A word concerning board friendliness

[Leon]

Hey Folks
Since there have been a few folks shown the door recently I want to let members know a few thoughts. I want this place to be a more friendly place. If that means losing a few members then so be it. The goal is to never ban anyone but some folks have pushed the limits, minimally with me, too far. I will not let anyone follow anyone else around the board harassing them. And if you think it's funny when people do that then you are going to have less fun on this board in the future. And if you think cute innuendo's and snarkiness are veiled and won't be dealt with, you are wrong.

And still trying to figure out what this is?

[darwinbulldog]

Johnson, Washington is correct.

[batsballsbases]

Leon,
Snarkiness I like that word but I do believe its 2 ss! LOL

[ramram]

Glad to see it Mr. Luckey. So much for the soap opera forum.

As to the note on the back of the card - doesn't everybody make a quick note, on whatever happens to be available, reminding themselves of what body part still needs cleaning?

Rob M.

[nolemmings]

Snarkiness I like that word but I do believe its 2 ss!

Maybe, or maybe he meant snarkines, which are good on crackers.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by batsballsbases

Leon,
Snarkiness I like that word but I do believe its 2 ss! LOL

That letter got cut off or I messed up .... fixed now.

and yeah, I got that it's Johnson Washington and it looks like an M116. But the question is, what is it? I think some kind of ad cut but not sure.

[mybuddyinc]

In the midst of the word he was trying to say,
In the midst of his laughter and glee,
He had softly and suddenly vanished away—
For the Snark was a Boojum, you see.

--- Lewis Carroll

[batsballsbases]

Originally Posted by Leon

That letter got cut off or I messed up .... fixed now.

and yeah, I got that it's Johnson Washington and it looks like an M116. But the question is, what is it? I think some kind of ad cut but not sure.

Thanks Leon! Carry On! And I to like my snarkines on crackers also>>>

[Leon]

Originally Posted by batsballsbases

Thanks Leon! Carry On! And I to like my snarkines on crackers also>>>

I used to bring sardines to school in my lunch in elementary. I could actually trade them for some really good stuff (I like them too though) because other kids moms wouldn't buy them for them.

[batsballsbases]

Originally Posted by Leon

I used to bring sardines to school in my lunch in elementary. I could actually trade them for some really good stuff (I like them too though) because other kids moms wouldn't buy them for them.

Leon,
Good thing that it was in elementary school and you probably hadnt found GIRLS yet!

[Rich Klein]

How do you think he attracted the people of the female persuasion.

Leon was always ahead of the game

[pawpawdiv9]

Sold in REA 2013
http://www.robertedwardauctions.com/.../2013/336.html
1911 M116 Sporting Life Proof Collection (65) Including Walter Johnson
Starting Bid - $2,500.00, Sold For - $5,332.50

Click here
to view the photos
Collection of sixty-five different "proof" cards from the M116 Sporting Life set. To the best of our knowledge, each of these M116 proof cards is unique. When these unusual M116 proof cards were purchased as a collection by our consignor years ago, no information about their history accompanied, but it is obvious that if their history could be traced, we would find that they originate from someone involved with the production or printing process. The M116 card set was issued by Sporting Life ("The Paper That Made Baseball Popular"), and by any measure is one of the most important sets of the era. Sporting Life was no doubt encouraged by the success of the popular tobacco cards of the day, and this issue shares a similar design with the tobacco cards of the era. Sporting Life was a major competitor of The Sporting News in the early part of the twentieth century. The Sporting Life set was issued in twenty-four series of twelve cards each, sold by mail for four cents per series. This group contains over one-quarter of the set in "proof" form, with each card missing several key elements of the finished product, namely the player and team identifications on the front and the Sporting Life advertisement on the reverse. In place of the advertisement on the reverse of each card is a pen or pencil notation identifying the player and team depicted (Phillippe has been incorrectly identified as Clarke). All of the cards are hand-cut and some have uneven edges and noticeable size variations. In addition, these proof cards are printed on thinner card stock than normal M116 cards. Twenty-two cards have a nearly identically placed pinhole which may have originated from display on a proofing board during the production process. It is very possible that these cards are early stage production proofs, but the possibility does also exist that they originated from an advertising sheet or poster of some kind that has never been seen and have been cut down to their current sizes. (We don't believe that to be the case as the names and team identifications of the players are completely absent on the fronts, strongly suggesting that these are proof cards utilized by the printer in the production of the set). Either way, they are fascinating representations from this classic and popular set. The collection consists of the following: Ames, Archer, Arrelanes, Beaumont, Bergen, Berger, Bescher, Bradley, Bransfield, Bresnahan (HOF, blue), Bridwell, M. Brown (HOF, blue), Coombs, Coveleskie, Crawford (HOF), Dahlen, Delehanty, Demmitt, Donovan (blue), Doolan, Dougherty, Elberfeld, Fletcher, Gessler, Gibson (blue), Griffith (HOF), Hartsel, Hartzell, Hoffman, Hulswitt, Johnson (HOF), Jones (blue), Jordan (blue), Killifer, Kling, Leach (blue), Lennox, B. Lord, H. Lord (blue), Lush, Magee, McIntyre, McLean, D. Miller, W. Miller, M. Mitchell, Moran, Murphy, Murray, Pelty, Pernoll, Phillippe, Sharpe, Sheckard, C. Smith, Steinfeldt, Stone, B. Sweeney, Tenney (blue), Thomas (blue), Thoney, Titus, Turner, He. Wagner, and Wilson. M116s are one of the most significant and substantial issues of the era, and are considerably scarcer than their tobacco-card counterparts. Interest in printing and production anomalies from within tobacco-card sets, as well as proof cards that are known (most notably cards from the T206 and T3 proof find of the 1970s), has dramatically increased in recent years, making this unusual lot potentially all the more desirable in the modern collecting era. Total: 65 cards. Reserve $2,500. Estimate (open). SOLD FOR $5,332.50

[ALR-bishop]

[BeanTown]

Way to go Leon and keep up the great work. Being a longtime member going back to the late 90s when Elliot used to run the board, I have noticed changes. Seems we must Read more sarcasum and read everyones opinion about other members and or conspiracy theories.

Seems like some "former members" liked to get up on their soapbox and start flapping their gums to be heard and then acted like they were representing the forum which was completely false.

Overtime I think the negative comments and personal attacks just discouraged people from posting and going public with anything.

I think you have got everything back on track and you provide the hobby as a whole a great valuable service which will benfit all us collectors who are passionate for their hobby.

Hopefully someday we will see more posters than lurkers. Keep doing the Net54 dinners, contest and the BST thread!

[nolemmings]

Censorship is dangerous--I'm not a fan.

[irishdenny]

[QUOTE=pawpawdiv9;1471957]Sold in REA 2013
http://www.robertedwardauctions.com/.../2013/336.html
1911 M116 Sporting Life Proof Collection (65) Including Walter Johnson
Starting Bid - $2,500.00, Sold For - $5,332.50

I KNeW iT, I Had SeeN'em Before!

"Very Good Chri$!!!"
I had thought that Shammus would be All Over THiS!?

"Johnson Wantabe = Proof... Aye!"

And I do THiNK THaT The Price Has Doubled oN These!!!
LeoN, Your ProviN Eye iS EVeN Keaner The Second TiMe Around!!!

[the-illini]

Originally Posted by nolemmings

Censorship is dangerous--I'm not a fan.

Agreed

[JeremyW]

Originally Posted by nolemmings

Censorship is dangerous--I'm not a fan.

I couldn't agree more with this statement. I can understand Leon's point to a certain extent, in that innocent hobbyists shouldn't be harassed on a continuous basis. But, that's not what I've seen on this forum. Generally speaking, the posters/dealers/advertisers/auction houses, etc. that receive the snarky comments are the ones that have the problematic issues that continually need to be addressed in order for the hobby & this network of collectors to move forward in a positive way.

By banning longtime posters that disagree with the owner of the forum, I'm afraid we are falling into the PC, don't hurt anyone's feelings, type of discussions.

This forum is by far the best when it comes to pre-war baseball hobby discussions, but I'm starting to think the banishments have become personal, not professional (business). If I'm not mistaken, this forum used to be a place to discuss all aspects of the baseball collecting world. Then it was turned into a business at some point (which is fine by me), but when it becomes a business, you have to begin to set aside the personal issues. I'm a small business owner & if I started banning all the clients that weren't nice to me or that I didn't like, or that offended me, I would lose a small, but important, part of my clientele.

Jeremy W@goner

[Leon]

Originally Posted by JeremyW

I couldn't agree more with this statement. I can understand Leon's point to a certain extent, in that innocent hobbyists shouldn't be harassed on a continuous basis. But, that's not what I've seen on this forum. Generally speaking, the posters/dealers/advertisers/auction houses, etc. that receive the snarky comments are the ones that have the problematic issues that continually need to be addressed in order for the hobby & this network of collectors to move forward in a positive way.

By banning longtime posters that disagree with the owner of the forum, I'm afraid we are falling into the PC, don't hurt anyone's feelings, type of discussions.

This forum is by far the best when it comes to pre-war baseball hobby discussions, but I'm starting to think the banishments have become personal, not professional (business). If I'm not mistaken, this forum used to be a place to discuss all aspects of the baseball collecting world. Then it was turned into a business at some point (which is fine by me), but when it becomes a business, you have to begin to set aside the personal issues. I'm a small business owner & if I started banning all the clients that weren't nice to me or that I didn't like, or that offended me, I would lose a small, but important, part of my clientele.

Jeremy W@goner

One of the four banned will probably be let back soon if he wants to come back. I probably cast too wide of a net. I have needed to take some steps on the board and the ones recently are good in my opinion. Others will definitely disagree. I also agree that censorship, in general, is not a good thing. However, somtimes when you are part of a community then you have to give up a few rights to be a part of it. One right they had to give up was the act of continuing to badger me. Three of the four were culprits in my opinion. And lastly, this isn't a business it's a job. Trust me. If I take a cut in pay because of my actions I am fine with it.

[ramram]

Leon was not "elected". He can do as he wishes. If people don't like it, they can move on. That's the democratic part of the equation. Leon has shown plenty of restraint through the years but it's time to get the message out that everybody is welcome - just don't start being an a**hole.

Rob M.

[JeremyW]

Leon- Were the banishments professional or personal decisions? Honestly speaking, it appears to be a personal thing to me. I might be in the minority here, but banning the guys you did, hurts the forum for me. You might be fine with the pay cut, but eventually it will catch up with you. Again, that's only my opinion. Jeremy

[JeremyW]

Rob- I agree with everything you said, besides the democratic part. Leon has shown much restraint, but it's more of a dictatorship than democracy.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by JeremyW

Leon- Were the banishments professional or personal decisions? Honestly speaking, it appears to be a personal thing to me. I might be in the minority here, but banning the guys you did, hurts the forum for me. You might be fine with the pay cut, but eventually it will catch up with you. Again, that's only my opinion. Jeremy

It was personal in as much as they were badgering me. I am sorry it hurts the forum for you but it will help the forum for others (and me).

[ramram]

Originally Posted by JeremyW

Rob- I agree with everything you said, besides the democratic part. Leon has shown much restraint, but it's more of a dictatorship than democracy.

My subdivision has rules to abide by just like this forum. If you don't abide by those rules you pay the price. It's for the betterment of all that reside within that space. Much like it is here. It's not about being a democracy on here, it's about decency. I've been a member on here for probably 20 years and one of the original "good guys" doesn't even post on here anymore because of the personal abuse. I would rather read his posts all day long rather than reading abusive posts directed at him and others.

Rob M.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Leon

One of the four banned will probably be let back soon if he wants to come back. I probably cast too wide of a net. I have needed to take some steps on the board and the ones recently are good in my opinion. Others will definitely disagree. I also agree that censorship, in general, is not a good thing. However, somtimes when you are part of a community then you have to give up a few rights to be a part of it. One right they had to give up was the act of continuing to badger me. Three of the four were culprits in my opinion. And lastly, this isn't a business it's a job. Trust me. If I take a cut in pay because of my actions I am fine with it.

In reflection I don't think Jeff should have been suspended/banned for what he said. He is now back. That being said I still really want the board to be a more friendly place. I will continue to take steps to make that happen.

[sbfinley]

Originally Posted by nolemmings

Censorship is dangerous--I'm not a fan.

In principle, yes, but in my experience this has been one of the most open boards in the hobby. It's next closest competitor (even that's even the right word) deletes threads on a daily basis if a business partner is named at all while at the same time letting havoc run wild unabated.

[pokerplyr80]

My opinion is that as the owner of this forum Leon is free to do as he pleases. We don't pay to belong to his forum. If someone walked into any business and started arguing with the owner, right or wrong, there is a good chance he would be asked not to return.

[ajjohnsonsoxfan]

If you're looking at this forum comparing it to a business, there are many current studies that recommend firing your worst customers (bottom 10%) because they create the most headaches and take up a much larger percentage of your time which is unprofitable.

[BeanTown]

Originally Posted by ajjohnsonsoxfan

If you're looking at this forum comparing it to a business, there are many current studies that recommend firing your worst customers (bottom 10%) because they create the most headaches and take up a much larger percentage of your time which is unprofitable.

I think Ebay did that where the bottom 5% attributed to 80% of their problems.

[gregr2]

Originally Posted by Leon

That being said I still really want the board to be a more friendly place. I will continue to take steps to make that happen.

Agree and thanks.

[CMIZ5290]

Originally Posted by Leon

That letter got cut off or I messed up .... fixed now.

and yeah, I got that it's Johnson Washington and it looks like an M116. But the question is, what is it? I think some kind of ad cut but not sure.

I have this card in a PSA 7oc if anyone needs it....

[TAVG]

I have nothing but nice things to say about the board. I have been shown generosity many times even here recently when around 10 members sent me free vintage cardinals cards to help with my collection.

I love this board and have learned a lot from the members.

[Exhibitman]

Originally Posted by ajjohnsonsoxfan

If you're looking at this forum comparing it to a business, there are many current studies that recommend firing your worst customers (bottom 10%) because they create the most headaches and take up a much larger percentage of your time which is unprofitable.

That is a really good point. I recently fired a profitable but utterly impossible client. 10% of my revenue but 89% of my a-holes.

[obcbobd]

Thanks Leon! I appreciate all your efforts in keeping this a more Civil Board

Bob Donaldson (I shouldn't have to sign, because I don't think that was a controversial statement, but I will anyways!)

[bobbyw8469]

Originally Posted by obcbobd

Thanks Leon! I appreciate all your efforts in keeping this a more Civil Board

+1 Much better than alternatives.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by bobbyw8469

+1 Much better than alternatives.

As I understand it, you no longer have an alternative.

[Mikehealer]

Originally Posted by JeremyW

Leon- Were the banishments professional or personal decisions? Honestly speaking, it appears to be a personal thing to me. I might be in the minority here, but banning the guys you did, hurts the forum for me. You might be fine with the pay cut, but eventually it will catch up with you. Again, that's only my opinion. Jeremy

I'm in the minority as well, Jeremy. It hurts the forum for me as well and I bet we are not alone. I thought Jeff and John(not sure who the others banned are) contributed greatly to the board.

[the-illini]

Originally Posted by Mikehealer

I'm in the minority as well, Jeremy. It hurts the forum for me as well and I bet we are not alone. I thought Jeff and John(not sure who the others banned are) contributed greatly to the board.

Same here. I am glad Jeff is back and I hope John returns soon as well.

[drmondobueno]

Originally Posted by nolemmings

Censorship is dangerous--I'm not a fan.

Agree with you to a point. I always understood Net54 to be a place to go and discuss, share, and on occasion, to point out issues concerning a hobby gone positively and absolutely mad, our passion for collecting. In many cases it is a way of life - baseball certainly was when I was much younger- and, for guys like Leon - hello, Leon! - a way to make a living. And most certainly, the elephant in the room is money. And all the.... Uh, stuff in this hobby that comes with it.

I have personally avoided participation recently as I noticed the board turning ugly, IMHO. Several recent threads turned into feeding frenzies. Really a turn off for me. Gotta be honest here, if I wanted confrontation, I'd move back to L A.

Keep it real, but keep it civil. Funny works, too.

By the way, I sold my T206 set recently at auction and have yet to regret it. Too much. I kept a hundred or so dupes, mostly lower condition and ungraded. There is something charming about a beater that speaks to the human condition, at least to me. Human creation, artistry, inventiveness, frailty, time and entropy, the celebration of sport, achievement, a life well lived and honored with a piece of mishandled cardboard by ten year olds. As Tom Waits has said, I don't wanna grow up.

Peace

Keith Temple

[sportscardpete]

The board benefits from a combination of newer collectors and the "old, grizzly" vets. And just like life the older vets (in any industry) might be more opinionated or difficult to deal with.

So, not to side with anyone on who should/shouldn't be banned, but the less vets we have on the board the worse off it is for the newer collectors.

[Mikehealer]

Originally Posted by the-illini

Same here. I am glad Jeff is back and I hope John returns soon as well.

Maybe the new owners will let him back in.

http://haulsofshame.com/blog/?p=39919#more-39919

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Mikehealer

Maybe the new owners will let him back in.

http://haulsofshame.com/blog/?p=39919#more-39919

Pretty close to the only thing true is he spelled my name correctly.

I have told many close friends there would be some repercussions to the actions that needed to be taken. I will agree that unfortunately it had gotten to be about the money (somewhat) and I didn't take these steps sooner. So far so good.

[Mikehealer]

Originally Posted by Leon

Pretty close to the only thing true is he spelled my name correctly.

I have told many close friends there would be some rerpercussions to the actions that needed to be taken. So far so good.

At least he can spell, a lot of people can't do that. That sale price, wow, that's a lot of Blue Sky.

[frankbmd]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mikehealer View Post
Maybe the new owners will let him back in.

http://haulsofshame.com/blog/?p=39919#more-39919
Pretty close to the only thing true is he spelled my name correctly.

I have told many close friends there would be some rerpercussions to the actions that needed to be taken. So far so good.
__________________

I've been waiting for this to pop up. I saw it late last night. If it is true (and I doubt it), I plan to be selling the Monster Number thread as well. Perhaps as a Live Auction.

Net54 is a zoo of diversity with a common thread tying the animals together. Everyone is free to decide who the rats are. I have been impressed with Leon's tolerance of some of the crap in the past not involving him personally. I also understand to some degree the recent bannings.

None of us are angels, but if the site implodes I fear that more will suffer from the loss than benefit from it, but then again it is only a chat board.

Carry on.

[Mikehealer]

I'll go up to $3 for the Monster Thread.

[frankbmd]

Originally Posted by Mikehealer

I'll go up to $3 for the Monster Thread.

I'll start it at a nickel, but will consider your $3 as a MAX BID.

[Mikehealer]

Originally Posted by frankbmd

I'll start it at a nickel, but will consider your $3 as a MAX BID.

What's the juice?

[bobbyw8469]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

As I understand it, you no longer have an alternative.

Oh...don't kid yourself. There are ALWAYS alternatives :-p. Whether one chooses to take them or not is up to the individual.

[frankbmd]

Originally Posted by Mikehealer

What's the juice?

$5000.00 flat rate.

The more you bid the lower the percentage.

[T206Collector]

I have never seen Leon use his moderator authority to limit hobby-healthy discourse about the age-old concerns that plague us - fraud, shilling, doctoring, etc. The board had become a soap box for some to publicize what would normally be fair opinions, but all-too-often come laced with personal shots against other members. When a good argument turns into holier-than-thou name-calling, intelligence-comparing, and (unfriendly) grammar-policing it devalues the quality and substance of the discourse for all of us. Far from the risks of censorship referenced above, Leon's actions actually have the opposite effect of promoting the free exchange of ideas, without the worry of a personal retort. At least, I am certain that this is Leon's intent, and it is a noble one. I, for one, applaud the effort.