Jack Preuveneers is a British stamp collector and founder of the International Philatelic Promoters Discord Server (International Philatelic Promoters). APS interviewed Jack about his journey in philately and his plans for the future of the server. 

Read the interview below: 

• How did you become involved in philately/stamp collecting? 
  • I started as soon as I got my offer to University to study Naval Architecture. I saw some Swedish stamps of traditional fishing vessels and thought it was fitting for my course, and it has spiraled since then!
• Who inspired you to collect stamps?
  • Nobody... unless I count myself! Nobody in my family collects at all.
• What were some of the most helpful resources that you used when starting to collect?
  • https://sverigesfrimarken.se/ is my most used online resource, but there are some really great books I have as well. The Facit catalog is my main physical resource.
• What are some of your favorite stamps that you have collected, besides Swedish stamps?
  • All of Scandinavia has produced some seriously impressive engraved stamps and as a collective, they're one of the last regions to produce engraved stamps. Anything by Martin Morck is also fantastic.
• Any advice for other collectors that are just starting out?
  • Specialise. Specialise. Specialise! Pick a topic/ country/ region that really interests you and collect it and delve deep into its history and stamps. There's nothing more rewarding than completing a set or identify rarer flaws, errors, or rates!
• Who are some youtubers that you have worked with/want to work with in the future?
  • The only Youtubers I've worked with have been Conversations with Philatelists. I haven't really thought about Youtube in the future, but I do hope to see some specialised content soon!
• What inspired you to create a Discord server?
  • While I like to share details of my 1 of 100 Greenlandic airmail issues, my Swedish mail to foreign destinations, or my Sperati forgeries, my friends weren't interested when I tried to share my love for stamps with them. So, in order to engage with collectors my age across the world, I created a youth collectors Discord server where other users can share their collections, expertise or ask for help identifying stamps! I saw that nobody else had done similar so I thought I'd step up to the mark!
    
• How do you see the server evolving and growing in the future?
  • I'm yet to push it recently but have seen quite a bit of natural growth, I originally started by posting it on Reddit, which I haven't done in a good 8 months or so, but I might redo that to increase numbers. We're over 400 members now and it won't be long until 500 I reckon.
• Any philatelic events that you are planning to attend? 
  • I am exhibiting at London 2022, and attending Monacophil 2022 later in the year!

Parts from Jack's Exhibit are pictured below. 

If you are interested in sharing your stamp story, contact the APS Media Team by emailing MediaTeam@stamps.org