The $100 Experiment Thread Discussion...

[Leon]

It seems as the $500 and $1000 Experiment threads are being a crowd favorite. Thanks Greg!!
This board has been, is, and should be all about having as much fun as is humanly possible with mostly pre-war and vintage baseball cards/memorabilia. Several folks want a $100 Experiment thread. A few concerns should be discussed as well as any others that pop up as we go.
Would these threads take too much away from the nature of the front pages of the different sections (Front page, Memorabilia, Autograph etc..)? There has been at least one member address this with me privately. Coffee talk on that one....
We might discuss the $100 thread running at the same time as the other 2? That might be too much? And with what has been seen in the threads already, should we discuss offering a $490 market value card(s)/item for $500?
We can usually give harmless and fun things a try. If they don't work then we'll figure it out.
There have been some very good values and many, if not most, of those have sold. Let's keep that spirit while we discuss the $100 thread. Thanks everyone.

.

[4815162342]

A $100 thread will be complete and utter madness, but hilarious nonetheless!

[yanksfan09]

Thinking a little more long term, I sort of like the idea of maybe having 1 open sale thread at a time on main page and maybe change dollar amount weekly. One thread could close and another could open. This would address the concerns of some for having too much clutter on top of main page if it was just one active thread per week. Each month could have 4 separate threads where only one is live at a time. It could be set dollar amounts of 100, 250, 500, 1000 etc.. or other amounts that could even change month to month to appeal to collectors of all levels. I think it's a good idea overall as more sales mean that more cards are finding their way to the people who appreciate them most. However I think if there is 2, 3 ,or more active sale threads at a time it may get annoying especially after newness wears off. However 1 thread is pretty easy to skip over for all uninterested parties.

WTF? BST on the front page in the past, has been actively discouraged until these $500 & $1000 threads. Not sure the reasoning for this reversal of policy, but I expect the worst. Why not just have a $100/$500/$1000 auction once a month in the BST section, or open a net54 auction house with nothing but Buy It Now options. Stupid. Just my two cents.

[Joshchisox08]

I'd rather see a $25 or $50 thread. You know for us little guys who don't have the big $$$

[Leon]

Originally Posted by pariah1107

WTF? BST on the front page in the past, has been actively discouraged until these $500 & $1000 threads. Not sure the reasoning for this reversal of policy, but I expect the worst. Why not just have a $100/$500/$1000 auction once a month in the BST thread, or open a net54 auction house with nothing but Buy It Now options. Stupid. Just my two cents.

That is why we are having this discussion. You aren't the only one with these concerns. They are fair and warranted. That being said, as I told the one person privately, nothing has changed with respect to the BST nor will it change. If we do any of these threads they are just an exception at trying to have some fun. If that turns out to not be the case then we won't do them. There has been no reversal of any policy which I am aware of.

[brass_rat]

I understand the concern of having a BST-like thread running on the main stage, but I see them as "pickup threads with prices".

I haven't bought nor sold anything (yet), but I have enjoyed looking at the activity.

I really like Erick's idea of having a single-running thread (instead of three). Why not do a rotation --
Week 1: $100
Week 2: $250
Week 3: $500
Week 4: $1000
(repeat)

Use one thread and just update the title every Sunday. Or use four threads and lock/unlock them at the appropriate times.

That would keep the "clutter" down in a nod to those that don't like the idea.

If people don't like the threads, I'm sure they'll die off on their own pretty quickly.

Either way, it's been fun watching the threads.

Cheers,
Steve

[pokerplyr80]

What's wrong with trying something new? If you don't like the threads don't open them.

[Bliggity]

Originally Posted by brass_rat

I really like Erick's idea of having a single-running thread (instead of three). Why not do a rotation --
Week 1: $100
Week 2: $250
Week 3: $500
Week 4: $1000
(repeat)

Use one thread and just update the title every Sunday. Or use four threads and lock/unlock them at the appropriate times.

I think these threads have been great, and if done correctly, they won't clog up the front page. But I also think a weekly rotation is probably too fast for the threads to run their course, and would be tough to moderate since they'd have to be changed weekly. It also may not give folks enough time to turn over inventory to have something new at that price point every month.

So what about a once-a-month rotation? Whenever the monthly pickup thread starts, we can also start a monthly "Buy this for X" thread. I think $100/250/500/1000 sounds right, and then start over. Only one thread per month. I'm a low-budget guy and would have fun with a $25-50 thread also, but I think that would just turn into a mess. There has to be at least a little heft to the price to keep things interesting and keep it from becoming a clearinghouse for everyone's reject cards.

ETA: Or, whoever starts the thread can pick a random number, maybe $335 or $1150 or whatever. That would keep things pretty interesting also.

[unamuzd1]

I've never felt compelled to read everything on the front page, so I'm fine either way. What's interesting to me is that so far, they've exposed me to a few items that I wouldn't have thought about otherwise. As a guy who mainly buys just a couple of sets, having these prominently displayed on the main page might get me to branch out a little more.

Or I could be less lazy and go look at more than the 2-3 BST boards I check with any regularity.

I like the threads, but would be fine if they got "strategically re-positioned" or "re-imagined" to either take up less board space, or fit somewhere else.

Morrie

[ullmandds]

a once a month...randomly selected dollar amount for a thread is a good idea.

[iwantitiwinit]

First I think the threads have been great and they have caused me to check the site more than usual. As great as the $500 and $1000 threads have been I think their popularity might wane as I would think the majority of members do not have the funds to buy a $500 card much less have the funds to repeatedly buy a $500 card and keep turnover of the thread active. Personally, I might buy one or two $500 - $1000 dollar cards but wouldn't buy several.

On the other hand if there were a $100 thread I think many more members would be active and would be repetitive buyers/sellers. Again I could see myself buying/selling multiple cards. I would think that activity would be constant and new cards would continually be added.

Conversely I don't see any harm. Relative to it hurting the b/s/t I don't think it will. If anything I think it would help there will be more members spending more time on the site. As for myself, it's not a function of not having time to look at certain portions of the site but instead no new things to look at or discuss.

So I vote for the $100 thread.

[frankbmd]

A separate section in BST with only one BIN thread where the dollar amount for listing changes periodically seems to cover many of the suggestions. What has been sold and what remains available is always a problem no matter how the thread(s) are formulated and where they are listed. Imagine a Lenox Cobb type listing intermingled on the new BST BIN thread. Imagine the endless bumping of countless active listings once they are off the front page. Imagine having someone manage the thread to keep a list of active listings in the first post. Then imagine being that guy. Trust the MN guy you wouldn't want to do it.

The consequences of this model for the other BST sections must also be considered. I doubt that a dicker-free rule on a BIN type thread could be enforced. A PM offering 900 instead of a 1000 could occur quite easily result in a sale. Who would enforce such a policy. Leon is heading for the door right now. If there is no dicker-free rule, what is the real difference between this and BST as it currently exists, except for the mandatory pricing established by the thread.

What about the guy who has only $750 cards that he wants to sell?

Because the threads are not specific as to era, sport or anything else, constant viewing will occur. Ultimately folks will decide their time is better spent looking for the stuff they want rather than a needle in a haystack. The novelty of the current threads will wear off I predict.

Rather than starting a 12 rung ladder of threads from $25 up to $10000, let's wait and see what happens in the next few weeks. I bet folks eager to expand the current threads may have second thoughts by then.

In reality though, it's not my forum and I have no agenda.

I will conclude with an appropriate quote by Doris Day

Que Sera Sera

[zachtruitt]

I think the $100 would be a good experiment and I would be interested to see what was posted. I would also be more inclined to buy at $100 vs. $500.

[Iron Horse]

I am all for this threads. They are fun and offer a variety of cards for viewing and purchase. I think maybe combine $100-$250 thread. Either way i like it it is fun

[philliesfan]

I like the ideas of threads for $100.00, $250.00, $500.00 and $1,000.00. But I really like the idea for $25.00 and $50.00 because of my finances. Maybe two rotations? 100, 250, 500, and 1,000. And the $25.00, and $50.00 alternating? Any way that is done would be fine with me, I would contribute to the lower threads and dream of the higher priced ones.
Robert

[xplainer]

I was in favor of the suggested 100 dollar thread, as that is more like my ballfield of play.

But after thinking about it, and reading some of these post, it is already available in the BST area.

If have three cards I can let go for 100, 500 or 1000 dollars, just start a BST thread and list them there.

I guess it's the interaction between people is what I like.

LL will make the final decision on it, but that is my take.

And Frank, leave your logic and focused reasoning at the door. No room for that around here.

[GregMitch34]

I started the 500 and 1000 so I've had my hands full there so I don't care what Leon or anyone does with a 100. Obviously this was a novel approach and struck a nerve but who knows how popular it would be if ongoing. Certainly a rotating one, with a hard deadline (week or month) would be good, and limit on how many each person can post, or otherwise just becomes a massive BIN or another "museum." Whatever, I trust Leon to make the right call.

[Leon]

I am hoping the more responses there are the more I don't have to do anything but go with the flow ....

[frankbmd]

Originally Posted by Leon

I am hoping the more responses there are the more I don't have to do anything but go with the flow ....

Lead from behind, or do you have a lead behind.

[rhettyeakley]

Originally Posted by ullmandds

a once a month...randomly selected dollar amount for a thread is a good idea.

I like this idea. Each month a different amount or two and keep it at that, with the amount(s) alternating from like $50-100-250-500-750-1000+ randomly. We don't want to bury other thought provoking threads with too much clutter.

[Peter_Spaeth]

People be taking this way too seriously.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by frankbmd

Lead from behind, or do you have a lead behind.

Definitely a lead behind. I can make a decision, not that it will be the right one but it will be one. ...or maybe not.

[EldoEsq]

I like the 100 idea...I love reading the 500 thread, but that amount is more than my wallet currently allows!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[pokerplyr80]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

People be taking this way too seriously.

+1

[Billy5858]

I'm a newbie here and have really enjoyed
Watching the 500 and 1000 dollar threads.
1000 is out of my range but 250 and 500 is more
My speed. I predict 100 and lower will bring
Tons of people in...... Maybe too much traffic??

Also I think it would be better to stay with one price
one card. That to me is what keeps it interesting.
Otherwise you end up with people selling 5 cards for
a 1000 etc. Kind of takes away from the whole point of
doing it I think. I like seeing the 1000 and 500 dollars
cards not the 10 for 1000 business. I really
enjoy watching the BIG BOYS trade. Get
To see some crazy a$$ high end
vintage cards

My one cent

[ullmandds]

Originally Posted by rhettyeakley

I like this idea. Each month a different amount or two and keep it at that, with the amount(s) alternating from like $50-100-250-500-750-1000+ randomly. We don't want to bury other thought provoking threads with too much clutter.

for sure...and it will add suspense to each month.

[sago]

The front page is often cluttered with this person died, or look at this eBay fake threads. At least the $500 and $1000 threads are on topic, if not previously being confined to the BST. A nice change of pace and fun to read.

[7nohitter]

I would love a $100 thread as that's the level of collector I am. I have very much enjoyed the other two threads from a viewer's standpoint.

[Luke]

I like the idea. The other 2 have been fun to look at. Like others, I'd be more able to participate in a $100 thread.

Having 1, 2 or 3 threads open for this purpose would make me more likely to look at the main board, but I understand that others will find it annoying, and we should try to find a solution that works for everyone.

The main board is mostly people bitching about reprints on ebay, so having some more actual content to look at is good imo.

[Billy5858]

Originally Posted by 7nohitter

I would love a $100 thread as that's the level of collector I am. I have very much enjoyed the other two threads from a viewer's standpoint.

+1 (which Is the Facebook equivalent to "Like"?)

[Mountaineer1999]

I love the idea of a $100 thread but believe it should be one item - $100.... not 5 for $100 etc.

[bmattioli]

A $100.00 thread would be fun.. I vote to do it..

[Billy5858]

Originally Posted by Mountaineer1999

I love the idea of a $100 thread but believe it should be one item - $100.... not 5 for $100 etc.

Agreed...... Same with the 1000 and 500. Makes it interesting because
Seller would need to adjust their prices accordingly. Five cards for
500 is boring. Might as well look on Ebay

[slidekellyslide]

I vote for all three. $100, $500, $1000 and they should all be pinned at the top so those who don't like it can scroll right past them.

Nearly every forum I participate in has pinned threads at the top 100% of the time and it's never a bother.

[7nohitter]

Originally Posted by slidekellyslide

I vote for all three. $100, $500, $1000 and they should all be pinned at the top so those who don't like it can scroll right past them.

Nearly every forum I participate in has pinned threads at the top 100% of the time and it's never a bother.

Perfect idea!

[bbcardzman]

I also like the idea of a $100 thread because I might actually be able to pick up something nice. I can only window shop the other high dollar threads.

[Bpm0014]

People be taking this way too seriously.

+1000. It's two threads. If you don't like it, don't open it. But I can say from personal experience, I think it's a great idea. It has me checking the board way more often. Very unique.

[icollectDCsports]

To quote the great John Blutarsky, "Let's do iiiiiiiit!"

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

[Leon]

Originally Posted by 7nohitter

Perfect idea!

Just to nip it in the bud 3 pinned (or any pinned) threads are not going to happen.

[ValKehl]

I am enjoying the $1,000 and $500 threads thus far. If it is decided to have $50 and/or $100 threads, I suggest there be separate threads for pre-War and post-War items because of the amount of activity that I suspect will be posted in these threads. Also, I see no problem with having several threads ($50, $100, $250, $500, and $1,000) going at the same time, PROVIDED these threads are confined to a newly-created forum in the B/S/T Section. And, finally, I suggest a maximum of 2 items for the fixed price, at all price levels.
Val

[deadballfreaK]

Greg came up with a great idea and it has been fun. Took about two seconds for the fun killers to try and come up with rules to stop it! Jeez. People get way too serious. Try it. It will be hot for a while and then degenerate like a couple of love affairs I had in my youth. Then you move on.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by deadballfreaK

Greg came up with a great idea and it has been fun. Took about two seconds for the fun killers to try and come up with rules to stop it! Jeez. People get way too serious. Try it. It will be hot for a while and then degenerate like a couple of love affairs I had in my youth. Then you move on.

Probably will happen by osmosis.

[Luke]

I think that letting the 2 current threads run their course and then allowing a $100 thread in a few weeks or a month would work pretty well. This type of thing would get stale if it was always present. I think just letting it run it's course and then ending it before it gets old seems like a good idea. If everyone enjoys it, we could do it once a year at the beginning of June or something like that. It will be the most fun when there are a lot of cool cards offered up. If you limit the time-frame that the sale runs, you will get more interest both from sellers and buyers.

[sbfinley]

We are disappointed at the thought of having to sift through and past such small time threads. Honestly, we'd rather have dinner in New Jersey. And I shudder.

We here with America's most exquisite want list would like to see a $25,000 sale thread. Should the tired masses not be able to fulfill it, sigh, a $10,000 thread will do just fine.

[Rich Klein]

I loved the concept but if you look at some of the other board (such as FB ) you will see the buying and selling cards are all over the threads.

I think an rotation of various dollar levels randomly done is kind of cool but too many will set this board into a buy/sell/trade board with less information going forward. So let's set a limit of one thread a week and move one

Rich

[Joshchisox08]

I haven't finished my coffee yet this morning but why not a separate section for this ??? And adding a $50 and $25 one as well that way there's more than just the 3.

And again for the little guy collectors. Maybe I'm in the minority but $1k, $500, and even $100 is quite a bit of money to spend in one shot.

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

People be taking this way too seriously.

Yeah, I'm not understanding that at all. Not sure why this is the end of the world.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by sbfinley

We are disappointed at the thought of having to sift through and past such small time threads. Honestly, we'd rather have dinner in New Jersey. And I shudder.

We here with America's most exquisite want list would like to see a $25,000 sale thread. Should the tired masses not be able to fulfill it, sigh, a $10,000 thread will do just fine.

Oh the memories.......

ps.,..I made 3 historic deals on the BST while you underlings were arguing!!

[philliesfan]

Instead of an increasing scale, what about a rotation of inexpensive then expensive like $25.00, $1,000.00, $50.00, $500.00, $100.00, $250.00. This should keep the interest of both the expensive and inexpensive collectors.

OR

run two rotations at the same time like:

$25. and $250.
$50. and $500.
$100 and $1,000

Good or not, just a few ideas.

Robert

[botport]

Personally, this is evidently a minority viewpoint but I do not like any of these threads. My reasoning is I mainly collect T206 or an occasional E card. I do not have a lot of time to check the boards. If I have a few minutes I like to go to the section that typically would clearly list what was offered for sale and click on the link that interests me. I do not care to scroll through 100+ posts hoping that a card will be there that I may want to purchase. My opinion is if you have a card that is worth 500/1000 dollars it is worthy of its own thread in the appropriate BST section.

Frank