Do I gossip, or just 'gossip by association'?

DRUNNER

I just read a related post on the market situation; a routine post that occurs here on occasion. I noticed a bit of inflammatory comment concerning 'gossipy chat rooms' and I would presume that this site is included (or actually is the focus). I know that the nature of the business and numismatic world requires certain marketing strategies, ploys, and 'semi-tirades' directed at increasing market share from a variety of 'players' within the coin scene. It doesn't bother me at all, and frankly, sitting on the periphery, I find it amusing and entertaining.

But in response to the veiled, or not so veiled insults thrown by those who stand to gain in their petty world of coins 'marketed to the stars', allow me to respond in this 'gossipy little chatroom'.

I have enjoyed a chance to learn, profit, and expand my numismatic knowledge by being here. I have had (electronic) chats with an owner of a 1913 Liberty Nickel, an NFL star, and the literati of various professions, and been personally schooled and advised by the premier authorities in classic Commemoratives, large cents, and type coins. Although my personal 'level of pain' in numismatic purchases is a shade lower than the norm for those who bash this Forum, I do spend a substantial amount and have a collection that is the bulwark of potential retirement and a show-stopper anywhere I go. Numismatics is my passion, and I would never allow anyone who poses in their small little world to affect my enjoyment or impact my decisions according to their narrow definition of what is 'dreck', 'fresh', or 'gems'. I affect the lives of hundreds of teens every day, and the Lib Nicks or steel cents I give away for top quiz scores in English have far more impact in the world than 'who owns a quality 1921 Saint' that chucks it in a safety deposit box and forgets it while they spin through the financial world debating how to make their next 8-figure deal.

I, and many here, have a superbly enjoyable time in our sphere of numismatic influence. We may be 'gossipers' in a chatroom, but we have other lives that go far beyond numismatics and have taken a stake in this world that has substance. We are not salesmen 'to the numismatic stars', but we have a long-term impact in the future that extends beyond profit motive, and our impact will go far beyond a tagline on a coin's pedigree. I applaud those who have given time, effort, and dedication to their own advancement of the coin hobby with little regard to those who stand to profit through sales in their narrow definition of what is important in numismatics. I also understand that many of those who have influenced me here have taken the numismatic high road, avoided the petty sales pitches and marketing ploys, and left the world of coins better than when they found it.

Oh, and my grammar also is superlative to those who take, rather than give, to the hobby we all respect and love.

Drunner

TigerGirl1398

savoyspecial

perhaps there is an axe to grind by the author


was this person by chance banned from the same gossipy chatroom??

savoyspecial

to clarify, i am referring to the author of said market report, not this thread's author

seemyauction

SeaEagleCoins

Bravo...


...oh... for the record... you gossip by association... but not to worry... you are in good company...

I do hope to meet you someday... I like the way you think...

TwoSides2aCoin

I thought you were sharing stories about coins here. Gossip would be telling me what your neighbor's wife is wearing as she is out feeding her dog. Like I really care.

How does she look ?

IrishMikey

Well said, Drunner. I think your title should be changed to "Numismatist" instead of "Collector"
as you seem to embody someone in love with the study of numismatics.

(Yes, I know that these titles are based upon the number of posts. Still, passion, erudition and
scholarship should be rewarded.

abitofthisabitofthat

<< <i>Oh, and my grammar also is superlative to those who take, rather than give, to the hobby we all respect and love.

Drunner >>



Can you clarify what you give to the hobbby? And what Laura takes from the hobby? I am not sure that I am following you.

Bear

The problem as I see it, is that comments, unsupported by sound reasoning or facts,
tend to make individuals upset and angry.Off the top of the head comments that can
be construed as pejorative, should be carefully considered. Before they are spewed
forth and disgorged in all of their bilious glory.

Swampboy

Gossip is o.k.
I dare anyone to say they don't do it.

I just try to remember this line...
"Don't you know that it's a fool who plays it cool by making his world a little colder."

BigE

<< <i>

<< <i>Oh, and my grammar also is superlative to those who take, rather than give, to the hobby we all respect and love.

Drunner >>



Can you clarify what you give to the hobbby? And what Laura takes from the hobby? I am not sure that I am following you. >>




Some have recently advocated closing "gossipy chatrooms", drunner thinks this is a referral to this forum--which would be a negative to the hobby.

drunner says he has directly educated others in numismatics (and learned from other professionals here), ie children who he is involved with on a daily basis.


Hope this helps-------------------BigE

TwoSides2aCoin

When the character of a man is not clear to you, look at his friends.
Japanese Proverb

DRUNNER

I appreciate the comments from all who have responded. Just came back after creating a March Madness contest for all the students. Hey, English can be taught in many ways to different individuals, and this is but one of many! And for a $25 1st prize, the little buggers will enter in droves! (And, after a $10 2nd prize, prizes 3, 4, and 5 are collectable coins of my choice!!!)

Larry . . . I am sure we will. I look forward to it. I have enjoyed your posts and learned much.

The neighbor's wife? Rcovering from some abdominal surgery. It's not something we'll want to elaborate on.

Thanks, Irish Mikey, and I hope your weekend celebrations brought much fun! I hoisted one in your honor.

Bear . . you are wise as always. In several ways!

. . .and Big E, I appreciate the interpretation. Right on target.


I'll try not to contribute in the future to any gossipy chatroom, but I will continue to enjoy all of you that help make numismatics such a great positive in my life and the lives of others. Bravo to you all!

Drunner

TwoSides2aCoin

If not for teachers, I wouldn't know what I know. It's kind of sad when the people with the most experiences would rather cast stones at those below them as they're defending a position on a mountain, rather than delighting in the place where everyone gathers, peacefully.

Bear

Gossip that is good, up beat and cheerful, is always welcome.

jhdfla

<< <i>Gossip is o.k.
I dare anyone to say they don't do it.

I just try to remember this line...
"Don't you know that it's a fool who plays it cool by making his world a little colder." >>




If anyone thinks the gossip here is bad, you should get a group of coin dealers together in one room and see what happens.

"Great people talk about ideas average people talk about things small people talk about other people."





"People demand freedom of speech to make up for the freedom of thought which they avoid."
- Soren Aabye Kierkegaard (1813-1855)

DUIGUY

<< <i> >>



Very well said!

ricko

Some great threads this morning... Cheers, RickO

JBN

Good for you for handing out old libs to students.

'Teachers have kind souls.'

Brings to mind my school days where we'd do spelling bees by moving from desk to desk and being challenged with a word to spell by the teacher. I was pretty good at it, and could 'win' ten or more times, covering as many desks. We used to have to put out our 30 cents for lunch money on our desks. If I saw an old quarter, I'd often trade for it. I think the teacher got a kick out of it.

Kudos to you for stoking their curiousity. In this day and age of blackberries and cel phones, keeping attention must be super tough, and a good education is beyond priceless.