selling the forum?

[Leon]

So I get an interesting email yesterday. Some guy asking me if I want to sell the forum. Says he wants to not "undo" what has been done but take it and make it much better. He says money is no object and this is a real email offer. So I call him. He says he has a financial partner that is the money and he would run the forum himself. I asked him if had experience in this hobby or industry. He said no but collected as a kid (as we all did). I told him I thought it would be rather difficult to moderate the forum with no hobby experience. Not to worry, he says......I told him I thought there was very little possibility of him being successful. And no, the forum isn't for sale....however, I guess anything is for the right amount. But it's not for sale....I just thought it kind of interesting that someone thinks they could run a forum like this with no experience. Maybe I am being naive? As one collector once said, anyone could do it. I don't think it's rocket science but I dunno....

[barrysloate]

Why would he want it? He must think it's a potential bonanza, I guess.

[timzcardz]

Well, when you have a money making machine like this forum, it's bound to attract the attention of the big money.

Have you considered auctioning it off on the Buy/Sell/Trade Section?

[Leon]

Originally Posted by barrysloate

Why would he want it? He must think it's a potential bonanza, I guess.

He said he is a stay at home dad taking care of a spouse that is sick. And this investor of his likes to buy forums....sounded sort of crazy. Even though a few haters think this forum sucks I would not want to see it go to hell in a handbag with a D-bag running it, or someone that really had no clue...

[Leon]

Originally Posted by timzcardz

Have you considered auctioning it off on the Buy/Sell/Trade Section?

Live auction section.....Bidding starts at 1 dollar with 1 dollar increments..... free shipping but paypal gift only.

[Jay Wolt]

Love the "money is no object" line.
Did he ever mention a $ figure?

[ullmandds]

Well...things have been kinda weird around here lately...I'll bid $5!

[Matthew H]

I don't know who they are, but I'm sure they'd destroy it.

If they put a bunch of money into it, there would have to be big changes for them to get it it back out... Unless this forum is already making you rich beyond your wildest dreams, Leon....... Maybe it is? You do have a nice collection

[oldcardboard]

Net54 success starts at the top, BIG props to Leon and all he does.

[Paul S]

Takes two equal components for a successful forum: those who post and the moderator...it's a symbiotic relationship, and the board as it is strikes a great balance. I'm sure moderation is not as easy as you make it seem to appear. It takes something both learned and innate. Just curious, but did the potential buyer say anything about HOW he would make it better, or what would the next level be? I couldn't imagine.
Oh yeah, is shilling allowed in the live auction?

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Matthew H

I don't know who they are, but I'm sure they'd destroy it.

If they put a bunch of money into it, there would have to be big changes for them to get it it back out... Unless this forum is already making you rich beyond your wildest dreams, Leon....... Maybe it is? You do have a nice collection

I was fortunate to make ok money in outside commission sales for 20+ yrs until last year. This forum's yearly earnings won't make anyone rich....it's ok, but not enough to really live on. (unless you want to be poor)...He never mentioned money as that was not his role. And I think his term wasn't money is no object, as I said, it was something like it would be a serious offer and they had a lot of money...regardless, I think he sounded like a dingbat. He would get eaten alive on the forum.

[cardinalcollector]

Leon, if you sold it, wouldn't you miss all the fights...and babysitting...and more fights....and name calling....and making all those decisions....and banning a few people....and being diplomatic to idiots....and more babysitting?

How could you give all that up?

[camlov2]

I would tell him to make an offer just to see how much your baby is worth. It would probably be insulting though. Great job by the way...

[sycks22]

Did the guy have a trimmed Wagner for sale?

[Matthew H]

I was being an ass Leon. I have a pretty good memory, and you've posted about your career before, you've also mentioned how much banner ads cost, so I knew better.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by sycks22

Did the guy have a trimmed Wagner for sale?

No, but I did see a pic with his underwear on the floor in the background...maybe we are onto something.

And thanks for the few kudos...certainly not looking for any. Just the participation on the board is enough for me. I couldn't imagine doing this if I wasn't a rabid collector either.

[wolf441]

Thanks for all you do Leon and please don't sell this forum. For all the arguments and drama, this is still the #1 place for pre-WWII card enthusiasts to come. It is truly an enjoyable site to just hop on and see what some of the top hobby experts are thinking and to brainstorm ideas about how these cards were printed, distributed, etc, as well as to show off/view hobby rarities. The expert members make it worthwhile and you have just the right sense of when to let a discussion/debate continue and where to draw the line. Just wanted to get my thoughts out there as I've been hooked on Net54 since I discovered the site about a year ago. Thanks again, Steve

[Paul S]

Originally Posted by Leon

No, but I did see a pic with his underwear on the floor in the background...maybe we are onto something.

What?! I told him I'd be back for my boxers later!

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Paul S

What?! I told him I'd be back for my boxers later!

Party Foul!!

[I Only Smoke 4 the Cards]

Sounds like a very weird email.

[EvilKing00]

Originally Posted by barrysloate

Why would he want it? He must think it's a potential bonanza, I guess.

He would want it only for the fact that there is a nice amount of traffic here. He would begin to advertise and try to sell advertising here and or his own products. Like he said hes not into collecting he just wants the traffic.

What he dosnt understand, is that if he did do that, most here wouldnt like being emailed blasted every day and annoyed by pop ups and pop unders,someone here, maybe Leon would just buy a new domain, maybe
Net86baseball.com (mets won in 86) And everyone would just move over to the new forum.

Like leon said not gonna work unless you really know your stuff and can contribute as well as help the members.

[Fred]

OK, I'm gonna ask.... HOW MUCH DID HE OFFER??? I'm just curious... and I bet others are also.... I'm just rude enought to ask...

[ullmandds]

it doesn't apear an offer was made...just an offer for an offer?!

[HRBAKER]

Originally Posted by EvilKing00

He would want it only for the fact that there is a nice amount of traffic here. He would begin to advertise and try to sell advertising here and or his own products. Like he said hes not into collecting he just wants the traffic.

What he dosnt understand, is that if he did do that, most here wouldnt like being emailed blasted every day and annoyed by pop ups and pop unders,someone here, maybe Leon would just buy a new domain, maybe
Net86baseball.com (mets won in 86) And everyone would just move over to the new forum.

Like leon said not gonna work unless you really know your stuff and can contribute as well as help the members.

Anyone with half a brain hopefully would insist that Leon sign a Non-Compete of considerable length if any serious money changed hands.

[Fred]

Leon, if the guy offered you $500K for it what would you do? Ok, I realize that isn't going to happen, but I was just wondering what NUMBER would picque your interest?

[Jlighter]

Originally Posted by EvilKing00

He would want it only for the fact that there is a nice amount of traffic here. He would begin to advertise and try to sell advertising here and or his own products. Like he said hes not into collecting he just wants the traffic.

What he dosnt understand, is that if he did do that, most here wouldnt like being emailed blasted every day and annoyed by pop ups and pop unders,someone here, maybe Leon would just buy a new domain, maybe
Net86baseball.com (mets won in 86) And everyone would just move over to the new forum.

Like leon said not gonna work unless you really know your stuff and can contribute as well as help the members.

I would have to imagine there would have to be a non-compete clause.

I'm sure the traffic at Full Count, SGC and Collectors Universe would skyrocket.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Fred

OK, I'm gonna ask.... HOW MUCH DID HE OFFER??? I'm just curious... and I bet others are also.... I'm just rude enought to ask...

He didn't offer. Remember, he said there is an investor that is the money guy. I told him to have that guy call me. I am waiting (this was only yesterday). And since I started this I will keep folks updated but I don't really expect a phone call back. I hope he caught the idea that I don't think he can do it. I don't think he did though...

[teetwoohsix]

Well, I hope this doesn't happen. I'm sure this individual would attempt to make the board members pay a fee to be a board member, selling, buying, trading on the board would have a price, auctioning on the board would have a fee, etc....it would probably all revolve around money, unfortunately. After all, he's not even into pre war cards?

Thanks for all of your hard work Leon- DON'T DO IT !!!!!!!

Sincerely, Clayton

[shammus]

Plus, there's the technical side of things too....we do a little more on the html/javascript side than most forums out there

[E93]

Don't sell for too little.
JimB

[Tcards-Please]

Leon,

Was it this guy???? You did say you saw underwear in the background.

[EvilKing00]

Originally Posted by HRBAKER

Anyone with half a brain hopefully would insist that Leon sign a Non-Compete of considerable length if any serious money changed hands.

its a internet forum that can be open by anyone, (maybe leon couldnt) but anyone could and heve leon as a mod or admin etc, there is no way to protect against it. Basicly hes selling a domain name and the content of all the past postings thats it.

[HRBAKER]

Originally Posted by EvilKing00

its a internet forum that can be open by anyone, anywhere at any time, there is no way to protect against it.

You can't keep them from doing it, but you can go after them for it if they agree as a term of the sale not to.

[peterose4hof]

You could sell the forum to these two gentleman and stay on as an employee who helps run the site. The buyer and his money man could call themselves the "Kings of Leon". Hmmm, that's kinda catchy, would be a cool band name.

[Paul S]

Originally Posted by HRBAKER

You can't keep them from doing it, but you can go after them for it if they agree as a term of the sale not to.

Leon opens a new forum under a relative's name and becomes a silent consultant.

[HRBAKER]

Originally Posted by Paul S

Leon opens a new forum under a relative's name and becomes a silent consultant.

If the point is, there's always a way to be a dick and not honor your word then I get that.

[ethicsprof]

i've been doing this forum for 'round a decade now and already feeling a bit
of separation anxiety with just a mention of the possibility of your selling the forum. Then I reread the posts and saw that you called the fella 'a dingbat'
so you are pushing the fella away. Whew! Thanks,Leon, for all the incredible work you do to make this forum possible. May I say without equivocation you, sir, are
no dingbat. You are Moderator par excellence, without peer.
all the best, ole friend,
barry

[Piratedogcardshows]

Vote Leon in 2016!

[sbfinley]

Did he refer to the group as we? Please say yes.

[bijoem]

hmmm.... a 'serious' buyer begins a negotiation with "money is no object".

sounds perfectly normal - and not anything to be cautious about.

[kcohen]

Originally Posted by timzcardz

Well, when you have a money making machine like this forum, it's bound to attract the attention of the big money.

Have you considered auctioning it off on the Buy/Sell/Trade Section?

Leon - The way to go if you sell might be auctioning off each section individually in the Live Auction Thread. However, if you go this route, remember that being forum owner does not exempt you from the "Only 2-3 Open at Once" rule.

[Paul S]

Originally Posted by HRBAKER

If the point is, there's always a way to be a dick and not honor your word then I get that.

Being a dick wasn't my point. Joining in the momentary general joyous fantasy surrounding workaround theory posts was.

[drmondobueno]

Originally Posted by bijoem

hmmm.... a 'serious' buyer begins a negotiation with "money is no object".

sounds perfectly normal - and not anything to be cautious about.

Perfectly typcal buyout b s. Money is no object, it is the only object. Sounds to me like a couple of guys who would buy, build a case for value based on actual advertising revenue and value of cards sold thru BS&T, then sell again. This second buyer will get it in the shorts as we would all be long gone. So Leon could repurchase at pennies and rebuild. I am in, Leon

Just kidding. I like this forum, there is nothing like it anywhere

Keith

[Leon]

There is no number, It isn't for sale.

I am not a lawyer so there is my disclaimer but Non competes are valid and enforceable, most times, if there is a payment for it. I have had one before and it was enforceable because I received a payment in return. Another friend in the same situation wasn't paid and didn't have to abide by it. I think it goes state by state.

But regardless I enjoy moderating the forum, along with the other guys, and don't plan on leaving (or selling it). It's fun most times and I greatly enjoy the hobby. Unless what the guy says is interesting, if he calls, I won't report back. I would rather get back to talking about cards.....just thought it interesting so shared.

[Blitzu]

I've ran a busy forum as an admin and moderator for appx 4 years. It is not simple and there are so many different personalities that its hard to keep control. The forum was also comprised mostly of people in their 20's and 30's so battles occurred often. We also had a few dozen sponsors who were also posting regularly and often complaining about other members and other sponsors. It was tough. Our moderating staff was a dozen or so people but it wasnt enough. Very time consuming and very stressful. People don't always understand what it takes to operate one of these sites. This place is very well ran and thank god the community is comprised of mostly mature individuals.

Thanks Leon for the site and smooth operations.

[thetruthisoutthere]

Originally Posted by oldcardboard

Net54 success starts at the top, BIG props to Leon and all he does.

Ditto!!!

[deadballfreaK]

Maybe he's representing ebay. Then those fake alerts Net54 sends would disappear and we would get posts like "Hey guys, seen item #xxxxxxxxx ? Wow that is one great Babe Ruth item! Obviously genuine. I'd bid high!""

[E93]

Originally Posted by bijoem

hmmm.... a 'serious' buyer begins a negotiation with "money is no object".

sounds perfectly normal - and not anything to be cautious about.

That is always my opening line when beginning a negotiation.
JimB

[Fred]

Leon,

This forum would be a bad investment for anyody because as soon as you sold it and they screwed it up, we'd all bail and then it would have been a pretty piss poor investment... come to think of it, why would someone in their right mind even consider buying this forum without first researching what would happen if things didn't go as planned....

Leon, this could be a great business opportunity... sell it, let them screw it up, and then buy it back at 25% the price you sold it for...

[T206DK]

he probably wanted so he could sell all our names to mass marketers