I agree, and I don't see the problem with the focus on grading etc. After all that's what it boils down too and the industry commands it. If I just wanted to fill an album w/ circulated coins I wouldn't waste my time here. I'm sure there are plenty of other sites for the millennial circus rides who get butt hurt too easily. My take away: Just keep your hands inside the cage until you learn how to pet the sharks properly otherwise...
OO-rah!
You like that Now wad I say Scalawags get down and give me 50 and repeat after me, P-M-D, P-M-D, P-M-D.
@TradesWithChops said:
Nope. Young people would be turned off. All you all old people are a click, an old club. New ideas get blasted. People not indoctrinated in "old" ways get blasted.
It's not a fun place to be for us younger people. but some of us stay anyway to learn as much as we can.
This is likely true for any forum (be it an online forum, a Facebook group, or a physical club) that contains many people who have been active for decades and have known each other for a long time, regardless of the subject matter. Any newcomer is going to witness well-established relationships of people they presume to be disinterested in beginners. It's also harder to "cross the velvet rope" online than in person. Also, cliques don't necessarily only exist among older or more experienced members.
Also, this forum does not have "recruitment to the hobby" as its main focus. If there was one that did, I would send potential newcomers there where they could properly be introduced to the hobby.
I know there is (or has been) reluctance to change the layout of the forum, but a forum here for new collectors wouldn’t be an altogether terrible idea. A lot of folks wouldn’t go there but some would, and those that did would probably be nice.
I was already interested in coins long before I joined this forum. I actually started across the street and, yes, I was really hung up on the registry thing. I’m over that, now, and I am at peace with the fact that I will not have a complete set of just one third-party grading company’s coins but I will have a full certified set.
When I first started coming here; I was looking for information and education and mentoring and friendship...I have found that all here and much, much more. It has thickened my skin but, honestly, I believe in being teachable and humble, so I would much rather know the harsh reality than be told a sweet lie. Believe me you it helps in the long run to listen to the right people, even when their opinions may not be something that you want to hear.
This place has absolutely enhanced my knowledge and my enjoyment, of this great hobby, and I have met many wonderful, passionate, humorous and intelligent people here. Some of whom have fantastic world class collections and many others who just appreciate coins. I believe that everyone here has something to add and I value every single opinion. Besides, You don’t have to be a D. L. Hansen to know what you’re talking about. Experience is the most important thing here not the size of your wallet. Some of the greatest minds in the hobby frequent here, so to me, that is an incredible and invaluable resource and I have been lucky enough to have had the privilege to utilize it to the fullest.
I love to show my coins, I love to talk coins and I love to see other peoples’ coins. I owe a lot of what I know and what I have achieved to this forum and the great people here. I don’t find it hostile, at all. I think it’s very interactive, entertaining and social and that’s another thing that I really enjoy about it. And yes, sometimes I participate while drinking a beer! I know I’m not the only one, because there have been threads discussing the joys of fine spirits and numismatics. You just have to choose your words more carefully then LOL!
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
If being a first time reader of this forum it would not prompt me to jump into the hobby. Attending a coin show , physically viewing and holding a coin is what sparked( re-ignited) my interest. This forum has enhanced my experience very much as well as helped to educate me. But I think reading “ The Numismatist” and “ Coin World” generated more interest than reading posts here on the forum. I thoroughly enjoy this forum and it’s a daily read for me. Appreciate everyone sharing their hobby here.
I think many new and young collectors start off lurking on the coin forums before posting any type of question. When you dont understand the terminology being used, most folks fear they may say something "stupid". I would recommend a section on here specifically for new and young collectors that have questions. This section would be a "safe zone" for them to ask the most basic questions. Replies to posters should be helpful and terminology explained. For instance, saying something like.." It appears your 1930D LWC is showing DD and not a DDO. I do however see you might have a BIE." ...would sound like a foriegn language to new and young collectors. Still using the terms, but making them more understandable. Obverse (heads)..etc.
Yes, absolutely. To me, this is the most important numismatic site on the web. The combined knowledge of all the members is truly staggering. I see many newbie questions asked, and most responses are very kind, and welcoming. I've personally turned on a couple newer collectors to this site, and they're already deeply hooked. If a new (or experienced) collector really wants to really dig deeper on a coin/topic, this is the place to go. The knowledge that is freely shared is fascinating --- thank you all for your contributions.
This site is much like Hotel California...no way out.
Dave
Always looking for original, better date VF20-VF35 Barber quarters and halves, and a quality beer.
Yes I do believe this forum has an impact on those getting their feet wet. With the TPG’s and digital macro photography these days it sure did and still will continue to cast an intriguing light on this hobby we all love so much. It’s the history that’s drives many people and others like myself that sees art in these lustrous and sometimes colorful gems. It’s the oldest hobby in the world and isn’t going anywhere.
Happy hunting, Joe
The bitterness of "Poor Quality" is remembered long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.
Anyone have any ideas how the forum could be more interesting to brand spanking new collectors?
Not really, as the subjects which interest the novice and less experienced collector aren't likely (not at all in my opinion) to interest most who are already here. Another post mentions Coin Talk. I see that forum as a better fit to the new(er) collector.
IMO, many of the threads cover subjects that are about as interesting as watching paint dry to the novice or non-collector. This will even be true to many experienced collectors from outside the US, since many threads don't really have anything to do with collecting but the financial aspects.
Look at the world coin section. It's dead compared to this one. Some of it probably has to do with the scope (hundreds of thousands of coins and thousands of series) where each collector only knows their piece. Members here presumably collect non-US coins in greater proportion than the posting content, yet it still isn't very active. If the question above could realistically be answered "yes", I'd think it would occur a lot sooner for world and ancient.
Another reason I don't believe it has appeal to many less experienced or prospective collectors is because it's evident that most people aren't really interested in most coins they are never going to collect and probably will never be able to afford. (My collecting interests fall into the first category. Almost no collectors have an interest in what I collect.) A low minority yes, but most no. This is evident in the overlap between the subject matter here and on Coin Talk.
If this original question is also indirectly inferring that the number of contributors and post volume have declined over time (which I don't know to be true), that's probably due to the price performance over the last decade. When I joined the NGC Message Boards, it was very active. Now, it's a dead zone. Same pattern on the SA coin forum.
@WCC said:
Look at the world coin section. It's dead compared to this one. Some of it probably has to do with the scope (hundreds of thousands of coins and thousands of series) where each collector only knows their piece. Members here presumably collect non-US coins in greater proportion than the posting content, yet it still isn't very active. If the question above could realistically be answered "yes", I'd think it would occur a lot sooner for world and ancient.
I think an issue with the world coin forum is that some of the more interesting non-US coins are posted here on the US Coins forum. Because of this, I think of the separation as mostly two different communities of collectors than strict separation of subject matter.
In my short time on here, I've met some funny people, and people who are willing to help others.
I've also met some rude people who made me not want to come back to this forum. Or at least to their threads.
Neither have influenced my collecting habits or decisions.
A person will collect coins if they want to. They can also completely ignore, or become entirely enmeshed in networking with and learning from other collectors and dealers. The two are mutually exclusive, however one can complement the other if one wishes it to.
This board is a conduit to potential knowledge, friendship, and business, which any wise man would seek to find.
Comments
You like that
Now wad I say Scalawags get down and give me 50 and repeat after me, P-M-D, P-M-D, P-M-D.
This is likely true for any forum (be it an online forum, a Facebook group, or a physical club) that contains many people who have been active for decades and have known each other for a long time, regardless of the subject matter. Any newcomer is going to witness well-established relationships of people they presume to be disinterested in beginners. It's also harder to "cross the velvet rope" online than in person. Also, cliques don't necessarily only exist among older or more experienced members.
Also, this forum does not have "recruitment to the hobby" as its main focus. If there was one that did, I would send potential newcomers there where they could properly be introduced to the hobby.
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
I know there is (or has been) reluctance to change the layout of the forum, but a forum here for new collectors wouldn’t be an altogether terrible idea. A lot of folks wouldn’t go there but some would, and those that did would probably be nice.
I come here for the pictures.
Successful BST deals with mustangt and jesbroken. Now EVERYTHING is for sale.
I was already interested in coins long before I joined this forum. I actually started across the street and, yes, I was really hung up on the registry thing. I’m over that, now, and I am at peace with the fact that I will not have a complete set of just one third-party grading company’s coins but I will have a full certified set.
When I first started coming here; I was looking for information and education and mentoring and friendship...I have found that all here and much, much more. It has thickened my skin but, honestly, I believe in being teachable and humble, so I would much rather know the harsh reality than be told a sweet lie. Believe me you it helps in the long run to listen to the right people, even when their opinions may not be something that you want to hear.
This place has absolutely enhanced my knowledge and my enjoyment, of this great hobby, and I have met many wonderful, passionate, humorous and intelligent people here. Some of whom have fantastic world class collections and many others who just appreciate coins. I believe that everyone here has something to add and I value every single opinion. Besides, You don’t have to be a D. L. Hansen to know what you’re talking about. Experience is the most important thing here not the size of your wallet. Some of the greatest minds in the hobby frequent here, so to me, that is an incredible and invaluable resource and I have been lucky enough to have had the privilege to utilize it to the fullest.
I love to show my coins, I love to talk coins and I love to see other peoples’ coins. I owe a lot of what I know and what I have achieved to this forum and the great people here. I don’t find it hostile, at all. I think it’s very interactive, entertaining and social and that’s another thing that I really enjoy about it. And yes, sometimes I participate while drinking a beer! I know I’m not the only one, because there have been threads discussing the joys of fine spirits and numismatics. You just have to choose your words more carefully then LOL!
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
If being a first time reader of this forum it would not prompt me to jump into the hobby. Attending a coin show , physically viewing and holding a coin is what sparked( re-ignited) my interest. This forum has enhanced my experience very much as well as helped to educate me. But I think reading “ The Numismatist” and “ Coin World” generated more interest than reading posts here on the forum. I thoroughly enjoy this forum and it’s a daily read for me. Appreciate everyone sharing their hobby here.
Yes. There's an an app for it.
More fish photos
It's also harder to "cross the velvet rope" online than in person. Also, cliques don't necessarily only exist among older or more experienced members.
Aha! The select “Circle of Trust” is most difficult to join!
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
This forum has made me want to go fishing more
I think many new and young collectors start off lurking on the coin forums before posting any type of question. When you dont understand the terminology being used, most folks fear they may say something "stupid". I would recommend a section on here specifically for new and young collectors that have questions. This section would be a "safe zone" for them to ask the most basic questions. Replies to posters should be helpful and terminology explained. For instance, saying something like.." It appears your 1930D LWC is showing DD and not a DDO. I do however see you might have a BIE." ...would sound like a foriegn language to new and young collectors. Still using the terms, but making them more understandable. Obverse (heads)..etc.
Messydesk puts it well. Also, what's "Instagram"?
It does me, I see and learn about new things that inspire interest all the time. Wading through the snark is Worth it.
@Dove73 The Q & A for beginners right below The Q & A.
Yes, absolutely. To me, this is the most important numismatic site on the web. The combined knowledge of all the members is truly staggering. I see many newbie questions asked, and most responses are very kind, and welcoming. I've personally turned on a couple newer collectors to this site, and they're already deeply hooked. If a new (or experienced) collector really wants to really dig deeper on a coin/topic, this is the place to go. The knowledge that is freely shared is fascinating --- thank you all for your contributions.
This site is much like Hotel California...no way out.
Dave
i’ve seen plenty of people leave but not on their own admission 😆
And all this time I thought you were just an Englishman Ricko!
Yes I do believe this forum has an impact on those getting their feet wet. With the TPG’s and digital macro photography these days it sure did and still will continue to cast an intriguing light on this hobby we all love so much. It’s the history that’s drives many people and others like myself that sees art in these lustrous and sometimes colorful gems. It’s the oldest hobby in the world and isn’t going anywhere.
Happy hunting, Joe
Not really, as the subjects which interest the novice and less experienced collector aren't likely (not at all in my opinion) to interest most who are already here. Another post mentions Coin Talk. I see that forum as a better fit to the new(er) collector.
IMO, many of the threads cover subjects that are about as interesting as watching paint dry to the novice or non-collector. This will even be true to many experienced collectors from outside the US, since many threads don't really have anything to do with collecting but the financial aspects.
Look at the world coin section. It's dead compared to this one. Some of it probably has to do with the scope (hundreds of thousands of coins and thousands of series) where each collector only knows their piece. Members here presumably collect non-US coins in greater proportion than the posting content, yet it still isn't very active. If the question above could realistically be answered "yes", I'd think it would occur a lot sooner for world and ancient.
Another reason I don't believe it has appeal to many less experienced or prospective collectors is because it's evident that most people aren't really interested in most coins they are never going to collect and probably will never be able to afford. (My collecting interests fall into the first category. Almost no collectors have an interest in what I collect.) A low minority yes, but most no. This is evident in the overlap between the subject matter here and on Coin Talk.
If this original question is also indirectly inferring that the number of contributors and post volume have declined over time (which I don't know to be true), that's probably due to the price performance over the last decade. When I joined the NGC Message Boards, it was very active. Now, it's a dead zone. Same pattern on the SA coin forum.
I think an issue with the world coin forum is that some of the more interesting non-US coins are posted here on the US Coins forum. Because of this, I think of the separation as mostly two different communities of collectors than strict separation of subject matter.
In my short time on here, I've met some funny people, and people who are willing to help others.
I've also met some rude people who made me not want to come back to this forum. Or at least to their threads.
Neither have influenced my collecting habits or decisions.
A person will collect coins if they want to. They can also completely ignore, or become entirely enmeshed in networking with and learning from other collectors and dealers. The two are mutually exclusive, however one can complement the other if one wishes it to.
This board is a conduit to potential knowledge, friendship, and business, which any wise man would seek to find.
A forum is only the sum of its' members.
No.