@TommyType said:
Inspired by Amwldcoin’s observation about a “lack of camaraderie” on the boards:
I do see that some members know each other, and seek each other out at shows. I think that’s great.
But a question for the masses: How many board members can you call a friend, or at least acquaintance? Would you attend a planned social function at a major (or minor) show? (You don’t HAVE to answer....I think this has been discussed in the past).
I ran those questions through my little head, and honestly came up with “None”, and “Probably not”.
Now, I could identify a few major and minor dealers who post here. I’ve bought from them, and had conversations with them. But I’m pretty sure none of them could identify me.
Maybe I’m just anti-social. I have been accused of that...and frankly, at the age of 54, I’ve grown to be OK with it.
But honestly, I don’t know which of you are loony. (And to be fair, you don’t know if I’m loony). I really doubt I’d plan my day to show up at a local restaurant just itching to have a meal with a random set of people I don’t know. It’s not “me”.
On the other hand, if we had a “CU Lounge”....”We’re planning to meet at the 3rd bench south of the main entrance at 11am and 3pm. Stop by for a few minutes if you want”....I probably would. Shake a few hands, share a few NEWPS. No great commitment. I could see doing that.....
Collecting, for me, is a personal endeavor. I honestly don’t feel cheated by being a loner. But I guess it would be nice to know a few of the faces and personalities behind the avatars. Just don't ask too much of me....
For whatever reason the casual "make it if you can" doesn't work. Some of my favorite dinners at shows or when traveling about with no shows involved are with this collecting community. Of course this didn't start off as a blind date scenario. I'm not into that either. Usually coffee dates first or a quick hello at a table or designated spot "one on one" or maybe through a mutual dealer friend
m
Walker Proof Digital Album Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
I’ve been on the boards here for something like 5 or 6 years. During that time I’ve gotten to dozens of personalities, but usually I only know their UserName, not their real names or what they look like. I’m absotely certain I’ve walked right past fellow forumites at shows and not had any clue who they were. I get the need for privacy, security, etc, but it’s a barrier to transforming an electronic acquaintance to an actual relationship or gasp, even friendship.
Most people are nicer and far more interesting in person. A few aren’t.
In person, it’s much easier to focus on common ground than on being right.
As a bunch of coin nerds, we are probably more alike than different.
Many of us live in geographic locations that preclude participation in a coin club and we collect in absolute, complete isolation. That sucks. I know absolutely no one where I live that I can show a cool coin to.
I would love to have a meet & greet with fellow forumites at a show. I would encourage our host to sponsor such a thing. If not, we should do it on our own.
@TommyType said:
Inspired by Amwldcoin’s observation about a “lack of camaraderie” on the boards:
I do see that some members know each other, and seek each other out at shows. I think that’s great.
But a question for the masses: How many board members can you call a friend, or at least acquaintance? Would you attend a planned social function at a major (or minor) show? (You don’t HAVE to answer....I think this has been discussed in the past).
I ran those questions through my little head, and honestly came up with “None”, and “Probably not”.
Now, I could identify a few major and minor dealers who post here. I’ve bought from them, and had conversations with them. But I’m pretty sure none of them could identify me.
Maybe I’m just anti-social. I have been accused of that...and frankly, at the age of 54, I’ve grown to be OK with it.
But honestly, I don’t know which of you are loony. (And to be fair, you don’t know if I’m loony). I really doubt I’d plan my day to show up at a local restaurant just itching to have a meal with a random set of people I don’t know. It’s not “me”.
On the other hand, if we had a “CU Lounge”....”We’re planning to meet at the 3rd bench south of the main entrance at 11am and 3pm. Stop by for a few minutes if you want”....I probably would. Shake a few hands, share a few NEWPS. No great commitment. I could see doing that.....
Collecting, for me, is a personal endeavor. I honestly don’t feel cheated by being a loner. But I guess it would be nice to know a few of the faces and personalities behind the avatars. Just don't ask too much of me....
My grandmother used to say "if you can count number of true friends with both hands; consider yourself lucky"
I have found that there is a sense of community here...until it became obvious that I tend to take long breaks I had multiple occasions of people asking where I was and wondering if I was ok. People don't do that if they don't care.
I've been to exactly one big coin show everyone treated me with respect, except for one dealer who clearly judged me by the way I look. I had good conversations with many forum members and even some lurkers who may still be reading. (Hopefully they are still reading). This was knowing before hand that I am an extremely small fish in a very big pond. I was not treated lesser because I don't have a whole lot of spending money or, at that point, knowledge of the hobby. I'm not really the kind of person who gets together with anyone, but chatting with someone at a show? Absolutely. You know if they are there there is a very strong chance they like the same things you do and will have something worth talking about.
Fun does separate the budget section with the exhibits. I've always assumed it's to help promote the exhibits. Problem is people don't pay for exhibit tables
@TheDukeK said:
Fun does separate the budget section with the exhibits. I've always assumed it's to help promote the exhibits. Problem is people don't pay for exhibit tables
I have never been to the FUN show, and I would like to go some time and maybe even set up there. If this is true how the exhibits are between the regular tables and budget tables, then that is just plain wrong. Maybe I will reconsider my thoughts of setting up there as I do not have high powered inventory to justify the cost of a regular table.
amwrldcoin, I hope I am not one of the forum members you are are disappointed in for not connecting at FUN. If so, my apologies as I was looking forward to meeting you and it did not happen. I came over to the distant edge of the room they stuck you guys at twice - both times you were busy with others with some intense conversation so I did not have the chance to introduce myself as I did not want to interrupt. I kept meaning to come back but I agree with your comment on the isolation of the budget section, it was way off from the rest of the show, and I just never made it over at the right time to interact with you. I suspect other forum members were in the same situation - just never making it over to the far reaches where they put the budget section. I was abit shocked that they would do that and I hope they correct this mistake in future shows.
HST, I was able to glance at your inventory - mostly Barber halves and the best circulated inventory I have ever seen with original surfaces. This is consistent with the images of your coins on ebay and folks who collect circulated Barber should be buying from you no question about it.
I also agree with the sentiment that forum meets for those who desire them at FUN, are not happening as well as they should. There are alot of folks I would have enjoyed meeting but as far as I know, never crossed paths with on the bourse. For those who desire to meet other forum members here at FUN next year, I am going to try to post in advance and try to arrange some social event where we can meet in a relaxed situation. I have PMed a couple folks on this who are all for it. I/we will need to plan this in advance - the Marriott Sports bar for example would have been a good venue for this in Tampa, for Orlando next year, it needs to be looked into.
I did see JeffMTampa's set on display, impressive! Unfortunately though we never crossed paths at the show, alas.
You have addressed a number of issues, @amwldcoin, and I will try to address some of them.
First, the Budget Section was created for the FUN bourse in order to allow smaller dealers to participate in the FUN show at a lower cost. The Budget Section is set apart from the main bourse floor because you have paid less for your booth than all of the dealers in the main section. That only seems fair to me. In the future perhaps paying the $750 fee for a booth in the main section might make sense for you.
As for the amount of business done in the Budget Section, I know a dealer, Del Corbin, who handles the less than $1,000 per piece coins almost exclusively. He has a store, and he has a huge following at the shows. He has done very well at FUN after I sort of introduced to him to the show a decade ago. He and I split a table in the main bourse, and then he moved to the Budget Section. He does very well there because he has a huge inventory of what his customers want, and they know him well.
Second, I agree with your point that spirit and tone of U.S. coin collecting has changed. It’s not as much fun as it used to be because an elite group has gotten the ear of many collectors. The presentation has become as important if not more important than the coin itself. I’m glad that I have the collection that I have, and I don’t feel the need to add to it significantly. The market has changed, and the emphasis is now on auctions over the bourse and the Internet over personal contact.
That is just the way it is, and you either have to make changes in view of that, or move on to other areas of numismatics.
Retired dealer and avid collector of U.S. type coins, 19th century presidential campaign medalets and selected medals. In recent years I have been working on a set of British coins - at least one coin from each king or queen who issued pieces that are collectible. I am also collecting at least one coin for each Roman emperor from Julius Caesar to ... ?
@skier07 said:
I’m sorry you had a bad show and you don’t feel well but why would you voluntarily spend money to have a table if you knew the show was going to “suck”?
Part of going to shows is to build reputation and a customer base, not make an immediate profit. Attending the show also gets you in early to buy.
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
@oih82w8 said:
I have never been to FUN, but it sounds like a hit or a miss...depending on the reviewer.
ALL coin shows are hit or miss...depending on the reviewer. Money does not flow evenly around the room. The worst show in the country has at least one really happy attendee who made money and raves about it, even if everyone else in the room lost money.
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
First off amwldcoin, Thanks for starting this post, it has pushed my thoughts in so many different directions, I don't know where to start. The only coin shows I have been able to attend have been all local. I for one dream of going to something like Fun but if I spent all my money going, I couldn't afford to buy ( HMMMM maybe not bad) as I am a sucker for well toned coins and anything Capped Bust ( Very envious of you). Some of the people I would like to meet would be BillyKingsly, who I think has the same love of collecting and the same budget I have, Condor who is a library of really good, solid information with a desire to share, ProfHaroldHill who I would give almost anything to go through his hoard of collections as everything he sells is to me interesting and Paradise found who I agree with in his thought processes. I think as an excentric 70 year old these people and I could become good friends.
Lastly Tommy Type, regards the lack of camaraderie, When I found the chat boards of PCGS, It awakened a renewed lust of collecting because of the camaraderie I found among the members so as I once heard someone comment, "You know how to make friends, Be friendly" . I have been able to buy some really excellent coins here. With maybe 2 sour note posts, the 100s of posts that I have read here have been informative and enjoyable and I have learned more about coins and collecting than I have in 40 years of wandering shops and Ebay.
So much for my ranting and raving. Thank you all for making my own life more enjoyable. I would sorely miss not having the opportunity to "Scan the Boards".
Some years back at FUN. people here decided to wear name tags that included our online names. It was great fun on the bourse. spotting and identifying people we've come to know and enjoy here. It stimulated a lot of jovial conversations, and solidified some nice friendships.
If we remember it, it might be a nice idea to reintroduce next year.
Amwldcoin, I was off Disney cruising this year, and missed you. Otherwise, I would have been over there to see you. Come next year to FUN, back in Orlando where they (marginally) treat the Budget section better. Bring the wifey, so I can practice all the Russian I'm learning!
@skier07 said:
I’m sorry you had a bad show and you don’t feel well but why would you voluntarily spend money to have a table if you knew the show was going to “suck”?
Part of going to shows is to build reputation and a customer base, not make an immediate profit. Attending the show also gets you in early to buy.
Agree, but like anything in life, it certainly helps having a positive expectation.
Like @spacehayduke we stopped around several times to at least say hi and make a connection.
I'll probably get pummeled by the warriors who actually man a table (I never have) but it would never hurt to look up and notice someone standing at a showcase by the minute.
A corner table probably requires extra attention to that because potential customers (friends) are outside the peripheral vision.
@keets said: Well that is strange..... I wonder why or how 'members here' influenced such a decision?
that would assign us power that none of us realize we have or want.
there was a time, perhaps around 2003-05, when members would say they were leaving by coming here and posting a thread such as this. I never understood it then and don't now.
I have seen needy members do this for attention. They lurk for awhile after to see all of the "Gee whiz, I miss him" comments and then bask in the adulation when they return. Then, again, some people just get tired of it.
Just a couple of theories. Maybe not the case here.
@keets said: Well that is strange..... I wonder why or how 'members here' influenced such a decision?
that would assign us power that none of us realize we have or want.
there was a time, perhaps around 2003-05, when members would say they were leaving by coming here and posting a thread such as this. I never understood it then and don't now.
I have seen needy members do this for attention. They lurk for awhile after to see all of the "Gee whiz, I miss him" comments and then bask in the adulation when they return. Then, again, some people just get tired of it.
Just a couple of theories. Maybe not the case here.
Cheers
Bob
Gee, I am sorry, I am going to take a hiatus for a while due to all of the mean folks here.
See you some day.
Locating tables by size, configuration and fee is commonplace at trade shows, but segregation by value of items sold seems inappropriate. It implies inferiority when that might not be the case.
But, there is so much that might be done to improve coin shows that this is just another item on a long list.
As one of my favorite bosses always stated he would rather make a quick nickel instead of a slow dime. Barber halves have certainly softened. Darrell has some very nice material, but he may need some price adjustments in this market imho
I would love to have a meet & greet with fellow forumites at a show. I would encourage our host to sponsor such a thing. If not, we should do it on our own.
Bryce, PCGS sponsors that sort of thing as a matter of routine to all members and so does NGC. this year it was probably to announce/describe the Gold Shield service. I have been to luncheons from both companies. as I said on page one, preparation for something else needs a pro-active member 3-4 months out from the show.
I actually went thru the entire section that the OP was in and had a nice talk with him. I do think the floor was arranged wrong. I think the budget section should have been over next to the rest of the dealers and the displays should have been over at the end where the budget section was. It did look like a classes act to me.
And as far as meeting other member....I love it. I met 2 new ones at this show....Idhair and Spacehayduke. It was a pleasure meeting them both. And of course I saw several others that I have met before and always make an effort to see at shows. Years ago (2007 I believe) I made arrangements to meet MFH (Mike Hayes) who I had PM'ed with a lot here on the boards. It was a start of a great friendship. I lost a dear friend when Mike passed away last year.
Maybe we could talk our host into have a table for us back in the club section where we could all meet.
Comments
For whatever reason the casual "make it if you can" doesn't work. Some of my favorite dinners at shows or when traveling about with no shows involved are with this collecting community. Of course this didn't start off as a blind date scenario. I'm not into that either. Usually coffee dates first or a quick hello at a table or designated spot "one on one" or maybe through a mutual dealer friend
m
Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
He posted at least once not too long ago.
Sounds like the Budget Section got the shaft from the FUN organzers. That sucks. But what does that have to do with participating on this forum?
LIBERTY SEATED DIMES WITH MAJOR VARIETIES CIRCULATION STRIKES (1837-1891) digital album
A few comments:
I’ve been on the boards here for something like 5 or 6 years. During that time I’ve gotten to dozens of personalities, but usually I only know their UserName, not their real names or what they look like. I’m absotely certain I’ve walked right past fellow forumites at shows and not had any clue who they were. I get the need for privacy, security, etc, but it’s a barrier to transforming an electronic acquaintance to an actual relationship or gasp, even friendship.
Most people are nicer and far more interesting in person. A few aren’t.
In person, it’s much easier to focus on common ground than on being right.
As a bunch of coin nerds, we are probably more alike than different.
Many of us live in geographic locations that preclude participation in a coin club and we collect in absolute, complete isolation. That sucks. I know absolutely no one where I live that I can show a cool coin to.
I would love to have a meet & greet with fellow forumites at a show. I would encourage our host to sponsor such a thing. If not, we should do it on our own.
You should consider yourself lucky having a chance to participate in a real FUN show. I just wished I could attend one.
My grandmother used to say "if you can count number of true friends with both hands; consider yourself lucky"
You’ve been here since 2001. When this sour mood passes you’ll be back. And we’ll be happy to have you!
How annoying is it to get all this positive attention in your downer post?
will a nice flying eagle penny help you feel better?
I have found that there is a sense of community here...until it became obvious that I tend to take long breaks I had multiple occasions of people asking where I was and wondering if I was ok. People don't do that if they don't care.
I've been to exactly one big coin show everyone treated me with respect, except for one dealer who clearly judged me by the way I look. I had good conversations with many forum members and even some lurkers who may still be reading. (Hopefully they are still reading). This was knowing before hand that I am an extremely small fish in a very big pond. I was not treated lesser because I don't have a whole lot of spending money or, at that point, knowledge of the hobby. I'm not really the kind of person who gets together with anyone, but chatting with someone at a show? Absolutely. You know if they are there there is a very strong chance they like the same things you do and will have something worth talking about.
Fun does separate the budget section with the exhibits. I've always assumed it's to help promote the exhibits. Problem is people don't pay for exhibit tables
I have never been to the FUN show, and I would like to go some time and maybe even set up there. If this is true how the exhibits are between the regular tables and budget tables, then that is just plain wrong. Maybe I will reconsider my thoughts of setting up there as I do not have high powered inventory to justify the cost of a regular table.
amwrldcoin, I hope I am not one of the forum members you are are disappointed in for not connecting at FUN. If so, my apologies as I was looking forward to meeting you and it did not happen. I came over to the distant edge of the room they stuck you guys at twice - both times you were busy with others with some intense conversation so I did not have the chance to introduce myself as I did not want to interrupt. I kept meaning to come back but I agree with your comment on the isolation of the budget section, it was way off from the rest of the show, and I just never made it over at the right time to interact with you. I suspect other forum members were in the same situation - just never making it over to the far reaches where they put the budget section. I was abit shocked that they would do that and I hope they correct this mistake in future shows.
HST, I was able to glance at your inventory - mostly Barber halves and the best circulated inventory I have ever seen with original surfaces. This is consistent with the images of your coins on ebay and folks who collect circulated Barber should be buying from you no question about it.
I also agree with the sentiment that forum meets for those who desire them at FUN, are not happening as well as they should. There are alot of folks I would have enjoyed meeting but as far as I know, never crossed paths with on the bourse. For those who desire to meet other forum members here at FUN next year, I am going to try to post in advance and try to arrange some social event where we can meet in a relaxed situation. I have PMed a couple folks on this who are all for it. I/we will need to plan this in advance - the Marriott Sports bar for example would have been a good venue for this in Tampa, for Orlando next year, it needs to be looked into.
I did see JeffMTampa's set on display, impressive! Unfortunately though we never crossed paths at the show, alas.
Best, SH
You have addressed a number of issues, @amwldcoin, and I will try to address some of them.
First, the Budget Section was created for the FUN bourse in order to allow smaller dealers to participate in the FUN show at a lower cost. The Budget Section is set apart from the main bourse floor because you have paid less for your booth than all of the dealers in the main section. That only seems fair to me. In the future perhaps paying the $750 fee for a booth in the main section might make sense for you.
As for the amount of business done in the Budget Section, I know a dealer, Del Corbin, who handles the less than $1,000 per piece coins almost exclusively. He has a store, and he has a huge following at the shows. He has done very well at FUN after I sort of introduced to him to the show a decade ago. He and I split a table in the main bourse, and then he moved to the Budget Section. He does very well there because he has a huge inventory of what his customers want, and they know him well.
Second, I agree with your point that spirit and tone of U.S. coin collecting has changed. It’s not as much fun as it used to be because an elite group has gotten the ear of many collectors. The presentation has become as important if not more important than the coin itself. I’m glad that I have the collection that I have, and I don’t feel the need to add to it significantly. The market has changed, and the emphasis is now on auctions over the bourse and the Internet over personal contact.
That is just the way it is, and you either have to make changes in view of that, or move on to other areas of numismatics.
Part of going to shows is to build reputation and a customer base, not make an immediate profit. Attending the show also gets you in early to buy.
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
ALL coin shows are hit or miss...depending on the reviewer. Money does not flow evenly around the room. The worst show in the country has at least one really happy attendee who made money and raves about it, even if everyone else in the room lost money.
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
First off amwldcoin, Thanks for starting this post, it has pushed my thoughts in so many different directions, I don't know where to start. The only coin shows I have been able to attend have been all local. I for one dream of going to something like Fun but if I spent all my money going, I couldn't afford to buy ( HMMMM maybe not bad) as I am a sucker for well toned coins and anything Capped Bust ( Very envious of you). Some of the people I would like to meet would be BillyKingsly, who I think has the same love of collecting and the same budget I have, Condor who is a library of really good, solid information with a desire to share, ProfHaroldHill who I would give almost anything to go through his hoard of collections as everything he sells is to me interesting and Paradise found who I agree with in his thought processes. I think as an excentric 70 year old these people and I could become good friends.
Lastly Tommy Type, regards the lack of camaraderie, When I found the chat boards of PCGS, It awakened a renewed lust of collecting because of the camaraderie I found among the members so as I once heard someone comment, "You know how to make friends, Be friendly" . I have been able to buy some really excellent coins here. With maybe 2 sour note posts, the 100s of posts that I have read here have been informative and enjoyable and I have learned more about coins and collecting than I have in 40 years of wandering shops and Ebay.
So much for my ranting and raving. Thank you all for making my own life more enjoyable. I would sorely miss not having the opportunity to "Scan the Boards".
Bob Sr CEO Fieldtechs
Some years back at FUN. people here decided to wear name tags that included our online names. It was great fun on the bourse. spotting and identifying people we've come to know and enjoy here. It stimulated a lot of jovial conversations, and solidified some nice friendships.
If we remember it, it might be a nice idea to reintroduce next year.
Amwldcoin, I was off Disney cruising this year, and missed you. Otherwise, I would have been over there to see you. Come next year to FUN, back in Orlando where they (marginally) treat the Budget section better. Bring the wifey, so I can practice all the Russian I'm learning!
Here's a warning parable for coin collectors...
Agree, but like anything in life, it certainly helps having a positive expectation.
Like @spacehayduke we stopped around several times to at least say hi and make a connection.
I'll probably get pummeled by the warriors who actually man a table (I never have) but it would never hurt to look up and notice someone standing at a showcase by the minute.
A corner table probably requires extra attention to that because potential customers (friends) are outside the peripheral vision.
I'll track ya down next time @amwldcoin
"Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working" Pablo Picasso
I have seen needy members do this for attention. They lurk for awhile after to see all of the "Gee whiz, I miss him" comments and then bask in the adulation when they return. Then, again, some people just get tired of it.
Just a couple of theories. Maybe not the case here.
Cheers
Bob
Gee, I am sorry, I am going to take a hiatus for a while due to all of the mean folks here.
See you some day.
[checks in to see if anyone misses me....]
BHNC #203
Locating tables by size, configuration and fee is commonplace at trade shows, but segregation by value of items sold seems inappropriate. It implies inferiority when that might not be the case.
But, there is so much that might be done to improve coin shows that this is just another item on a long list.
Bob I am honored, thank you.
As one of my favorite bosses always stated he would rather make a quick nickel instead of a slow dime. Barber halves have certainly softened. Darrell has some very nice material, but he may need some price adjustments in this market imho
I would love to have a meet & greet with fellow forumites at a show. I would encourage our host to sponsor such a thing. If not, we should do it on our own.
Bryce, PCGS sponsors that sort of thing as a matter of routine to all members and so does NGC. this year it was probably to announce/describe the Gold Shield service. I have been to luncheons from both companies. as I said on page one, preparation for something else needs a pro-active member 3-4 months out from the show.
I actually went thru the entire section that the OP was in and had a nice talk with him. I do think the floor was arranged wrong. I think the budget section should have been over next to the rest of the dealers and the displays should have been over at the end where the budget section was. It did look like a classes act to me.
And as far as meeting other member....I love it. I met 2 new ones at this show....Idhair and Spacehayduke. It was a pleasure meeting them both. And of course I saw several others that I have met before and always make an effort to see at shows. Years ago (2007 I believe) I made arrangements to meet MFH (Mike Hayes) who I had PM'ed with a lot here on the boards. It was a start of a great friendship. I lost a dear friend when Mike passed away last year.
Maybe we could talk our host into have a table for us back in the club section where we could all meet.
why do people start threads like this? do they do the same when they quit school (college) or in other areas?
what do people expect-all roses?
come on, this is a silly chat room. you don't even know who you deal with most of the time (I said most not all).
never type when you are drunk or sick
I've never been to the FUN show.
I've followed this thread and is this what the OP is complaining about?
This 'budget' section doesn't seem that far off and any collector who thinks this is too far to walk better get a wheelchair then.
I would be more than happy to visit these vendors as quite a few little gems are found in the budget section.
"“Those who sacrifice liberty for security/safety deserve neither.“(Benjamin Franklin)
"I only golf on days that end in 'Y'" (DE59)