Cartoon caption contest comes to a close with February winners

U.S. Stamp Notes by John M. Hotchner

With this column I’m sorry to have to conclude the Linn’s cartoon caption contest.

The contest has been a monthly feature of this column since 1986, but of late the entries have dwindled to a precious few.

There are several reasons for this trend: a smaller subscriber base, which I attribute to the internet; the lack of a hard copy reminder to prompt readers to respond; increasing postage and decreasing use of the mail; and readers giving up after one or two entries that are not chosen.

Whatever the cause, the result is that last month’s contest drew only seven entries from readers. Given that entries often duplicate, that is just not enough to keep the contest going.

I’ve tried to pick stamps with provocative subjects and to frame them in ways that would connect at an emotional level, but that has not worked as I had planned. What I have received is an uptick in entries that I can’t print. Though often hilarious, they skate on the edge of decency, political correctness, or other possibly offensive content.

So, almost 40 years is not a bad run, but I can’t see a way forward at this point. I do want to say thanks to the many wonderful people who have contributed over the years, some of whom have become pen pals.

This will be our last cartoon caption contest winners’ segment. This weekly column will continue, but the cartoon contest will no longer be a part of it.

The February contest featured the nondenominated (47¢) Rabbit forever stamp (Scott 5112) from the Pets issue of 2016, and my question was what the rabbit might be thinking following the results of the well-known tortoise versus hare race from Aesop’s Fables.

Our winner in the non-philatelic category is shown in the box above. It is from Harold Forbes of Castleton, Vt., who channeled the rabbit’s confidence.

For the best philatelic entry, George DeKornfeld from Hobart, N.Y., wins with “Hare Mail Saves Time!” mimicking a slogan once used by the United States Postal Service for airmail service.

Both winners will receive a 13-week subscription to Linn’s (a new subscription or an extension).

Connect with Linn’s Stamp News: 

    Sign up for our newsletter