A bit of an OT rant,... (long) ...

[Panhandle Dan]

I agree, try asking a question, as a newbie, on most collector sites and see the answers, if not downright hostility one gets. Perhaps the question is dumb, but individuals on a collector site initially feel safe enough to ask from others whom they respect. For instance, I asked a question about ammo on CSP and was bombarded with "here we go again", "well once again", and even with others stating that ignorant people should be prevented from purchasing and enjoying collecting. Even, unfortunantly this site. I now only read about the weapons I love and refrain from commenting or asking questions. Not trying to get touchy feely, but just like the VFW, individuals don't want new blood or new ideas as it upsets the old order, apparently they believe themselves to be immortal. Thanks and I do enjoy reading and increasing my knowledge on the several sites I visit. Before others comment I probably did mis-spell several words...LOL

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[jmoore]

I agree, try asking a question, as a newbie, on most collector sites and see the answers, if not downright hostility one gets. Perhaps the question is dumb, but individuals on a collector site initially feel safe enough to ask from others whom they respect. For instance, I asked a question about ammo on CSP and was bombarded with "here we go again", "well once again", and even with others stating that ignorant people should be prevented from purchasing and enjoying collecting. Even, unfortunantly this site. I now only read about the weapons I love and refrain from commenting or asking questions. Not trying to get touchy feely, but just like the VFW, individuals don't want new blood or new ideas as it upsets the old order, apparently they believe themselves to be immortal. Thanks and I do enjoy reading and increasing my knowledge on the several sites I visit. Before others comment I probably did mis-spell several words...LOL

Its not that we don't welcome new folk, but some subjects have been WELL covered, and can be easily researched by either looking at the stickies or using the search function. Also, certain topics tend to be rather controversial, even after many run-throughs, and they get folk all worked up -AGAIN!

Heck, I lurked for several years before jumping in, that also tends to get you a "feel" for the waters. Mind you, the "entitlement" crowd who want easy everything will soon wear out their welcome, and... well, there are always a few folk...

Yes, CSP can get a bit "rowdy", but it IS called Jouster.com after all- a bit of clashing and stick poking ought to be expected!


ETA: I'm not sure why this thread is on the M1/M14 forum anyway...


Bodyman, when dealing w/ particularly rare items, one or two individuals can influence the entire market. One "big" buyer or a pirate can change the whole situation esp. as most folk watch the same limited numbers of transactions. The few "up" or "down" moves influence MANY more people due to internet exposure. If those "big wheels" move out of the picture, it may still take some time for the "real" market to settle down. (I know one fellow who ran up the '03a4 market almost single handledly.)

[Bodyman]

ETA: I'm not sure why this thread is on the M1/M14 forum anyway...

Well, I think it is only slightly off topic - this isn't really just about a knife, it is about collecting and about people, and I was trying to hit as many folks as possible with this message. I don't care what you collect or if you re just trying to use it as a vehicle to study history, if you do any of it long enough you may be surprised that regardless of the subject it is really a study of human nature - a study of our strengths and our weaknesses both past and present - and we need to realize that we all make up the fabric of our collecting areas and have sometimes a very quiet but hugely important influence upon that.

Deb, I am sorry if you have been handled roughly - it is as jmoore states, the nature of some of these places and actually we have all experienced it from time to time. But it is also the dynamic of which I speak; folks that are allowing the lower end of their characters to have free rein. What I really sought to accomplish from that missive is for all of us to realize that we each have a responsiblity to protect our past-times and to be aware that it can be our own zeal that can undo things.

In Garand collecting, I had to come up thru several of the more notorious fakers and shiesters. Local to me they were among the very first individuals I met in this - long before I knew who the GCA was or was on the Board of Directors, they had already been banned from being members. One dabbled in the area that I particularly enjoyed (early WRA) and was almost completely fraudulent. Though hardly unscathed, I managed to make it thru ok, but I have been particularly sensitive to the plight of the newest of folks who have to run these guantlets. It isn't right, nor is it fair for us to do that to people. I have over time worked very hard to try to help our newest of folks, mostly because I find their enthusiasm to be contagious - it is sometimes like I am starting over again (unfortunately, time does not allow what it once did).

On these forums, some of the hot button issues are easily tripped by a first-timer, and some of the questions are old hat (but that is where the recently graduated newbies can help out by stepping up and responding - the old guys don't have to answer them all ...). Some of the fights are ridiculous (the ping) and some are ludicrous ('welded' vs. 'rewelded' - I weld things for a living and even I don't care what name you use - I still understand ...), and some are pointlessly argued in spite of actual sources attesting to the contrary (like the fact that the boys in the Corps were being issued 16" bayonets still in 1959 ...). But then some of that is actually the fun, and like jmoore says; it is the nature of the beast at times ...

One of the reasons I posted it here is because I want all of the decent people involved to know how important they are to their endeavors - that we have to actually choose to make things worse or better and that choice is completely up to us (like how we act when these perennial topics and arguments appear again ... and again, ...). Had I specifically used a Garand story, as in the past it would have inevitably degenerated, so it was necessary to go outside of the area (and the example that prompted this was particularly cruddy ...).

Part of the reason these things are collected at all is because they contact a time of incredible sacrifice and incredible character - the oft-repeated phrase of collectors is 'shaking hands by proxy'. People today exhibiting less, dishonors those very ideals we most seek to honor. Which is perhaps I guess, the main reason I posted this - because I don't just want to give up and shrug my shoulders. Instead I want to try to discourage the lunacy and encourage the decent folks to keep being decent so that this or other areas won't go (any further) down the lunatic road. It might be almost pointless, but if you stand at the tipping point then every little movement is critical. The truth is that we don't have to just walk the path or even choose the path, sometimes we have to make the path ... I'd like to make it a good one.

Thanks again for all the kind words folks.

Best regards folks.

[ltcboy]

I agree, try asking a question, as a newbie, on most collector sites and see the answers, if not downright hostility one gets. Perhaps the question is dumb, but individuals on a collector site initially feel safe enough to ask from others whom they respect. For instance, I asked a question about ammo on CSP and was bombarded with "here we go again", "well once again", and even with others stating that ignorant people should be prevented from purchasing and enjoying collecting. Even, unfortunantly this site. I now only read about the weapons I love and refrain from commenting or asking questions. Not trying to get touchy feely, but just like the VFW, individuals don't want new blood or new ideas as it upsets the old order, apparently they believe themselves to be immortal. Thanks and I do enjoy reading and increasing my knowledge on the several sites I visit. Before others comment I probably did mis-spell several words...LOL

DEB-

First of all, everybody, and I mean everbody, puts their pants on the same way as you do. The only difference between an advanced collector and you is that they have been collecting for a longer time period. For you to refrain from asking questions because you might rile somebody else is wrong. I dont care if there is a sticky, another post, whatever.....that's what a forum is. This whole thing is a learning experience. I am sure that there are others who will be happy to answer any question you have regarding the Garand. If some idiot wants to act like a JO, forget about him.

I have one question for you, does anybody on these forums pay your bills. Do they give you an income to live on? No. So as far as the a$$holeish comments like "here we go again" or any of the other crap, let it go. There is a big difference between somebody collecting, shooting and enjoying their hobby and trying to learn as we go on and an arm chair computer quarterback who plays on the computer all day, thinking they are an expert of something they are not.

Ask you questions, none of them are dumb or stupid.

Mike