HOW TO: There are two phases to creating a waymark for this category.
First -- The selection and imaging of a postage stamp. The stamp must bear the image of something that can actually be visited and photographed. An image of the stamp must be included in the photo gallery. This may be done either by photographing it or scanning it. An image from the web or other source may be used as long as it is either in the public domain or you have permission to use it. Documentation for this permission must be given. In the case of an FDC, an image of the entire cover must be given AS WELL AS the individual stamp.
Second -- Find and photograph the site represented on the stamp. Every attempt should be made to duplicate the vantage point and perspective of the image on the stamp. Since sometimes the stamp images are drawings or other representations, this is not always possible. That will be part of the fun of this category. In the case of FDC's, the photograph may be matched either with the cachet or the stamp.
Since this is a PHOTOGRAPHIC category, the quality of the photographs submitted, both of the stamps and the actual site, will be taken into consideration when reviewing waymarks, and those that are substandard may be returned. Of course, professional quality photography is not expected, but there should be a reasonable attempt. Use of simple photo editors to enhance photographic quality is encouraged.
FDC'S: Waymarks based on FDC's are also welcome. In this case, you may choose either the image on the stamp(s) on the FDC or the cachet (or both). Just indicate in your description, and in the variables, which image you are using for your waymark.
DUPLICATES: Ah, the joy of all stamp collectors -- duplicates! Here are the special rules for duplicates in this category.
** You may post only ONE waymark of a particular actual site, even if you have multiple stamps of that site. For instance, Niagara Falls appears on more than one stamp, but you may post only one waymark for Niagara Falls.
** You may post a waymark of a particular site that ANOTHER person has posted IF you use a different stamp.
** If there are multiple, distinctly SEPARATE images on one stamp, you may post a waymark for each of them.
Though the requirements for this category are specific, the goal is to have FUN! So, if you have an idea that isn't covered here, or if you are in doubt, please ask and we'll see if there is room for some flexibility and creativity here.
NAME: The waymark name MUST follow a specific format -- Name of the site being photographed followed by its location (city, state, country, etc.).
COORDINATES: Obtained by GPS readings on a personal visit to the site. Coordinates from parking areas or viewing points will NOT be accepted unless physical access is somehow limited.
PHOTOS: At least TWO photos are required -- one of the stamp and one of the actual site following the guidelines above. These must be placed in the waymark's photo gallery.
NARRATIVE: Provide as much information as you can about the stamp and the site.
VARIABLES: These are provided as an easy way for you to communicate basic information about the facility you are documenting. Because not every item applies to every possible waymark, only a few are absolutely required. It is assumed, however, that you will make a good faith effort to provide the information in the variable section. If it appears that this is not the case, the waymark may be returned to your for further information.
SPECIAL NOTE: While the details outlined in our category description, and the requirements listed in the posting instructions, cover the MINIMUM elements and standards for all waymarks in this category, each waymark will also be evaluated by a volunteer reviewer for overall quality and appropriateness. If a reviewer deems that there are deficiencies in some aspect of the waymark, the waymark may be either declined or accepted with request for changes and/or additions in either content or format.
Each waymark will be evaluated on its own merits. We will endeavor to be reasonable and flexible while maintaining the quality standards for the category. If there is a disagreement, try to work it out with the evaluating officer, or appeal to the group leader, but we reserve the right to accept or decline a waymark based on our best judgement.
LANGUAGE NOTE:
We recognize waymarking as a global hobby and welcome waymarks from all countries. Because of our international scope, we also acknowledge ENGLISH as our lingua franca. English will create the highest level of accessibility globally. All waymarks must have at least a short description in ENGLISH. We encourage bilingual and multilingual waymarks, but one of the languages must be English. We have volunteer translators to help.
Relying on software or internet based translators, such as Babylon and Google Translate, may NOT yield accurate translations that are intelligible. Use these only when there is no alternative. Although we do not expect grammatical perfection, a waymark may be declined if there the English language is not understandable.