3000+ members and only a few posters

[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.

[ChrisStufflestreet]

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]

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

[carrigansghost]

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

[baseballart]

Originally Posted by carrigansghost

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.


Rawn

I can't add to the explanations, but I can offer a scan of Maine baseball

[Mozzie22]

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

[rc4157]

At this year's national, I commented to a fellow board member at the dinner that sometimes I won't show a card on the pick-up thread because there are so many high caliber cards there and I don't think my commons can stand up to the "competition". He told me I really should post them and I have decided he is right and will post most new pickups in the future.

I know I enjoy seeing what our fellow collectors acquire, whether they are high dollar or not, makes no difference to me. They are all enjoyable to view.

RC

[Tedw9]

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.