3000+ members and only a few posters

Leon · #1 08-21-2009, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by V117collector

I would like to hear some insight from new members as to why they might hesitate or reframe from starting new threads or replying to posts.

Is it because some new members might feel the fear of being ridiculed for expressing there views and/or asking questions about certain controversial issues? Is there a sense this board has more then a few regulators keeping legitimate new members from feeling welcome?

Would love to hear your thoughts!

Only about 1300 are real registered members. The others are program generated registrations that go into a banned folder. If I deleted them then they could re-register. I am not sure why anyone would write those programs to register but they do. It makes for a bit of work to weed them out. As for the 1300 or so real folks and only part of them participating I think Jeff hit the nail on the head. Also, many people just don't want to join in the fray. They would rather just lurk and that is their right also....I doubt it's because we have too many regulators. Actually, it could be the opposite from what I am hearing....regards

scottglevy · #2 08-21-2009, 03:57 PM

That is my answer!

deadballera · #3 08-21-2009, 04:08 PM

I also think that some people do not respond based on their collection and budgets in spending on cards.

It's obvious there are some very nice collections and cards that are out there. There is only a small percentage of the members on this board that can actually afford to buy those.

No response can possibly be attributed to:

1. No interest/knowledge in a certain card issue.
2. Lower budget ( not able to afford the Cobb, Wagner, Ruth, Gehrig, Johnson, Jackson, etc. )..
3. As Leon put it...some choose to lurk

Beatles Guy · #4 08-21-2009, 04:25 PM

I'm new here and seeking knowledge. And yes, I fit into the category of "small budget collector". I will pipe in from time to time if I think I can add to the conversation though.

calvindog · #5 08-21-2009, 04:31 PM

Sounds like a conspiracy to me.

toppcat · #6 08-21-2009, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beatles Guy

I'm new here and seeking knowledge. And yes, I fit into the category of "small budget collector". I will pipe in from time to time if I think I can add to the conversation though.

Just ask questions if you don't know-as anyone here can tell you I've posted a zillion silly questions here over the years but at the end of the day have gottne a good answer to about everything I have asked.

Rich Klein · #7 08-21-2009, 05:03 PM

But that is not in every thread -- only ones in which I think I can help.

Many people; especially newer ones in any group; tend to be afraid to post because frankly they don't have the same confidence that the "experienced" posters do. That was one great aspect of Marshall B; he had no fear of posting

But you'd be amazed at the breadth of this group. I was chatting at a local DFW show today with a vintage dealer from Houston I've known quite a while. In our conversation I mentioned the National Convention thread I started and wouldn't you know; HE could quote back some of the important parts of the discussion. As an FYI; he has set up at the last 10-15 Nationals at least -- I'll ask him the next time the full total of his National experiences. As far as I know; he has never posted on this board; but rest assured; he is one of many who reads this board regularly.

Regards
Rich

fkw · #8 08-21-2009, 08:39 PM

Many of my Q's are answered with Google....

Jewish-collector · #9 08-21-2009, 09:08 PM

Every topic concerning vintage baseball cards under the sun has been discussed & rehashed au nausism on this and/or the previous Net54 forum over the last 5 or 6 years. So, if a newbie needs some info, he can just search the forum.

The National is not for the financially challenged. Now, there are very very few collectors that spend less money at the show than I do. I'm not kidding. I've personally met the biggest of the big spenders there and enjoy meeting & talking to them and I do not feel jealous anymore (it's taken me a long time to deal with this issue

) I enjoy all of the aspects of the National as much or more than anyone else that attends.

teetwoohsix · #10 08-23-2009, 01:44 PM

I am still so new here that I still spend most of my time reading old threads.I also work alot,I am not retired yet(although every day I wish I were),and I promised my wife I would refrain from purchasing another T-206 until I quit smoking.She said she would pay for half of the first one I buy as a non-smoker,,so,of course,I will be going for a Cobb,Cy Young,or maybe a nice Mathewson!!!What does that have to do with this?I am a card fiend-I have'nt been on E-bay in weeks because of this "agreement" and it is even risky for me to be here right now......(jk)........Thank you all for making this such a great site-respects from a newbie.

turtleguy64 · #11 08-24-2009, 05:20 AM

Here is one theory:no sooner do I post a report on my recent conversation with Doug Allen pertaining to my continuing non-payment from that Mastro auction,then I get a half hour phone call from the FBI.Nothing is secret anymore.

Leon · #12 08-24-2009, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turtleguy64

Here is one theory:no sooner do I post a report on my recent conversation with Doug Allen pertaining to my continuing non-payment from that Mastro auction,then I get a half hour phone call from the FBI.Nothing is secret anymore.

Nothing is secret on a public chatboard.

smokelessjoe · #13 08-24-2009, 06:49 AM

Hi Rawn,

Here is a Stereoview image of a team from Maine! Photographer out of Union City... One of my favorite pics of all time. Not mine btw.

SmokyBurgess · #14 08-26-2009, 08:15 AM

My limited activity is due to my lack of scanning capacity. Most want to see a pix of the card.

I grew up collecting via mail (SCD) and relied on the description given in the ads. Never had a major problem with this method.

However, I have found a small niche here at Net54 and appreciate the site very much.

Potomac Yank · #15 08-26-2009, 09:17 AM

*

Ted, can you give us your theory on the Rural House & Fair?

thenavarro · #16 08-26-2009, 09:20 PM

I stop in to read some threads from time to time, as I enjoy reading and learning about most facets of card collecting. However, I specialize in HOF signed rookie cards, so most of the threads on here I could add very little value to. Plus, I don't take constructive criticism too well, and from what I've witnessed in several threads, there is no shortage of that if someone makes a mistake or has a different opinion then the majority of the group.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy reading and lurking, just don't enjoy becoming part of the fray for the most part.

Mike

smokelessjoe · #17 08-27-2009, 05:51 AM

Rawn,

Nice work! Now we just need to find out about the baseball team that is pictured.

I emailed a guy I found online that collects, buys & sells stereoviews. He resides in Maine and has several that were made by Henry Allen. He said that he lives one town away from Union and is going to see if he can find the "rural house". Below is his response to my email.

Shawn,

"J. Henry Allen photographed Union Maine a lot. I quite certain that is where that is. I may know where that house is. I'll look when I go down there. Union is one town away and I shop at a market there frequently.

Here is some info:

Allen, J.H. Union & South Thomaston, ME 7-8 [J. Henry Allen] "Photographer"; "Union Scenery", views of So. Thomaston, Knox County, Maine, ÷71; Maine State prison, local scy, quarry, villages, harbor, B/L; $2.00/dozen.

I think the chance of that being anywhere but Union is very low. If I see the house I will photograph it. Get back to me in a while and I may have a pic for you. Union is a real pretty town. I don't know where you live but if it is nearby you might want to check it out. Lots of panoramic views around."

David

batkidiii · #18 09-02-2009, 10:23 AM

I am fairly new to this site, but have posted here several times. I have also made some friends that have helped me add to my collection. This is a great place for knowledge, and feel that it is the only place where you don't have to worry about being ripped off by scam artists. I try to purchase my cards from here because I trust most everyone here. I can't say the same about ebay.

scotty21690 · #19 09-02-2009, 12:23 PM

I mainly lurk becuase you fellow members have a much higher knowledge of prewar vintage cards/players than I do. I have learned a lot on here just from browsing the various threads.

I would imagine I am one of the younger members on here [19 years of age], so I don't have the largest budget for cards. I like to pickup a nice vintage Red Sox card or two as often as I can. Seeing all of the amazing cards posted on here I am a bit hesitant sharing my pickups because who would want to see what I got when others have just picked up a high end Cobb, Mathewson, Wagner, Jackson, etc,etc.

One thing I do love about the site is the BST section. A lot of great cards to be found there and it is a fantastic alternative to eBay.

Seems like a lot of great members on here so maybe I will start posting a bit more now..

DeanH3 · #20 08-21-2009, 04:33 PM

I'm definately in the "lurker" camp. I guess main reason is that unfortunately I don't have the knowledge most have here so my input becomes mostly opinion and well you know what they say about those.

. Another reason I guess is I like to watch train wrecks as opposed to join in on them. I will say that most issues brought up are valid and should be discussed. But they eventually end up "train wrecks". I guess there is just no way around it.

I will take this time to say thanks to all the regular posters. I do appreciate the knowledge that is shared and hopefully some of it will eventually rub off. I should contribute more when I can and I will try to do so in the future.

Cheers

proofer2 · #21 09-08-2009, 12:58 PM

You'd be surprised how much you can learn and how little you give away by "lurking"

Leon · #22 09-08-2009, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by proofer2

You'd be surprised how much you can learn and how little you give away by "lurking"

and how little you give back.....

Potomac Yank · #23 09-08-2009, 07:36 PM

Any updates from the Rural House Twins .....

proofer2 · #24 09-08-2009, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leon

and how little you give back.....

And that could very well be the reason there are so many "lurkers"

Dan Carson · #25 08-21-2009, 04:38 PM

I agree with Scott, to much drama. then it turns to name calling so forth so on. (childish)

Mrc32 · #26 08-21-2009, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan Carson

I agree with Scott, to much drama. then it turns to name calling so forth so on. (childish)

Yup. Very few posts other than BST....mainly because most threads turn into flame fests.

Sorry- if someone could get control over those threads, I'm sure more people would want to talk cards.

IMHO

(and I'm sure someone will flame me for my opinion now

barrysloate · #27 08-21-2009, 04:42 PM

Too many Communists!

Leon · #28 08-21-2009, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mrc32

Yup. Very few posts other than BST....mainly because most threads turn into flame fests.

Sorry- if someone could get control over those threads, I'm sure more people would want to talk cards.

IMHO

(and I'm sure someone will flame me for my opinion now

It's not so easy to get "control". As anyone who has ever moderated knows whenever a decision is made, choosing to do or not do something, then someone gets upset. My general rule is as much "hands off" as can be...Good, bad or indifferent, that is the way it is. I also don't think there would be more posts or threads if there were more "control". No flaming here...I am just giving my view of the subject. regards

whitehse · #29 08-21-2009, 04:53 PM

Leon...at the risk of sounding like a brown-noser..I think you do the best that you can. sometimes threads just take on a life of their own and before you know it they end up in a wreck!!

Ladder7 · #30 08-21-2009, 05:15 PM

Brad, This is a great idea for a thread. I hope the new guys will now chime in.

Many here have a niche and noone here knows every nuance on cards or memorabilia. Armpit to Elite collectors, everyone has a little something to offer. There's a saying in the fire service... "When the Experts panic, they call the fire department." I think the same theory applies here.

If a new poster feels they've been bullied, just tell us piss-off. Many here are just grumpy old men that need growl now and again. It's not personal and we don't bite.

This thread gives me an idea. Things have been rather drab around here, so lets liven it up.

Jantz · #31 08-21-2009, 05:28 PM

I lurked for two years before starting to post. Glad I made the move. I wish more lurkers would post because I think the level of knowledge about pre-war cards would increase no matter what level of collector you are.

As far as being intimidated about asking a question. Don't be, you will never learn unless you ask. Besides, nobody will remember your question six months later except you. ( I once asked a question about the Joe Jackson T206 proof. ) Still get a laugh out of it today.

I have met alot of nice people on this board and I don't think that would have happened if I had kept lurking.

Jantz

jrhatchjr · #32 08-21-2009, 05:04 PM

I've been a long time vintage collector (25+ years) in addition to "lurking" here for a few years. Here are some reasons I don't post much:

-I have never participated in an auction house auction
-I rarely bid or buy anything on ebay any more
-I hate slabbing
-I don't care to be caught up in "drama" as others previously mentioned
-I don't have the budget - or the desire - to buy high end cards
-I could care less about card alterations...
-...or whether a card should be a 50 instead of a 40 - many of mine are trimmed, torn, burned, written on, creased, punch-holed or otherwise tortured...and that's the way I like 'em

-I prefer to remain somewhat anonymous

As you can see, I can't really comment - or choose not to comment - on many posts here. I do appreciate those who post neat cards (like Leon's D311 Danzig) or do research projects (like Brian's E121 quest). I also appreciate the many quality cards and impressive collections I have witnessed through this board.