ok, I have a legit question about help here....

[packs]

If we're supposed to be a community I don't think it's stepping over the line to ask your fellow collector friends what they think about a signature. People can always choose not to respond.

[JimStinson]

Pardon me for saying this but since my name has been mentioned I'd like to add my 2 cents. If a complete stranger is walking down the street next to me and I have a watch and he dosen;t , and he asks me what time it is, I'm not going to say "I know what time it is and for $20.00 I'll tell you" (smile) That would be silly, I'd tell him what time it is or at least WHAT TIME MY WATCH SAYS IT IS......Does my charging him $20.00 make what time it is more valuable ? or more correct ? If I charged him $100.00 he would REALLY believe what time it was for SURE because I'd be wearing a rolex. Speaking of watches mine is a Bulova and it needs a battery because I've been too lazy to get one.

[keithsky]

I think it's great some experienced collectors can help out the ones that aren't .That is how we all learn. Does there always have to be money exchanged for everything. Maybe some collectors will find out there stuff is fake and the experienced guys will point that out and hopefully the novice guy will dispose of the fake item so it doesn't stay in the marketplace. We are all for cleaning up the hobby and lets help each one out. If I was experienced enough and was on NET54 reading posts I wouldn't mind giving my opinion on things. Only takes a second. And that is all it is is an opinion.

[Maddog]

All the points above are very valid.
What makes for a successful board is the cooperation of all its members. Some may be skilled in other areas not even related to the sports field and end up using those skills to help other members- I know I have done so numerous times.

Off topic but-
I remember I first became aquainted with Rich Simon way back when he was on another board. That site was an extremely fun and friendly site until certain new members came around and did nothing but critize other board members and stir up trouble. Then a complete "war" broke out with a large number of the more frequent posters and more helpful members deciding it wasn't worth their time and effort anymore and left (yes me included). The site is still around but no where near as much fun.

Charlie.

[thecatspajamas]

I would compare the situation to how one would react if someone walked into their physical store with a question about an item they carried in with them. Is the storeowner required to give them a full 30-minute lesson on all the ins and outs of their item (in this case, an evaluation of their autograph)? Do they give them a quick yes or no answer with zero background? Or do they tell them they will give them their opinion for a fee (maybe more appropriate for those who make their living giving their opinion for a fee)? Or simply tell them to scram if they're not going to buy something?

Some see giving free advice as a good business practice, whereas others see it as an annoyance at best. Depending on the situation and the customer, I would anticipate most of the usual board "advisors" would tend toward the former reactions over the latter, though they would be within their rights having any of the above reactions. I would also anticipate close friends and repeat customers getting the most attention, with the "scram" being reserved for the neighborhood kid who always has a million questions, never buys anything, and leaves a sticky film on everything he touches (though we were all that kid at one time or another, weren't we?)

We see the same kinds of patrons here on the board as we would in a physical store too: The new guy who we've never seen before who has a single question that, once answered, will disappear never to be heard from again. The old friend looking for a bit more information on something they've found. Folks looking for second opinions on something before they make a purchase. Repeat customers who happened to *gasp* buy something from someone else. And yes, the kids with a million questions who never shut up and don't add anything productive to the conversation.

All of that is to say that, just as different professionals will react differently to the various questions and individuals posing them in person, I would expect the same varied reactions here on the boards. As long as all parties remain calm and remember that nobody is obligated to offer any information on any subject, everything should run smoothly. It's when I see demands being made and personalities clashing that the ride starts getting bumpy. Even a bumpy ride can be enjoyable though, particularly for those standing on the sidelines so I would never suggest shutting it down altogether.

Just my 2 cents as someone who typically does more questioning than advising, and has never actually been paid for any of my 2-cent observations

[jgmp123]

Originally Posted by thecatspajamas

I would compare the situation to how one would react if someone walked into their physical store with a question about an item they carried in with them. Is the storeowner required to give them a full 30-minute lesson on all the ins and outs of their item (in this case, an evaluation of their autograph)? Do they give them a quick yes or no answer with zero background? Or do they tell them they will give them their opinion for a fee (maybe more appropriate for those who make their living giving their opinion for a fee)? Or simply tell them to scram if they're not going to buy something?

Some see giving free advice as a good business practice, whereas others see it as an annoyance at best. Depending on the situation and the customer, I would anticipate most of the usual board "advisors" would tend toward the former reactions over the latter, though they would be within their rights having any of the above reactions. I would also anticipate close friends and repeat customers getting the most attention, with the "scram" being reserved for the neighborhood kid who always has a million questions, never buys anything, and leaves a sticky film on everything he touches (though we were all that kid at one time or another, weren't we?)

We see the same kinds of patrons here on the board as we would in a physical store too: The new guy who we've never seen before who has a single question that, once answered, will disappear never to be heard from again. The old friend looking for a bit more information on something they've found. Folks looking for second opinions on something before they make a purchase. Repeat customers who happened to *gasp* buy something from someone else. And yes, the kids with a million questions who never shut up and don't add anything productive to the conversation.

All of that is to say that, just as different professionals will react differently to the various questions and individuals posing them in person, I would expect the same varied reactions here on the boards. As long as all parties remain calm and remember that nobody is obligated to offer any information on any subject, everything should run smoothly. It's when I see demands being made and personalities clashing that the ride starts getting bumpy. Even a bumpy ride can be enjoyable though, particularly for those standing on the sidelines so I would never suggest shutting it down altogether.

Just my 2 cents as someone who typically does more questioning than advising, and has never actually been paid for any of my 2-cent observations

+1...Well said Lance.

[jester]

I do not post much but certainly read most. As I have only started collecting a couple of years ago, I have found this site a very valuable tool. There are some very knowledgable people that contribute on a regular basis who have gained my respect. There are also others who I have identified as trouble makers and even if they are knowledgable, I tend not to pay attention to. I would like to thank people like Leon, Richard, Chris etc for the efforts they make to share their knowledge and hope in the future I will be able to share what I have learned. What goes around comes around!
Regards
Jeff Paladeau

[Exhibitman]

Originally Posted by JimStinson

If a complete stranger is walking down the street next to me and I have a watch and he dosen;t , and he asks me what time it is, I'm not going to say "I know what time it is and for $20.00 I'll tell you"

You wouldn't make it to 1st base as a lawyer...

[JimStinson]

If I wanted to be a lawyer I would have spent less time staring out the window at school when I was a kid or listening to the World Series on my transistor radio

[Tedw9]

I thought that's why boards like this exist, to talk about, share and HELP each other.

I don't post "Help" threads, but I see nothing wrong with doing so as long as you don't take advantage of the situation. I'm pretty limited in my knowledge compared to others on here, but if I can offer help, here or any other board, I do so freely. Most of the time I don't bother to post because I would just be repeating what another member or two has already said. But if I feel I can offer a bit more information, I am always happy to do so.

And besides, you never know when that bit of good karma will come around back to you. Many years ago I ran a tire shop with my Dad. I later moved to another job and on the way home one day I found an older gentleman with a flat tire beside the road. I stopped to help him, changed his tire and he offered to pay me. Even though in the past I was paid to change tires, I refused any compensation.

This gentleman was a former major league player and he invited me to his house to talk baseball. The experiences I got from becoming his friend was worth a million times more than any amount of money he could have given me.




This post is in no way directed at ANY autograph expert on the board. I'm just a believer in helping each other out no matter who you are. At least that's how I try to live my life.

[Fuddjcal]

Originally Posted by Tedw9

I thought that's why boards like this exist, to talk about, share and HELP each other.

I don't post "Help" threads, but I see nothing wrong with doing so as long as you don't take advantage of the situation. I'm pretty limited in my knowledge compared to others on here, but if I can offer help, here or any other board, I do so freely. Most of the time I don't bother to post because I would just be repeating what another member or two has already said. But if I feel I can offer a bit more information, I am always happy to do so.

And besides, you never know when that bit of good karma will come around back to you. Many years ago I ran a tire shop with my Dad. I later moved to another job and on the way home one day I found an older gentleman with a flat tire beside the road. I stopped to help him, changed his tire and he offered to pay me. Even though in the past I was paid to change tires, I refused any compensation.

This gentleman was a former major league player and he invited me to his house to talk baseball. The experiences I got from becoming his friend was worth a million times more than any amount of money he could have given me.




This post is in no way directed at ANY autograph expert on the board. I'm just a believer in helping each other out no matter who you are. At least that's how I try to live my life.

funny, that's how I've run my consulting business for the past 13 years. It's amazing how "lucky" I get every year with current clients passing my name to competitors and their friends alike.

Karma is real, and I'm a big believer in doing the right thing for people. If they need free advice for something, I give it to them. It's those people who come back looking for me when they have a big project. I'm accessible and give free information whenever I can....it must be working. Sales have already exceeded last years numbers and last year was doubled from the prior year. What recession!!!!!!

Do the right thing for people and it's funny how "lucky" you'll get too! It's called paying it forward!!!

[ss]

+ 10 for Fudd