Have you ever withheld info about an item?

[cfhofer]

If I have insider information which may help another collector I gladly share it. I try to always remember this is just a hobby from my youth.

[1952boyntoncollector]

Sometimes the yellow tongue 1952 topps card House comes out or theres a grayback thats not described acccurately

[Mark]

Originally Posted by cfhofer

If I have insider information which may help another collector I gladly share it. I try to always remember this is just a hobby from my youth.

Yours is a good and honorable approach, and I share what little information that I gather with other, individual collectors. I think we should help all new collectors in on what most veteran collectors know. In hobbies like astronomy or bird-watching, it would be very perverse to play it close to the vest. But this hobby usually involves collecting, and what we collect can be scarce. Some feel competitive about it. Sometimes, it seems to pay to keep things quiet until you accumulate a certain amount, after which you broadcast what you've found so that what you have is generally recognized as legitimate and rare. In my opinion, if you find a previously unknown variation of a baseball card, it is understandable to search for the variation on ebay for a couple of weeks before spreading the news. It would be nice if it was the kind of hobby where people passed along their duplicate t206 Planks and duplicate Babe Ruth bats to others who don't have them. Probably not happening soon, though.

[steve B]

To me it depends on a few things.

General info about something I usually share, and stuff about things with limited appeal like 91 Topps or that sort of thing. I'm happier to have someone else that collects the weird stuff.

And I'll generally answer a direct question about something if I know the answer.

But about stuff that's for sale? Nope.
I find stuff, especially stamps pretty regularly where a valuable variety isn't recognized, Or ones where the seller just hasn't done any research whatsoever.
I may have an occasional twinge of regret if it's not a dealer, but looking stuff up is so easy these days that's as far as it goes.

The exception is dealers whose shops I go to. I'll share info with them. But the stamp guy I go to usually responds with "That's interesting, you should buy it." He's told me that as long as he makes his money he's at a minimum ok with someone else making a bit more.

He had a postcard by Mucha that he got from another dealer fairly expensive but not familiar. Sold to a customer who collected Mucha postcards, on a hey I found this for you sort of offer. Paid like 50, got 500. Collector turns around and sells it to a big dealer for 1000. Big dealer sells it internationally for 5000 and it ends up in a major European auction and sells for 10,000.
Turns out it was previously unknown and a pretty big deal for people who collect those.
Happiness all around as everyone made money.

[cfhofer]

Mark,

I agree. The stakes are higher when a monetary value is associated with the hobby. Unfortunately, not much money in bird-watching these days. If there was we would be hiding an Asian Crested Ibis in our basement instead. I never understood why some are so competitive in this hobby. If a "precious" piece of memorabilia turns us into Gollum maybe we should just buy a pair of binoculars.

[Runscott]

I'm really enjoying these responses. Some are not getting my question, but that's fine - that has led to additional interesting discussions: I'm actually sitting on information about two items where the auction is long-dead and they may never again be available.

I know most collectors will let AH's know if there is a mistake, and will post about such mistakes...so long as they aren't personally planning to bid on it . If the consignor knew a mistake was being made, they should say something to the AH. If not, then I'm of the same opinion as Al.

As far as sharing information goes - I have no problem with doing so. I like researching, writing and discussing too much to 'not play' just to get better deals in the future.

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by cfhofer

Mark,

I agree. The stakes are higher when a monetary value is associated with the hobby. Unfortunately, not much money in bird-watching these days. If there was we would be hiding an Asian Crested Ibis in our basement instead. I never understood why some are so competitive in this hobby. If a "precious" piece of memorabilia turns us into Gollum maybe we should just buy a pair of binoculars.

I have a male albino house sparrow that visits my back yard every few days. He really sticks out in the group of about 15 regular birds that he travels with.

As far as cards I can't see why someone would not share any information they have. I find it kind of disturbing when someone says they have several years in the hobby and won't share the info they have. Too bad the person that shared that info with them would have told them to fook off when they asked for it. This is from a hobby point of view, if you buy/sell cards for a living I totally understand not giving out any info.

[ooo-ribay]

I have a few Giants related searches I don't share with my Giants collecting buddies. If I ever find this thing (these things), then I will let them look.

[batsballsbases]

Originally Posted by ooo-ribay

I have a few Giants related searches I don't share with my Giants collecting buddies. If I ever find this thing (these things), then I will let them look.

And there is nothing wrong with that.. And one reason is because you are a true collector. I will re phrase a little what I stated above. My point is that I stopped giving out information mostly here because I cant tell you how many times people (who dont really collect) come on here to ask prices because they found something that might be of value but might not be , are lazy and dont want to put 1 minute of their time in doing any research.. why should I give up anything about an item and all you will end up with is most of the time not even a THANKYOU. And boom the item is listed on ebay with the price you told them it was worth... Not a care about collecting just ALL ABOUT THE MONEY... But if a collector I know asks me a question thru PM or email I will always impart all the knowledge I know about it. My Feelings.. And Scott Thanks for that Im with Al line!