I think the site is getting visious> sp

[Rob D.]

Originally Posted by barrysloate

Thanks Ken. Not a big deal. I still believe people should write clearly and accurately, even if nobody else agrees.

Thanks, Ken.

[ullmandds]

me to!

[barrysloate]

A roomful of comedians....(and that wasn't even a complete sentence).

[ullmandds]

to hell with this site...I think movie theatres are getting vicious!!!

[HOF Auto Rookies]

Adrian

[MattyC]

Originally Posted by calvindog

Nailed it. The collective IQ on Net 54 has dropped 15 points in the past 5 years.

This comment and the one that it's agreeing with ("Quite frankly at the risk of being too direct I would say we’ve had an influx of grade A idiots here") are quite insulting, off putting, catty, and condescending to newer board members like myself. I can only hope that I and the friends I've encouraged to join here since 2012 can one day raise our IQs, so as not to dumb down the tenured Mensa members here.

With respect to the original post, I have found the overall tenor of discourse-- especially on the Post-War side, lately-- to be very collegial and supportive. Just a group of enthusiastic collectors sharing cards, putting each other onto new cards to appreciate, basically what one would come to a place such as this to do.

[midwaylandscaping]

Modern baseball cards (70- present or so), Modern football, Star Basketball Cards, OPC Hockey I'm pretty good knowledge wise. But I appreciate every post I see on here by members pointing out, shall I call them discrepancies, on the older cards and anything pre war. Because when it comes to those cards, I am admittedly, as Forrest Gump would say, not a smart man. Appreciate any knowledge I can glean...

[calvindog]

Originally Posted by MattyC

This comment and the one that it's agreeing with ("Quite frankly at the risk of being too direct I would say we’ve had an influx of grade A idiots here") are quite insulting, off putting, catty, and condescending to newer board members like myself. I can only hope that I and the friends I've encouraged to join here since 2012 can one day raise our IQs, so as not to dumb down the tenured Mensa members here.

What's more insulting are barely decipherable efforts to stop criticism of auction house owners who commit the most obvious fraud, either because of personal friendship or financial motive or even collusion as a consigner. Such actions were offensive when the protected parties were Bill Mastro and Doug Allen and the actions are offensive today. If you don't mind getting ripped off, here's my advice: instead of whining about the posts which call out the frauds, stfu or skip to the next thread. First, no one is forcing you to read them; and second, the efforts to stop the criticism have clearly failed and will never succeed. If you have something to add to the discussion, we all are free to do so. But attempts to stop the discourse are wrong, even if the auction head is your brother, your mother, your hobby friend or your co-conspirator.

Lastly if anyone's feelings were wounded about my observation of the relative IQ of the board, I would hope you know that I was making a larger point and not measuring intelligence.

[Gradedcardman]

I have not read through the 55 posts as of yet. The site is extremely good for information and networking. I certainly feel that some of the people are vicious on the site, no doubt. I was contacted by a board member before Christmas asking if I was interested in a card they had for my PD 42 conquest. This is a board member I had done a transaction with and had no problem. I asked which card it was and it turned out I had the card. I thanked him for asking me and said have a good evening. Immediately I get another PM telling me that "it's ok, you couldn't afford a card like that in a PSA 6 anyway and oh by the way you are a joke in this hobby", after I eventually told him how to spend his evening he asked if I was going to post the PM's for everyone to see. I replied no. Quite honestly I just choose to not correspond with the person anymore and move on. There's always someone who has more money, more access, more cards...and too much ego. I enjoy the hobby and 99% of the people are great. There's always one person who tries to beat you down.

[MattyC]

Originally Posted by calvindog

What's more insulting is barely decipherable efforts to stop criticism of auction house owners who commit the most obvious fraud, either because of personal friendship or financial motive or even collusion as a consigner. Such actions were offensive when the protected parties were Bill Mastro and Doug Allen and the actions are offensive today. If you don't mind getting ripped off, here's my advice: instead of whining about the posts which call out the frauds, stfu or skip to the next thread. First, no one is forcing you to read them; and second, the efforts to stop the criticism have clearly failed and will never succeed. If you have something to add to the discussion, we all are free to do so. But attempts to stop the discourse are wrong, even if the auction head is your brother, your mother, your hobby friend or your co-conspirator.

Lastly if anyone's feelings were wounded about my observation of the relative IQ of the board, I would hope you know that I was making a larger point and not measuring intelligence.

Jeff,

I did read that IQ comment as a broad slight to relative newcomers, and if no offense was intended, then none will be taken. I do agree with your position regarding the OP.

Best,

Matt Cirulnick

[gregr2]

It's a forum....you have to learn who's opinion is valuable and who's is not....that usually doesn't take too long to figure out.

I'm new. I ask a lot of questions but I'm not dumb!!

[lharri3600]

Originally Posted by ullmandds

to hell with this site...I think movie theatres are getting vicious!!!

You got that right Pete, based on what I read in the paper this morning!

[wonkaticket]

Originally Posted by MattyC

This comment and the one that it's agreeing with ("Quite frankly at the risk of being too direct I would say we’ve had an influx of grade A idiots here") are quite insulting, off putting, catty, and condescending to newer board members like myself. I can only hope that I and the friends I've encouraged to join here since 2012 can one day raise our IQs, so as not to dumb down the tenured Mensa members here.

What’s even more insulting is that people today have become so self-centered and overly sensitive to assume that any basic generalized statement made on chat board is directed towards them personally.

These are generally the same people who announce their departure as well.

Sorry if I think the guy claiming to own the “Nuns” Wagner or the multitude of other morons that have popped up here are somehow above calling “Grade A” idiots.

John

[Paul S]

Originally Posted by barrysloate

A roomful of comedians....(and that wasn't even a complete sentence).

Barry, that's four periods in an ellipsis

[MattyC]

That's it. I hereby announce my departure!

[t206fix]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

54

54!
Well, hell, my IQ of 62 has actually brought up the collective IQ of this board...


By the way, I still haven't figured out how to post yet to this site. Can anyone help me out with this?

[Leon]

Originally Posted by wonkaticket

What’s even more insulting is that people today have become so self-centered and overly sensitive to assume that any basic generalized statement made on chat board is directed towards them personally.

These are generally the same people who announce their departure as well.

Sorry if I think the guy claiming to own the “Nuns” Wagner or the multitude of other morons that have popped up here are somehow above calling “Grade A” idiots.

John

Multitude is a relative term. Putting it in perspective, there are actually very few absolute morons that come onto the forum. We see the few of them because we all shine our lights on them(so to speak). The forum is still averaging 80+ (closer to 100) new registrants every month. We might have seen a dozen, to twenty, real maroons in the last few years. I would say the idiots are outnumbered greatly. And they (the idiots) seem to get weeded out pretty quickly. Just my biased opinion. Like I say, put 5000 people in the same room and this is what we get.....I might have rose colored glasses on but I say more than 99% of the board are good people....which still leaves room for a few idiots .

[bobbyw8469]

YEA!!! I did not make the "idiot" team!

[freakhappy]

Originally Posted by wonkaticket

What’s even more insulting is that people today have become so self-centered and overly sensitive to assume that any basic generalized statement made on chat board is directed towards them personally.



These are generally the same people who announce their departure as well.



Sorry if I think the guy claiming to own the “Nuns” Wagner or the multitude of other morons that have popped up here are somehow above calling “Grade A” idiots.



John

Easy john...have that second cup of coffee!

It is what it is, John. Calling people idiots is a strong accusation. Although I know who you are mostly talking about, a lot do not. I am not sensitive to what most people say, but I do not fault someone if they have an opposing opinion.

Love ya


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Rickyy]

I think the venting about auction houses and other questionable sellers and or dealings are fine as is...its been proven that shady practices have occurred and still do... by being persistently vigilant about it.. it keeps those in the dark side on alert and the hobby as a whole benefits...people who are not members here on Net 54 but are still passionate collectors are also being helped by this whether they know it or not...

Ricky Y

[Rickyy]

Originally Posted by calvindog

Nailed it. The collective IQ on Net 54 has dropped 15 points in the past 5 years.

Hmmm..I should re check my Mensa score/rating now... wait...I think I'm a member of Densa?...

Ricky Y

[slipk1068]

Originally Posted by wonkaticket

Sorry if I think the guy claiming to own the “Nuns” Wagner or the multitude of other morons that have popped up here are somehow above calling “Grade A” idiots.

John

Grade A idiot for sure, but the entertainment value cannot be denied

[Deertick]

Originally Posted by ullmandds

to hell with this site...I think movie theatres are getting vicious!!!

The movie theater is less than 2.5 miles from my house. Senseless.

[barrysloate]

Originally Posted by Paul S

Barry, that's four periods in an ellipsis

I'm a big fan of the four period ellipsis.

[wonkaticket]

Originally Posted by slipk1068

Grade A idiot for sure, but the entertainment value cannot be denied

Agree not going to lie some very funny train wrecks as the place has grown. Once again a generalized statement isn’t directed at anyone personally most know the types of members I’m referring too as I outlined above.

However if that needs to be explained to you or you feel slighted or upset by a simple comment made on an internet forum…well to take a Jeff Foxworthy approach then you just might be an idiot.

[wonkaticket]

Originally Posted by MattyC

That's it. I hereby announce my departure!

LOL, Funny Matt!

This is the part where a few members jump on the band wagon and beg you not to go because of mean ol' Wonka or Evil Jeff Lichtman. Then later slam you for laughs...ahh the internet.

http://www.net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=85096

[itjclarke]

Originally Posted by freakhappy

Calling people idiots is a strong accusation. Although I know who you are mostly talking about, a lot do not. I am not sensitive to what most people say, but I do not fault someone if they have an opposing opinion.

Pretty much my stance Mike. As mentioned by just about everyone else, we all appreciate the knowledge and red flags other board members provide. With that knowledge comes a measure of comfort (even security) when buying, which leads to more buyin. To me more buying=strong hobby. I know my own buying has spiked since joining the board, and I attribute much of this directly to board knowledge, enthusiasm, and to the ecclectic sets, I've been exposed to. I think as a whole this site is great for hobby health.

That said, I just think it's generally in poor taste to make broad "us and them" statements, where a line is drawn in the sand and "us" is on the righteous side, while "them" is on the wrong (newbie or low IQ or whatever). I think this can possibilty turn off would be member/collectors, or make some hesitant to ask what may be perceived as a dumb question. And not much to be gained buy fewer potential buyers. With regards to people being considered "too sensitive", this is roughly the same logic a school yard bully uses after he makes a kid cry. These types of comments/generalizations don't affect me, I just don't like to see people marginalized (hated and often stepped in when older guys would over-haze our pledges in college).. Heck, if I were truly worried about not being perceived as smart enough, I'd be curled up in a ball on my floor. I've been surrounded by degrees and "smart" people since birth- PHD/near astronaut dad, MD/JD surgeon sister, and now 5 of the 8 of my spouse/sibling/siblings in-law have JDs and the other two have master's. "Oh no, I'm the only one without a fancy degree??".

That said, I'm most impressed by those who are smart and impressive yet humble. This is why the sports world loves guys like Barry Sanders, and winces when it hears Jameous (no idea how to spell) Winston's post game speach. Many on this board are very smart, very accomplished, very successful, have amazing cardboard (which I love looking at daily!) and theoretically may be sitting on perch tall enough to look down and judge the others. On the flip side, this position gives you an opportunity to show great class to those less less knowledgeable or accomplished in this hobby.

Wow... I've already spoken far more than intended and need to get back to work. Time to tune out for a bit.

One last thing- Matty C, I highly doubt you were truly saying you will leave... but I hope not because your pickups on the postwar side are the Sport Center top 10 of the board.

[jcmtiger]

Maybe my post was a little to harsh. There are 2 things that bother me:

1) Same members posting over and over about the past problems of a couple of auctions houses.. We all get it, don't need to post the same thing over and over.

2) When a card is posted from an auction or a member posts the card. I don't think you can tell from a scan in most cases. But, members jump on the band wagon and can't wait to deem the card a fake, trimmed or whatever. Why not let the person know or the auction site to maybe get it checked out by someone in person. In all fairness sometimes they are right in their evaluation, but it is possible that some deals and auctions are harmed by these quick responses.

Just my thoughts

Joe

[kcohen]

Originally Posted by itjclarke

Pretty much my stance Mike. As mentioned by just about everyone else, we all appreciate the knowledge and red flags other board members provide. With that knowledge comes a measure of comfort (even security) when buying, which leads to more buyin. To me more buying=strong hobby. I know my own buying has spiked since joining the board, and I attribute much of this directly to board knowledge, enthusiasm, and to the ecclectic sets, I've been exposed to. I think as a whole this site is great for hobby health.

That said, I just think it's generally in poor taste to make broad "us and them" statements, where a line is drawn in the sand and "us" is on the righteous side, while "them" is on the wrong (newbie or low IQ or whatever). I think this can possibilty turn off would be member/collectors, or make some hesitant to ask what may be perceived as a dumb question. And not much to be gained buy fewer potential buyers. With regards to people being considered "too sensitive", this is roughly the same logic a school yard bully uses after he makes a kid cry. These types of comments/generalizations don't affect me, I just don't like to see people marginalized (hated and often stepped in when older guys would over-haze our pledges in college).. Heck, if I were truly worried about not being perceived as smart enough, I'd be curled up in a ball on my floor. I've been surrounded by degrees and "smart" people since birth- PHD/near astronaut dad, MD/JD surgeon sister, and now 5 of the 8 of my spouse/sibling/siblings in-law have JDs and the other two have master's. "Oh no, I'm the only one without a fancy degree??".

That said, I'm most impressed by those who are smart and impressive yet humble. This is why the sports world loves guys like Barry Sanders, and winces when it hears Jameous (no idea how to spell) Winston's post game speach. Many on this board are very smart, very accomplished, very successful, have amazing cardboard (which I love looking at daily!) and theoretically may be sitting on perch tall enough to look down and judge the others. On the flip side, this position gives you an opportunity to show great class to those less less knowledgeable or accomplished in this hobby.

Wow... I've already spoken far more than intended and need to get back to work. Time to tune out for a bit.

One last thing- Matty C, I highly doubt you were truly saying you will leave... but I hope not because your pickups on the postwar side are the Sport Center top 10 of the board.

Could someone please send me the Cliff Notes.

[oldjudge]

I have been around the chat board for a long time and my impression is that it is less confrontational than it used to be. Some of those knock down drag outs used to be fun to watch.
As for coming down too hard on auction houses, I used to believe this was true. I was wrong. What Jeff and others like him have done has helped, and will continue to help, the hobby. The sad part is, while things may be better than they once were, there are still problems with many of the bigger players. Hopefully, people will continue to shine the light on problems and more of the bad actors will be shown the door.

[Tabe]

Originally Posted by calvindog

Nailed it. The collective IQ on Net 54 has dropped 15 points in the past 5 years.

I resent that. I lowered the IQ on here by AT LEAST 20 points.

[kcohen]

Originally Posted by barrysloate

Thanks Ken. Not a big deal. I still believe people should write clearly and accurately, even if nobody else agrees.

Barry,

You're preaching to the choir. I assume that there are many who don't appreciate the time we spent in school diagramming sentences.

Ken

[calvindog]

Originally Posted by jcmtiger

1) Same members posting over and over about the past problems of a couple of auctions houses.. We all get it, don't need to post the same thing over and over.

As soon as the couple of auction houses stop committing fraud I'm certain the posts will stop. Not until then.

[4815162342]

Originally Posted by Tabe

I resent that. I lowered the IQ on here by AT LEAST 20 points.

Lol!

[Theoldprofessor]

" ... we’ve had an influx of grade A idiots here"

I strongly reject the inference here. I am a charter member of the Idiots Club, and most of these guys never even show up for the meetings. I'd grade them out at C or C-at best. It's not easy to be incompetent, y'know.

[HRBAKER]

"Wall Licker"

I'm going to have to remember that one.

Thanks John. Worth the stop by.

[mark evans]

I've been lurking since the days of Elliot and don't believe the quality of comments has changed significantly over the years. There's always some off-the-wall stuff and the occasional misfit.

ALL efforts to ferret out fraud in the hobby are a good thing.

I agree with Barry that spelling and grammar are important, as they facilitate accurate communication.

[Rich Klein]

I like the new board, I don't have to worry about using Word before I post.

If there is a typo now, so be it

Rich

[tiger8mush]

Originally Posted by bnorth

Is this what shilling looks like? Bidder -***o(893) 73% bid history with seller and 25 bid retractions? http://www.ebay.com/itm/1990-Topps-4.../360833085586? I have never been accused of being too bright and hope this is not vicious.

Its posts like these that catch my attention. It seems that the seller is getting multiple bid retractions from the same bidder and doesn't ban him. Thus why I haven't bid on the seller's auctions in months. I use to bid often with this seller and win on occasion. Thanks for your detective work Mr. North, much appreciated!

[EvilKing00]

Originally Posted by gregr2

It's a forum....you have to learn who's opinion is valuable and who's is not....that usually doesn't take too long to figure out.

I'm new. I ask a lot of questions but I'm not dumb!!

Asking questions is the way to get answers, its a sign of being intelligent. I may not be a good speller, but i do ok lol

[baseballart]

Originally Posted by barrysloate

Thanks Ken. Not a big deal. I still believe people should write clearly and accurately, even if nobody else agrees.

Barry

I'm waiting for the first post on the importance of the Oxford comma.

[Cardboard Junkie]

Be careful of those "Harvard" commas!
For example: I would like to thank my parents, Leon, and Joe O.
Could be a problem if missing that "Oxford" comma.

[MattyC]

So Leon and Joe O are your parents? I bet you know a ton about cards and get some sweet review bumps.

[wonkaticket]

Originally Posted by calvindog

What's more insulting are barely decipherable efforts to stop criticism of auction house owners who commit the most obvious fraud, either because of personal friendship or financial motive or even collusion as a consigner. Such actions were offensive when the protected parties were Bill Mastro and Doug Allen and the actions are offensive today. If you don't mind getting ripped off, here's my advice: instead of whining about the posts which call out the frauds, stfu or skip to the next thread. First, no one is forcing you to read them; and second, the efforts to stop the criticism have clearly failed and will never succeed. If you have something to add to the discussion, we all are free to do so. But attempts to stop the discourse are wrong, even if the auction head is your brother, your mother, your hobby friend or your co-conspirator.

Lastly if anyone's feelings were wounded about my observation of the relative IQ of the board, I would hope you know that I was making a larger point and not measuring intelligence.

Huge +1

[itjclarke]

Originally Posted by kcohen

Could someone please send me the Cliff Notes.

Very simple, as we all learned in JHS and HS, just read the first line and move on to the next paragraph if you're in a hurry.

[markf31]

Originally Posted by mark evans

I agree with Barry that spelling and grammar are important, as they facilitate accurate communication.

[barrysloate]

That's a good one Mark.

[Cardboard Junkie]

Took me a second, but now I get it. Good one!

[freakhappy]

Originally Posted by bobbyw8469

YEA!!! I did not make the "idiot" team!

Are you sure??? Check the list again...you did quite well this past year to not make the team!

[Section103]

Grammar - the difference between knowing your shit and knowing you're shit.