3000+ members and only a few posters

scottglevy · #1 08-21-2009, 03:57 PM

That is my answer!

deadballera · #2 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 · #3 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 · #4 08-21-2009, 04:31 PM

Sounds like a conspiracy to me.

toppcat · #5 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 · #6 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 · #7 08-21-2009, 08:39 PM

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

Jewish-collector · #8 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.

egbeachley · #9 08-21-2009, 09:36 PM

I'm mostly a non-sports guy. Just a few Baseball left in my collection. I usually just post about how economic factors will cause PSA to go out of business. That riles up a few folks.

Is Collector's Universe ready to releae earnings again?

Jantz · #10 08-21-2009, 09:36 PM

"newbie"....................interesting choice of words

Jantz

Tim Kindler · #11 08-21-2009, 09:39 PM

Brad, Great thread. Let me add my two cents.
I am mostly a lurker for a few reasons:
1. As Alan just stated, many of the ideas and information for a thread have been discussed and many times I will see a response posted as "See this archive thread for the information". I get why people do this and it is great that we have the archives, but I think it keeps us from further expanding on ideas and thoughts sometimes.

2. I am TERRIBLE with names. For example, at the National I met alot of really nice guys from the board. When I talked to them, they knew me from my posts about E98s and Old Put Backs. It was exciting and really neat to meet so many people but then when I got back home, I wanted to thank so many of them and chime into threads from them...but I forgot their names! and I feel really stupid if I try to chime in on a thread to someone whom I've met but can't remember their names. Of course this is my fault and I need to solve my own problem by learning to put names with faces better in the future. **On this note I just want to quickly thank the gentleman (See, I forgot his name) who is at the table with Leon and Scott ( I believe he bought the huge Pirate backed lot of T214s last year) and has made me a great deal the last two Nationals on cards. I really appreciate your willingness to bargain with me and my budget!

3. I am not the most technological advanced person and have trouble with scans... but I'm getting better!

4. I want to get along with everyone and let's face it... in some of the recent threads things have gotten a little heated. I prefer to stay out of it. It took everything I had to respond to one of Bruce's latest BST threads in the T section about an hour ago... but I think I did it in a very respectful way.

With a little more effort on my part, (remembering names/ faces and becoming more computer savy) I hope to be less of a lurker and more of a contributor in the future.
Tim Kindler

Tyler · #12 08-21-2009, 09:46 PM

I made my first post about 4 years ago. It was in response to a Mathewson PC (either PC796 or PC805) that was being shown off in a "show off" thread. The famous image has Matty in a pitching pose, but his right arm covers the "N" of the "N.Y." I asked if the "Y" stood for Yale.
I knew he was a college guy, but at that time, I didn't know Bucknell from Buck Weaver. When I was corrected, I felt like an idiot, deservedly so, but it only made me want to learn more.

Since then I have learned so much about Matty and so many other HOF's, stars, characters, drunks, gamblers, etc. and I owe 100% of it to the people that contribute to this forum. Even the info I gather from other great sites and books all can be traced to this board.

I haven't posted much since that first "insert foot" moment about Matty and maybe that will change. Regardless, all you daily "postin' fools" remember... there are alot of us out here that appreciate all of your contributions.

I really have to bite my tongue when the Seinfeld references pop up, as I am quite a fan. Barry, feel free to correct any spelling or grammatical errors above...and...Do you know what Kramer's friend, Jay Reimenschneider, eats all the time? (I saw the episode today and couldn't resist, since this is us lurkers chance to "spew")

Thanks again to all for giving me something to do all day and to Leon for being the coolest moderator in history. See you in another 4 years.

Tyler

teetwoohsix · #13 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 · #14 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 · #15 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 · #16 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.

carrigansghost · #17 08-24-2009, 06:52 AM

Thanks Shawn, now I have a mission to find that house when I go back home.
Great image.

Rawn

SmokyBurgess · #18 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 · #19 08-26-2009, 09:17 AM

*

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

carrigansghost · #20 08-26-2009, 07:15 PM

Leaving for Maine next Wednesday, should be in Union on Friday or Saturday. Most of these type of houses are still standing in the area. They have a fairly good historical society that I have a call into. I also e-mailed a prominent real estate agent to see if they might know of the house. I'm trying guys!

Rawn

Found it!!!!!!!!!!!!!# 3
The Rural House, pictured circa 1875 - A stage stop on the Union Common, originally called the Gilmore (Gillmor) Hotel. then the Cobb Hotel. This building is located on the north side of the Common, now a private residence.

thenavarro · #21 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 · #22 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

Potomac Yank · #23 08-27-2009, 06:51 AM

These detectives are real, and it's happening now.

This is better than Sherlock Holmes, or Columbo.

batkidiii · #24 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 · #25 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..

Potomac Yank · #26 09-02-2009, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scotty21690

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..

*

Scotty, forget about the age thing.
Your 19, and I'm 78.
I started with vintage when I was about 51, in 1982.
You're discovering it at the age of 19.
Collect what you like, and makes you happy ... and if it makes you happy, show it off.
Whether they're Red Sox, or whatever, those are your babies, and you march by the beat of your drum.

Being older, doesn't mean that you're rich ... I'm now living off my 101K.

Believe it, or not, If you have the patience. and you do some research, there are reasonable vintage cards out there.
T206's are always changing hands.
Leave the upper grades to the flippers, the lower grades have more character anyway. ..... later on in life, If you want to upgrade _ upgrade.

Let the vintage T's & E's happen.
With all my sets, I never planned them ... they all mysteriously Happened.

Lots of luck to you Scotty.
Go by the beat of your drum, and let it all Happen.

Joe P.

DeanH3 · #27 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 · #28 09-08-2009, 12:58 PM

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

Leon · #29 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 · #30 09-08-2009, 07:36 PM

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

proofer2 · #31 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"

ethicsprof · #32 09-08-2009, 09:58 PM

i appreciate that your response to Leon's valid point was not defensive, not ad hominem.
welcome aboard!

best,
barry

Potomac Yank · #33 09-08-2009, 10:22 PM

Leon see what happens when a child is told not to go to school because of fear of Presidential Communist influence.

I hope that he didn't watch the disastrous school speach on TV.

Dan Carson · #34 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 · #35 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 · #36 08-21-2009, 04:42 PM

Too many Communists!

Leon · #37 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 · #38 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 · #39 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.

FrankWakefield · #40 08-21-2009, 05:18 PM

Jr Hatch Jr, you're my kind of collector!!! Please keep posting!!!

FW

Jantz · #41 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

Jantz · #42 08-21-2009, 05:37 PM

jrhatchjr - With 25+ years of collecting, I for one would enjoy hearing some of your knowledge on pre-war cards. With that much collecting time under your belt, I'm sure you have something to share.

Jantz

jrhatchjr · #43 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.