Spinoff thread - what I've learned here + thanks

coinguy1

Earlier today, I posted the following at the bottom of a very lengthy message. In order that people be able to see it without having to spend 30 minutes (or more!) to get to it, I am repeating it here:


"Here are some of the things that I have learned and/or been reminded of in my presence (both as a poster and a reader) on this board - they are in no particular order of importance, merely thoughts that came to mind when I considered Jay's question/suggestion :


I do care what people think of me and my posts, even if I don't know them, though more so, if I do. That came as somewhat of a surprise to me. But this board is worth caring about.

There is a great deal to be learned about things other than coins here - people/relationships and how they treat each other ( the good and the bad), computers, photography, Ebay, legal advice, industry news, etc.

This is a great sounding board - members are seemingly ALWAYS willing to answer questions, give opinions, help out with suggestions, etc, no matter what the topic or who is asking. I have learned a great deal about many subjects, from numerous board members.

This board has repeatedly reminded me of the fun of collecting - the discoveries and discussion of coins - seeing reactions to coins reminded me of my collecting days, the excitement of waiting for a coin to arrive, sharing your pride and joy (or even your dogs) with others, etc.

The people are more fun and interesting for me than the actual coins are. I have made some truly good friends here.

There will always be misunderstandings, no matter how good peoples' intentions are - the key is to straighten them out and to forgive and/or forget. You can hurt others without trying, but you can help make people feel good almost as easily and that is a most worthwhile end.

Treat people nicely and with respect and be straight with them and it usually comes back to you. Even if it doesn't it's a worthwhile endeavor.

A group of customers/people/board members can get together and make an impact on the big boys PCGS/NGC.

Be especially nice to newbies who don't know as much as you might - they are often the future of our hobby.

I have received much more than I ever expected from the board and the people on it and I want to thank all of you for that - hopefully, you're still awake to see this."

The above was in response to Jay's/Wisconsin's question "My idea is for Mark to think back and do a post about what he has learned from all of us during his last 999 posts. I am sure there must be a few things that even the coinguy himself has learned, and I would like to hear about them. Maybe it is not about coins, but about this group of people, or anything at all."



Please feel free to share your experiences too!

paigowjohnny

My impressions/experiences/things I have learned....

- There's a wide variety of things to collect out there and people who are passionate about every one of them. I'm amazed at the interest in Kennedys and Frankies.
- Some interesting senses of humor out there....
- For better or worse, quite a few people are still fixated on the number on a slab rather than the appreciation of the coin.
- ACG and NTC ought to be four letter words...and ANACS gets limited respect.
- None of us, including the grading services, are infallable...
- If you're not having fun, you aren't doing it right...

merz2

Mark
Very good points.I have always said this forum is the best on the net.I too have been impressed with the level of knowledge.The passion shown by all of us with respect to our coins tells me that coin collecting isn't going away anytime soon.

Elcontador

My interests are (in no particular order) coins, running and travel. Courtesy of forums like this one, I've really gotten a great deal of information. Right now, I'm waiting for my Capped Bust quarter to arrive. I would not have considered buying it if not for the feedback from people on this forum, as beforehand, I had not conducted business with the particular dealer.

I've met some people who I consider to be my friends by first making contact with them on forums like this one. Several people have looked at coins for me in various locations where I could not go, and I have returned the favor. One guy in particular made it possible for me to win a gorgeous coin at auction when I was out of the country.

On a running forum, a group of us got together last year and ran the Big Sur Marathon as a master's relay team. I have also met some people from Brasil this way, and have stayed with them and their families on several occasions.

Bulldog

Coinguy,

I like your thread and sensitivity.

I too, have received more than I have offered in terms of knowledge.

Bulldog

Clankeye

Some good points from you, piagowjohnny, and the rest of you too.
I have already read and responded to Mark's comments in another thread. Suffice it to say, his words are appreciated and I think the forum is lucky to have him participating.

Clankeye

cladking

<< <i>Mark
Very good points.I have always said this forum is the best on the net.I too have been impressed with the level of knowledge.The passion shown by all of us with respect to our coins tells me that coin collecting isn't going away anytime soon. >>



Coinguy1 very eloquently stated the strenghts of these boards but perhaps Merz2 has
found the defining characteristic; We are passionate about our coins and it seems the
implication is coin collecting will be around awhile as will we. It's no wonder we need
a Forum Peace Committee.

CLASSICS

mark well said....... no matter who we are, where we live, how much money we make or spend on coins, how big or small our collection is....we all have that one thing that is so special....our hobby we hold history in our hands, like a time machine we travel back into the past to see what life was like thru our coins. ben franklin on the half dollar, i can see him walking down the cobble stone paths on his way to indepdence hall, the washington quarter, i see washington at valley forge with his men during the harsh winter, offering his horse for food so they wouldnt starve, and how our nation became the greatest on earth......abe lincoln on the cent, i also see a man of warmth, kindness, and who beleived all men came from thier creator and should be free....coins, they are more than that, they are just like the people here, all are diffrent...with diffrent stories to tell..... its great

Gilbert

Mark (Coinguy1)

(sniffle, sniffle)

I am so touched by your remarks, (sniffle)

I never expected such compassion and openness from, well, a coin dealer. Believe me, as a rule, I don't ordinarily categorize (notice I didn't say prejudge) folks, but I suppose it is okay to be on guard when necessary, based on a person's profession. In any event, you have put a great face on dealers, and in particular, high-end dealers.

I hope no other dealers feel slighted for not being mentioned IN THIS THREAD; I happen to be responding to Mark. (please pass me a tissue)

Your comments, these in particular, made me feel good AGAIN, about being a member of the forum. It's been a while. We had a great lull and its been on the upswing, but this thread is, well, over the top. Thanks.

Twowood

Very well said Mark.
The existence of this board and it's continued growth is testimony to the fact that there are a lot of nice,thoughtful, interesting people out there who enjoy sharing their interests and experiences with others.
There's a lot of "bad attitude" in cyberspace that we've all seen on other boards and forums but fortunately, this particular group has remained pretty civilized in the short time I've been aboard and that's directly attributable to the folks that do most of the posting here...You all know who you are.
Thank you all for a great education and a lot of fun. Twowood

coindaughter

Thanks, Mark.

I enjoy your posts--the knowledge and the kindness. You are tops around here!

JLW

<< <i>Thanks, Mark.

I enjoy your posts--the knowledge and the kindness. You are tops around here! >>


Dittos to this, well said CD!
Joe