As of now, 33 (47.8%) votes say the images are just fine(I removed Ian's vote because there is clear bias there) and 36 (52.2%) say TVs are better.
For anyone that runs a business... If more than half of your potential customer base says that you aren't doing a good enough job and that your competitors do a better job, Do you keep doing the same thing or do you try to improve? If 80+% said I was doing a fine job then I would likely look at the information but it wouldn't be a huge priority to change much. But geeeeez, when more than half say I am not doing great, wouldn't that be cause for concern and mean that I could probably be making more money for myself and my clients?
"If it's not fun, it's not worth it." - KeyMan64 Looking for Top Pop Mercury Dime Varieties & High Grade Mercury Dime Toners.
@keyman64 said:
As of now, 33 (47.8%) votes say the images are just fine(I removed Ian's vote because there is clear bias there) and 36 (52.2%) say TVs are better.
For anyone that runs a business... If more than half of your potential customer base says that you aren't doing a good enough job and that your competitors do a better job, Do you keep doing the same thing or do you try to improve? If 80+% said I was doing a fine job then I would likely look at the information but it wouldn't be a huge priority to change much. But geeeeez, when more than half say I am not doing great, wouldn't that be cause for concern and mean that I could probably be making more money for myself and my clients?
Again, this poll was specifically about whether GC should add TrueViews to their listings (assuming they exist for a particular coin). It was not about whether GC's images could be improved or were at least adequate in the majority of cases. And just because a lot of people prefer TVs to GC's images doesn't imply to me that GC needs to emulate TVs with their photography (are those voters buyers or sellers, by the way?). Given one or the other, I'd prefer GC's images, but also having a TV is the best case scenario in my mind (others disagree, apparently).
Per Ian Russell, GC is trying to improve. I'm sure they'll take any and all constructive criticism into account. I just wish people would stop acting like GC's current photography is some sort of travesty or embarrassment. It isn't that bad.
I think the passion you’re seeing here is a result of GC growing so much over the past years—and appreciation/admiration here among forum members for their platform—so naturally we all want to see the best photos possible.
GC must be leaving some money on the table for themselves and their consignors since their images are still lacking overall. Clearly the pics are a bit washed out, and don’t fully capture toning, luster and contrast as well as they should. But yes they’re still better than a number of other sites.
I’d probably point to CRO images as the gold standard in terms of closeups AND slab shots.
@SeattleSlammer said:
I’d probably point to CRO images as the gold standard in terms of closeups AND slab shots.
CRO posts 50-100 coins/month to their site, AFAIK. GC is handling probably 100x more items, many/most of them much lower in value. As to "subpar", I'll take GC's images over Heritage's as well as most of what gets posted on eBay. YMMV.
@SeattleSlammer said:
I’d probably point to CRO images as the gold standard in terms of closeups AND slab shots.
CRO posts 50-100 coins/month to their site, AFAIK. GC is handling probably 100x more items, many/most of them much lower in value. As to "subpar", I'll take GC's images over Heritage's as well as most of what gets posted on eBay. YMMV.
Before you posted this reply I had already changed ‘subpar’ to ‘lacking’...which seemed more accurate to me. As I pointed out, GC images are better than some others.
Regarding the quantity GC is handling....it’s obviously a consideration....but ultimately it shouldn’t dictate the picture quality they offer. They should do what it takes to post the best pics for every coin...assuming they have the resources available to do so. It can only make them even more successful.
@SeattleSlammer said:
I think the passion you’re seeing here is a result of GC growing so much over the past years—and appreciation/admiration here among forum members for their platform—so naturally we all want to see the best photos possible.
GC must be leaving some money on the table for themselves and their consignors since their images are still lacking overall. Clearly the pics are a bit washed out, and don’t fully capture toning, luster and contrast as well as they should. But yes they’re still better than a number of other sites.
I’d probably point to CRO images as the gold standard in terms of closeups AND slab shots.
You're comparing a boutique with a big box store, here. I'll do imaging for CRO at shows now and then, and the low quantity enables me to take some extra time and make sure each photo is the best possible view of the coin that maximizes likelihood of being purchased and not returned. The strategy for the photos for GC, Stack's and Heritage is volume throughput and consistency so that people can eventually learn how to read through the shortcomings of the photos.
@SeattleSlammer said:
I think the passion you’re seeing here is a result of GC growing so much over the past years—and appreciation/admiration here among forum members for their platform—so naturally we all want to see the best photos possible.
GC must be leaving some money on the table for themselves and their consignors since their images are still lacking overall. Clearly the pics are a bit washed out, and don’t fully capture toning, luster and contrast as well as they should. But yes they’re still better than a number of other sites.
I’d probably point to CRO images as the gold standard in terms of closeups AND slab shots.
You're comparing a boutique with a big box store, here. I'll do imaging for CRO at shows now and then, and the low quantity enables me to take some extra time and make sure each photo is the best possible view of the coin that maximizes likelihood of being purchased and not returned. The strategy for the photos for GC, Stack's and Heritage is volume throughput and consistency so that people can eventually learn how to read through the shortcomings of the photos.
I understand your point. Of course it’s a valid one.
But forcing customers to “read through the shortcomings of the photos” is LAME! I really don’t care how challenging it may be logistically and/or financially to post the best pics.
PCGS has figured out how to beautifully image TONS of coins daily....I imagine it’s very expensive for them. If GC has the resources to make that happen, too—then they should.
@keyman64 said:
As of now, 33 (47.8%) votes say the images are just fine(I removed Ian's vote because there is clear bias there) and 36 (52.2%) say TVs are better.
For anyone that runs a business... If more than half of your potential customer base says that you aren't doing a good enough job and that your competitors do a better job, Do you keep doing the same thing or do you try to improve? If 80+% said I was doing a fine job then I would likely look at the information but it wouldn't be a huge priority to change much. But geeeeez, when more than half say I am not doing great, wouldn't that be cause for concern and mean that I could probably be making more money for myself and my clients?
The problem is in the poll design. Even if the poll was designed to answer this question, the votes are statistically irrelevant.
@SeattleSlammer said:
I think the passion you’re seeing here is a result of GC growing so much over the past years—and appreciation/admiration here among forum members for their platform—so naturally we all want to see the best photos possible.
GC must be leaving some money on the table for themselves and their consignors since their images are still lacking overall. Clearly the pics are a bit washed out, and don’t fully capture toning, luster and contrast as well as they should. But yes they’re still better than a number of other sites.
I’d probably point to CRO images as the gold standard in terms of closeups AND slab shots.
You're comparing a boutique with a big box store, here. I'll do imaging for CRO at shows now and then, and the low quantity enables me to take some extra time and make sure each photo is the best possible view of the coin that maximizes likelihood of being purchased and not returned. The strategy for the photos for GC, Stack's and Heritage is volume throughput and consistency so that people can eventually learn how to read through the shortcomings of the photos.
I understand your point. Of course it’s a valid one.
But forcing customers to “read through the shortcomings of the photos” is LAME! I really don’t care how challenging it may be logistically and/or financially to post the best pics.
PCGS has figured out how to beautifully image TONS of coins daily....I imagine it’s very expensive for them. If GC has the resources to make that happen, too—then they should.
As I (and others) have stated repeatedly, TrueView images are highly variable in terms of their fidelity. GC's images (whatever their shortcomings) are more consistent, and this is very important. It is "LAME" only in comparison to having Mark Goodman (or @messydesk , etc.) image every coin to the highest standard, which is not possible when you consider the volume GC is handling.
It is also possible to contact GC to discuss particular lots of interest and get their in-hand assessment.
@CoinJunkie I think we agree that if possible it’d be great if GC improved their imaging. Consignors would certainly love it...I don’t think that can be argued. The coin world knows that great photography is possible....so you can’t blame people for wanting the best every time even if it may not be feasible. 👀🤓
@keyman64 said:
As of now, 33 (47.8%) votes say the images are just fine(I removed Ian's vote because there is clear bias there) and 36 (52.2%) say TVs are better.
For anyone that runs a business... If more than half of your potential customer base says that you aren't doing a good enough job and that your competitors do a better job, Do you keep doing the same thing or do you try to improve? If 80+% said I was doing a fine job then I would likely look at the information but it wouldn't be a huge priority to change much. But geeeeez, when more than half say I am not doing great, wouldn't that be cause for concern and mean that I could probably be making more money for myself and my clients?
The problem is in the poll design. Even if the poll was designed to answer this question, the votes are statistically irrelevant.
There are a number of issues with making decisions from this poll. First of all, there is an inherent bias since it is posted on the PCGS forum (taking that into account, I’m actually surprised that the percentage for TruViews isn’t even higher). Then we have self selection bias (it’s not randomly applied). The sample size is quite small at 70 total people. And as already mentioned, the question doesn’t have an option for improving pictures (just keeping them the same or using TruView photos).
@keyman64 said:
As of now, 33 (47.8%) votes say the images are just fine(I removed Ian's vote because there is clear bias there) and 36 (52.2%) say TVs are better.
For anyone that runs a business... If more than half of your potential customer base says that you aren't doing a good enough job and that your competitors do a better job, Do you keep doing the same thing or do you try to improve? If 80+% said I was doing a fine job then I would likely look at the information but it wouldn't be a huge priority to change much. But geeeeez, when more than half say I am not doing great, wouldn't that be cause for concern and mean that I could probably be making more money for myself and my clients?
The problem is in the poll design. Even if the poll was designed to answer this question, the votes are statistically irrelevant.
There are a number of issues with making decisions from this poll. First of all, there is an inherent bias since it is posted on the PCGS forum (taking that into account, I’m actually surprised that the percentage for TruViews isn’t even higher). Then we have self selection bias (it’s not randomly applied). The sample size is quite small at 70 total people. And as already mentioned, the question doesn’t have an option for improving pictures (just keeping them the same or using TruView photos).
Totally agree. I just didn’t want to get into the details and annoy people. Designing a good poll is hard, especially if you want to avoid biases on any side.
There are a number of issues with making decisions from this poll. First of all, there is an inherent bias since it is posted on the PCGS forum (taking that into account, I’m actually surprised that the percentage for TruViews isn’t even higher). Then we have self selection bias (it’s not randomly applied). The sample size is quite small at 70 total people. And as already mentioned, the question doesn’t have an option for improving pictures (just keeping them the same or using TruView photos).
There is only one person in this thread that makes decisions with regard to GC's pictures, and he's probably looking at the discussion more than he is the poll scoreboard.
Comments
As of now, 33 (47.8%) votes say the images are just fine(I removed Ian's vote because there is clear bias there) and 36 (52.2%) say TVs are better.
For anyone that runs a business... If more than half of your potential customer base says that you aren't doing a good enough job and that your competitors do a better job, Do you keep doing the same thing or do you try to improve? If 80+% said I was doing a fine job then I would likely look at the information but it wouldn't be a huge priority to change much. But geeeeez, when more than half say I am not doing great, wouldn't that be cause for concern and mean that I could probably be making more money for myself and my clients?
Looking for Top Pop Mercury Dime Varieties & High Grade Mercury Dime Toners.
Again, this poll was specifically about whether GC should add TrueViews to their listings (assuming they exist for a particular coin). It was not about whether GC's images could be improved or were at least adequate in the majority of cases. And just because a lot of people prefer TVs to GC's images doesn't imply to me that GC needs to emulate TVs with their photography (are those voters buyers or sellers, by the way?). Given one or the other, I'd prefer GC's images, but also having a TV is the best case scenario in my mind (others disagree, apparently).
Per Ian Russell, GC is trying to improve. I'm sure they'll take any and all constructive criticism into account. I just wish people would stop acting like GC's current photography is some sort of travesty or embarrassment. It isn't that bad.
I think the passion you’re seeing here is a result of GC growing so much over the past years—and appreciation/admiration here among forum members for their platform—so naturally we all want to see the best photos possible.
GC must be leaving some money on the table for themselves and their consignors since their images are still lacking overall. Clearly the pics are a bit washed out, and don’t fully capture toning, luster and contrast as well as they should. But yes they’re still better than a number of other sites.
I’d probably point to CRO images as the gold standard in terms of closeups AND slab shots.
CRO posts 50-100 coins/month to their site, AFAIK. GC is handling probably 100x more items, many/most of them much lower in value. As to "subpar", I'll take GC's images over Heritage's as well as most of what gets posted on eBay. YMMV.
Before you posted this reply I had already changed ‘subpar’ to ‘lacking’...which seemed more accurate to me. As I pointed out, GC images are better than some others.
Regarding the quantity GC is handling....it’s obviously a consideration....but ultimately it shouldn’t dictate the picture quality they offer. They should do what it takes to post the best pics for every coin...assuming they have the resources available to do so. It can only make them even more successful.
You're comparing a boutique with a big box store, here. I'll do imaging for CRO at shows now and then, and the low quantity enables me to take some extra time and make sure each photo is the best possible view of the coin that maximizes likelihood of being purchased and not returned. The strategy for the photos for GC, Stack's and Heritage is volume throughput and consistency so that people can eventually learn how to read through the shortcomings of the photos.
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
I understand your point. Of course it’s a valid one.
But forcing customers to “read through the shortcomings of the photos” is LAME! I really don’t care how challenging it may be logistically and/or financially to post the best pics.
PCGS has figured out how to beautifully image TONS of coins daily....I imagine it’s very expensive for them. If GC has the resources to make that happen, too—then they should.
The problem is in the poll design. Even if the poll was designed to answer this question, the votes are statistically irrelevant.
As I (and others) have stated repeatedly, TrueView images are highly variable in terms of their fidelity. GC's images (whatever their shortcomings) are more consistent, and this is very important. It is "LAME" only in comparison to having Mark Goodman (or @messydesk , etc.) image every coin to the highest standard, which is not possible when you consider the volume GC is handling.
It is also possible to contact GC to discuss particular lots of interest and get their in-hand assessment.
@CoinJunkie I think we agree that if possible it’d be great if GC improved their imaging. Consignors would certainly love it...I don’t think that can be argued. The coin world knows that great photography is possible....so you can’t blame people for wanting the best every time even if it may not be feasible. 👀🤓
There are a number of issues with making decisions from this poll. First of all, there is an inherent bias since it is posted on the PCGS forum (taking that into account, I’m actually surprised that the percentage for TruViews isn’t even higher). Then we have self selection bias (it’s not randomly applied). The sample size is quite small at 70 total people. And as already mentioned, the question doesn’t have an option for improving pictures (just keeping them the same or using TruView photos).
Totally agree. I just didn’t want to get into the details and annoy people. Designing a good poll is hard, especially if you want to avoid biases on any side.
There is only one person in this thread that makes decisions with regard to GC's pictures, and he's probably looking at the discussion more than he is the poll scoreboard.
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
Edited.
(Because it's the right thing to do.)
I think GC images are very good. Never had an issue