were
> indeed completely unoriginal off-the-shelf stamps. Since the box's
> placement in May, seven stamps had been placed and none were
> original.
>
> I was truly disillusioned. How else can I explain it. I thought I
> was getting into a wonderfully creative pastime. I envisioned
going
> on these letterboxing hunts on a grand road trip all across the
> country. I had already bought supplies to carve many unique stamps
> that I intended to place on this trip. But after my first located
> box, I was frustrated to say the least. I really see no
> creativeness or imagination in buying a stamp to put in your box.
> Worse yet, I don't see why someone would be satisfied seeking out a
> box just to leave an image that is not unique to them. One can go
> to the local craft store and fill a book with all the pre-made
> designs they want-so what? I truly thought letterboxing was about
> sharing a unique treasure with those inclined to seek ita treasure
> that we would not be able to find by any other means.
>
> Some might say that the value of the hobby comes from the
> experience of finding the box, not what's inside. Maybe this has
> merit, but I also have to mention that there was nothing striking
> about the box's placement either. The box was located in a city
> park mere yards from the parking lot. I stood at the box location
> and could read the license plate on my car. The box and other
> supplies (including the stamp) could have been purchased in the
> shopping plaza not even three miles away. However, I guess it is
> best that I did not invest time or effort finding a box in which
the
> placer invested no originality in placing. I suppose I may be even
> more disappointed if I had hiked miles and followed complex
> directions to find this miserable box.
>
> I'm trying not to rant too much about this, because I would like
> honest feedback. Maybe I've just had a bad first experience.
Maybe
> the 8 instances that I saw of store-bought stamps are all
exceptions
> to the hobby. Or maybe I was expecting too much.
>
> Jenn
>
>
>
>
>
> ---------------------------------
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
> To visit your group on the web, go to:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/letterbox-usa/
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> letterbox-usa-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of
Service.
>
>
>
> ---------------------------------
> Do you Yahoo!?
> Yahoo! Mail SpamGuard - Read only the mail you want.
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]




---------------------------------
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