Edited to add, I like the coinvaluesonline site that I get with my CW subscription, but for $52/yr, I'm considering dropping that. Folks here have been pretty clear CW is not held in high regard.
I have my ANA membership bill sitting right in front of me. I'm fence sitting about whether to pay that. The only thing I get that I value from the ANA is the ability to send in coins to have NCS ruin or slab them. Otherwise, I just get frustrated looking at the waste and hijinks the big-wigs get up to in the ANA. I'll probably pony up for the ANA membership again.
The PCGScoinfacts site is cool, but honestly the only thing that it brings to the table (for me) is the auction results. But I can get some of these from Heritage and for the coins I collect for free, that's good enough. Additionally, on the Don thread, a forum member subscribed and tried out the auction results feature and reported that it needed improvement. So that cinched it for me, at least for now.
$100/yr for a Gray Sheet subscription might be okay, but not for www.pcgscoinfacts.com.
<<If you ever want to incur the wrath of the cheap, give something away free to them for a while then try and charge them for it. >>
I sir Im anything but cheap. In life, Im more generous and giving than most I know. I dont mind paying for something that is worth it, but Im not paying for something I can get elsewhere for free. I dont consider that cheap, I consider that a smart shopper.
Charging for pop reports through your membership, then having to pay for them again through the new coinfacts doesnt seem like a good way to treat your paying members. >>
First off, who called you cheap? I was simply making an observation on human behavior. If the shoe fits, wear it, if not, don't.
Second, you don't have to "pay for [pop reports] again". They are still available through both PCGS and the new Coinfacts, so your criticism in this case is unfounded, IMO.
Third, if you think that you can find the same information available in Coinfacts as you can at any other single sight, then I challenge you to show a source that has the following: Pictures and a write-up of every US issue along with population reports, historical auction records, and color photos.
Listen, you may not want to pay $9/month for the service, but there's no reason to stretch the truth to justify your decision....Mike>>
Mike, You posted on the first page about people being cheap. That was all you said. So you sorta did call me or anyone who had a problem with paying for this service cheap. Im not putting word sin your mouth, those are the words you said. I asked in my op if people were going to pay for this new sevice that most if not all the info is already out there for free, and was free on the old coinfacts.
Your post <<If you ever want to incur the wrath of the cheap, give something away free to them for a while then try and charge them for it. >>
If you werent calling me, and anyone who doesnt see the need to pay for this cheap, why post what you did? Im not trying to argue with you, just responding to your post.
As for the pop report misunderstanding, yes, that was on my part. Someone else on the first page said the pop reports were now on the new coinfacts and that was it. They were wrong, and so by extension, I was too. My bad.
To answer your third point, I never said I could find all that info in one place. I can find all that info in several places though, most of which if not all are free. Meaning books Ive bought, Heritage archives, coinworld, the ANA site, any one of the number of informative sites off of Stones MasterList or here.
I NEVER stretched the truth to make a point. I asked questions and stated opinion.
Sorry if that was lost in translation.
Also, I dont need to justify my decision, PCGS needs to justify why I need this service for $100 a year.
Why blame PCGS for spending time and money to create a new resource for the coin community and then charging for it? It is a business, not a charity. My guess is that Ron Guth works for money, not for kudos and attaboys, just like most of the rest of us.
Do you go to the DirecTV message boards and complain that it costs extra for the NFL package? Do you complain when the auto repair place changes your oil but does not give you a free new set of tires?
Remember, too, that PCGS pays for this forum, so we can come and slam them.
<< <i>If you werent calling me, and anyone who doesnt see the need to pay for this cheap, why post what you did? Im not trying to argue with you, just responding to your post. >>
Because after reading quite a bit of discussion (frankly, complaining) about the pricing, it seemed to be apropos to the topic. Again, no judgment made -- if the shoe fits, wear it, if not, ignore it.
<< <i>As for the pop report misunderstanding, yes, that was on my part. Someone else on the first page said the pop reports were now on the new coinfacts and that was it. They were wrong, and so by extension, I was too. My bad.
To answer your third point, I never said I could find all that info in one place. I can find all that info in several places though, most of which if not all are free. Meaning books Ive bought, Heritage archives, coinworld, the ANA site, any one of the number of informative sites off of Stones MasterList or here.
I NEVER stretched the truth to make a point. I asked questions and stated opinion. >>
Whether by ignorance or intent, you stretched the truth when you portrayed "paying customers" having to "pay twice". Furthemore, you mischaracterized the alternative resources as "free" when by your own admission you had to pay for at least some of them. Lastly (and admittedly the weakest of the three because you used the word "elsewhere"), you implied (or at least I interpreted) that there was another single site that is available online that provides similar data.
<< <i>Also, I dont need to justify my decision, PCGS needs to justify why I need this service for $100 a year. >>
At least the way I see it, all we can do as individuals is justify our own decisions. It is rather presumptuous to assume otherwise, IMO. The service is what it is, take it or leave it. Either you see the value, or you don't. Just don't try and justify your "no" (or sway others) based on incorrect assumptions or "stretching the truth" -- or be prepared to be questioned.
Take care & no harm, no foul as far as I'm concerned...Mike
Collector of Large Cents, US Type, and modern pocket change.
I can see perhaps using this service 2 months a year or so which means $20 yearly and research the heck out of it before a major auction etc.
As a consumer, I try to maximize my value from such a service to where it makes sense.
But to spend $96 every year for 10 years for example is a little bit too much when I do not need a continual service every month.
But $20 or even $30 for up to three months a year? I can go with that. >>
Why bundle the pop reports and price guides with the basic facts? It's a dubious money-making scheme designed to squeeze more money out of the brand name. Shameful if you ask me!
"Please help us keep these boards professional and informative…. And fun." - DW --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BONGO HURTLES ALONG THE RAIN SODDEN HIGHWAY OF LIFE ON UNDERINFLATED BALD RETREAD TIRES
I spend about $3 a day for all the publications and references I now use. Adding 30 cents(Per day) to the total paid is not too much to get all the information in one place.
If I only spent $500 a year on coins, then probably not. But since buying and selling rare coins is a major undertaking, the additional cost is not prohibitive, and is even reasonable---considering all the effort and time it will take to start up the site, and maintain it.
Perhaps if the advertising revenue goes up, and the buyers of Ads see the number of hits they will receive( with the mounting number of users), the cost might come down.
Thanks, PCGS, for continuing to add to our knowledge. Compared to 1990( just 20 years ago), we are able to know so much more about the pricing and population of the entire coin market
In memory of the USAF Security Forces lost: A1C Elizabeth N. Jacobson, 9/28/05; SSgt Brian McElroy, 1/22/06; TSgt Jason Norton, 1/22/06; A1C Lee Chavis, 10/14/06; SSgt John Self, 5/14/07; A1C Jason Nathan, 6/23/07; SSgt Travis Griffin, 4/3/08; 1Lt Joseph Helton, 9/8/09; SrA Nicholas J. Alden, 3/3/2011. God Bless them and all those who have lost loved ones in this war. I will never forget their loss.
I think that the website will go the way of the short-lived PCGS magazine. I understand what they are trying to do. However, unless they buy Heritage and remove the ability to research past auctions and view the coins sold, there is not enough value to justify $9 per month. My prediction is that CoinFacts will be included in the PCGS membership price by this time next year.
<< <i>Wait until they start charging $15 a month for forum access. >>
That's when I move ATS.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
I really think that they may have a hard time paying for the site with the few subscribers there might be. I have only used it a few times since I have been here and see very little return for that amount of investment at this time. It might be better as an advertising write off. Or maybe a restructuring of the PCGS membership program might be in order. My idea’s on that are. Basic membership is Forums and Registry only. This level would be free. Collector’s membership is Forums, Registry, and Coin Facts. I think about $75.00 per year tops. Silver level membership above items with submission privileges and the PCGS Population report added. I see this as a $100.00 per year value. Gold level membership all of the above with five free submissions per year. Let’s say $150.00/year. And then the Platinum level with ten free submissions at $200.00 per year.
<< <i>Or maybe a restructuring of the PCGS membership program might be in order. My idea’s on that are. Basic membership is Forums and Registry only. This level would be free. Collector’s membership is Forums, Registry, and Coin Facts. I think about $75.00 per year tops. Silver level membership above items with submission privileges and the PCGS Population report added. I see this as a $100.00 per year value. Gold level membership all of the above with five free submissions per year. Let’s say $150.00/year. And then the Platinum level with ten free submissions at $200.00 per year. >>
While there could certainly be endless debate on the price levels, I think your idea above with the new benefits/levels makes a great deal of sense to me as a collector and someone who earns his day-to-day living in marketing/sales.
Collector of Large Cents, US Type, and modern pocket change.
I just realized I never answered the OP's question.
Will you be paying $9 a month for the new coinfacts?
While I did use the website a few times a month and found it valuable, I wouldn't pay $9/month for it.
However, if I were a paying member of the collector's club, I could justify a small (say $20) increase in membership fees (with presumably the rest of the costs defrayed through advertising).
Collector of Large Cents, US Type, and modern pocket change.
<< Or maybe a restructuring of the PCGS membership program might be in order. My idea’s on that are. Basic membership is Forums and Registry only. This level would be free. Collector’s membership is Forums, Registry, and Coin Facts. I think about $75.00 per year tops. Silver level membership above items with submission privileges and the PCGS Population report added. I see this as a $100.00 per year value. Gold level membership all of the above with five free submissions per year. Let’s say $150.00/year. And then the Platinum level with ten free submissions at $200.00 per year. >>
<<While there could certainly be endless debate on the price levels, I think your idea above with the new benefits/levels makes a great deal of sense to me as a collector and someone who earns his day-to-day living in marketing/sales. >>
In spite of my prior negative response, I'm going to try it for a month - I suspect the pattern and territorial sections however are a bit weak......
"My friends who see my collection sometimes ask what something costs. I tell them and they are in awe at my stupidity." (Baccaruda, 12/03).I find it hard to believe that he (Trump) rushed to some hotel to meet girls of loose morals, although ours are undoubtedly the best in the world. (Putin 1/17) Gone but not forgotten. IGWT, Speedy, Bear, BigE, HokieFore, John Burns, Russ, TahoeDale, Dahlonega, Astrorat, Stewart Blay, Oldhoopster, Broadstruck, Ricko, Big Moose.
<< <i>I really think that they may have a hard time paying for the site with the few subscribers there might be. I have only used it a few times since I have been here and see very little return for that amount of investment at this time. It might be better as an advertising write off. Or maybe a restructuring of the PCGS membership program might be in order. My idea’s on that are. Basic membership is Forums and Registry only. This level would be free. Collector’s membership is Forums, Registry, and Coin Facts. I think about $75.00 per year tops. Silver level membership above items with submission privileges and the PCGS Population report added. I see this as a $100.00 per year value. Gold level membership all of the above with five free submissions per year. Let’s say $150.00/year. And then the Platinum level with ten free submissions at $200.00 per year.
>>
Please explain how the five submissions per year for a gold level would be free. Looks to me like I would be paying $50 for them...$10 apiece.
Ditto the Platinum level at $100 more than Silver...again $10 apiece.
<<It is true that the forums and Registry are free now...but they don't have to be. >>
That would be a good way to bring in collectors. Charge them for allowing you to post their coins and compete for awards with coins they have already paid for... Just like charging for realized auction prices for other companies sales...
Blah, this just sucks.
Ill buy another coin instead. Ill dig up auction results for the coins I need. Ill hit the books and hit the forums for pictures.
Nope. When I bought PCGS silver membership. I got POP reports, Recent auctions. I took the tour and didn't see anything great. If they want my $9 a month they have to add in something like details on grading each kind of coin and examples. A master PhotoGrade and Lots of text. Explaning what is difference between a MS69 and a MS70 coin. And my big one. What is difference between a MS65 SMS nickel and a MS65 nickel.
PCGS members should get access for free in my opinion.
"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." - Ben Franklin
If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy. -James Madison, fourth US president (1751-1836)
I am giving serious considertion to providing significant content, images and information about Barber Halves. I also likely will subscribe, particularly as content is added.
Comments
Edited to add, I like the coinvaluesonline site that I get with my CW subscription, but for $52/yr, I'm considering dropping that. Folks here have been pretty clear CW is not held in high regard.
I have my ANA membership bill sitting right in front of me. I'm fence sitting about whether to pay that. The only thing I get that I value from the ANA is the ability to send in coins to have NCS ruin or slab them. Otherwise, I just get frustrated looking at the waste and hijinks the big-wigs get up to in the ANA. I'll probably pony up for the ANA membership again.
The PCGScoinfacts site is cool, but honestly the only thing that it brings to the table (for me) is the auction results. But I can get some of these from Heritage and for the coins I collect for free, that's good enough. Additionally, on the Don thread, a forum member subscribed and tried out the auction results feature and reported that it needed improvement. So that cinched it for me, at least for now.
$100/yr for a Gray Sheet subscription might be okay, but not for www.pcgscoinfacts.com.
I sir Im anything but cheap. In life, Im more generous and giving than most I know. I dont mind paying for something that is worth it, but Im not paying for something I can get elsewhere for free. I dont consider that cheap, I consider that a smart shopper.
Charging for pop reports through your membership, then having to pay for them again through the new coinfacts doesnt seem like a good way to treat your paying members. >>
First off, who called you cheap? I was simply making an observation on human behavior. If the shoe fits, wear it, if not, don't.
Second, you don't have to "pay for [pop reports] again". They are still available through both PCGS and the new Coinfacts, so your criticism in this case is unfounded, IMO.
Third, if you think that you can find the same information available in Coinfacts as you can at any other single sight, then I challenge you to show a source that has the following: Pictures and a write-up of every US issue along with population reports, historical auction records, and color photos.
Listen, you may not want to pay $9/month for the service, but there's no reason to stretch the truth to justify your decision....Mike>>
Mike, You posted on the first page about people being cheap. That was all you said. So you sorta did call me or anyone who had a problem with paying for this service cheap. Im not putting word sin your mouth, those are the words you said.
Your post <<If you ever want to incur the wrath of the cheap, give something away free to them for a while then try and charge them for it. >>
If you werent calling me, and anyone who doesnt see the need to pay for this cheap, why post what you did? Im not trying to argue with you, just responding to your post.
As for the pop report misunderstanding, yes, that was on my part. Someone else on the first page said the pop reports were now on the new coinfacts and that was it. They were wrong, and so by extension, I was too.
To answer your third point, I never said I could find all that info in one place. I can find all that info in several places though, most of which if not all are free. Meaning books Ive bought, Heritage archives, coinworld, the ANA site, any one of the number of informative sites off of Stones MasterList or here.
I NEVER stretched the truth to make a point. I asked questions and stated opinion.
Sorry if that was lost in translation.
Also, I dont need to justify my decision, PCGS needs to justify why I need this service for $100 a year.
Why blame PCGS for spending time and money to create a new resource for the coin community and then charging for it? It is a business, not a charity. My guess is that Ron Guth works for money, not for kudos and attaboys, just like most of the rest of us.
Do you go to the DirecTV message boards and complain that it costs extra for the NFL package? Do you complain when the auto repair place changes your oil but does not give you a free new set of tires?
Remember, too, that PCGS pays for this forum, so we can come and slam them.
I give away money. I collect money.
I don’t love money . I do love the Lord God.
<< <i>If you werent calling me, and anyone who doesnt see the need to pay for this cheap, why post what you did? Im not trying to argue with you, just responding to your post. >>
Because after reading quite a bit of discussion (frankly, complaining) about the pricing, it seemed to be apropos to the topic. Again, no judgment made -- if the shoe fits, wear it, if not, ignore it.
<< <i>As for the pop report misunderstanding, yes, that was on my part. Someone else on the first page said the pop reports were now on the new coinfacts and that was it. They were wrong, and so by extension, I was too.
To answer your third point, I never said I could find all that info in one place. I can find all that info in several places though, most of which if not all are free. Meaning books Ive bought, Heritage archives, coinworld, the ANA site, any one of the number of informative sites off of Stones MasterList or here.
I NEVER stretched the truth to make a point. I asked questions and stated opinion. >>
Whether by ignorance or intent, you stretched the truth when you portrayed "paying customers" having to "pay twice". Furthemore, you mischaracterized the alternative resources as "free" when by your own admission you had to pay for at least some of them. Lastly (and admittedly the weakest of the three because you used the word "elsewhere"), you implied (or at least I interpreted) that there was another single site that is available online that provides similar data.
<< <i>Also, I dont need to justify my decision, PCGS needs to justify why I need this service for $100 a year. >>
At least the way I see it, all we can do as individuals is justify our own decisions. It is rather presumptuous to assume otherwise, IMO. The service is what it is, take it or leave it. Either you see the value, or you don't. Just don't try and justify your "no" (or sway others) based on incorrect assumptions or "stretching the truth" -- or be prepared to be questioned.
Take care & no harm, no foul as far as I'm concerned...Mike
No, I will not be paying $9 a month for the new coinfacts.
https://www.smallcopperguy.com
and we can all use coinfacts for only $12 per year.
Tip
One reads it probably 2 times a year.
I can see perhaps using this service 2 months a year or so which means $20 yearly and research the heck out of it before a major auction etc.
As a consumer, I try to maximize my value from such a service to where it makes sense.
But to spend $96 every year for 10 years for example is a little bit too much when I do not need a continual service every month.
But $20 or even $30 for up to three months a year? I can go with that.
<< <i>A good book costs $30.
One reads it probably 2 times a year.
I can see perhaps using this service 2 months a year or so which means $20 yearly and research the heck out of it before a major auction etc.
As a consumer, I try to maximize my value from such a service to where it makes sense.
But to spend $96 every year for 10 years for example is a little bit too much when I do not need a continual service every month.
But $20 or even $30 for up to three months a year? I can go with that. >>
Why bundle the pop reports and price guides with the basic facts?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BONGO HURTLES ALONG THE RAIN SODDEN HIGHWAY OF LIFE ON UNDERINFLATED BALD RETREAD TIRES
<< <i>Man, we are all some cheap $%$%^#&'s!!!
Yes, you are.
I like to think of it as thrifty.
For $9 a month, that rivals most adult sites...
<< <i>
I like to think of it as thrifty.
For $9 a month, that rivals most adult sites... >>
I wouldn't know, nor would I attempt to equate the two.
I spend about $3 a day for all the publications and references I now use. Adding 30 cents(Per day) to the total paid is not too much to get all the information in one place.
If I only spent $500 a year on coins, then probably not. But since buying and selling rare coins is a major undertaking, the additional cost is not prohibitive, and is even reasonable---considering all the effort and time it will take to start up the site, and maintain it.
Perhaps if the advertising revenue goes up, and the buyers of Ads see the number of hits they will receive( with the mounting number of users), the cost might come down.
Thanks, PCGS, for continuing to add to our knowledge. Compared to 1990( just 20 years ago), we are able to know so much more about the pricing and population of the entire coin market
NGC registry V-Nickel proof #6!!!!
working on proof shield nickels # 8 with a bullet!!!!
RIP "BEAR"
Steve
In memory of the USAF Security Forces lost: A1C Elizabeth N. Jacobson, 9/28/05; SSgt Brian McElroy, 1/22/06; TSgt Jason Norton, 1/22/06; A1C Lee Chavis, 10/14/06; SSgt John Self, 5/14/07; A1C Jason Nathan, 6/23/07; SSgt Travis Griffin, 4/3/08; 1Lt Joseph Helton, 9/8/09; SrA Nicholas J. Alden, 3/3/2011. God Bless them and all those who have lost loved ones in this war. I will never forget their loss.
Too many other free resources with the same info.
<< <i>Wait until they start charging $15 a month for forum access.
That's when I move ATS.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
The name is LEE!
Camelot
My idea’s on that are.
Basic membership is Forums and Registry only. This level would be free.
Collector’s membership is Forums, Registry, and Coin Facts. I think about $75.00 per year tops.
Silver level membership above items with submission privileges and the PCGS Population report added. I see this as a $100.00 per year value.
Gold level membership all of the above with five free submissions per year. Let’s say $150.00/year.
And then the Platinum level with ten free submissions at $200.00 per year.
<< <i>Or maybe a restructuring of the PCGS membership program might be in order.
My idea’s on that are.
Basic membership is Forums and Registry only. This level would be free.
Collector’s membership is Forums, Registry, and Coin Facts. I think about $75.00 per year tops.
Silver level membership above items with submission privileges and the PCGS Population report added. I see this as a $100.00 per year value.
Gold level membership all of the above with five free submissions per year. Let’s say $150.00/year.
And then the Platinum level with ten free submissions at $200.00 per year. >>
While there could certainly be endless debate on the price levels, I think your idea above with the new benefits/levels makes a great deal of sense to me as a collector and someone who earns his day-to-day living in marketing/sales.
Will you be paying $9 a month for the new coinfacts?
While I did use the website a few times a month and found it valuable, I wouldn't pay $9/month for it.
However, if I were a paying member of the collector's club, I could justify a small (say $20) increase in membership fees (with presumably the rest of the costs defrayed through advertising).
My idea’s on that are.
Basic membership is Forums and Registry only. This level would be free.
Collector’s membership is Forums, Registry, and Coin Facts. I think about $75.00 per year tops.
Silver level membership above items with submission privileges and the PCGS Population report added. I see this as a $100.00 per year value.
Gold level membership all of the above with five free submissions per year. Let’s say $150.00/year.
And then the Platinum level with ten free submissions at $200.00 per year. >>
<<While there could certainly be endless debate on the price levels, I think your idea above with the new benefits/levels makes a great deal of sense to me as a collector and someone who earns his day-to-day living in marketing/sales. >>
Hoard the keys.
Knowledge is power.
<< <i>Basic membership is Forums and Registry only. This level would be free. >>
These are free anyway so why even include them in the list?
As a matter of fact, neither forums nor registry have anything to do with Collectors Club membership at any level.
The name is LEE!
I agree, that's why I bought all of your books......thank you!........
<< <i>I really think that they may have a hard time paying for the site with the few subscribers there might be. I have only used it a few times since I have been here and see very little return for that amount of investment at this time. It might be better as an advertising write off. Or maybe a restructuring of the PCGS membership program might be in order.
My idea’s on that are.
Basic membership is Forums and Registry only. This level would be free.
Collector’s membership is Forums, Registry, and Coin Facts. I think about $75.00 per year tops.
Silver level membership above items with submission privileges and the PCGS Population report added. I see this as a $100.00 per year value.
Gold level membership all of the above with five free submissions per year. Let’s say $150.00/year.
And then the Platinum level with ten free submissions at $200.00 per year.
Please explain how the five submissions per year for a gold level would be free. Looks to me like I would be paying $50 for them...$10 apiece.
Ditto the Platinum level at $100 more than Silver...again $10 apiece.
<< <i>
<< <i>Basic membership is Forums and Registry only. This level would be free. >>
These are free anyway so why even include them in the list?
As a matter of fact, neither forums nor registry have anything to do with Collectors Club membership at any level. >>
It is true that the forums and Registry are free now...but they don't have to be.
That would be a good way to bring in collectors. Charge them for allowing you to post their coins and compete for awards with coins they have already paid for...
Just like charging for realized auction prices for other companies sales...
Blah, this just sucks.
Ill buy another coin instead. Ill dig up auction results for the coins I need. Ill hit the books and hit the forums for pictures.
I dont need another monthly bill.
Yea, my rant is over now.
No, I won't be.
When I bought PCGS silver membership. I got POP reports, Recent auctions.
I took the tour and didn't see anything great.
If they want my $9 a month they have to add in something like details on grading each kind of coin and examples.
A master PhotoGrade and Lots of text.
Explaning what is difference between a MS69 and a MS70 coin.
And my big one. What is difference between a MS65 SMS nickel and a MS65 nickel.
PCGS members should get access for free in my opinion.
If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy.
-James Madison, fourth US president (1751-1836)
Please forgive my ignorance, but who is CCE?
I give away money. I collect money.
I don’t love money . I do love the Lord God.