Philately is a great hobby, but there are many ways to actually conduct it.
Some are collecting regular stamps, and no cinderellas.
Others collect only cinderellas.
Or only postmarks.
Or only - whatever.
Some say "I don't collect from country X", meaning no buying, and some would not even collect those even if getting them gratis.
I am open to anything I like, within budget. Sure, I have priorities.
Liking does not mean buying, necessarily.
If somebody offers me, free, some philatelic item that I like but I wouldn't really want to buy it, then I will collect it, explore it, etc.
Anybody can PASSIVELY collect the regular stamps - created by others.
All you need is money.
But can you design a stamp?
Today, yes. And it's free to design.
FDCs and other covers involve, too, some creativity.
Personalized.
Maximum cards can be unique every time you make them.