How To Construct A Synopsis Page (STAMP SHOW 2005)

I. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE SYNOPSIS?
A. INFORM JUDGES ABOUT THINGS NOT APPROPRIATE FOR OR EXPAND UPON THING FOUND ON TITLE PAGE
1. Difficulty of acquisition (how hard is this material to find, not necessarily $)
2. Challenge of collecting/exhibiting subject (complex or unsolved problems)
3. Research done by exhibitor
4. Material highlights
5. Bibliography/suggested reading for judges
6. Remember this is FOR the judges, not the public
7. Be brief and concise in your points
B. MOST SALIENT IDEAS/POINTS CAN/SHOULD BE REPEATED FOR EMPHASIS
1. Tell them what is important and then tell them again

II. STRUCTURE OF SYNOPSIS
A. PURPOSE OF EXHIBIT (SIMILAR TO TITLE PAGE DISCUSSION)
1. What are you going to show and why and what TYPE of exhibit (PH/Trad/SS)
2. Why is the structure of exhibit the way it is
3. What is this exhibit�s importance
B. CHALLENGE FACTOR
1. Explain condition difficulties
2. Describe difficulty of acquisition/rarity factors
3. Discuss research necessary for cogent presentation
C. WHAT IS PRESENTED
1. What is shown per A. above
2. What is not shown and why (eg: only known example in Queen�s collection)
D. ORGANIZATION (SIMILAR TO PLAN ON TITLE PAGE OR PLAN PAGE)
1. Show how exhibit is organized and why
2. Utilize the running headings as logical breakdown/story flow
E. MATERIAL HIGHLIGHTS
1. Here is chance to �toot� your own horn - loudly
2. List what you think judges will expect to see, your best pieces and why they are
3. List what you suspect judges will not know about but should notice
F. INFORMATIONAL SOURCES
1. Help judges become educated in your own little corner of the philatelic world
2. List only most important sources less than a hand full
3. List at least a few that are readily available and in English
4. Don�t expect judges to be an expert, but give them a reasonable background


Tim Bartshe & Harvey Tilles