Does anyone know ben in real world

[Republicaninmass]

He "convoited"

[iowadoc77]

This thread has enlightened me for sure. I will pass on all deals offered by toppsaholic and suspect the majority with any common sense will do the same.

[Cmount76]

I don't know Ben, and quite frankly, I don't know many of you in person. But what I do know is that I, like many of you, make judgements based off of what I read.

Just my 2 pennies...

And for the record, Peter, I'll take the over...Leon keeps a very long leash on nonsense.

[KMayUSA6060]

I questioned the description of a card on eBay being sold by Toppsaholic, and was given A TON of attitude in response. In fact, he went out of his way to repost the item a few days later with a smartass description in response to my questioning of the original description. Whomever Toppsaholic is, I refuse to deal with them.

[sreader3]

Originally Posted by Bpm0014

I could be wrong, but probably not. I just have a funny feeling with this . . . his use of the word "we' and "us", his calling out other members, etc. Just throwing that out there....

We think Ben (or perhaps Toppsaholic) may be related to Bruce.

[2dueces]

We thinks we've got a lot of time on our hands to be worried about one customer/dealing. We thinks the OP sounds very familiar but can't place them.

[gnaz01]

Originally Posted by sreader3

We think Ben (or perhaps Toppsaholic) may be related to Bruce.

I agree, I deduced this whilst we were reading through this thread...

[h2oya311]

Originally Posted by sreader3

We think Ben (or perhaps Toppsaholic) may be related to Bruce.

don't you mean, the Bruce(s)?

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by sreader3

We think Ben (or perhaps Toppsaholic) may be related to Bruce.

I have have been a member for a few years with my real name posted the entire time. I am also the only person to use my account.

Now the other user name has more than one person using it and who knows what their real names are.

[spaidly]

Originally Posted by packs

I've met Ben Linus. He was born on the island and has spent more time here than anyone. However, don't be fooled by his appearance. He's calculating and diabolical. He once convinced me that I was talking to an omnipotent force named Jacob, but it turned out I was only speaking to an empty chair. Somehow he remains a candidate.

Dude, you are so lost...

[OldOriole]

Originally Posted by oldjudge

I'm not sure what the purposes are in starting this thread, but it has convinced me that I would never deal with you. I would bet that I am not alone in this response. Congratulations!

Jay, as you know, I've been on here since before we were on N54 and I agree with you 100%. These threads get so tiring and serve no useful purpose other than to be aware of who to avoid.

[brianp-beme]

does anyone know the omnipresent 'Ben' in the "real world" ?

I googled it, but after dilligently searching I could not find a single 'Ben' on any of the decades worth of seasons of MTV's Real World.

Brian

[steve B]

I don't get why it's so critical to know someone in the real world.

When I joined, I "knew" some of the members from seeing their names ages ago, but I'm pretty sure I haven't met them.
Between budget, other hobbies and recently kids, I don't get to many shows. Maybe 2-3 a year when I was more active, a couple years I went to more, but was helping the show promoters.

One thing I think a lot of new people miss is that most of the regular posters are people with strong personalities and opinions. And little tolerance for games that aren't sports. They're also generally good people too. Of course we have some strenuous disagreements, that's people. (Anyone saying they never disagree with someone is either lying, or really has no opinion of their own)

Steve B

[slipk1068]

Yo Adrian...

[JollyElm]

Ben-Affleck-at-a-press-conference.jpg

[DHogan]

What we need are more cow bells.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsBwBct0_5U

[quinnsryche]

I know Ben North. Great guy, pleasure to deal with, fun to talk to. Wouldn't say it if it wasn't true. Too many dill holes in this world, Ben's not one of them, Toppsaholic, strive not to be another one. Let it go.

[buymycards]

I purchased an item from Toppsaholic on eBay a few months ago. Smooth transaction. The PayPal payment went to Mathew Zimmerman.

I agree about the cowbells.

Rick

[RealToppsaholic]

the over is the winning bet for sure -- here to stay not causing problems just wondering who is Beno.rth ? that all I'm asking

you guys love this stuff is funny

60+ responses no answer to who is Ben

and for the record I am cool with ben just asking who since he seems to know us/me

the truth can always be questioned

the 'under' bets will all lose; leon's leash is one thing but our intentions to stay are another

[gnaz01]

Originally Posted by RealToppsaholic

the over is the winning bet for sure -- here to stay not causing problems just wondering who is Beno.rth ? that all I'm asking

you guys love this stuff is funny

60+ responses no answer to who is Ben

and for the record I am cool with ben just asking who since he seems to know us/me

the truth can always be questioned

the 'under' bets will all lose; leon's leash is one thing but our intentions to stay are another

So what IS your real name? It seems to have changed over time.....

[RealToppsaholic]

never said it was 'critical'. just wondering. it is seriously amazing how people love to twist threads I love it flame on!

how it is such a problem to wonder WHO someone is since this forum is 100% no fake names --there is zero tolerance for it

so since ben n.orth is so well known HOW is it no one has met him ?

I get 60+ responders and nothing but people saying I'm trouble? for asking WHO is defaming me ? I'm not entitled to know who is posting since this forum is all transparent?

seems opaque to me.

and for those saying 'let it go' --that's what we are doing over here; but we need Ben and any other detractors to have a chance to voice their feelings towards TOPPSAHOLIC

thanks to those who sent cool polite PM saying they like us (both of you)

#1 fun #2 buy #3 sell a few

[slidekellyslide]

Toppsaholic added three rare cards from his wantlist just because of this thread.

Congrats!!

[gnaz01]

Originally Posted by slidekellyslide

toppsaholic added three rare cards from his wantlist just because of this thread.

HaHa

[Jeffrompa]

...

[whitehse]

Originally Posted by brianp-beme

does anyone know the omnipresent 'Ben' in the "real world" ?

I googled it, but after dilligently searching I could not find a single 'Ben' on any of the decades worth of seasons of MTV's Real World.

Brian

This is the exact response I had and kept wondering why the OP even cared about a defunct MTV show that was filled with a bunch of self centered sex fiends.

But to each their own!

[orly57]

Say what you will about Toppsaholic, but the man is an optimist. He dares to dream.

[Bliggity]

To be fair, Ben lives in South Dakota, and nobody knows anyone in South Dakota.

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by Bliggity

To be fair, Ben lives in South Dakota, and nobody knows anyone in South Dakota.

It is amazing how true that is. It also has amazed me how many adults don't even know where SD is on a map.

When I lived about an hour away from Dan in Clinton, I had everyone there convinced we still rode horses and used covered wagons. That was in the 80's though.

[iowadoc77]

How about an over/under for the number of billboards in South Dakota advertising Wall Drug? I will say 226. Anyone over? under? Its certainly worth the drive just for the free ice water!

[gnaz01]

Originally Posted by iowadoc77

How about an over/under for the number of billboards in South Dakota advertising Wall Drug? I will say 226. Anyone over? under? Its certainly worth the drive just for the free ice water!

Oh I will take the over on that one............

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by gnaz01

So what IS your real name? It seems to have changed over time.....

We will probably never get an answer to this. Certain types of people like to use several different aliases and avoid direct questions.

I would also like to know who is posting on their username here. They want to know who I am but do their best to hide who they are. Guess it really isn't against the rules to have fake names on this forum. When more than one person is using a account it would also be nice to know what one is actually posting what. What posts are Matt making and what posts are Alison making? Besides the eBay ID they have mentioned they also go by "lawsonwells" or at least used to.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by bnorth

We will probably never get an answer to this. Certain types of people like to use several different aliases and avoid direct questions.

I would also like to know who is posting on their username here. They want to know who I am but do their best to hide who they are. Guess it really isn't against the rules to have fake names on this forum. When more than one person is using a account it would also be nice to know what one is actually posting what. What posts are Matt making and what posts are Alison making? Besides the eBay ID they have mentioned they also go by "lawsonwells" or at least used to.

Yes it is against our rules to have fake account info.
Just how is one supposed to know who is behind a keyboard and using an account? Matthew will be responsible for everything posted with his board ID, just like everyone else. If anyone gives false registration information they may be banned immediately or dealt with otherwise to correct the issue.

[slidekellyslide]

Originally Posted by Bliggity

To be fair, Ben lives in South Dakota, and nobody knows anyone in South Dakota.

My wife's entire family is from South Dakota. I got married in South Dakota.

[RealToppsaholic]

you seem to be running out of ammo --

my name is Matthew Zimmerman --no middle initial

I already posted I am responsible for any / all posts

"we" and "us" is a general reference as we have more than a few ebay helpers.

that's it.

my wife has nothing to do with it--any further reference to my wife will be considered malicious. she has recvd THREATS at our HOME for our PRICING. ok? the world is a scary place -- so becuz we sell on ebay our names are public and anyone anywhere can hurt us ? meanwhile you are hiding out in the Dakotas with a fake name having never meet anyone in the industry having never been to a show.

I would guess the fake name thing on here runs at EASILY 30% -- 3 in 10 names are fake or 'double accounts' ----EASILY 30% +

HOPKINS is a name I often use for internet accounts as it is a Family name. OK?

PLEASE PLEASE don't act like you and/or everyone is using their real name here?!
I personally know PERSONALLY KNOW 5 + people on here who are not only NOT using their real name BUT they laugh/scoff at the thought of it.

OF COURSE there are anonymous keyboard snipers out there
none of them will meet you in person try it

we are here for #1 fun #2 buy cards #3 sell a few

anyone who has a problem with us asking about ben is clueless.

remember --zero tolerance for fake last names here

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by Leon

Yes it is against our rules to have fake account info.
Just how is one supposed to know who is behind a keyboard and using an account? Matthew will be responsible for everything posted with his board ID, just like everyone else. If anyone gives false registration information they may be banned immediately or dealt with otherwise to correct the issue.

I do understand your side Leon. Also try to understand mine. I am being attacked by someone who has used more than 1 name on this forum. Then the account is being used by more than 1 person so I don't even know who is really attacking me. Also add that the attacks are complete BS, if they don't like my opinions/facts prove me wrong.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by bnorth

I do understand your side Leon. Also try to understand mine. I am being attacked by someone who has used more than 1 name on this forum. Then the account is being used by more than 1 person so I don't even know who is really attacking me. Also add that the attacks are complete BS, if they don't like my opinions/facts prove me wrong.

I don't have to prove anything. He is responsible for his account. Period. If someone else uses it he is still responsible. It is HIS login credentials.

[RealToppsaholic]

---I don't even know what 'attacks' you are referencing. we came on here a year ago to defend ourselves and YES we came in too hot. --was new to the forum stuff didn't realize the rules

so here we are a year later almost at the end of the cobb saga --making myself available to anyone with questions ..going to POST the PSA letter -- and it is ME being attacked by BEN.

BEN has a big fan club. yet 80+ on this thread lots of responses and humor jabs etc but noooooo answer. no one knows WHO ben really is. that's all I'm saying.

ben --stop acting like a victim -- I have said 3? or 4? times I, MATTHEW ZIMMERMAN, am responsible for any/everything said here or on ebay. I am also personally and solely responsible for any and all ebay items we sell including the cobb mistake.
you are acting like a baby and the victim --what attacks ? why does me asking WHO you are FEEL like an attack to you? hmm.

LEON has my social security number and DOB if he wants it. he has my po box & home address, 2 phone numbers, email and I am available anytime. the small ebay business I run IN ITSELF makes me accountable/accessible.

its also funny to me how you FORGET --I came here. I'm not under examination. came to face the music. its a man's move -- I'm here to clear the air you seem to be out of ammo

tell me when you done so we can turn the spotlight on YOU and your past Ben? or not.

the words attacks (used 3 or 5 times by you just now) really makes me laugh -- I am on DEFENSE not offense. you would know if I was attacking you -- tell me if you really want me to post what I found on you --ok ?

[slidekellyslide]

Originally Posted by RealToppsaholic

---
LEON has my social security number and DOB if he wants it.

Ummmm....what?

[Leon]

Originally Posted by slidekellyslide

Ummmm....what?

The dude (hi Matthew) is way over the top. I didn't ask for, want or keep any of his other info besides name and phone number.
If I send you something in the mail it's not your fault .

[WillowGrove]

Originally Posted by slidekellyslide

Toppsaholic added three rare cards from his wantlist just because of this thread.

Congrats!!

I did one of them lol's.

[CurtisFlood]

Originally Posted by RealToppsaholic

you seem to be running out of ammo --

my name is Matthew Zimmerman --no middle initial

I already posted I am responsible for any / all posts

"we" and "us" is a general reference as we have more than a few ebay helpers.

that's it.

my wife has nothing to do with it--any further reference to my wife will be considered malicious. she has recvd THREATS at our HOME for our PRICING. ok? the world is a scary place -- so becuz we sell on ebay our names are public and anyone anywhere can hurt us ? meanwhile you are hiding out in the Dakotas with a fake name having never meet anyone in the industry having never been to a show.

I would guess the fake name thing on here runs at EASILY 30% -- 3 in 10 names are fake or 'double accounts' ----EASILY 30% +

HOPKINS is a name I often use for internet accounts as it is a Family name. OK?

PLEASE PLEASE don't act like you and/or everyone is using their real name here?!
I personally know PERSONALLY KNOW 5 + people on here who are not only NOT using their real name BUT they laugh/scoff at the thought of it.

OF COURSE there are anonymous keyboard snipers out there
none of them will meet you in person try it

we are here for #1 fun #2 buy cards #3 sell a few

anyone who has a problem with us asking about ben is clueless.

remember --zero tolerance for fake last names here

I guess you are not paranoid if everyone is out to get you.

[steve B]

Not that it will do any good, and not like it's anything I'm good at, but here goes.

A bit of history / advice.

Some time ago, we had a member who always referred to himself as "we" - and as far as I know didn't have an ebay business as an explanation. He was also kinda nuts, at one point commenting on a post that was archived (which appears as being from "archive" ) with a threat to sue. It was his own old post! He also knew a lot about cards, and had a really good collection.

In a business setting I sort of like "we" it's a team thing. Sounds like you might be sort of someone I wouldn't mind working for in some ways.
But here you're pretty much yourself, or should be.
The advice? Move away from "we" and more to "I" the whole "we" thing has a bit too much baggage around here.

I mentioned before that most of the regular posters have strong personalities and opinions. I do too, and like the mix here. Those strong opinions do lead to a few "heated discussions", and it can feel like a really harsh place at first.
One of my introductions was mentioning that I had some T206 blankbacks, and the response was a bit rough. A whole lot of "yeah right, suuuuure you do" Right up to when I put up the scans. Since then I've seen a number of people come here with very sketchy stuff or claims of really great stuff and exactly nothing to back that up. Usually it seems to be some sort of promoting stuff that's not exactly legit. So I get where that initial harshness comes from.
The bit of advice here? - Relax, build a track record of being knowledgeable and reasonable (sort of, reasonable by our loose standards I guess, but none of those are written anywhere) And things will get a LOT better.

That brings up what I can only describe as "street cred" I'll have to go with that as I'm not a great writer. I had also mentioned that I knew some members by name but probably hadn't me them. Guys I "knew" from ads in hobby magazines back in the day. When I joined taking info from them as fact was pretty easy. If someone's been in the hobby since the early 80's or earlier and been a dealer they must know some stuff. I learned along the way that other people here know a lot about some stuff. I get the new agey thinking that everyone should have a valid opinion, but to me some opinions are better than others. Sorting that out is a great way of learning things. (I've learned a bit about the law as it applies to hobbies from reading the occasional arguments between lawyers)
The advice? - What do you REALLY know a lot about? Start posting about that stuff. We'll all get some enjoyment from that! (trust me , sharing stuff you know is a lot more fun than it seems it would be)


Ben is actually pretty cool. He knows some stuff. And sometimes does experiments to settle or learn about technical issues. Yes, he can come across as a bit difficult, but almost everyone does now and then.
I am rather puzzled with a couple things - "hiding out" in South Dakota? .....You do know that people live and work there right? It's not all fossils, Indians and pipeline right of ways. Amazingly, people even live in North Dakota too, or did back in the 70's when I visited . And as far as I know there haven't been any laws saying you can only collect if you live in certain states and go to shows.

30% plus fake names? I'd have a pretty hard time believing that. Occasionally a new member who is up to some sort of shenanigans isn't who they say they are and that gets sorted pretty quickly. Maybe that 30% is in the bunch of people who don't post much or at all? And if it is, where did you find the time to find them, let alone check them all out?

Steve B
Collecting more or less seriously since Sept 1977, a bit from late 73 till then, and a tiny bit since 1969. And still currently only one show every couple years and while I've been in the same room as many members I can't say we've met. Something I hope to fix if I can make it to the Shriners show this year.

[orly57]

Here's what I found in my inbox today. Mr. "Lookatmeaholic" has shown the real reason he is on here. He thinks that by being an unlikeable dick, it may help him sell his overpriced garbage. Get rid of this clown already.

[iowadoc77]

I'm confused. I thought it was toppsaholic, now lookatmeaholic (probably much more accurate!) Great name Orlando!

[Forever Young]

Originally Posted by steve B

Amazingly, people even live in North Dakota too, or did back in the 70's when I visited .

It is true, ND is thriving. If fact, we don't hide at all. Ben North, where do you live in SD? Perhaps we should meet half way so that you have met another member? We can do "live from the dakotas". We can prove to the OP that there really are 50 states. You in? #historymatters

[Leon]

I think it was probably a retaliation comment but could be wrong.
If Matthew (hi again Matthew) wants to be a part of the community, and act accordingly, so be it. If not then it won't take long and he'll be gone one way or the other. Just like anyone else.

Originally Posted by orly57

Here's what I found in my inbox today. Mr. "Lookatmeaholic" has shown the real reason he is on here. He thinks that by being an unlikeable dick, it may help him sell his overpriced garbage. Get rid of this clown already.

[clydepepper]

I have ben in the real world...didn't like it much.

[vintagetoppsguy]

Posting PMs isn't cool...and against board rules.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by vintagetoppsguy

Posting PMs isn't cool...and against board rules.

Very true but on the outset there was some buying and selling on the front page, which to me meant the gloves were sort of off. The spectacle won't last too long I am sure.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by Leon

Very true but on the outset there was some buying and selling on the front page, which to me meant the gloves were sort of off. The spectacle won't last too long I am sure.

I don't think that really justified it. People shouldn't do it, it undermines the integrity of the private message. I could see some exceptional circumstance where it was necessary to tell one's side of the story, but that doesn't seem to be the case here.