Outstanding shares on the "LordM To England" trip
lordmarcovan
Posts: 43,673 ✭✭✭✭✭
EDIT: this discussion is now semi-obsolete.
There was a new update posted here on 2/16/12.
Nearly two years ago, many forum friends took up a collection to send me on a metal detecting trip to England, with the understanding that I'd write it up as a sort of blog or live adventure.
I was absolutely stunned at the outpouring of support and generosity, and yes, a tiny bit embarrassed, too, but I signed on enthusiastically, since after all these kind souls were offering me the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, and the opportunity to write about the adventure.
Unfortunately, plans did not progress, largely due to my own sluggishness in making the actual arrangements, but also to other factors.
I had thought these were pledges but it happens that laurentyvan, who was kindly passing the hat for me, actually collected at least some of the pledged funds.
I do not know how much was actually collected because I never directly received anything.
Now, two years on, the funds are theoretically sitting in escrow in some account Laurent set up for that purpose, but he's been off the forums and had had some health issues a while back. I haven't heard from him in almost a year (since February 18, 2011, according to my PM history.) As of then, he said everything was fine. I must confess I have not gotten around to enquiring further since then, nor has he gotten around to contacting me. I will remedy that situation as soon as I can and will post updates here.
This is the status I copied from the blog.
Again, I have no idea which of these pledges was collected or not.
Please PM me if you were a donor listed below and I'll try to update the list with your status.
I'm really sorry about this. Y'all's generosity deserved a far better response than the halfassed floundering around I've done so far.
This list hits me in the gut two ways. One, with a sick, slightly nauseous feeling that so much was collected in my name, and remains in limbo, but two, amazing gratitude and warmth that so many people, some near-total strangers, would pony up for me to do this. (For example, Ilafoe, the biggest single contributor, was a complete unknown to me when he made his enormous donation.)
Even though the trip never happened, I want you all to know what an enormous compliment you paid me, and now I'm going to try and see what I can do to make amends. I do not have the means to repay the outstanding $2,750-odd amount, but I'm hoping the funds are still safe and that Laurent has merely been out of touch. I will contact him ASAP.
Contributors
Laurentyvan & Wife 2 shares $30
Silvereagle82 4 shares $60
Coinpictures 4 shares $60 (Doesn't have a record of whether he paid or not)
Kryptonitecomics 1 Share $15
Savoyspecial 1 Share $15
Muygraneoso 1 Share $15 (Says he paid)
tjc2120 1 Share $15
Steve27 1 Share $15
rjsvt 2 Shares $30
BigE 1 Share $15
Filthybroke 2 Shares $30 (Says he paid but isn't too concerned about getting the money back)
lotsoluck 1 Share $15 (Says he pledged but doesn't think he paid; seems to forgive the debt anyway)
Madmarty 1 Share $15
Unclejoe 1 Share $15
Hyperion 2 Shares $30 (Says, "mine was a pledge, no worries", so maybe he never sent payment to Laurent)
Swampboy 2 Shares $30
Ilafoe & children 33 Shares $500
Elkevyo 1 Share $15
Silvereagles92 2 Shares $30 (Donor deceased, but fondly remembered as a fine forum friend who died way too young)
Realalone 3 Shares $45
Coinkid855 1 Share $15 (Pledged, but says he doesn't think he actually paid anything)
Speety 1 Share $15
Pakasmom 3 Share $45
Blackhawk 1 Share $15 (Pledged, maybe donated, but debt forgiven)
Spoon 2 Shares $30
Determined 2 Shares $30
Sbeverly 2 Shares $30
Hussulo 2 Shares $30
Zohar 1 Share $15 (Zohar said this was paid to Laurent)
Stork 1 Share $15 (Doesn't remember if she paid or not, but if so, forgives the debt)
Daltonista 2 Shares $30
Kranky 2 Shares $30 (Doesn't remember if he paid or not but isn't worried about it anyway)
Lord Marcovan 10 Shares $150 (My own pledge, never actually sent to Laurent)
Pendragon1998 1 Share $15
Duki 2 Shares $30
Ozzyandy 1 Share $15
JimK & Wife 2 Shares $30
Newsman 1 Share $15
UncleJoe 1 Share $15
Jkustelski 2 Shares $30
keepdachange 10 Shares $150
worldcoinguy 1 Share $15 (Says he paid, but forgives the debt)
olmanjon 1 Share $15
Carl's Coins 1 Share $15 (Can't remember if he actually paid or not. Is willing to assume it was only a pledge.)
Mr. & Mrs. FILAMCOINS 2 Shares $30 (Tim says he paid via PayPal)
Grip 5 Shares $75
Joan.of.art 3 Shares $45 (This is my stepmother. To my knowledge, she never actually sent in any funds to Laurent.)
Bailathacl 1 Share $15
docday2003 4 Shares $60
ca0100000 1 Share $15
LordM:In Memory of Wayne Whatley, aka "Newbiecollector" 1 Share $15 (My own pledge, never actually sent to Laurent)
Laurentyvan:In Memory of Wayne Whatley, aka "Newbiecollector" 1 Share $15
Black Mountain Coins 'Danglen": $50 Store credit for future giveaway
Nederveit 1 Share $15
surfinxHI 1 Share $15
lkeigwin $10 Shares $150
JCMHouston 1 Share $15
Heavymetal 1 Share $15
Northeast Numismatics Chris-donation of an $89 graded coin for giveaway
Zot 10 Shares $150
Omega 1 Share $15 (Says he paid but forgives the debt)
lcoopie 1 Share $15
NHunter 1 Share $15
Canadacolornut 3 Shares $45
Dentuck 1 Share $15 (Apparently paid, via snailmail)
ElKevvo 1 Share $15
Anonymous 2 Shares $30
rocketman 1 Share $15
Kameo 2 Shares $30
Ankurj 2 Shares $30 (Apparently paid, but forgives the debt)
Astrorat 2 Shares $30
Bobsav2121 1 Share $15
carto.illuminati 1 Share $15
JimDepot 2 Shares $30 (Says he paid but if the money is recovered, give it to charity)
71 contributors
182 pledged shares
$2750 total pledged
There was a new update posted here on 2/16/12.
Nearly two years ago, many forum friends took up a collection to send me on a metal detecting trip to England, with the understanding that I'd write it up as a sort of blog or live adventure.
I was absolutely stunned at the outpouring of support and generosity, and yes, a tiny bit embarrassed, too, but I signed on enthusiastically, since after all these kind souls were offering me the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, and the opportunity to write about the adventure.
Unfortunately, plans did not progress, largely due to my own sluggishness in making the actual arrangements, but also to other factors.
I had thought these were pledges but it happens that laurentyvan, who was kindly passing the hat for me, actually collected at least some of the pledged funds.
I do not know how much was actually collected because I never directly received anything.
Now, two years on, the funds are theoretically sitting in escrow in some account Laurent set up for that purpose, but he's been off the forums and had had some health issues a while back. I haven't heard from him in almost a year (since February 18, 2011, according to my PM history.) As of then, he said everything was fine. I must confess I have not gotten around to enquiring further since then, nor has he gotten around to contacting me. I will remedy that situation as soon as I can and will post updates here.
This is the status I copied from the blog.
Again, I have no idea which of these pledges was collected or not.
Please PM me if you were a donor listed below and I'll try to update the list with your status.
I'm really sorry about this. Y'all's generosity deserved a far better response than the halfassed floundering around I've done so far.
This list hits me in the gut two ways. One, with a sick, slightly nauseous feeling that so much was collected in my name, and remains in limbo, but two, amazing gratitude and warmth that so many people, some near-total strangers, would pony up for me to do this. (For example, Ilafoe, the biggest single contributor, was a complete unknown to me when he made his enormous donation.)
Even though the trip never happened, I want you all to know what an enormous compliment you paid me, and now I'm going to try and see what I can do to make amends. I do not have the means to repay the outstanding $2,750-odd amount, but I'm hoping the funds are still safe and that Laurent has merely been out of touch. I will contact him ASAP.
Contributors
Laurentyvan & Wife 2 shares $30
Silvereagle82 4 shares $60
Coinpictures 4 shares $60 (Doesn't have a record of whether he paid or not)
Kryptonitecomics 1 Share $15
Savoyspecial 1 Share $15
Muygraneoso 1 Share $15 (Says he paid)
tjc2120 1 Share $15
Steve27 1 Share $15
rjsvt 2 Shares $30
BigE 1 Share $15
Filthybroke 2 Shares $30 (Says he paid but isn't too concerned about getting the money back)
lotsoluck 1 Share $15 (Says he pledged but doesn't think he paid; seems to forgive the debt anyway)
Madmarty 1 Share $15
Unclejoe 1 Share $15
Hyperion 2 Shares $30 (Says, "mine was a pledge, no worries", so maybe he never sent payment to Laurent)
Swampboy 2 Shares $30
Ilafoe & children 33 Shares $500
Elkevyo 1 Share $15
Silvereagles92 2 Shares $30 (Donor deceased, but fondly remembered as a fine forum friend who died way too young)
Realalone 3 Shares $45
Coinkid855 1 Share $15 (Pledged, but says he doesn't think he actually paid anything)
Speety 1 Share $15
Pakasmom 3 Share $45
Blackhawk 1 Share $15 (Pledged, maybe donated, but debt forgiven)
Spoon 2 Shares $30
Determined 2 Shares $30
Sbeverly 2 Shares $30
Hussulo 2 Shares $30
Zohar 1 Share $15 (Zohar said this was paid to Laurent)
Stork 1 Share $15 (Doesn't remember if she paid or not, but if so, forgives the debt)
Daltonista 2 Shares $30
Kranky 2 Shares $30 (Doesn't remember if he paid or not but isn't worried about it anyway)
Lord Marcovan 10 Shares $150 (My own pledge, never actually sent to Laurent)
Pendragon1998 1 Share $15
Duki 2 Shares $30
Ozzyandy 1 Share $15
JimK & Wife 2 Shares $30
Newsman 1 Share $15
UncleJoe 1 Share $15
Jkustelski 2 Shares $30
keepdachange 10 Shares $150
worldcoinguy 1 Share $15 (Says he paid, but forgives the debt)
olmanjon 1 Share $15
Carl's Coins 1 Share $15 (Can't remember if he actually paid or not. Is willing to assume it was only a pledge.)
Mr. & Mrs. FILAMCOINS 2 Shares $30 (Tim says he paid via PayPal)
Grip 5 Shares $75
Joan.of.art 3 Shares $45 (This is my stepmother. To my knowledge, she never actually sent in any funds to Laurent.)
Bailathacl 1 Share $15
docday2003 4 Shares $60
ca0100000 1 Share $15
LordM:In Memory of Wayne Whatley, aka "Newbiecollector" 1 Share $15 (My own pledge, never actually sent to Laurent)
Laurentyvan:In Memory of Wayne Whatley, aka "Newbiecollector" 1 Share $15
Black Mountain Coins 'Danglen": $50 Store credit for future giveaway
Nederveit 1 Share $15
surfinxHI 1 Share $15
lkeigwin $10 Shares $150
JCMHouston 1 Share $15
Heavymetal 1 Share $15
Northeast Numismatics Chris-donation of an $89 graded coin for giveaway
Zot 10 Shares $150
Omega 1 Share $15 (Says he paid but forgives the debt)
lcoopie 1 Share $15
NHunter 1 Share $15
Canadacolornut 3 Shares $45
Dentuck 1 Share $15 (Apparently paid, via snailmail)
ElKevvo 1 Share $15
Anonymous 2 Shares $30
rocketman 1 Share $15
Kameo 2 Shares $30
Ankurj 2 Shares $30 (Apparently paid, but forgives the debt)
Astrorat 2 Shares $30
Bobsav2121 1 Share $15
carto.illuminati 1 Share $15
JimDepot 2 Shares $30 (Says he paid but if the money is recovered, give it to charity)
71 contributors
182 pledged shares
$2750 total pledged
0
Comments
<< <i>I do not have the means to repay the outstanding $2,750-odd amount, but I'm hoping the funds are still safe and that Laurent has merely been out of touch. I will contact him ASAP. >>
Or... hang on a sec... maybe I do. How 'bout this:
I hereby pledge to auction off my trademark "Holey Coin Vest" and "Holey Gold Hat" collections to make restitution to any and all aggrieved parties, should the funds collected turn out to be gone. (And as of this post, we don't know- we're still in limbo, since I haven't yet tried calling Laurent at the phone number I have in my PM history. I will do that ASAP, I promise. For all I know, the funds are still sitting there in escrow, safe in whatever account HE promised to hold them in.)
My past dealings with laurentyvan have been nothing but positive, so there is that small hope. Surely the passage of so much time without any updates or contact is not encouraging, but I accept a lot of the blame for that, since I've been on and off the forums intermittently. He, of course, has been gone for some time but is as far as I know still alive and hopefully well.
-Paul
<< <i>I pledged, but I don't think I paid anything.
-Paul >>
Paul- thank you.
It's a relief that your funds aren't in limbo, then.
Regardless, your original pledge was a compliment and I thank you for that.
Please visit my website Millcitynumismatics.com
This.
edit - I removed the original part about the pitchforks.
<< <i>While I'm not financially impacted by this situation I don't think LordM should be held financially responsible for this mess. He was not aware of the initial request when it started and did not receive the money. I'm sure he wished things went down differently but hind sight is 20-20. Let's let Rob keep his trademark vest and hat.
This.
edit - I removed the original part about the pitchforks. >>
"Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working" Pablo Picasso
They're just a bunch of old "holey" coins, anyway. The contents of the hat alone would make up for most of the shortfall, though, I would think.
And I wouldn't feel too much remorse at all. It would make me happy knowing that everyone lent such support to me, and also clearing my conscience of any guilt feelings for the trip not happening would be worth far more to me than those coin collections.
And in any event, my active collections would remain unharmed.
I'm perfectly willing to do that, if it comes down to it. And in any event, there's the gold coin (a late 1700s English half-guinea from my hat) previously pledged for the trip launch celebration. Trip or no trip, maybe I'll still do a drawing for that once all this is resolved.
being one of the few posters to have met you in your home way back before you became famous, I will not let you sell that wonderful vest and hat collection.
if anyone has been financially taken, I will make sure that they are made whole.
Lordmarcovan, I told you a few years back that I would pay things forward.
besides, we once discussed that perhaps I might join you on the trip so that expenses could be split and in effect, make things cheaper to make this trip more possible for you.
<< <i>Rob, you did nothing wrong, so you should not be the one to repay the funds. That is laurentyvan's responsibility since he is the one who has the money. Not you. >>
Please visit my website Millcitynumismatics.com
If it has to come out of your pocket, skip it. Send me the hole from your favorite coin. You're one of the good guys.
Lance.
Successful BST transactions with:CollectorsCoins, farthing, Filacoins, LordMarcovan, Duki, Spoon, Jinx86, ubercollector, hammered54
LochNess and ProfHaroldHill
Please visit my website Millcitynumismatics.com
<< <i>Lordmarcovan,
being one of the few posters to have met you in your home way back before you became famous, I will not let you sell that wonderful vest and hat collection.
if anyone has been financially taken, I will make sure that they are made whole.
Lordmarcovan, I told you a few years back that I would pay things forward.
besides, we once discussed that perhaps I might join you on the trip so that expenses could be split and in effect, make things cheaper to make this trip more possible for you. >>
Oreville- 'tis kind indeed of you to make that offer. Yet another high compliment.
Nevertheless, I stand ready to give up those collections to safeguard my reputation, and to also make good on any losses incurred by those who were so generous before.
Nice to hear that you might bid on the whole thing as a single lot, though, which would save me the hassle of breaking it up.
The keystone to the hat collection is that ex-Eliasberg gold Zeno solidus you brokered for me. Remember that? I've prized it since.
But if all that does end up being sold, it would be fine by me, since I haven't been to a coin show in forever and am no longer actively collecting the holeys anyway. The Holey Coin Vest and Holey Gold Hat collections are something of a white elephant, and I've long thought that if I resume going to shows, it might be "incognito", with a lower profile.
I've often wondered what would become of that collection after I'm gone, and had considered maybe donating it to the ANA or something when I'm old and grey. So if I sell it, and you became the curator of it, well... that would take almost all of the sting out of the deal.
And believe me, it wouldn't sting so much since doing the right thing in this situation is far more important to me than measly dollars and cents.
you will bje back at the right time and place.
You are just in the EXPENSIVE child rearing stage in which there is never enough money except for the kids.
When they are grown up, you will be back!
If the trip ever comes to fruition in the future I would pony up again in a heartbeat and probably wear out my keyboard clinking refresh to just to hear about Rob's adventures.
PCGS Registries
Box of 20
SeaEagleCoins: 11/14/54-4/5/12. Miss you Larry!
<< <i>
<< <i>I pledged, but I don't think I paid anything.
-Paul >>
Paul- thank you.
It's a relief that your funds aren't in limbo, then.
Regardless, your original pledge was a compliment and I thank you for that. >>
You're quite welcome. I just wish it had worked out better!
-Paul
Maybe later on down the road I'd buy them back from you, or you'd let me borrow 'em once a year for the FUN show (if I don't decide to go incognito instead), but I would INSIST that you take possession of those assets if you're to be ponying up the money to make all this good.
I'm sure you can understand why I would insist on that. And I would insist upon it without any remorse, anyway. (Haven't you been the "curator" of one of my past collections before, after all?)
But this may all be premature, because for all anyone knows, Laurent has just been out of contact and is still holding all the received funds safe, as promised. I've never had reason to doubt his sincerity, past or present. Like I said, it's partially my fault for letting communication with him lapse, and I will call him tomorrow.
All the worries here could be over nothing. And Oreville's kind offer puts MY mind at ease. So it's all good, or will be soon enough.
<< <i>Lordmarcovan,
being one of the few posters to have met you in your home way back before you became famous, I will not let you sell that wonderful vest and hat collection.
if anyone has been financially taken, I will make sure that they are made whole.
Lordmarcovan, I told you a few years back that I would pay things forward.
besides, we once discussed that perhaps I might join you on the trip so that expenses could be split and in effect, make things cheaper to make this trip more possible for you. >>
Oreville,
My hat's off to you for that post. Very nice.
The only person there may be an issue with is Llafoe as he is overseas from what I read. He also pledged the most.
PCGS Registries
Box of 20
SeaEagleCoins: 11/14/54-4/5/12. Miss you Larry!
Cathy
I sent a PM to Llafoe.
Donate the $30 to a worthy cause when the money is accounted for.
I see no reason whatsoever that you should be on the hook for any monies collected for this venture.
1/2 Cents
U.S. Revenue Stamps
<< <i>Oreville- if you step in and cover everyone's losses, I'm afraid it's non-negotiable. You WILL become the curator of my Holey Gold Hat and/or vest, and will take physical possession of same.
Maybe later on down the road I'd buy them back from you, or you'd let me borrow 'em once a year for the FUN show (if I don't decide to go incognito instead), but I would INSIST that you take possession of those assets if you're to be ponying up the money to make all this good.
I'm sure you can understand why I would insist on that. And I would insist upon it without any remorse, anyway. (Haven't you been the "curator" of one of my past collections before, after all?)
But this may all be premature, because for all anyone knows, Laurent has just been out of contact and is still holding all the received funds safe, as promised. I've never had reason to doubt his sincerity, past or present. Like I said, it's partially my fault for letting communication with him lapse, and I will call him tomorrow.
All the worries here could be over nothing. And Oreville's kind offer puts MY mind at ease. So it's all good, or will be soon enough. >>
A tip of my hat to Orville.... and a wag of my finger to Rob.
Rob, The hat and vest are you.
It may be difficult to accept Orville's generous offer but you need to be less stubborn and learn to gracious to those that offer.
It's not often anyone will step-up and make an offer as Orville has done for you. It's obvious he respects and cares about you and has the means and desire to spare you and family this financial hardship.
Do not turn your back to the hand, friendship and goodwill that he has offered.
Eventhough he was the benefactor, this 'donation for a trip' was not his idea.
It was Laurent's idea and he alone is the one who has to straighten out this mess.
"“Those who sacrifice liberty for security/safety deserve neither.“(Benjamin Franklin)
"I only golf on days that end in 'Y'" (DE59)
Good for you taking the lead in this fiasco.
<< <i>A tip of my hat to Orville.... and a wag of my finger to Rob.
Rob, The hat and vest are you.
It may be difficult to accept Orville's generous offer but you need to be less stubborn and learn to gracious to those that offer.
It's not often anyone will step-up and make an offer as Orville has done for you. It's obvious he respects and cares about you and has the means and desire to spare you and family this financial hardship.
Do not turn your back to the hand, friendship and goodwill that he has offered. >>
DuPapa- don't misunderstand. The only reason I would insist upon such a thing is for MY peace of mind. Oreville has been something of a benevolent numismatic godfather type to me since we met on the eBay coin boards prior to coming over here. He's done something like this for me before, you see. So I'm floored by the original generosity that was exhibited over this trip thing, but also by his bailout offer if this has gone sour. (Which it may not have- I'm not ready to give up on Laurent yet, by any means, since I haven't tried calling him just yet.)
And I realize that while a lot of people are willing to "forgive the debt" to ME, they're still out the money for the time being, so whether or not this is my full responsibility, I want to make it good. But speculation is still premature until I've called Laurent. I've got a hunch this will solve itself just fine in the end. It just might be a little messy for a while, is all. (Hey, thank goodness Laurent and spoon kept a list on that blog, though, or else I'd be totally in the dark as to who pledged or paid what.)
If your name is on the list above, do NOT feel pressured to just say, "Ahh, it's OK, I forgive the debt". Amends DO need to be made IF the money is in fact gone. (Which again, it might NOT be. We shall see.)
8 Reales Madness Collection
If i can help by paying someone back who requires the money just message me who to send it to.
<< <i>I have read the many posts by the OP over the years and he is the reason my wife and i both have detectors. >>
Please forgive him.
I wasn't involved in any of it because it was before my time, but I'll chip in some $$$ so that no further reputations will be damaged by that hat and vest.
Steve
<< <i>When it becomes apparent that you can not locate the original funds, then (publically) post a paypal address so we can help you repay those who have not already forgiven your debt.
I wasn't involved in any of it because it was before my time, but I'll chip in some $$$ so that no further reputations will be damaged by that hat and vest.
Steve >>
Too many positive BST transactions with too many members to list.
But all such talk remains premature. I have to call Laurent and hopefully will find him alive and well and this can all be put to bed. I'm procrastinating on the call until late this afternoon or evening sometime.
It's all good. It'll work out. And as ever, I'm impressed by the kindness of the folks here.
<< <i>But all such talk remains premature. I have to call Laurent and hopefully will find him alive and well and this can all be put to bed. I'm procrastinating on the call until late this afternoon or evening sometime. >>
Ahhh, just call him LordM and get it over with. I know you are dreading the outcome, but it might not be as bad as you dread, either way it will be over.
Best of luck.
Jim
When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.....Mark Twain
If a reason arises that requires you to actually "pay back" anything, I will help any way I can..
Greg
The cause was a good one and I would send it again if it meant you could realize your dream but I am also not the type of guy that likes to be taken for a ride so I hope we hear one way or another what actually happened to the money. I am not angry, having read Laurent's posts for many years leading up to this "trip" fund I believe he had the best intentions at heart and hope he is okay.
Edited for spelling.
<< <i>I am not angry, having read Laurent's posts for many years leading up to this "trip" fund I believe he had the best intentions at heart and hope he is okay. >>
Me neither. I know he did it with the best of intentions. All the work he put into it proves that. It wasn't a scam, at least not initially, unless it was a very elaborate one, and I highly, highly doubt that.
Anyway, the jury's still out.
I haven't picked up the phone and dialed him yet (just got home). The hour is fast approaching.
Got a generic robotized voicemail greeting with no personal clues, so I left a message. Nothin' to do but wait, now, I guess, at least for another day or so.