Personal Note On 2014 National: Examining Photos in Person

[Michael B]

Originally Posted by drcy

II thought perhaps I should just have a tip jar and not have to worry about pricing

Hey, now that I write it, maybe I will have a tip jar. Advice and non-written opinions are free, but you can tip if you want and if you think the advise was worth it.

This time I'll have a tip jar and see what happens.

David,

Reminds me of the new wave dance club I was a bouncer at in the early 1980's. Called 'Spit' and located right behind the centerfield stands of Fenway Park. They had a coat room and the girls put out a jar with a sign - 'Tipping is not a city in China'.

[drcy]

It's all a curious topic, because people are paying me for my knowledge. I'm not selling a product like a piece of memorabilia, unless you consider a piece of paper (certificate) a product. I just consider a cert just a documentation of my opinion. Written instead of voiced.

That's why a tip jar is an interesting idea when giving out something thats not tangible. People pay me if they like the knowledge I give them.

But, seriously, all a collector is required to pay me for is to have an opinion in writing on paper. Feel free to ask me for voiced (rather than documented on paper) advice. I only require payment when paperwork is involved.

The whole endeavor really is a first time experiment for me to see if it's worth my while and if I'll do it a second time. If it turns out I make $1.50 (or $0) an hour for for examining people's photos, I won't do it a second time. I honestly don't have any expectations, beyond what it would take for me to do it again in the future.

A family member has always complained to me that I freely give out authentication advice and opinions to whomever asks for it. She has long said I should charge for my expertise, as a lawyer or psychologist does. I always jokingly respond to her, "But if I charged for my advice, no one would ask for it."

[Steve_NY]

David, When you get bored, walk around the show and look at some of the unbelievable items that will be showing up. I am not sure about Cleveland, but I haven't really been bored at a National in the past 10 years until Sunday. Even then, there is plenty to see. Stop by and say hi, Booth 305P Steve

[YankeeFan]

David, I hope you thoroughly enjoy your experience at the National and get to examine a lot of interesting photos!

Not that you need anyone to vouch for you, but I felt it would be appropriate in this post to publicly thank you for generously sharing your time and expertise with me
regarding the Daily News Roger Maris 61st HR photo. First through several emails (the free opinions you refer to) and then agreeing to inspect it in person.
Now that I know how much you dislike the "through-the-mail" process, I am even more grateful.

I would encourage anyone with a vintage photo to stop by and have David take a look. You can take the free opinion, or leave a tip,
but I'm sure you will get more than your money's worth for the nominal $10 fee for a written opinion.

[SAllen2556]

I'll be stopping by with this photo. It's been in the family forever but the back is blank. Hoping you can possibly date it.

So at least you've got lunch on Friday paid for!

[Scott Garner]

David & Scott F.

I really enjoyed getting the opportunity to meet you both in person last week.
I hope you had a great National.

All the best,
Scott

[Jaybird]

David, nice chatting with you at the National. How did you think your experiment went? What were your general impressions and did you see any interesting items? Your expertise is certainly well worth the $10 charge. I'm wondering how many people took you up on it and what kinds of things came your way.