3000+ members and only a few posters

[toppcat]

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]

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]

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

[Jewish-collector]

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]

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]

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




Jantz

[Tim Kindler]

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

[Jacklitsch]

"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."

My first thought when this thread started.

Tim:

That fine gentleman you mentioned is Richard Masson.

[brianp-beme]

Like jrhatchjr earlier I have been collecting vintage many years (28 for me), and I only occasionally post. Here are my sorry reasons:

1. Time--consistently week after week being at work 60 hours cuts into hobby time.

2. Topics--heck, we all have our interests, and because of that I don't even read half of the threads...they are just not up my alley.

3. Controversy--I am one to shy away...no, cower from flaming topics. Usually it is that I just don't care about the topic. Quite often I don't even understand the subtleties of opposing arguments. Sometimes those subtleties seem to have been delivered via sledgehammer. Call me stupid, please, but don't expect flames from this keyboard.

4. Apathy--Even when I do post a hobby related thread, sometimes I am met with a big yawn. I recently posted a couple of threads on the E121 sets, and appreciated the response that was received, but it sure seems like more people could pipe up (perhaps they lack the time like me). In my opinion that is what this board should be about, helping other collectors share knowledge, whether it be something newly discovered or answering questions that other members have.

5. Cranial technological malnutrition--Man, today I wanted to post an unpublished article on the E91 sets I wrote (6 years ago!), but could not figure out how to get it posted. I refuse to retype it. If anyone out there wants to help out, I can mail a copy and through their wondrous powers perhaps they can post it on the site. I can provide scans of the E91's later (see point #1), but actually would be asking for members help to show scans of cards I list in the article from other sets. Teamwork, people!

Brian

[Leon]

Originally Posted by brianp-beme

Like jrhatchjr earlier I have been collecting vintage many years (28 for me), and I only occasionally post. Here are my sorry reasons:

1. Time--consistently week after week being at work 60 hours cuts into hobby time.

2. Topics--heck, we all have our interests, and because of that I don't even read half of the threads...they are just not up my alley.

3. Controversy--I am one to shy away...no, cower from flaming topics. Usually it is that I just don't care about the topic. Quite often I don't even understand the subtleties of opposing arguments. Sometimes those subtleties seem to have been delivered via sledgehammer. Call me stupid, please, but don't expect flames from this keyboard.

4. Apathy--Even when I do post a hobby related thread, sometimes I am met with a big yawn. I recently posted a couple of threads on the E121 sets, and appreciated the response that was received, but it sure seems like more people could pipe up (perhaps they lack the time like me). In my opinion that is what this board should be about, helping other collectors share knowledge, whether it be something newly discovered or answering questions that other members have.

5. Cranial technological malnutrition--Man, today I wanted to post an unpublished article on the E91 sets I wrote (6 years ago!), but could not figure out how to get it posted. I refuse to retype it. If anyone out there wants to help out, I can mail a copy and through their wondrous powers perhaps they can post it on the site. I can provide scans of the E91's later (see point #1), but actually would be asking for members help to show scans of cards I list in the article from other sets. Teamwork, people!

Brian

Brian- please email me at leonl@flash.net. I will help as much as is needed....including doing all of the posting and uploading of scans etc....

[Tyler]

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

[carrigansghost]

Thanks for posting something of Maine, Max. I have a copy of that. There are some really great players from Maine, but not at the level that gets to the Hall.

Rawn

[FrankWakefield]

Hey Tyler,

Thanks for posting that.

Have you read The Celebrant, by Eric Rolfe Greenberg? It is about the best baseball novel ever. I'd put it above The Natural and above If I Never Get Back. The Celebrant is set contemporary with Mr. Mathewson pitching with the Giants, which is a main thread in the book. Any baseball bibliophile, anyone who enjoys turn of the century T206 era baseball, any fan of Mathewson should read this book. Highly recommended.

FW


Horse meat.

[teetwoohsix]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

Rawn

[smokelessjoe]

No problem Rawn,

The photogaphers name is Henry J. Allen and was apparently quite popular in Maine... I have seen his studios listed out of Thomaston, ME. as well. It has been sometime since I have tried to research this photo and I cannot remember if I figured out where the "Rural House" was or not? When I get some time I will go back through my stuff and see what I can find??

Side note: Notice also, that it appears to be both the letter "U" and the letter "N" on thier uniforms...

[Potomac Yank]

That is one awesome photograph.

The caps.
The neckerchiefs.
The bibs.
The belts.
The high top cleats.

Has anyone placed a year, or a time slot for this photo?

Thanks for sharing Shawn.

[smokelessjoe]

Hi Joe,

I agree with you as stated above... I also like the guy holding the ball with his arms crossed.

I was thinking 1870s... I am quite preturbed with myself, because as I stated above this I one of my favorite pics of all time and now I cannot find the full size scan of the stereoview (It was a double shot of the same picture). I had both the front and the back??

The image you see above is where I enlarged, cropped and added a border.

I will keep looking?

[SmokyBurgess]

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]

*

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

[carrigansghost]

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.

[Potomac Yank]

Digging and detective work at it's best.

Proud of you guys.

Keep it up, and let it happen.

This is happening before our very eyes.

[Rich Klein]

Those SABR geeks have nothing on us Net 54 guys.

And if you did not try the veal -- we have chicken as well, and it may even taste like chicken

Rich

[thenavarro]

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]

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]

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

This is better than Sherlock Holmes, or Columbo.

[Rickyy]

Time limitation is my excuse... I really appreciate the time many of the regular posters take to carefully review and respond to each and every topic. I read as many of them as I can, even the controversial ones (like bees to a honey! ). Although a lot of the topics are unpleasant (bad deals, auction shilling, intentional card doctoring for profit, etc) we can't just turn a blind eye to it and say it doesn't affect me, because we are all a part of this hobby and we need to give back by disseminating information to promote the fun in all of this and at the same time expose and discourage the bad practices. I always mention this board as a great example to not just people who enjoy collecting baseball cards, but for those others who want to start other hobby forums.

Ricky Y

[Potomac Yank]

Count me in as one of those that's patiently awaiting the outcome of this trip.

Will they find the old Rural House?

Is there a connection between the Rural House and the team?

Did it belong to a league?

Which league, and are there any town records of it?

Rawn, and Shawn, I think you've started something.

Keep us posted on your Mission to Union, Me.

[carrigansghost]

I did find the Rural house, I added the picture of it to my previous post. I have looked at the aerial view of it on google. I'll be going up there in the next week to try and get a picture in the same angle and will have a copy of the original baseball photo to give to the current residents. As far as the team, I'm not really sure that is going to be as easy to find out further info.

Rawn

[batkidiii]

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]

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]

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.

[scotty21690]

Great post Joe, thanks! Best of luck to you and your collecting goals!


I am very happy with what I collect, and love the hobby. I am also like you and seem to just start sets out of nowhere but I can not focus long enough to finish them hah. Although, I will test my own patience to see if I will ever end up completing the M116 Red Sox team set...now that's a long term goal.


It's just jaw dropping seeing the volume of quality cards in members collections here. Those mothly pickup threads sure are fun to browse!




Maybe soon I will show off my newly completed 1910 Red Sox team set.

[sox1903wschamp]

Originally Posted by scotty21690

Maybe soon I will show off my newly completed 1910 Red Sox team set.

Please Do! And hats off to a fellow Red Sox collector

[carrigansghost]

Look behhind the arrow that you put on in the original picture, you can see where it says Rural House on the side of the building also.

Rawn