Lastly, the CTO ( cancelled to order) collectors, often called "Ceetos," represent the third element of the Caste
troika. Our research can find no evidence of similar activity in the pre-Philatelist era. The one universal
trait of all "Ceetos" is that they are equally scorned by "mintists" and P-U's. This seems a strange phenomenon, since
the "Ceetos" have melded the practices of both other castes into their own. Hence, "Ceetos" collect stamps with pristine
backs just like the "mintists", yet have a light cancel on an uncreased, flat stamp coveted by P-U's.
Unlike the other castes they do not pay premiums, they prefer procuring the greatest volume at the most economical cost.
In the PhilatellicLand market, shop keepers often display signs such as "CTO's need not apply", or "Ceetos not
Welcome." Although no violence has yet occurred, there is a seething malevolent undercurrent here. It can be seen
for example, when a trade is conducted and an inadvertent CTO appears in the mix. There is a huge wail and cry, and
dealers and shoppers gather in tight little knots (by caste) to watch as the aggrieved party removes the offensive
stamp, with special obsidian tongs blessed by the elders, while he beats his chest crying "Unclean, Unclean....," lest the
CTO contaminate the rest of his collection. We observed most of these confrontations with items in the 1c
to 20c value range, however feelings do run high.
"Ceetos" have been known to collect huge volumes of stamps. In PhilatellicLand they annually
vie for the coveted MISSY* Award. This year's winner - Phil Upmoor, received the trophy from last year's winner
- Miss Ann Thrope (a rather stern looking woman) in a ceremony that was unfortunately marred by a group of P-U
protestors who sang "We shall Overcome" outside the fairground gates.
* Most Issues Stuffed in a Stockbook
Yearly.
