Posted By:
Ray AndersonYou know, I have been a lurker of this board for six months or so and have only posted two or three times. Since being a member, I have checked this site religiously nearly every day. I rarely post here because I see the members of this board as the "upper crust" of the hobby. When I check this board, I get the feeling that I've snuck myself into a board meeting of extreme significance, held by some of the top minds in the hobby. I know it sounds corny, but that's the way it is. I see this as a place to come and learn, and add to the discussion only when I think I won't look like a complete novice (which is how I feel every day when I see some of the detailed and intelligent discussions going on).
But, in the past few weeks, I have read a lot of drivel, rudeness, and just plain crap (see Sudanese thread and pretty much all the threads started by that 11 yr old to name a few). But I found it entertaining (and still do). When I get tired of reading threads about cards, I "change channels" and check out the soap operas on the other threads. However, none of it rubbed me the wrong way, as few things I find on the internet rarely do.
But as an "outsider looking in," this poll idea takes the cake. While it doesn't bother me per se, I think it's pretty childish. The fact too, that you're trying to start a business with that site of yours, and openly arguing with members of the board, puts your site in a bad light. Your name is associated with your site, and therefore, what you say and do is also associated with it (nothing against your site - I think it's a great idea and a great looking site). I guess as a consumer, you and your business would've easily earned my respect if you had just ignored negative comments, or politely replied to them once. That being said, its no personal attack on you, it’s just one consumer's very humble opinion.
I guess the thing that is finally starting to bother me about all the non-card arguments going on here is the fact that on almost every other baseball card website (I frequent about four others), THIS is the site that most people refer tough vintage questions to. In other words, I'm not the only one that sees this as the crème de la crème, so to speak.
All in all, I see this as the one place where mature people can come and learn/talk about old cards; and to me, it seems like my "haven" is slowly slipping away.
Forgive me for my own drivel and probably unorganized thoughts, but it's 2:45 am and I can't sleep.
Now, with that being said, bring on your rants and raves on my post...(for those of you who care what I have to say).
Full Name: Ray Anderson
Email: gotsparks@hotmail.com