We're only a couple of months away from the scheduled 2011 Bookmark Collectors Virtual Convention, and we're looking for papers and presenters. Last year we were fortunate to have a wide range of presentions, and I think we all discovered that everyone has something interesting to say. One of the best received papers was from Don Baldwin who simply talked about his own collection.
Take a look at last year's list of presentations (http://www.bmcvc.com/presentations/), and then review the list of suggested topics on our presenter's page (http://www.bmcvc.com/presenter-information/). Something on that list will inspire you.
As we discovered last year, the convention is a great place to exhange ideas and experiences. We all had a great time, and I think the presenters got more out of it than the attendees. I know I did!
Alan
P.S. If you're not feeling like clicking on a link, here's the suggestion list:
Photographing bookmarks
Using a scanner and Photoshop
Personal collection
Focus on particular types of bookmarks or manufacturers
The world of bookmarks: souvenirs of note
Bookmarks history
Cultural values/usages
What can bookmarks teach us?
Bookmarks and censorship: when bookmarks offend
Displaying your bookmarks without taking over the house
Categorizing bookmarks: Software and its possibilities
Exhibiting/showing
How to approach galleries. libraries, bookstores, and other locations for a showing
How to create a good presentation and find outlets interested in having you talk
Demonstrations on making bookmarks (pick any craft)
Die-cut bookmarks for today
The business of bookmarks: creating and selling bookmarks for profit
Using eBay and other auction sites
Online retail/craft sites
Writing about bookmarks: is there money to be had?
Bookmark swaps
Bookmark collecting groups/organizations
Creating an active bookmark forum for both discussion and trading
Building a bookmarks library: articles, books, and newsletters about bookmarks
Bookmark ephemera
Stories from collectors – how a collection came together
Unusual aspects of collecting
Bookmark contests used to promote reading/etc.
Expanding the field, educating the public, bringing in new collectors
On not boring people in conversation: how to talk bookmarks without losing your audience