Board Member Wants to be (ANA) Board Member

griffin6

I've decided to run for the ANA Board again in next year's election. For those of you who don't know, I served two terms on the Board between 1995 and 1999, and was unsuccessful in my bid for the presidency in the last election.

I am putting together my platform, and while I have some definite ideas on what impact I hope to have, I would appreciate any input that you CU Board Members would care to provide. If you would post the top five (or ten) ANA issues as you see them, I WILL incorporate the consensus into my campaign. (NOTE: we all know how popular ANA bashing is and that it's often deserved, but it would be a distraction here. Please, don't let the positive, good ideas get crisped and lost in the flames!)

This is early in the game, but if any of you would be willing to distribute literature or talk to ANA members in your area on my behalf, please let me know (you can PM me if you're worried about your reputation).

kranky

Good for you, Will. While I ponder a thoughtful response, I hope the board members step up with some good suggestions for you.

kieferscoins

Glad to hear that you are running again for office in the ANA. I can't think of anything off the top of my head, but may add to this thread later. Count me in for any help that you may need. I go to several coin club meetings here in Central California and would be glad to pass out info.

Cameron Kiefer

airplanenut

You want to give all people obsessed with planes and coins free membership? cool!

littlewicher

They need to have an ANA youth club or something like that. Like a possible monthly magazine or something like that. I think that would be cool.

gmarguli

(NOTE: we all know how popular ANA bashing is and that it's often deserved, but it would be a distraction here. Please, don't let the positive, good ideas get crisped and lost in the flames!)

Sorry, but some of us don't forget so easily. A "distraction"? Gee, I'm sorry if this post is a distraction to your advertisement. Are these "positive, good ideas" like you telling us to wait to let the ANA respond to the ACG donation?

When the ANA accepted a $3,000 <cough> donation <cough> from ACG you asked us to GIVE THEM A BREAK! When confronted about this you said Maybe I should have said, "Give the NEW guys a break."

We are 3 days away from the 1-year anniversary of you posting this. Your give the guys a break attitude has shown us that you are part of the problem. ONE YEAR and the ANA has failed to respond to the ACG situation. When they took the money I screamed that all this "wait because actiopn (sic) takes time" was a bunch of BS designed to make us forget about the donation. You called my outrage a vendetta.

You suggested there is but a single "good solution" - e-mail the leadership and tell them how you feel about Accugrade. That suggestion was done after it was well known that the ANA wasn't responding to emails and didn't care. They got their $3,000 and didn't care what the members thought.

You later said: I'll say once more that the ANA will eventually act on the issue. Well, we are still waiting. Actually, not really. We all knew long ago that the waiting game was just to make us forget about it AND you were one of the people telling us to wait. You were an unofficial part of the problem. If you were elected to the ANA Board you'd just become an official part of the problem.

We need people who will actually work FOR the membership. People who will work to better the hobby. Currently the ANA Board works to better itself with no regard for the members or collectors. They do have regard for the dealers, but that comes in direct harm of the collectors.

We know that as you stated, you are "an unwavering supporter of the ANA". The problem is that the ANA needs a thinking Board that has guts and will take a stand for the betterment of this hobby. That is not you.

You will NOT have my vote.

nwcs

Well, I haven't been in the ANA for more than 2 months, but here are a few ideas:

1. Fix the web site, get a few programmers together to help.
2. More reliable customer service. I have a request a week old to ask for why my membership suddenly went from expiring 7/03 to 7/04. Don't know if I paid for a year extra without my knowledge or if it was a glitch. Received three membership packets, too. These things need to be tightened up.
3. Web cast of conventions and/or seminars -- you can charge for the service
4. Try to be more vender neutral. ANA should be the standards organization for numismatics. Like the ISO is for engineering/processes. Get venders to work with you, but also to adopt standards that will apply across companies. The computing industry wouldn't survive without it. Each company proposes standards and then owns the patent but allows others to license it with little or no charge.
5. Lab analysis. Like consumer reports. Maybe do comprehensive testing of slabs, methods, cleaning methods, etc. with detailed reports of effects and the long term effects of different mixtures. That would provide a great deal of help and be educational, too. Maybe even open doors to cooperation with other associations that could use the knowledge -- like the mineral and metals industries. Maybe schools and universities can partner?

Neil

Tonekiller

Greg,

Positive comments, you just shot they guy!

TBT

littlewicher

As much as I hate the negativity of Greg, he speaks the truth and I have to concur with him on this issue..........

gsaguy

My 2 cents.

First, I agree fully with Greg.

I was horrified when I attended the ANA convention in Atlanta and saw Accugrade pumping out slabs at the show. I couldn't believe they were actually allowed to set up at an ANA show. What were unsuspecting newbies to think? "Well, if ACG can set up and grade coins at THE show of the year (hosted by the ANA), then surely they must be a reputable grading service".

I'm not saying there is any easy answer to who gets space and who doesn't, but it's the tacit approval of the company by the ANA that fools newcomers to the market into thinking they're legit. What happens when these newcomers find out the material they've purchased graded by what they thought to be a reputable, independent third party grading service is worth a fraction of its purchase price? Many of them will go away. I can't see that as being good for the hobby.

Also, I've heard DOZENS of complaints by dealers that the ANA refuses to listen to their ideas. Many told me that they were strongly against the mid-winter show being held in Jacksonville, Florida and that the ANA knew this but didn't care. Not only did flying to Jacksonville require an extra plane change (dangerous and difficult in today's air travel environment) but they knew the show would be poorly attended.

Well, I attended the show and as someone said on these boards, you could have swung a dead cat in the aisles and not hit anyone. Several dealers told me it was in the top 3 WORST shows they'd ever attended. Then to top that off, those that left early got hit with a huge fine by the ANA. Don't pay the fine and you lose your spot at the summer show and a couple of others. How's that for adding insult to injury?

I ran my own business for over 20 years and had operations on 5 continents before selling it a couple of years ago. Hearing the 'positive' news was always nice, but it was the negative news about my company and its services that concerned me the most. I wanted to hear about EVERY negative because I knew it was I who had the ultimate responsibility to fix the problems. And problems that went unfixed only got worse.

In my opinion, the ANA Board members should take an equal interest in the negatives they hear, whether from collectors or dealers.

GSAGUY

crito

I still don't see a problem with the $3,000 donation, except maybe it should have been more.

Would like to second Neil's #4 tho: There needs to be ONE grading standard. NGC says the ANA standards are inadequate in MS grades... so fix them. Tired of hearing comments like, "that coin is a PCGS MS62, NGC MS63 or an ACG MS65." That's not to say the standards can't change over time, there just needs to be one source for them.

NGC reply to ANA grading standards

1jester

PLEASE, let's get rid of PVC and other damaging products now and forever more. PLEASE!!!

DHeath

I'm speaking out of turn, because I'm only a collector and not a dealer, but I made a decision several years ago to not join ANA primarily because I believe them to be dealer focused. The decision to left-handedly endorse ACG did little to dispell my belief. I would certainly be excited about an association of numismatists that polled, communicated, educated and generally took interest in collectors, and would reward them with my support, assistance, dues and time. Greg, I for one appreciate your speaking out for the good of the hobby.

lathmach

Will, I'll give you my vote when election time comes along. I may or may not be in a position to help by distributing campaign materials for you. We'll have to look at that when it's closer to the election.
You seem to have a good handle on things.

Ray

Spooly

The problem with the ANA is it's loaded with self serving insiders! You need a 50/50 split.... collectors to dealers.


I don't really see the point..... the ANA is dying a slow death anyways.

shirohniichan

Perhaps it would be better to scale it down to an educational organization. If it's not going to do anything to protect collectors from unscrupulous dealers, it shouldn't have anything to do with promotion of the business.

scher

amen to that shiro...education only
bruce scher

Dog97

I agree with gmarguli 100% so I'll simply say take a tougher stance & spend more time educating against so called "grading" companies that rip newbies off.

I got out of the ANA when that woman started all that mess years ago. I've gotten along just fine without the ANA so far and the members here have educated more collectors than the ANA will ever hope to.

Still I think it could be a good club and would rejoin maybe. I would like to see more put into the authentication & conservation dept.

edited to say I agree with gmarguli only 99% because I can't vote. Somebody convince me & I'll join & vote for the best numismatician.

g097103

I've avoided joining ANA because of the ACG debacle and I just don't see any value to the collector. They
need to change to support the hobby and not themselves or fade into the sunset. Their time is over I fear.

Scott M

JD

I'm no longer an ANA member, got minimal value from it, here are my suggestions:
1) Make more educational content and materials available on your web site.
2) Work with the grading services to ensure their submission process completely shields the grader from the submitter...I truely believe that friends and other insiders get the borderline calls to fall their way on a more consistent basis than non-insiders
3) I don't know anything about the ACG issue but it sounds like it has seriously hurt your creditability and you need to state your position (whether others like it or not is a different issue) else it will continue to be a thorn in your side. On the surface it sounds like there may be an ANA inside connection which you're trying to protect.
Good luck,

oreville

I am a lifetime ANA member and the ANA needs to stop with the hunger for money. <p>

The ANA should not endorse any one grading service. Sure, less $ but that is the price for integrity.

The ANA needs to be more consumer protection oriented yet at the same time provide more services for dealers so that dealers feel there is something in the pot for them too.

JJacks

I'm not in the ANA - here are my thoughts:

I am in complete agreement with Greg and some of the others about the ACG gift. The ANA if they are to ever be of any help to anyone certainly can't asscociate with these types. The ANA should also do whatever necessary to help remove the other low-ball grading (slabbing) services.

Also, maybe the ANA could somehow go after some of the goons on ebay that give coin dealers a bad name. I don't mean some dealers that are a bit high, but the ones who are complete ripoffs with their raw MS68++++ Morgans (that appear AU58!), etc.

JJacks

Gilbert

Will

Just so you know, everyone here isn't anti-ANA. I will be looking forward to hearing/seeing your platform.

Yes, some changes are due, but, I realize that in any democratic organization there are various politics to contend with, and you won't be able to please all of the people all of the time.

I am however disheartened to witness the acceptance and tacit approval of ACG and other such entities. I just can't fathom how the "lack of a stance" regarding ACG and its practices can be interpreted as good for numismatics.

I shall continue as a member with a watchful eye.

cointagious

will,
i dropped my membership years ago for a number of reasons that all relate directly to what the ana has become. as best as i can see it offers virtually nothing. they're eliminating the anaab, so i guess it's down to the library, museum and glossy monthly magazine. tell us, are they reducing the travel vouchers/expenses for board members, too? this is one example of me having to wholeheartedly agree with g-man on every point. many here are focusing on the acg debacle but are forgetting how the ana fed inside info to heritage. the lawyer that quit over it. the sexual harrassment case against a board member(probably just for the politics, i may add) and on and on...

the ana is a dead horse to many that have been around this hobby/industry for a long time. no sense in trying to beat it back to life.

nwcs

The main reason why I joined was to get the discounts on the videos. Pays for itself after a short enough time. And the videos have been very helpful. And, from what board members have reported, the seminars in Colorado are extremely helpful. It is something I'm considering doing next year.

Neil

Trime

Will,
I am a member of the ANA but clearly an outsider in operations with some mixed feelings about the direction and position of the organization. I offer these thoughts in your thinking about a platform and for others to consider. I disagree that the past should define the future. Will, if you are serious about being a leader then find the way. If others have better ideas and the time and inclination, make constructive suggestions and if possible play a role.
The good things about the ANA are:
1) Its summer session in Colorado Springs; this is a great venue and a truly enjoyable oportunity for collectors of all level of experience to interact with experts in many subspecialties and dealers of all ilk. The courses are well taught and the instructors friendly and very willing to share what they know.The environment is so much more conducive to what is good in Numismatics than a bourse floor.
2) It's library is excellent and service good. The ability to borrow specialty books so easily is an amazing service. The availability for reference on site is a plus. There is much that could be done with looking forward to an online program of numismatic materials.
3) It's museum. The new building is attractive and the collection on display is well presented although most materials are overpowered by the wonderful Bass Collection.
4) The book store. A nice selection at a fair price.
What seems to be problems:
1) Failure to find a true constituency and purpose. The organization has the opportunity to realy be the ethical center of a conglomeration of Numismatists and Capitalists. It has failed to make the average collector feel represented and not powerful enough to contol the sleazy practices of some in the field. Many feel that the organization is so focused on survival that it can't define it's purpose. The collector believes the ANA serves the dealers and the dealers don't take the ANA very seriously.
2) Failure to take a stand on issues that the membership feel strongly about. The grading service issue is a vey important one: the ANA could define standards for grading services and refuse to support or acknowledge those that are below a threshold. There is no need to endorse one service other than the fee received. Discounts or access could be offered to several services through negotiation. It is very poor judgement to accept contributions from firms that do not meet the professional or ethical standards of the organization. The ACG controvery has cost the organization credibility and $. Quickly study the issue and take a stand.
3) The Numismatist is boring; it needs to be markedly revised.
4) It's authentication service shut down for lack of need, personel or trust. It probably was a sound economic decision but represents a continuing retreat from purpose.
5) The web site needs to be upgraded. It could be a site that is widely used. Why wasn't this forum created by the ANA instead of CU. It could be an exciting place for specialty articles in multiple areas. The Copperheads, SLCC, etc could use the website for a platforum for their areas of interest. News could be transmitted, opinions aired.
6) The organization should be more politically astute. It should be a more effective lobby group in Washington for the interests of it's constituents.
I could go on ...but something needs to be done if the ANA is to be revitalized.

Flash

As a member of the ANA, the one thing that has always bothered me the most is the ANA grading standards. If the grading service that is endorsed by the ANA doesn't even use the ANA standards, then something is wrong. Obviously these standards need to be looked at very closely and revised, if need be. After that, the ANA should work on having their standards be THE standard for all grading services, dealers and collectors to use. If nobody follows the grading standards put out the the ANA, why should the ANA have any grading standards at all?

Good luck, Will!

stujoe

1. Get The Numismatist on CDrom. That attempt has been going on and on and on. If the copyright issues aren't solved yet, get them solved. It is not that technologically challenging a project. A year ago I was told it was in the works and yada yada yada. It needs to happen.

2. Fix the website up. It is getting better but an Educational organization needs to have more educational stuff on the site. The ANA has an incredibl museum of coins. Expand the Virtual Museum. Get the winning exhibits from ANA shows on the site. Pay someone to get it organized and give the website a little class and a professional look. It is the face that the ANA puts out to probably more prospective members than anything else it does. The search engine doesn't even work for goodness sake. Try searching on the ANA site for ANA, you get back: <EM>There are 0 item(s) found.
<EM>

stujoe

littlewitcher:

The ANA has a Young Numismatists program right now. Articles in The Numismatist. A newsletter, categories for various awards and stuff on the website:

YN Program

Trime

Griffin6 (Will),
I forgot to add the Young Numismatist Program as a real positive of the ANA. While I have not participated (as a mentor, teacher or sponsor), I have observed the program in action at the Summer Course and thought it was great. These young collectors are enthusiastic and capable. Thanks to others for reminding me.