Net54baseball- Game Used Forum? all sports?

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Lordstan

I say no to the change, especially if the format is as it is listed above. I think separating things out just fragments the board more without a specific need.

While I disagree with what happened to the autograph section for multiple reasons, I do understand why many wanted it. The constant fighting between a few members created a hostile atmosphere, which many wanted to avoid. I still think it's easier to not click on a thread that annoys you than it is to go to a new category, but that decision is already done. I will say that since the change, one of the things that I do notice, is that there seems to be less traffic from many people who I used to see post occasionally about autographs, as well as the other stuff.

In this case, is there really a NEED for a new category? Are there so many posts about GU that they bother those who don't collect that stuff? No. Are the people who collect GU on this forum fighting all the time as to create a negative atmosphere? No. Is there something about current format that is preventing those who collect GU from posting? I don't think so.

For me, I like to see everything. I read most of the threads on the board, at least initially, to see if it interests me. Would I make the effort to go to a separate GU forum? Probably not. Especially if I had to wade through a lot of new stuff. I think this is similar to what I noted above about less different people posting about autographs.

I guess my point is that I see this board as a sort of family. Most families have good times and bad. Many many fights and reconciliations. IMHO, more separation leads to less interaction, less unity, and less enjoyment. If autos had been separate when I joined, I don't know if I would've been influenced by Jimmy(kingofclout), David Atkatz, Ben(Forever Young), and a host of others who spurred on my interest in vintage photography collecting. I learned, enjoyed, and met so many more nice people than I would've had it all been separate. That benefit far outweighs any negatives.

Sorry, Leon. One last point.
If you do decide to do this, I would suggest you keep autographs, GU, and any others that come up, as a sub-forum of the memorabilia section. All these things should be grouped together, as they are specific foci of memorabilia collecting.

(Cool. I got to use the word FOCI in a post. Sorry I am easily amused.)

Best,
Mark

Good thoughts Mark...and they are appreciated. The reason that the autograph section isn't as active as it was might be that a few of the folks left....because people were badmouthing what they were trying to do. It happens. I do agree, as I have said all along, I would prefer fewer sections with more threads than more sections with less threads. Still, nothing is set in stone and the debate continues. I do think there is somewhat of a need for a GU forum here but maybe a sub-forum, such as the autograph forum, would do the trick.

And whomever made the comment about advertising.. ....I honestly didn't think of that but if there were another advertiser or two, it wouldn't hurt my feelings.

[Lordstan]

Originally Posted by Leon

The reason that the autograph section isn't as active as it was might be that a few of the folks left....because people were badmouthing what they were trying to do. It happens.

That is not exactly what I meant.
I meant that when everything was combined, many who don't collect autographs would still see the items and often comment. Sometimes those comments would enhance the enjoyment and understanding of that item, even if it wasn't autograph specific. There are even less "Good Job", "Great Pickup", and "Congrats" replies being posted on both monthly pickup threads.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Lordstan

That is not exactly what I meant.
I meant that when everything was combined, many who don't collect autographs would still see the items and often comment. Sometimes those comments would enhance the enjoyment and understanding of that item, even if it wasn't autograph specific. There are even less "Good Job", "Great Pickup", and "Congrats" replies being posted on both monthly pickup threads.

And you will have quite a few people say they started posting again because a lot of the negativity was coming from the autograph threads and now they like it better.
It's really choosing what is best for the forum as there is never a perfect answer. There actually can't be a perfect answer.

[Lordstan]

Originally Posted by Leon

There actually can't be a perfect answer.

I know. I know.
Thanks for hearing me out.
Keep up the good work.

[yanks12025]

I made a post over on GUU telling people about the new section and to try to get others to join, because I know alot of members there probably have not heard about net54. Hopefully the mods don't get rid of it.

[karamaxjoe]

Originally Posted by yanks12025

I made a post over on GUU telling people about the new section and to try to get others to join, because I know alot of members there probably have not heard about net54. Hopefully the mods don't get rid of it.

That should be enough to get you banned over there. Fortunately for you I don't think anyone is minding the store over there.

[yanks12025]

Originally Posted by karamaxjoe

That should be enough to get you banned over there. Fortunately for you I don't think anyone is minding the store over there.

Well they deleted it, just proves more they don't care about the people on the forum.

[drc]

Game Used would fit in to the normal memorabilia area. Autographs in theory would too. Autographs was moved because it dominated the memorabilia section and deserved its on section. we don't know how popular the gu section would be here, so it's hard to say that it should have its on section versus is part of the old memorabilia section.

If it proves to be a daily popular topic on Net54, like autographs is here, then I'd vote it's reasonable for it to have its on section. There are a lot of collectors who specialize in game used.

[John V]

Leon,
To clarify...I was agreeing with Travis in post #27. I enjoy the mix of topics in the current Memorabilia section. When autographs seemed to dominate, you broke them out into the sub-forum. Good idea.

I just don't see the volume of game used threads to necessitate another breakout (IMO). That's why I recommended shelving for now.
John

[Leon]

Originally Posted by John V

Leon,
To clarify...I was agreeing with Travis in post #27. I enjoy the mix of topics in the current Memorabilia section. When autographs seemed to dominate, you broke them out into the sub-forum. Good idea.

I just don't see the volume of game used threads to necessitate another breakout (IMO). That's why I recommended shelving for now.
John

And my rebuttal to that is,.......according to what I have read here, if we build it they will (might?) come. ......At this point I am leaning towards a sub-forum in the memorabilia section for GU but of course still just taking it all in. Right now there are almost 0 GU threads on this whole board. It would be difficult to have less.

[thecatspajamas]

Originally Posted by Leon

if we build it they will (might?) come.

That would be the biggest reason I could think of for adding a GU section to the existing board. Especially if the current preferred gathering place (GUU) is not accepting new registrants or shedding large numbers active posters. There will always be inner circles and exclusive groups of experienced collectors telling war stories and hoarding knowledge, but there needs to also be a place for the less-experienced to gather, ask questions, and build their base of knowledge so that someday they too can be considered experienced collectors. Hopefully there will also be a number of the experienced collectors chiming in with the correct answers to the newbie questions, but before that can happen, there needs to be a place for the questions to be asked.

Whether/how to split the subforum between current and vintage GU items could be the first topic of discussion (and first argument-starter ).

[Leon]

Originally Posted by thecatspajamas

Whether/how to split the subforum between current and vintage GU items could be the first topic of discussion (and first argument-starter ).

I am obviously shooting in the dark here but from what I have been reading there might be a Pre-1990 section and a Post-1990 section? A generation is generally considered 20 yrs so the vintage would be at least a generation old. Just a thought but I will leave it up to the folks that will be participating to give some guidance on sub'ing the sub-forum, if it's instituted.

[perezfan]

I love the G/U idea and would fully support it. Just FWIW, here are my votes...

Create a Game-Used Forum - YES
Make it a sub-forum - YES
Split the sub-forum between Modern and Vintage - YES

The only area in which I might differ is the timing of the Modern and Vintage cut-off period. I believe that pre-1980 and post 1980 would be the most logical split. Perhaps Leon can conduct a poll (once the initial feedback is digested).

Thanks for the opportunity to comment!

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by thecatspajamas

Whether/how to split the subforum between current and vintage GU items could be the first topic of discussion (and first argument-starter ).

Agreed (on your argument-starter comment ). I would love to see a separate GU forum for new stuff, like jerseys and bats, simply to get that stuff out of the memorabilia discussions so that it would not clutter up the vintage.

[yanks4]

Leon...... I believe that there are many, many game worn collectors.... As you know there are specialists who could add a great deal to the forum....There is so much to know.....This category has great potential for growth if specialists would get involved.......Also who doesn't have an old wool or flannel to show and learn more about? The categories could be pre1988 or so (before multible uniforms were issued in most pro sports) and after...Again I think the potential is there why not give it 6 months and see if it will grow? I would hope that the "inner circle" of old time collectors gets involved.....