Great post Wazoo.
I understand that many board members go way back (I refer to them as "veterans") and maybe it's hard for (some) of the veteran collectors to accept new collectors. I've read posts over the time I've been on Net54 talking about "the good old days of the old board" and I've noticed collectors that used to post all of the time when I joined sort of fade off of the board , and now only make a rare appearance.
I've often wondered, what made the old board "better" for these collectors? I say that because when I joined, you had the same exact things going on as you have now..occaisional spats, threads about cards, lots of knowledge sharing, talk of auction houses and ebay, the monthly pick up thread, etc.. I mean, other than more people joining and participating, what is different for the veterans?
I'll admit that it's hard to know whether something is said in a sarcastic way, or if that's just the posters regular personality; I often wonder if I word my posts right. I think sometimes when I question certain veteran collectors, they take it as an "attack", when in reality I am just asking a question. Then, my question may be ignored (that's fine) or I may be met with a condescending (sp?) remark (which is fine as well, but I may respond likewise
). Communication breakdown
I recently read the thread where Steve K. said he was banned, and to this day I don't know what that was all about, but it was pretty unsettling to me. He's always seemed like a decent guy to me, but was getting hammered in that thread. Maybe there's a story there I don't know about, but I figured that type of treatment would be reserved for someone who rips someone off, or something of that nature.
I'm all for making Net54 a better place, and enjoyable for everyone-from veterans to new collectors. It is really all about the love of cards, and the joy of collecting, and learning as much as possible. Peace.
Sincerely, Clayton