3000+ members and only a few posters

Jantz · #1 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 · #2 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

Al C.risafulli · #3 08-21-2009, 05:48 PM

I lurked here for probably two years before I started posting. I didn't want to get caught up in the drama, and I think there are (were) people here who would jump all over your case for your opinions. It was only after I made friends with a good number of the regular posters here by meeting them on other boards that I began to feel comfortable posting here.

-Al

jrhatchjr · #4 08-21-2009, 05:56 PM

Thanks for the kind words! It might be tough to post more and remain somewhat anonymous, though

But since you asked I'll create a fun little post in just a few moments...

ChrisStufflestreet · #5 08-21-2009, 06:00 PM

Everything Jim Hatch says...I'm going to echo.

Except the "anonymous" part. I don't mind tossing my name out so that others know for certain I'm just a horse's ass who happens to collect cards.

However, I've refrained from posting because: I don't own any slabbed stuff (in fact, a lot of my collection wouldn't be put into holders out of pity), I haven't bought anything via eBay since January '07, have never bid with an auction house...and have said on occasion that if I want to subject myself to high drama, I'd just tell my wife which of her co-workers I want to have an affair with.

However, if I see a topic that could use my contribution...I'll be right there with a response. 'cause that's how I roll, yo.

Ksquared · #6 08-21-2009, 06:16 PM

Been a lurker for a couple of years, but joined as a member on the transition to new site because I wanted to see the BST section (not that I've ever bought anything!)

Lot of great knowledge here and good perspective as I learn more about pre-war cards. I've added some pre-war Baltimore cards to my Orioles collection and what I've learned here has helped me be more careful with what I buy.

I don't think there is anymore bickering here compared to other boards, but the political "discussions" sure are more colorful.

Jim

Mozzie22 · #7 08-21-2009, 06:23 PM

I think one thing that inhibits new participation (and old) is the difference in budgets. I am a player collector on a very limited budget. I have never, and will never, won any auction other than Ebay. I couldn't afford the "crap" many big time collectors would pass over in a REA or Mastro catalogue. It can be intimidating reading a "what did you win from this auction" thread when you can't afford to have the catalogue shipped.

I was lucky enough to pick up many items for my collection years ago but I certainly couldn't afford some of the items in my collection now. Please let me be clear, I don't begrudge anyone anything they have and this isn't a class issue for me but there are regulars on this board that spend well into the 6 figures or more every year. Nobody wants to read a post about my beat up P2 Wolter when there are Cobbs and Mathewsons to be seen.

That being said, I have followed and enjoyed this community since the FullCount days and I will ask and add to any conversation that I feel I can, but I think "lurkers" are just waiting in many cases to contribute when they think they can or when something up their alley comes along.

ChrisStufflestreet · #8 08-21-2009, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mozzie22

Nobody wants to read a post about my beat up P2 Wolter when there are Cobbs and Mathewsons to be seen.

I couldn't disagree with you more, Sir. First of all, if a card shows signs of having been "well-loved" by a previous owner, it gives that card some "character" in my eyes. My own 1955 Topps "set-in-progress" is 10 big cards short but is full of cards that have character. Like the Killer RC that has been trimmed on the edges (and there's no way it's going to be missed by anybody) or the Gil Hodges that shows signs of being used to make a bicycle "sound" like a motorbike. I can always upgrade the cards, but they look great to me.

Secondly, most of us are aware of the stories behind guys like Matty and Cobb. In fact, some of the guys here have written books and articles on those guys. However, I'd love to learn about Wolter because his story is new to me. I love finding out stuff I didn't know about even though I've paid attention to the game's history since I was 9 years old.

So show us your beaters!

barrysloate · #9 08-21-2009, 06:35 PM

As long as you love what you collect, you need not explain it to anybody. Remember, it's just a hobby!

carrigansghost · #10 08-21-2009, 06:43 PM

I believe that I probably have the most focused collection on the board. I do chime in where I can, Maine baseball is not a topic that comes up often, but occasionally Carrigan will get mentioned. I've learned much from the board and had many laughs at some of the drama.

Thanks to all that have given me great deals in B/S/T.

Rawn

Mozzie22 · #11 08-21-2009, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisStufflestreet

I couldn't disagree with you more, Sir. First of all, if a card shows signs of having been "well-loved" by a previous owner, it gives that card some "character" in my eyes. My own 1955 Topps "set-in-progress" is 10 big cards short but is full of cards that have character. Like the Killer RC that has been trimmed on the edges (and there's no way it's going to be missed by anybody) or the Gil Hodges that shows signs of being used to make a bicycle "sound" like a motorbike. I can always upgrade the cards, but they look great to me.

Secondly, most of us are aware of the stories behind guys like Matty and Cobb. In fact, some of the guys here have written books and articles on those guys. However, I'd love to learn about Wolter because his story is new to me. I love finding out stuff I didn't know about even though I've paid attention to the game's history since I was 9 years old.

So show us your beaters!

check the link below if you'd like to learn about Harry Wolter

Tedw9 · #12 08-22-2009, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mozzie22

I think one thing that inhibits new participation (and old) is the difference in budgets. I am a player collector on a very limited budget. I have never, and will never, won any auction other than Ebay. I couldn't afford the "crap" many big time collectors would pass over in a REA or Mastro catalogue. It can be intimidating reading a "what did you win from this auction" thread when you can't afford to have the catalogue shipped.

I was lucky enough to pick up many items for my collection years ago but I certainly couldn't afford some of the items in my collection now. Please let me be clear, I don't begrudge anyone anything they have and this isn't a class issue for me but there are regulars on this board that spend well into the 6 figures or more every year. Nobody wants to read a post about my beat up P2 Wolter when there are Cobbs and Mathewsons to be seen.

That being said, I have followed and enjoyed this community since the FullCount days and I will ask and add to any conversation that I feel I can, but I think "lurkers" are just waiting in many cases to contribute when they think they can or when something up their alley comes along.

I couldn't have put it better myself. I enjoy reading the post, but most often I can't add anything that someone else has not already added.

I have had the pleasure of meeting a few of the guys from the board at a show last (?) year which included a fun ride to a show with Rawn. And Rawn, if we decide to go to a show again, I got a GPS so I won't get us lost again.