<< <i>To add insult to injury, I understand that volunteer regional reps will now also be asked to take a "loyalty oath" to the ANA. It just gets better and better doesn't it? >>
Who has more deep dark secrets that they don't want the public to know about? The ANA, CIA or the NSA? >>
How about Skull and Bones, the KKK, and most college frat houses? Heck, not even the Masonic Lodge (of which I am a proud member of and also a past master in the great state of Illinois) is this secretive - I know that the negative press that the ANA and its leadership is getting is really driving them nuts - GOOD!!!!!!!
DORAN COINS - On Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), & www.dorancoins.net - UPCOMING SHOWS (tentative dates)- 2/26/2026 - Joliet, IL
Let me ask everyone this - if a watchdog group was formed with the purpose of protecting the member interests of the ANA, would you join?
Here is my reason - I think with all the shady happenings with the ANA coming to light, we, as concerned ANA members, need to speak up a little bit LOUDER to get the board to do things that is everyone's interests (as in the hobby as a whole). I am proposing to form a watchdog group called CANAM (Concerned American Numismatic Association Members). What do you think?
DORAN COINS - On Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), & www.dorancoins.net - UPCOMING SHOWS (tentative dates)- 2/26/2026 - Joliet, IL
<< <i>I was considering joining, but maybe I'll wait.... >>
Actually this is the BEST time to join. They need the input of their members. PLUS, there was an offer to pay from one year and Rare Coin Wholesalers would pay for your 2nd year. 2 for 1. Great deal and a great way to have your say.
<< <i>I was considering joining, but maybe I'll wait.... >>
Actually this is the BEST time to join. They need the input of their members. PLUS, there was an offer to pay from one year and Rare Coin Wholesalers would pay for your 2nd year. 2 for 1. Great deal and a great way to have your say.
<< <i>Cipoletti is an ass. He left me and some others out in the cold durring a certain lawsuit. >>
Jason, I know about that - and quite frankly, !
You might as well throw in Stuppler in this equation, too - it was because of him that you wound up in the lawsuit. >>
No, I can't blame anyone but the plaintiffs for that but I do feel a little used by the other though. I became a "poster boy" for donations ......... donations that I didn't see any of. Oh well, that was a while ago and I am back on my feet and things are good.
<< <i>Cipoletti is an ass. He left me and some others out in the cold durring a certain lawsuit. >>
Jason, I know about that - and quite frankly, !
You might as well throw in Stuppler in this equation, too - it was because of him that you wound up in the lawsuit. >>
No, I can't blame anyone but the plaintiffs for that but I do feel a little used by the other though. I became a "poster boy" for donations ......... donations that I didn't see any of. Oh well, that was a while ago and I am back on my feet and things are good. >>
Understandable, Jason. And I only hope that if the ANA gets some reform-minded board members in 2007 that the first thing that needs to be done is to force Cipoletti to resign!
DORAN COINS - On Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), & www.dorancoins.net - UPCOMING SHOWS (tentative dates)- 2/26/2026 - Joliet, IL
Would it be possible as ANA members to request information as to who the ANA legal defense fund paid money out to? (Possibly not since the money was donated and did not come form the ANA itself.) I strongly suspect that the only people who got money from the fund were the board members.
<< <i>Would it be possible as ANA members to request information as to who the ANA legal defense fund paid money out to? (Possibly not since the money was donated and did not come form the ANA itself.) I strongly suspect that the only people who got money from the fund were the board members. >>
I can't see why not - but I would not be suprised that it would get stonewalled.
DORAN COINS - On Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), & www.dorancoins.net - UPCOMING SHOWS (tentative dates)- 2/26/2026 - Joliet, IL
Man it would be nice if they would video tape the ANA board meetings. A lot of us aren't able to travel to the shows and it would be nice to be able to see them. They could host them on their web pages......... A simple thing to do.
"Actually, if you're a member, then you can really voice your concerns. I am one of those "throw the bums out" voters who get sick and tired of the "romper room" politics of the ANA. I do complain about the antics of the current board, especially when late last year a freshman board member got expelled over a breach of confidintiality (over a simple rookie mistake.) Most of the problems will take care of itself in about a year from now when people like me "throw the bums out!"
Are you KIDDING, organizations like this exist because of themselves for themselves, and only thrive because of the membership..... if the membership ceases to exist they to cease to exist. I belonged to a large sports governing body in Canada that had this attitude and I stepped up to the plate and joined the board... eventually quit out of frustration (as did many others) and quickly (I may have helped a bit) a new body was formed and wella the old body folded. If the ANA is that bad the quick answer is EVERYBODY quit... are they really that important (or just self important). think about it? If the ANA folded tomorrow and a new body took it's place would your life change?
There is nothing more powerful than the power of goodbye
<< <i>Man it would be nice if they would video tape the ANA board meetings. A lot of us aren't able to travel to the shows and it would be nice to be able to see them. They could host them on their web pages......... A simple thing to do. >>
Jason - the suggestion of videotaping the meetings is actually a good idea. But, of course, there would be plenty of editing (on the same scale of the Nixon Watergate tapes, if you know what I mean.)
And by the way - since when did the ANA did anything simple?
DORAN COINS - On Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), & www.dorancoins.net - UPCOMING SHOWS (tentative dates)- 2/26/2026 - Joliet, IL
<< <i>"Actually, if you're a member, then you can really voice your concerns. I am one of those "throw the bums out" voters who get sick and tired of the "romper room" politics of the ANA. I do complain about the antics of the current board, especially when late last year a freshman board member got expelled over a breach of confidintiality (over a simple rookie mistake.) Most of the problems will take care of itself in about a year from now when people like me "throw the bums out!"
Are you KIDDING, organizations like this exist because of themselves for themselves, and only thrive because of the membership..... if the membership ceases to exist they to cease to exist. I belonged to a large sports governing body in Canada that had this attitude and I stepped up to the plate and joined the board... eventually quit out of frustration (as did many others) and quickly (I may have helped a bit) a new body was formed and wella the old body folded. If the ANA is that bad the quick answer is EVERYBODY quit... are they really that important (or just self important). think about it? If the ANA folded tomorrow and a new body took it's place would your life change? >>
.....and what is your point? Personally, I am not one for a "quick fix" or "easy way out".
DORAN COINS - On Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), & www.dorancoins.net - UPCOMING SHOWS (tentative dates)- 2/26/2026 - Joliet, IL
<< <i>I was considering joining, but maybe I'll wait.... >>
As I told the other gentleman in my previous post, if you're not a member, then you really can't do anything. Becoming a member can change all of that. >>
Well, maybe I'll take you up on that. The sight of George Patton makes me want to press and engage the enemy!
Patton: Fixed fortifications are monuments to the stupidity of man. If anything made by God can be overcome, anything made by man can be overcome.
<< <i>I was considering joining, but maybe I'll wait.... >>
As I told the other gentleman in my previous post, if you're not a member, then you really can't do anything. Becoming a member can change all of that. >>
Well, maybe I'll take you up on that. The sight of George Patton makes me want to press and engage the enemy!
Patton: Fixed fortifications are monuments to the stupidity of man. If anything made by God can be overcome, anything made by man can be overcome. >>
DORAN COINS - On Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), & www.dorancoins.net - UPCOMING SHOWS (tentative dates)- 2/26/2026 - Joliet, IL
<< <i>I can do without the magazine, I can do without the classes (as I can never get there), I can do without the museum (will never be a priority), but I am worried about the library which should be allowed to survive.
Seems like we have an ANA board that needs a complete house cleaning, and at least one new business person to right the ship.
I will hang on to my membership to vote the bastiges out, but if there is no new regime, color me gone. What a shame >>
My ANA membership is up for renewal. Should I renew to pay the lawyer at the top of this heap (who keeps me in the dark about what's going on) and maintain my aura of respectability as a dues-paying collector, or should I just buy another cool raw coin with the annual membership fee? (I've been a member for 6 of the last 20 years, and have only a bodybag from NGC and a stack of Numismatists to show for it.)
If I renew, I expect that a governor or two who gets my vote will be ousted for reasons withheld from the membership. My annual dues aren't enough to place a ballsy governor on board. If I sold a few of my better coins and bought a life membership, I doubt that this mere collector could influence the ANA to do anything about some popular eBay scam artists, questionable grading services, print ad misrepresenters, or others who drive newbies away from our hobby. How much money would it take for a collector to "vote the bastiges out" and replace the regime with one more concerned with education and consumer protection than covering the ANA's asse(t)s in a hypothetical lawsuit?
"Never attribute to malice what can be adequately explained by stupidity" - Hanlon's Razor
<< <i>I hope that Walt (Ostromecki) runs for a board seat, and that Scott Travers runs against Barry Stupler for President. The ANA Board seriously needs reform now. >>
Has Scott expressed any interest or are you wishing and hoping? >>
Well, when Scott Travers was ANA VP (2001-2003), he stated in print, if I'm right, that he was taking some time off and that he would run for ANA President in 2005. That didn't happen, but there is the possibility that he might run, and since he was ANA VP, he has the right to run just like Barry Stuppler. Quite frankly, Stuppler being President could be a disater in the making. It was Stuppler who has (and still is) picking a fight with Alan Hagar and ASA Accugrade. And we know what resulted (lawsuit, anyone!) As far as disciplinary action goes, if you compare Ostromecki with Stuppler, Ostromecki got booted from the ANA Board over a simple freshman rookie mistake while Stuppler, on the other hand, only got a slap on the hand over the great big fiasco with Accugrade (which, as we know, got most of the ANA board, some well-known numismatic companies, and some leading numismatic experts sued!) The suit was since been dismissed, but is being re-submitted again.
If I had a choice between Travers and Stuppler, I would pick Travers. >>
I decided to join the ANA again when Barry Stuppler announced the legal defense fund for ANA members sued by ACG. As far as I know, no collector named in that lawsuit received a penny from the ANA, and Barry Stuppler engaged the services of a very expensive Florida attorney. Those of us named as defendants early on in the ACG machinations were flabbergasted at the chosen mouthpiece's hourly fees. My only conversation with Mr. Stuppler )at a CSNS show) ended with him telling me that I couldn't afford the coins he deals in. Two months later, I was temporarily banned from eBay for mentioning the name Barry Stuppler on their coin discussion board. But enough dead horse-beating.... At least Mr. Travers' books are affordable.
The topic of this thread is not Stuppler vs. Travers, but why the ANA might have to dip in to its endowmwnt to cover legal fees. Accugrade is now all but defunct, despite their ANA contibutions a few years ago. SGS, NTC, self-slabbers using Coin World holders, and perhaps PCI have taken ACG's place as the favorite grading service of online coin sellers cashing in on bargain-hunting newbies who believe in "certified" opinions of a coin's grade as gospel. I doubt that the ANA will ever dare publish anything as educational as the grading threads I read here every day. The possibility of a lawsuit from the successful self-slabbers du jour could eat up many membership dues and then some. Perhaps this is why the ANA has a "cover our asses" guy at the helm. It seems that the ANA now more about avoiding lawsuits than about learning about coins.
Who would get my vote for the ANA executive director and board of governors if membership could out the apologists for the status quo? Most of them would not want the position (I think of Groucho Marx saying "I would not want to be a member of any organization willing to accept people like me as members"). How about K6AZ on the board of governors, in charge of consumer protection? Mad Marty, Michael, Russ, Fatman, and LucyBop as fellow governors? The unelected head honcho must be a lawyer who knows coins. Anaconda? Nah, then I wouldn't be able to afford membership, assuming he determined the annual dues.
"Never attribute to malice what can be adequately explained by stupidity" - Hanlon's Razor
<< <i>I hope that Walt (Ostromecki) runs for a board seat, and that Scott Travers runs against Barry Stupler for President. The ANA Board seriously needs reform now. >>
Has Scott expressed any interest or are you wishing and hoping? >>
Well, when Scott Travers was ANA VP (2001-2003), he stated in print, if I'm right, that he was taking some time off and that he would run for ANA President in 2005. That didn't happen, but there is the possibility that he might run, and since he was ANA VP, he has the right to run just like Barry Stuppler. Quite frankly, Stuppler being President could be a disater in the making. It was Stuppler who has (and still is) picking a fight with Alan Hagar and ASA Accugrade. And we know what resulted (lawsuit, anyone!) As far as disciplinary action goes, if you compare Ostromecki with Stuppler, Ostromecki got booted from the ANA Board over a simple freshman rookie mistake while Stuppler, on the other hand, only got a slap on the hand over the great big fiasco with Accugrade (which, as we know, got most of the ANA board, some well-known numismatic companies, and some leading numismatic experts sued!) The suit was since been dismissed, but is being re-submitted again.
If I had a choice between Travers and Stuppler, I would pick Travers. >>
I decided to join the ANA again when Barry Stuppler announced the legal defense fund for ANA members sued by ACG. As far as I know, no collector named in that lawsuit received a penny from the ANA, and Barry Stuppler engaged the services of a very expensive Florida attorney. Those of us named as defendants early on in the ACG machinations were flabbergasted at the chosen mouthpiece's hourly fees. My only conversation with Mr. Stuppler )at a CSNS show) ended with him telling me that I couldn't afford the coins he deals in. Two months later, I was temporarily banned from eBay for mentioning the name Barry Stuppler on their coin discussion board. But enough dead horse-beating.... At least Mr. Travers' books are affordable.
The topic of this thread is not Stuppler vs. Travers, but why the ANA might have to dip in to its endowmwnt to cover legal fees. Accugrade is now all but defunct, despite their ANA contibutions a few years ago. SGS, NTC, self-slabbers using Coin World holders, and perhaps PCI have taken ACG's place as the favorite grading service of online coin sellers cashing in on bargain-hunting newbies who believe in "certified" opinions of a coin's grade as gospel. I doubt that the ANA will ever dare publish anything as educational as the grading threads I read here every day. The possibility of a lawsuit from the successful self-slabbers du jour could eat up many membership dues and then some. Perhaps this is why the ANA has a "cover our asses" guy at the helm. It seems that the ANA now more about avoiding lawsuits than about learning about coins.
Who would get my vote for the ANA executive director and board of governors if membership could out the apologists for the status quo? Most of them would not want the position (I think of Groucho Marx saying "I would not want to be a member of any organization willing to accept people like me as members"). How about K6AZ on the board of governors, in charge of consumer protection? Mad Marty, Michael, Russ, Fatman, and LucyBop as fellow governors? The unelected head honcho must be a lawyer who knows coins. Anaconda? Nah, then I wouldn't be able to afford membership, assuming he determined the annual dues. >>
How about dorancoins - who knows how to raise a big stink - who is also known as Attilla The Hun!
DORAN COINS - On Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), & www.dorancoins.net - UPCOMING SHOWS (tentative dates)- 2/26/2026 - Joliet, IL
<< <i>I can do without the magazine, I can do without the classes (as I can never get there), I can do without the museum (will never be a priority), but I am worried about the library which should be allowed to survive.
Seems like we have an ANA board that needs a complete house cleaning, and at least one new business person to right the ship.
I will hang on to my membership to vote the bastiges out, but if there is no new regime, color me gone. What a shame >>
My ANA membership is up for renewal. Should I renew to pay the lawyer at the top of this heap (who keeps me in the dark about what's going on) and maintain my aura of respectability as a dues-paying collector, or should I just buy another cool raw coin with the annual membership fee? (I've been a member for 6 of the last 20 years, and have only a bodybag from NGC and a stack of Numismatists to show for it.)
If I renew, I expect that a governor or two who gets my vote will be ousted for reasons withheld from the membership. My annual dues aren't enough to place a ballsy governor on board. If I sold a few of my better coins and bought a life membership, I doubt that this mere collector could influence the ANA to do anything about some popular eBay scam artists, questionable grading services, print ad misrepresenters, or others who drive newbies away from our hobby. How much money would it take for a collector to "vote the bastiges out" and replace the regime with one more concerned with education and consumer protection than covering the ANA's asse(t)s in a hypothetical lawsuit? >>
Depends. Let me ask you this - are you fed up with politics as usual? Are you unhappy with the lies and deceits that are coming out of Colorado Springs? Are you feeling like your voice is not being heard and that you're being ignored?
Here is what it comes down to - As a member I want my voice to be heard and my concerns addressed. I want those who I elected into the Board of Governors to make the right decisions for the hobby as a whole. I am disgusted with all the crap that is going on with the ANA, like everyone else. I feel that if we, the concerned members of the ANA don't do something about it, then things are only going to get worse!
And as far the current board is concerned, in the words of one of the forum members, in 2007 lets "vote the bastiges out"!
DORAN COINS - On Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), & www.dorancoins.net - UPCOMING SHOWS (tentative dates)- 2/26/2026 - Joliet, IL
[Depends. Let me ask you this - are you fed up with politics as usual? Are you unhappy with the lies and deceits that are coming out of Colorado Springs? Are you feeling like your voice is not being heard and that you're being ignored?
Here is what it comes down to - As a member I want my voice to be heard and my concerns addressed. I want those who I elected into the Board of Governors to make the right decisions for the hobby as a whole. I am disgusted with all the crap that is going on with the ANA, like everyone else. I feel that if we, the concerned members of the ANA don't do something about it, then things are only going to get worse!
And as far the current board is concerned, in the words of one of the forum members, in 2007 lets "vote the bastiges out"! >>
Yes, the ANA ignores my concerns. But which bastiges will the collectors vote in next?
"Never attribute to malice what can be adequately explained by stupidity" - Hanlon's Razor
I decided to join the ANA again when Barry Stuppler announced the legal defense fund for ANA members sued by ACG. As far as I know, no collector named in that lawsuit received a penny from the ANA, and Barry Stuppler engaged the services of a very expensive Florida attorney. Those of us named as defendants early on in the ACG machinations were flabbergasted at the chosen mouthpiece's hourly fees. My only conversation with Mr. Stuppler )at a CSNS show) ended with him telling me that I couldn't afford the coins he deals in. Two months later, I was temporarily banned from eBay for mentioning the name Barry Stuppler on their coin discussion board. But enough dead horse-beating.... At least Mr. Travers' books are affordable.
IIRC, it was Eric Tillery, not Barry Stuppler, who hired that law firm. Didn't all the ANA governors named have their own counsel? As another defendant in that case, I decided the prudent course was hiring my own attorney. As it turned out, it was a good move, as I was the first one dismissed from the suit. I recall emailing several of the RCC defendents I knew fairly well and suggested they find their own lawyer. Besides the obvious overcharging by that law firm (someone showed me the first invoice), it didn't seem wise to be under an umbrella held by Tillery.
I also found it outrageous that the ANA created the ACG defense fund with the promiose of covering expenses of any members named, using Jason as the poster boy, but not paying out. They collecting an unknown (another ANA secret?) amount of money and nobody knows what it was really used for. I doubt it was used for the ANA's defense as their business insurance policy most likely covered their expenses.
<< <i>I decided to join the ANA again when Barry Stuppler announced the legal defense fund for ANA members sued by ACG. As far as I know, no collector named in that lawsuit received a penny from the ANA, and Barry Stuppler engaged the services of a very expensive Florida attorney. Those of us named as defendants early on in the ACG machinations were flabbergasted at the chosen mouthpiece's hourly fees. My only conversation with Mr. Stuppler )at a CSNS show) ended with him telling me that I couldn't afford the coins he deals in. Two months later, I was temporarily banned from eBay for mentioning the name Barry Stuppler on their coin discussion board. But enough dead horse-beating.... At least Mr. Travers' books are affordable.
IIRC, it was Eric Tillery, not Barry Stuppler, who hired that law firm. Didn't all the ANA governors named have their own counsel? As another defendant in that case, I decided the prudent course was hiring my own attorney. As it turned out, it was a good move, as I was the first one dismissed from the suit. I recall emailing several of the RCC defendents I knew fairly well and suggested they find their own lawyer. Besides the obvious overcharging by that law firm (someone showed me the first invoice), it didn't seem wise to be under an umbrella held by Tillery.
I also found it outrageous that the ANA created the ACG defense fund with the promiose of covering expenses of any members named, using Jason as the poster boy, but not paying out. They collecting an unknown (another ANA secret?) amount of money and nobody knows what it was really used for. I doubt it was used for the ANA's defense as their business insurance policy most likely covered their expenses. >>
Barry, I understand. Regarding the defense fund, the records of that and the amount of money raised (which, as you pointed out, is another ANA secret) should be made availabe for the membership and the public to see. I would not be surprised that someone is pocketing it. It was unfortunate that Jason was used as a poster boy for the fund raising. He got nothing, and none of the ANA members mentioned in the lawsuit (outside of the Board) got nothing! The whole thing sounds rotten big time.
DORAN COINS - On Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), & www.dorancoins.net - UPCOMING SHOWS (tentative dates)- 2/26/2026 - Joliet, IL
<< <i>[Depends. Let me ask you this - are you fed up with politics as usual? Are you unhappy with the lies and deceits that are coming out of Colorado Springs? Are you feeling like your voice is not being heard and that you're being ignored?
Here is what it comes down to - As a member I want my voice to be heard and my concerns addressed. I want those who I elected into the Board of Governors to make the right decisions for the hobby as a whole. I am disgusted with all the crap that is going on with the ANA, like everyone else. I feel that if we, the concerned members of the ANA don't do something about it, then things are only going to get worse!
And as far the current board is concerned, in the words of one of the forum members, in 2007 lets "vote the bastiges out"! >>
Yes, the ANA ignores my concerns. But which bastiges will the collectors vote in next? >>
I would love to run against "the bastiges" - but, as I stated in previous posts, three things are currently going against me - money, time, name recognition. ANA election campaigns cost money and takes lots of time. Name recognition is another matter. Now, all of that could change if those who want to support me for a board seat can do the following: raise funds to finance the campaign (to purchase brochures, buttons, and postage), spread the word about me, and, most importantly, vote for me (and get others to do the same).
What should my campaign be? REFORM! If I am elected, my policy is that the ANA membership (all 32,000+ members) are my boss and I will answer to them. I will not sugar coat one thing, and I will not get involved in the "Colorado Springs Polka"!
My philosophy anymore is that of comedian Larry The Cable Guy - "GIT-R-DONE!"
My question to those on the CU Forum - Would you support my campaign? Most importantly, would you vote for me?
DORAN COINS - On Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), & www.dorancoins.net - UPCOMING SHOWS (tentative dates)- 2/26/2026 - Joliet, IL
I have not read this entire thread but I would urge each member to recognize the positive attributes of the the ANA and the importance of having a national organization to speak on the behalf of the coin hobby. If we have problems with management and/or elected leadership then speak with your votes. I am sure there are many frustrations, many of which are justified. I was at the summer seminars when the issue of venue for the education sessions was discussed ; the membership present spoke loudly. I am sure management heard or were told of the members' position. Let's not throw the baby out with the bath water.
I pretty much have a bad taste in mouth about this "legal defense fund" thing. At a time when it seemed that the proceeds will help the legal defense of the individuals named, I auctioned off a 1934-S Peace Dollar, formerly an ACG AU-50 with no mention of cleaning, to benefit the fund. This auction sent $200 to the fund. Once I found out how the fund money was being used -- without a cent being given to the defense of the individuals in the suit, well, let's just say I wasn't happy. I would have been better off giving that money to Eric, probably.
It's time to clean house in Colorado Springs. I don't know the man personally so I make no personal judgments, but I don't like the direction of the ANA under Chris Cipoletti.
<< <i>[Depends. Let me ask you this - are you fed up with politics as usual? Are you unhappy with the lies and deceits that are coming out of Colorado Springs? Are you feeling like your voice is not being heard and that you're being ignored?
Here is what it comes down to - As a member I want my voice to be heard and my concerns addressed. I want those who I elected into the Board of Governors to make the right decisions for the hobby as a whole. I am disgusted with all the crap that is going on with the ANA, like everyone else. I feel that if we, the concerned members of the ANA don't do something about it, then things are only going to get worse!
And as far the current board is concerned, in the words of one of the forum members, in 2007 lets "vote the bastiges out"! >>
Yes, the ANA ignores my concerns. But which bastiges will the collectors vote in next? >>
I would love to run against "the bastiges" - but, as I stated in previous posts, three things are currently going against me - money, time, name recognition. ANA election campaigns cost money and takes lots of time. Name recognition is another matter. Now, all of that could change if those who want to support me for a board seat can do the following: raise funds to finance the campaign (to purchase brochures, buttons, and postage), spread the word about me, and, most importantly, vote for me (and get others to do the same).
What should my campaign be? REFORM! If I am elected, my policy is that the ANA membership (all 32,000+ members) are my boss and I will answer to them. I will not sugar coat one thing, and I will not get involved in the "Colorado Springs Polka"!
My philosophy anymore is that of comedian Larry The Cable Guy - "GIT-R-DONE!"
My question to those on the CU Forum - Would you support my campaign? Most importantly, would you vote for me? >>
I would promise to seriously consider voting for you. I would like to see a detailed candidate statement first, of course.
I wonder what the percentage is, CU Forum Members who are members of the ANA. In many ANA threads here, you get a lot of participation by non-members, which can hardly be representative of the membership at large, IMHO.
Non-members, especially those who have never been a member, can hardly speak as to what the ANA is all about, the good, along with the bad. They are relying on what others tell them, or what they read online, or in the newspaper.
I am kind of isolated, right now, being overseas - but I don't sense a huge dissatisfaction on the part of the average ANA member, towards the ANA. Perhaps I am wrong about that, but most of the dissatisfaction I see comes from former members with an obvious agenda to push, babbling from non-members (much of which makes no sense whatsoever), and, of course, with current members who are not satisfied with the present leadership (I am one of these). Time to get some new blood in there, IMHO.
In any event, any candidate that gets my vote will have to be qualified across the board, in all areas concerning the ANA.
When I read postings about the defense fund, and how it was or was not used, it makes me angry. Still, I do not have all of the facts, so I really can't make up my own mind about it, until the facts are made available to me. As far as the senior leadership goes, the more transparency the better. The members have the right to know what is going on in the ANA.
Those are my thoughts, anyway.
John
John C. Knudsen, LM ANA 2342, LM CSNS 337 SFC, US Army (Ret.) 1974-1994
<< <i>[Depends. Let me ask you this - are you fed up with politics as usual? Are you unhappy with the lies and deceits that are coming out of Colorado Springs? Are you feeling like your voice is not being heard and that you're being ignored?
Here is what it comes down to - As a member I want my voice to be heard and my concerns addressed. I want those who I elected into the Board of Governors to make the right decisions for the hobby as a whole. I am disgusted with all the crap that is going on with the ANA, like everyone else. I feel that if we, the concerned members of the ANA don't do something about it, then things are only going to get worse!
And as far the current board is concerned, in the words of one of the forum members, in 2007 lets "vote the bastiges out"! >>
Yes, the ANA ignores my concerns. But which bastiges will the collectors vote in next? >>
I would love to run against "the bastiges" - but, as I stated in previous posts, three things are currently going against me - money, time, name recognition. ANA election campaigns cost money and takes lots of time. Name recognition is another matter. Now, all of that could change if those who want to support me for a board seat can do the following: raise funds to finance the campaign (to purchase brochures, buttons, and postage), spread the word about me, and, most importantly, vote for me (and get others to do the same).
What should my campaign be? REFORM! If I am elected, my policy is that the ANA membership (all 32,000+ members) are my boss and I will answer to them. I will not sugar coat one thing, and I will not get involved in the "Colorado Springs Polka"!
My philosophy anymore is that of comedian Larry The Cable Guy - "GIT-R-DONE!"
My question to those on the CU Forum - Would you support my campaign? Most importantly, would you vote for me? >>
I would promise to seriously consider voting for you. I would like to see a detailed candidate statement first, of course.
I wonder what the percentage is, CU Forum Members who are members of the ANA. In many ANA threads here, you get a lot of participation by non-members, which can hardly be representative of the membership at large, IMHO.
Non-members, especially those who have never been a member, can hardly speak as to what the ANA is all about, the good, along with the bad. They are relying on what others tell them, or what they read online, or in the newspaper.
I am kind of isolated, right now, being overseas - but I don't sense a huge dissatisfaction on the part of the average ANA member, towards the ANA. Perhaps I am wrong about that, but most of the dissatisfaction I see comes from former members with an obvious agenda to push, babbling from non-members (much of which makes no sense whatsoever), and, of course, with current members who are not satisfied with the present leadership (I am one of these). Time to get some new blood in there, IMHO.
In any event, any candidate that gets my vote will have to be qualified across the board, in all areas concerning the ANA.
When I read postings about the defense fund, and how it was or was not used, it makes me angry. Still, I do not have all of the facts, so I really can't make up my own mind about it, until the facts are made available to me. As far as the senior leadership goes, the more transparency the better. The members have the right to know what is going on in the ANA.
Those are my thoughts, anyway.
John >>
If I decide to run, here is the link to learn a bit about me - Click Here
Here is my platform:
More open meetings, and also have the meetings videotaped so that members get see what the board is doing.
A new Exceutive Director who will put the interests of the hobby ahead of his own.
Better fiscal management (currently the ANA is losing 3 times more money than last year - not a way to run a business (or a non-profit one, for that matter.)
Eliminate the "loyalty oaths" that volunteers and others have to sign and also eliminate the confidentiality agreement that board members have to sign
Encourage more member involvement, not less.
Why should I get your vote? Here's why -
1) I believe that the members of the ANA should come first, not last.
2) I feel that LISTENING to the ANA membership is important in order to understand issues and concerns that are effecting the hobby.
3) That I am not associated in any way with special-interest groups or large numismatic corperations (in other words, I am not bought-off by someone or have a vested interest in a company).
4) I feel that the more transparency the ANA is, the better off it will be.
Do I sound like a potential candidate?
DORAN COINS - On Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), & www.dorancoins.net - UPCOMING SHOWS (tentative dates)- 2/26/2026 - Joliet, IL
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>[Depends. Let me ask you this - are you fed up with politics as usual? Are you unhappy with the lies and deceits that are coming out of Colorado Springs? Are you feeling like your voice is not being heard and that you're being ignored?
Here is what it comes down to - As a member I want my voice to be heard and my concerns addressed. I want those who I elected into the Board of Governors to make the right decisions for the hobby as a whole. I am disgusted with all the crap that is going on with the ANA, like everyone else. I feel that if we, the concerned members of the ANA don't do something about it, then things are only going to get worse!
And as far the current board is concerned, in the words of one of the forum members, in 2007 lets "vote the bastiges out"! >>
Yes, the ANA ignores my concerns. But which bastiges will the collectors vote in next? >>
I would love to run against "the bastiges" - but, as I stated in previous posts, three things are currently going against me - money, time, name recognition. ANA election campaigns cost money and takes lots of time. Name recognition is another matter. Now, all of that could change if those who want to support me for a board seat can do the following: raise funds to finance the campaign (to purchase brochures, buttons, and postage), spread the word about me, and, most importantly, vote for me (and get others to do the same).
What should my campaign be? REFORM! If I am elected, my policy is that the ANA membership (all 32,000+ members) are my boss and I will answer to them. I will not sugar coat one thing, and I will not get involved in the "Colorado Springs Polka"!
My philosophy anymore is that of comedian Larry The Cable Guy - "GIT-R-DONE!"
My question to those on the CU Forum - Would you support my campaign? Most importantly, would you vote for me? >>
I would promise to seriously consider voting for you. I would like to see a detailed candidate statement first, of course.
I wonder what the percentage is, CU Forum Members who are members of the ANA. In many ANA threads here, you get a lot of participation by non-members, which can hardly be representative of the membership at large, IMHO.
Non-members, especially those who have never been a member, can hardly speak as to what the ANA is all about, the good, along with the bad. They are relying on what others tell them, or what they read online, or in the newspaper.
I am kind of isolated, right now, being overseas - but I don't sense a huge dissatisfaction on the part of the average ANA member, towards the ANA. Perhaps I am wrong about that, but most of the dissatisfaction I see comes from former members with an obvious agenda to push, babbling from non-members (much of which makes no sense whatsoever), and, of course, with current members who are not satisfied with the present leadership (I am one of these). Time to get some new blood in there, IMHO.
In any event, any candidate that gets my vote will have to be qualified across the board, in all areas concerning the ANA.
When I read postings about the defense fund, and how it was or was not used, it makes me angry. Still, I do not have all of the facts, so I really can't make up my own mind about it, until the facts are made available to me. As far as the senior leadership goes, the more transparency the better. The members have the right to know what is going on in the ANA.
Those are my thoughts, anyway.
John >>
If I decide to run, here is the link to learn a bit about me - Click Here
Here is my platform:
More open meetings, and also have the meetings videotaped so that members get see what the board is doing.
A new Exceutive Director who will put the interests of the hobby ahead of his own.
Better fiscal management (currently the ANA is losing 3 times more money than last year - not a way to run a business (or a non-profit one, for that matter.)
Eliminate the "loyalty oaths" that volunteers and others have to sign and also eliminate the confidentiality agreement that board members have to sign
Encourage more member involvement, not less.
Why should I get your vote? Here's why -
1) I believe that the members of the ANA should come first, not last.
2) I feel that LISTENING to the ANA membership is important in order to understand issues and concerns that are effecting the hobby.
3) That I am not associated in any way with special-interest groups or large numismatic corperations (in other words, I am not bought-off by someone or have a vested interest in a company).
4) I feel that the more transparency the ANA is, the better off it will be.
Do I sound like a potential candidate? >>
Thanks, Michael - I like your ideas very much.
John
John C. Knudsen, LM ANA 2342, LM CSNS 337 SFC, US Army (Ret.) 1974-1994
At its founding, the ANA was most likely very relevant to its membership group. Somewhere along the line that all changed.
Now in office are an executive director and board of governors whom are secretive and elitist. Worse, the entire organization has become irrelevant to most of the membership.
With the explosion in the number of people becoming coin collectors, due mostly to the state quarters program, a great opportunity is being missed by the ANA. And the reason has to do with not connecting with the 'average' collector.
The ANA will not survive catering to just a narrowly defined group. ANA membership of 32,000 in a country with 300 million people and a huge coin collector base, is just pathetic.
I was an ANA member on two different occasions. Each experience, after only a couple of years, left me disenchanted with the 'inner workings' of the top echelon. I especially did not like the uncontested race for president and vice president that occured each time. It appeared that governors were doing nothing more than taking their turn being president and vice president. Very elitist!!
Does being a member and having a vote mean anything? I am not so sure!!
In any event, the ANA needs to update itself. It needs to develop a program that will attract all kinds of collectors, including casual coin collectors and especially the youth of America. Slash membership fees and develop a large base of membership and thus obtain funding that will dwarf what is brought in from a measly 32k membership currently.
Unless the ANA becomes much more relevant to the 'real' world of coin collecting in the country, it will become the Dodo bird of the 21st century.
<< <i>At its founding, the ANA was most likely very relevant to its membership group. Somewhere along the line that all changed.
Now in office are an executive director and board of governors whom are secretive and elitist. Worse, the entire organization has become irrelevant to most of the membership.
With the explosion in the number of people becoming coin collectors, due mostly to the state quarters program, a great opportunity is being missed by the ANA. And the reason has to do with not connecting with the 'average' collector.
The ANA will not survive catering to just a narrowly defined group. ANA membership of 22,000 in a country with 300 million people and a huge coin collector base, is just pathetic.
I was an ANA member on two different occasions. Each experience, after only a couple of years, left me disenchanted with the 'inner workings' of the top echelon. I especially did not like the uncontested race for president and vice president the occured each time. It appeared that governors were doing nothing more than taking their turn being president and vice president. Very elitist!!
Does being a member and having a vote mean anything? I am not so sure!!
In any event, the ANA needs to update itself. It needs to develop a program that will attract all kinds of collectors, including casual coin collectors and especially the youth of America. Slash membership fees and develop a large base of membership and thus obtain funding that will dwarf what is brought in from a measly 22k membership currently.
Unless the ANA becomes much more relevant to the 'real' world of coin collecting in the country, it will become the Dodo bird of the 21st century. >>
After reading your post, there was an error I noticed. The ANA currently has over 32,000 members on its rolls. But I have to agree with you that in a country of about 300,000,000 that the membership size of the ANA is very pathetic. There are probably over a million or so collectors in the USA and are, as you pointed out, not ANA members because of the cost of dues or some other reason. I do believe that the ANA should be moving forward, not backward. The dues for a member is $36 - more than most organizations but the American Numismatic Society, which is $60 for its cheapest membership. If this is not a sign of elitism, then what is?
DORAN COINS - On Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), & www.dorancoins.net - UPCOMING SHOWS (tentative dates)- 2/26/2026 - Joliet, IL
As I've stated in previous threads, I am a 25-year-plus ANA member and I will NEVER vote for any of the current incumbents and I will be quite happy to support and work for any candidate who promises to fire Chris Cipoletti. I think that's pretty clear!!
<< <i>As I've stated in previous threads, I am a 25-year-plus ANA member and I will NEVER vote for any of the current incumbents and I will be quite happy to support and work for any candidate who promises to fire Chris Cipoletti. I think that's pretty clear!! >>
You can count me in as one of those new candidates. ANA Reform NOW!
DORAN COINS - On Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), & www.dorancoins.net - UPCOMING SHOWS (tentative dates)- 2/26/2026 - Joliet, IL
<< <i>At its founding, the ANA was most likely very relevant to its membership group. Somewhere along the line that all changed.
Now in office are an executive director and board of governors whom are secretive and elitist. Worse, the entire organization has become irrelevant to most of the membership.
With the explosion in the number of people becoming coin collectors, due mostly to the state quarters program, a great opportunity is being missed by the ANA. And the reason has to do with not connecting with the 'average' collector.
The ANA will not survive catering to just a narrowly defined group. ANA membership of 32,000 in a country with 300 million people and a huge coin collector base, is just pathetic.
I was an ANA member on two different occasions. Each experience, after only a couple of years, left me disenchanted with the 'inner workings' of the top echelon. I especially did not like the uncontested race for president and vice president the occured each time. It appeared that governors were doing nothing more than taking their turn being president and vice president. Very elitist!!
Does being a member and having a vote mean anything? I am not so sure!!
In any event, the ANA needs to update itself. It needs to develop a program that will attract all kinds of collectors, including casual coin collectors and especially the youth of America. Slash membership fees and develop a large base of membership and thus obtain funding that will dwarf what is brought in from a measly 22k membership currently.
Unless the ANA becomes much more relevant to the 'real' world of coin collecting in the country, it will become the Dodo bird of the 21st century. >>
After reading your post, there was an error I noticed. The ANA currently has over 32,000 members on its rolls. But I have to agree with you that in a country of about 300,000,000 that the membership size of the ANA is very pathetic. There are probably over a million or so collectors in the USA and are, as you pointed out, not ANA members because of the cost of dues or some other reason. I do believe that the ANA should be moving forward, not backward. The dues for a member is $36 - more than most organizations but the American Numismatic Society, which is $60 for its cheapest membership. If this is not a sign of elitism, then what is? >>
And thank you, fixed my ANA figure to 32,000 which is correct.
<< <i>As I've stated in previous threads, I am a 25-year-plus ANA member and I will NEVER vote for any of the current incumbents and I will be quite happy to support and work for any candidate who promises to fire Chris Cipoletti. I think that's pretty clear!! >>
You can count me in as one of those new candidates. ANA Reform NOW! >>
I may just rejoin the ANA myself just to have a vote again and participate in what I believe is going to be a very defining next ANA election.
It is hard to know what the average ANA member feels about the organization. Only a small percentage are participating in online forums expressing their views or writing letters to the editor of Coin World and Numismatic News. It seems that anyone who is a member and an active collector (subscriber to CW or NN) has to know of the numerous controversies at least. A lot of people could be upset but will just keep it to themselves.
Comments
<< <i>Cipoletti is an ass. He left me and some others out in the cold durring a certain lawsuit. >>
Jason, I know about that - and quite frankly,
You might as well throw in Stuppler in this equation, too - it was because of him that you wound up in the lawsuit.
<< <i>
<< <i>To add insult to injury, I understand that volunteer regional reps will now also be asked to take a "loyalty oath" to the ANA. It just gets better and better doesn't it?
Who has more deep dark secrets that they don't want the public to know about? The ANA, CIA or the NSA?
How about Skull and Bones, the KKK, and most college frat houses? Heck, not even the Masonic Lodge (of which I am a proud member of and also a past master in the great state of Illinois) is this secretive - I know that the negative press that the ANA and its leadership is getting is really driving them nuts - GOOD!!!!!!!
Here is my reason - I think with all the shady happenings with the ANA coming to light, we, as concerned ANA members, need to speak up a little bit LOUDER to get the board to do things that is everyone's interests (as in the hobby as a whole). I am proposing to form a watchdog group called CANAM (Concerned American Numismatic Association Members). What do you think?
<< <i>
<< <i>I was considering joining, but maybe I'll wait.... >>
Actually this is the BEST time to join. They need the input of their members. PLUS, there was an offer to pay from one year and Rare Coin Wholesalers would pay for your 2nd year. 2 for 1. Great deal and a great way to have your say.
Sign up through Rare Coin Wholesalers. >>
Right on ~
boycott gas, not the coin establishment.
~The best way to deal with ego is to not stroke it~
``https://ebay.us/m/KxolR5
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>I was considering joining, but maybe I'll wait.... >>
Actually this is the BEST time to join. They need the input of their members. PLUS, there was an offer to pay from one year and Rare Coin Wholesalers would pay for your 2nd year. 2 for 1. Great deal and a great way to have your say.
Sign up through Rare Coin Wholesalers. >>
Right on ~
boycott gas, not the coin establishment.
~The best way to deal with ego is to not stroke it~ >>
<< <i>
<< <i>Cipoletti is an ass. He left me and some others out in the cold durring a certain lawsuit. >>
Jason, I know about that - and quite frankly,
You might as well throw in Stuppler in this equation, too - it was because of him that you wound up in the lawsuit. >>
No, I can't blame anyone but the plaintiffs for that but I do feel a little used by the other though. I became a "poster boy" for donations ......... donations that I didn't see any of.
Oh well, that was a while ago and I am back on my feet and things are good.
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>Cipoletti is an ass. He left me and some others out in the cold durring a certain lawsuit. >>
Jason, I know about that - and quite frankly,
You might as well throw in Stuppler in this equation, too - it was because of him that you wound up in the lawsuit. >>
No, I can't blame anyone but the plaintiffs for that but I do feel a little used by the other though. I became a "poster boy" for donations ......... donations that I didn't see any of.
Oh well, that was a while ago and I am back on my feet and things are good. >>
Understandable, Jason. And I only hope that if the ANA gets some reform-minded board members in 2007 that the first thing that needs to be done is to force Cipoletti to resign!
<< <i>......... donations that I didn't see any of. >>
As an ANA member who was also named in the lawsuit, I didn't receive any help from the donation fund either. I wonder where it all went.
<< <i>
<< <i>......... donations that I didn't see any of. >>
As an ANA member who was also named in the lawsuit, I didn't receive any help from the donation fund either. I wonder where it all went.
Someone's pocket - guess who?
<< <i>Would it be possible as ANA members to request information as to who the ANA legal defense fund paid money out to? (Possibly not since the money was donated and did not come form the ANA itself.) I strongly suspect that the only people who got money from the fund were the board members. >>
I can't see why not - but I would not be suprised that it would get stonewalled.
<< <i>someone should make a PUBLIC request at the meeting in DENVER! >>
Good Idea - but knowing the ANA Board and you-know-who, it too will get stonewalled.
<< <i>
<< <i>......... donations that I didn't see any of. >>
As an ANA member who was also named in the lawsuit, I didn't receive any help from the donation fund either. I wonder where it all went.
Do you really have to wonder? I'm guessing the big shots at the ANA who were named in the same suit recieved the donations.
doesn't sound like stonewall, sounds like WINDFALL...
``https://ebay.us/m/KxolR5
<< <i>New suit, new tie, new shoes, new socks, new car, new house ....
doesn't sound like stonewall, sounds like WINDFALL... >>
Well, you know what that means - AUDIT TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>......... donations that I didn't see any of. >>
As an ANA member who was also named in the lawsuit, I didn't receive any help from the donation fund either. I wonder where it all went.
Do you really have to wonder? I'm guessing the big shots at the ANA who were named in the same suit recieved the donations. >>
Only answer I can figure.
<< <i>it would certainly catch the attention of Coin World and any other "press" in attendance. >>
I like that prospect - I like it alot!
Are you KIDDING, organizations like this exist because of themselves for themselves, and only thrive because of the membership..... if the membership ceases to exist they to cease to exist. I belonged to a large sports governing body in Canada that had this attitude and I stepped up to the plate and joined the board... eventually quit out of frustration (as did many others) and quickly (I may have helped a bit) a new body was formed and wella the old body folded. If the ANA is that bad the quick answer is EVERYBODY quit... are they really that important (or just self important). think about it? If the ANA folded tomorrow and a new body took it's place would your life change?
<< <i>Man it would be nice if they would video tape the ANA board meetings. A lot of us aren't able to travel to the shows and it would be nice to be able to see them. They could host them on their web pages......... A simple thing to do. >>
Jason - the suggestion of videotaping the meetings is actually a good idea. But, of course, there would be plenty of editing (on the same scale of the Nixon Watergate tapes, if you know what I mean.)
And by the way - since when did the ANA did anything simple?
<< <i>"Actually, if you're a member, then you can really voice your concerns. I am one of those "throw the bums out" voters who get sick and tired of the "romper room" politics of the ANA. I do complain about the antics of the current board, especially when late last year a freshman board member got expelled over a breach of confidintiality (over a simple rookie mistake.) Most of the problems will take care of itself in about a year from now when people like me "throw the bums out!"
Are you KIDDING, organizations like this exist because of themselves for themselves, and only thrive because of the membership..... if the membership ceases to exist they to cease to exist. I belonged to a large sports governing body in Canada that had this attitude and I stepped up to the plate and joined the board... eventually quit out of frustration (as did many others) and quickly (I may have helped a bit) a new body was formed and wella the old body folded. If the ANA is that bad the quick answer is EVERYBODY quit... are they really that important (or just self important). think about it? If the ANA folded tomorrow and a new body took it's place would your life change? >>
.....and what is your point? Personally, I am not one for a "quick fix" or "easy way out".
CANAM - Concerned ANA Members
<< <i>Let's hear what the leadership has to say before jumping to conclusions.
And if they don't address this in a forthright manner, that will also speak as to what is going on. >>
What leadership????
<< <i>
<< <i>Let's hear what the leadership has to say before jumping to conclusions.
And if they don't address this in a forthright manner, that will also speak as to what is going on. >>
What leadership????
My thoughts exactly, ksteelheader!
<< <i>
<< <i>I was considering joining, but maybe I'll wait.... >>
As I told the other gentleman in my previous post, if you're not a member, then you really can't do anything. Becoming a member can change all of that. >>
Well, maybe I'll take you up on that. The sight of George Patton makes me want to press and engage the enemy!
Patton: Fixed fortifications are monuments to the stupidity of man. If anything made by God can be overcome, anything made by man can be overcome.
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>I was considering joining, but maybe I'll wait.... >>
As I told the other gentleman in my previous post, if you're not a member, then you really can't do anything. Becoming a member can change all of that. >>
Well, maybe I'll take you up on that. The sight of George Patton makes me want to press and engage the enemy!
Patton: Fixed fortifications are monuments to the stupidity of man. If anything made by God can be overcome, anything made by man can be overcome. >>
K
My 1866 Philly Mint Set
<< <i>I can do without the magazine, I can do without the classes (as I can never get there), I can do without the museum (will never be a priority), but I am worried about the library which should be allowed to survive.
Seems like we have an ANA board that needs a complete house cleaning, and at least one new business person to right the ship.
I will hang on to my membership to vote the bastiges out, but if there is no new regime, color me gone. What a shame
>>
My ANA membership is up for renewal. Should I renew to pay the lawyer at the top of this heap (who keeps me in the dark about what's going on) and maintain my aura of respectability as a dues-paying collector, or should I just buy another cool raw coin with the annual membership fee? (I've been a member for 6 of the last 20 years, and have only a bodybag from NGC and a stack of Numismatists to show for it.)
If I renew, I expect that a governor or two who gets my vote will be ousted for reasons withheld from the membership. My annual dues aren't enough to place a ballsy governor on board. If I sold a few of my better coins and bought a life membership, I doubt that this mere collector could influence the ANA to do anything about some popular eBay scam artists, questionable grading services, print ad misrepresenters, or others who drive newbies away from our hobby. How much money would it take for a collector to "vote the bastiges out" and replace the regime with one more concerned with education and consumer protection than covering the ANA's asse(t)s in a hypothetical lawsuit?
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>I hope that Walt (Ostromecki) runs for a board seat, and that Scott Travers runs against Barry Stupler for President. The ANA Board seriously needs reform now. >>
Has Scott expressed any interest or are you wishing and hoping? >>
Well, when Scott Travers was ANA VP (2001-2003), he stated in print, if I'm right, that he was taking some time off and that he would run for ANA President in 2005. That didn't happen, but there is the possibility that he might run, and since he was ANA VP, he has the right to run just like Barry Stuppler. Quite frankly, Stuppler being President could be a disater in the making. It was Stuppler who has (and still is) picking a fight with Alan Hagar and ASA Accugrade. And we know what resulted (lawsuit, anyone!) As far as disciplinary action goes, if you compare Ostromecki with Stuppler, Ostromecki got booted from the ANA Board over a simple freshman rookie mistake while Stuppler, on the other hand, only got a slap on the hand over the great big fiasco with Accugrade (which, as we know, got most of the ANA board, some well-known numismatic companies, and some leading numismatic experts sued!) The suit was since been dismissed, but is being re-submitted again.
If I had a choice between Travers and Stuppler, I would pick Travers. >>
I decided to join the ANA again when Barry Stuppler announced the legal defense fund for ANA members sued by ACG. As far as I know, no collector named in that lawsuit received a penny from the ANA, and Barry Stuppler engaged the services of a very expensive Florida attorney. Those of us named as defendants early on in the ACG machinations were flabbergasted at the chosen mouthpiece's hourly fees. My only conversation with Mr. Stuppler )at a CSNS show) ended with him telling me that I couldn't afford the coins he deals in. Two months later, I was temporarily banned from eBay for mentioning the name Barry Stuppler on their coin discussion board. But enough dead horse-beating.... At least Mr. Travers' books are affordable.
The topic of this thread is not Stuppler vs. Travers, but why the ANA might have to dip in to its endowmwnt to cover legal fees. Accugrade is now all but defunct, despite their ANA contibutions a few years ago. SGS, NTC, self-slabbers using Coin World holders, and perhaps PCI have taken ACG's place as the favorite grading service of online coin sellers cashing in on bargain-hunting newbies who believe in "certified" opinions of a coin's grade as gospel. I doubt that the ANA will ever dare publish anything as educational as the grading threads I read here every day. The possibility of a lawsuit from the successful self-slabbers du jour could eat up many membership dues and then some. Perhaps this is why the ANA has a "cover our asses" guy at the helm. It seems that the ANA now more about avoiding lawsuits than about learning about coins.
Who would get my vote for the ANA executive director and board of governors if membership could out the apologists for the status quo? Most of them would not want the position (I think of Groucho Marx saying "I would not want to be a member of any organization willing to accept people like me as members"). How about K6AZ on the board of governors, in charge of consumer protection? Mad Marty, Michael, Russ, Fatman, and LucyBop as fellow governors? The unelected head honcho must be a lawyer who knows coins. Anaconda? Nah, then I wouldn't be able to afford membership, assuming he determined the annual dues.
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>I hope that Walt (Ostromecki) runs for a board seat, and that Scott Travers runs against Barry Stupler for President. The ANA Board seriously needs reform now. >>
Has Scott expressed any interest or are you wishing and hoping? >>
Well, when Scott Travers was ANA VP (2001-2003), he stated in print, if I'm right, that he was taking some time off and that he would run for ANA President in 2005. That didn't happen, but there is the possibility that he might run, and since he was ANA VP, he has the right to run just like Barry Stuppler. Quite frankly, Stuppler being President could be a disater in the making. It was Stuppler who has (and still is) picking a fight with Alan Hagar and ASA Accugrade. And we know what resulted (lawsuit, anyone!) As far as disciplinary action goes, if you compare Ostromecki with Stuppler, Ostromecki got booted from the ANA Board over a simple freshman rookie mistake while Stuppler, on the other hand, only got a slap on the hand over the great big fiasco with Accugrade (which, as we know, got most of the ANA board, some well-known numismatic companies, and some leading numismatic experts sued!) The suit was since been dismissed, but is being re-submitted again.
If I had a choice between Travers and Stuppler, I would pick Travers. >>
I decided to join the ANA again when Barry Stuppler announced the legal defense fund for ANA members sued by ACG. As far as I know, no collector named in that lawsuit received a penny from the ANA, and Barry Stuppler engaged the services of a very expensive Florida attorney. Those of us named as defendants early on in the ACG machinations were flabbergasted at the chosen mouthpiece's hourly fees. My only conversation with Mr. Stuppler )at a CSNS show) ended with him telling me that I couldn't afford the coins he deals in. Two months later, I was temporarily banned from eBay for mentioning the name Barry Stuppler on their coin discussion board. But enough dead horse-beating.... At least Mr. Travers' books are affordable.
The topic of this thread is not Stuppler vs. Travers, but why the ANA might have to dip in to its endowmwnt to cover legal fees. Accugrade is now all but defunct, despite their ANA contibutions a few years ago. SGS, NTC, self-slabbers using Coin World holders, and perhaps PCI have taken ACG's place as the favorite grading service of online coin sellers cashing in on bargain-hunting newbies who believe in "certified" opinions of a coin's grade as gospel. I doubt that the ANA will ever dare publish anything as educational as the grading threads I read here every day. The possibility of a lawsuit from the successful self-slabbers du jour could eat up many membership dues and then some. Perhaps this is why the ANA has a "cover our asses" guy at the helm. It seems that the ANA now more about avoiding lawsuits than about learning about coins.
Who would get my vote for the ANA executive director and board of governors if membership could out the apologists for the status quo? Most of them would not want the position (I think of Groucho Marx saying "I would not want to be a member of any organization willing to accept people like me as members"). How about K6AZ on the board of governors, in charge of consumer protection? Mad Marty, Michael, Russ, Fatman, and LucyBop as fellow governors? The unelected head honcho must be a lawyer who knows coins. Anaconda? Nah, then I wouldn't be able to afford membership, assuming he determined the annual dues. >>
<< <i>
<< <i>I can do without the magazine, I can do without the classes (as I can never get there), I can do without the museum (will never be a priority), but I am worried about the library which should be allowed to survive.
Seems like we have an ANA board that needs a complete house cleaning, and at least one new business person to right the ship.
I will hang on to my membership to vote the bastiges out, but if there is no new regime, color me gone. What a shame
>>
My ANA membership is up for renewal. Should I renew to pay the lawyer at the top of this heap (who keeps me in the dark about what's going on) and maintain my aura of respectability as a dues-paying collector, or should I just buy another cool raw coin with the annual membership fee? (I've been a member for 6 of the last 20 years, and have only a bodybag from NGC and a stack of Numismatists to show for it.)
If I renew, I expect that a governor or two who gets my vote will be ousted for reasons withheld from the membership. My annual dues aren't enough to place a ballsy governor on board. If I sold a few of my better coins and bought a life membership, I doubt that this mere collector could influence the ANA to do anything about some popular eBay scam artists, questionable grading services, print ad misrepresenters, or others who drive newbies away from our hobby. How much money would it take for a collector to "vote the bastiges out" and replace the regime with one more concerned with education and consumer protection than covering the ANA's asse(t)s in a hypothetical lawsuit? >>
Depends. Let me ask you this - are you fed up with politics as usual? Are you unhappy with the lies and deceits that are coming out of Colorado Springs? Are you feeling like your voice is not being heard and that you're being ignored?
Here is what it comes down to - As a member I want my voice to be heard and my concerns addressed. I want those who I elected into the Board of Governors to make the right decisions for the hobby as a whole. I am disgusted with all the crap that is going on with the ANA, like everyone else. I feel that if we, the concerned members of the ANA don't do something about it, then things are only going to get worse!
And as far the current board is concerned, in the words of one of the forum members, in 2007 lets "vote the bastiges out"!
Here is what it comes down to - As a member I want my voice to be heard and my concerns addressed. I want those who I elected into the Board of Governors to make the right decisions for the hobby as a whole. I am disgusted with all the crap that is going on with the ANA, like everyone else. I feel that if we, the concerned members of the ANA don't do something about it, then things are only going to get worse!
And as far the current board is concerned, in the words of one of the forum members, in 2007 lets "vote the bastiges out"!
Yes, the ANA ignores my concerns. But which bastiges will the collectors vote in next?
IIRC, it was Eric Tillery, not Barry Stuppler, who hired that law firm. Didn't all the ANA governors named have their own counsel? As another defendant in that case, I decided the prudent course was hiring my own attorney. As it turned out, it was a good move, as I was the first one dismissed from the suit. I recall emailing several of the RCC defendents I knew fairly well and suggested they find their own lawyer. Besides the obvious overcharging by that law firm (someone showed me the first invoice), it didn't seem wise to be under an umbrella held by Tillery.
I also found it outrageous that the ANA created the ACG defense fund with the promiose of covering expenses of any members named, using Jason as the poster boy, but not paying out. They collecting an unknown (another ANA secret?) amount of money and nobody knows what it was really used for. I doubt it was used for the ANA's defense as their business insurance policy most likely covered their expenses.
<< <i>I decided to join the ANA again when Barry Stuppler announced the legal defense fund for ANA members sued by ACG. As far as I know, no collector named in that lawsuit received a penny from the ANA, and Barry Stuppler engaged the services of a very expensive Florida attorney. Those of us named as defendants early on in the ACG machinations were flabbergasted at the chosen mouthpiece's hourly fees. My only conversation with Mr. Stuppler )at a CSNS show) ended with him telling me that I couldn't afford the coins he deals in. Two months later, I was temporarily banned from eBay for mentioning the name Barry Stuppler on their coin discussion board. But enough dead horse-beating.... At least Mr. Travers' books are affordable.
IIRC, it was Eric Tillery, not Barry Stuppler, who hired that law firm. Didn't all the ANA governors named have their own counsel? As another defendant in that case, I decided the prudent course was hiring my own attorney. As it turned out, it was a good move, as I was the first one dismissed from the suit. I recall emailing several of the RCC defendents I knew fairly well and suggested they find their own lawyer. Besides the obvious overcharging by that law firm (someone showed me the first invoice), it didn't seem wise to be under an umbrella held by Tillery.
I also found it outrageous that the ANA created the ACG defense fund with the promiose of covering expenses of any members named, using Jason as the poster boy, but not paying out. They collecting an unknown (another ANA secret?) amount of money and nobody knows what it was really used for. I doubt it was used for the ANA's defense as their business insurance policy most likely covered their expenses. >>
Barry, I understand. Regarding the defense fund, the records of that and the amount of money raised (which, as you pointed out, is another ANA secret) should be made availabe for the membership and the public to see. I would not be surprised that someone is pocketing it. It was unfortunate that Jason was used as a poster boy for the fund raising. He got nothing, and none of the ANA members mentioned in the lawsuit (outside of the Board) got nothing! The whole thing sounds rotten big time.
<< <i>[Depends. Let me ask you this - are you fed up with politics as usual? Are you unhappy with the lies and deceits that are coming out of Colorado Springs? Are you feeling like your voice is not being heard and that you're being ignored?
Here is what it comes down to - As a member I want my voice to be heard and my concerns addressed. I want those who I elected into the Board of Governors to make the right decisions for the hobby as a whole. I am disgusted with all the crap that is going on with the ANA, like everyone else. I feel that if we, the concerned members of the ANA don't do something about it, then things are only going to get worse!
And as far the current board is concerned, in the words of one of the forum members, in 2007 lets "vote the bastiges out"!
Yes, the ANA ignores my concerns. But which bastiges will the collectors vote in next? >>
I would love to run against "the bastiges" - but, as I stated in previous posts, three things are currently going against me - money, time, name recognition. ANA election campaigns cost money and takes lots of time. Name recognition is another matter. Now, all of that could change if those who want to support me for a board seat can do the following: raise funds to finance the campaign (to purchase brochures, buttons, and postage), spread the word about me, and, most importantly, vote for me (and get others to do the same).
What should my campaign be? REFORM! If I am elected, my policy is that the ANA membership (all 32,000+ members) are my boss and I will answer to them. I will not sugar coat one thing, and I will not get involved in the "Colorado Springs Polka"!
My philosophy anymore is that of comedian Larry The Cable Guy - "GIT-R-DONE!"
My question to those on the CU Forum - Would you support my campaign? Most importantly, would you vote for me?
It's time to clean house in Colorado Springs. I don't know the man personally so I make no personal judgments, but I don't like the direction of the ANA under Chris Cipoletti.
<< <i>
<< <i>[Depends. Let me ask you this - are you fed up with politics as usual? Are you unhappy with the lies and deceits that are coming out of Colorado Springs? Are you feeling like your voice is not being heard and that you're being ignored?
Here is what it comes down to - As a member I want my voice to be heard and my concerns addressed. I want those who I elected into the Board of Governors to make the right decisions for the hobby as a whole. I am disgusted with all the crap that is going on with the ANA, like everyone else. I feel that if we, the concerned members of the ANA don't do something about it, then things are only going to get worse!
And as far the current board is concerned, in the words of one of the forum members, in 2007 lets "vote the bastiges out"!
Yes, the ANA ignores my concerns. But which bastiges will the collectors vote in next? >>
I would love to run against "the bastiges" - but, as I stated in previous posts, three things are currently going against me - money, time, name recognition. ANA election campaigns cost money and takes lots of time. Name recognition is another matter. Now, all of that could change if those who want to support me for a board seat can do the following: raise funds to finance the campaign (to purchase brochures, buttons, and postage), spread the word about me, and, most importantly, vote for me (and get others to do the same).
What should my campaign be? REFORM! If I am elected, my policy is that the ANA membership (all 32,000+ members) are my boss and I will answer to them. I will not sugar coat one thing, and I will not get involved in the "Colorado Springs Polka"!
My philosophy anymore is that of comedian Larry The Cable Guy - "GIT-R-DONE!"
My question to those on the CU Forum - Would you support my campaign? Most importantly, would you vote for me? >>
I would promise to seriously consider voting for you. I would like to see a detailed candidate statement first, of course.
I wonder what the percentage is, CU Forum Members who are members of the ANA. In many ANA threads here, you get
a lot of participation by non-members, which can hardly be representative of the membership at large, IMHO.
Non-members, especially those who have never been a member, can hardly speak as to what the ANA is all about,
the good, along with the bad. They are relying on what others tell them, or what they read online, or in the
newspaper.
I am kind of isolated, right now, being overseas - but I don't sense a huge dissatisfaction on the part of the average
ANA member, towards the ANA. Perhaps I am wrong about that, but most of the dissatisfaction I see comes from
former members with an obvious agenda to push, babbling from non-members (much of which makes no sense
whatsoever), and, of course, with current members who are not satisfied with the present leadership (I am one of
these). Time to get some new blood in there, IMHO.
In any event, any candidate that gets my vote will have to be qualified across the board, in all areas concerning
the ANA.
When I read postings about the defense fund, and how it was or was not used, it makes me angry. Still, I do not
have all of the facts, so I really can't make up my own mind about it, until the facts are made available to me.
As far as the senior leadership goes, the more transparency the better. The members have the right to know
what is going on in the ANA.
Those are my thoughts, anyway.
John
SFC, US Army (Ret.) 1974-1994
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>[Depends. Let me ask you this - are you fed up with politics as usual? Are you unhappy with the lies and deceits that are coming out of Colorado Springs? Are you feeling like your voice is not being heard and that you're being ignored?
Here is what it comes down to - As a member I want my voice to be heard and my concerns addressed. I want those who I elected into the Board of Governors to make the right decisions for the hobby as a whole. I am disgusted with all the crap that is going on with the ANA, like everyone else. I feel that if we, the concerned members of the ANA don't do something about it, then things are only going to get worse!
And as far the current board is concerned, in the words of one of the forum members, in 2007 lets "vote the bastiges out"!
Yes, the ANA ignores my concerns. But which bastiges will the collectors vote in next? >>
I would love to run against "the bastiges" - but, as I stated in previous posts, three things are currently going against me - money, time, name recognition. ANA election campaigns cost money and takes lots of time. Name recognition is another matter. Now, all of that could change if those who want to support me for a board seat can do the following: raise funds to finance the campaign (to purchase brochures, buttons, and postage), spread the word about me, and, most importantly, vote for me (and get others to do the same).
What should my campaign be? REFORM! If I am elected, my policy is that the ANA membership (all 32,000+ members) are my boss and I will answer to them. I will not sugar coat one thing, and I will not get involved in the "Colorado Springs Polka"!
My philosophy anymore is that of comedian Larry The Cable Guy - "GIT-R-DONE!"
My question to those on the CU Forum - Would you support my campaign? Most importantly, would you vote for me? >>
I would promise to seriously consider voting for you. I would like to see a detailed candidate statement first, of course.
I wonder what the percentage is, CU Forum Members who are members of the ANA. In many ANA threads here, you get
a lot of participation by non-members, which can hardly be representative of the membership at large, IMHO.
Non-members, especially those who have never been a member, can hardly speak as to what the ANA is all about,
the good, along with the bad. They are relying on what others tell them, or what they read online, or in the
newspaper.
I am kind of isolated, right now, being overseas - but I don't sense a huge dissatisfaction on the part of the average
ANA member, towards the ANA. Perhaps I am wrong about that, but most of the dissatisfaction I see comes from
former members with an obvious agenda to push, babbling from non-members (much of which makes no sense
whatsoever), and, of course, with current members who are not satisfied with the present leadership (I am one of
these). Time to get some new blood in there, IMHO.
In any event, any candidate that gets my vote will have to be qualified across the board, in all areas concerning
the ANA.
When I read postings about the defense fund, and how it was or was not used, it makes me angry. Still, I do not
have all of the facts, so I really can't make up my own mind about it, until the facts are made available to me.
As far as the senior leadership goes, the more transparency the better. The members have the right to know
what is going on in the ANA.
Those are my thoughts, anyway.
John >>
If I decide to run, here is the link to learn a bit about me - Click Here
Here is my platform:
More open meetings, and also have the meetings videotaped so that members get see what the board is doing.
A new Exceutive Director who will put the interests of the hobby ahead of his own.
Better fiscal management (currently the ANA is losing 3 times more money than last year - not a way to run a business (or a non-profit one, for that matter.)
Eliminate the "loyalty oaths" that volunteers and others have to sign and also eliminate the confidentiality agreement that board members have to sign
Encourage more member involvement, not less.
Why should I get your vote? Here's why -
1) I believe that the members of the ANA should come first, not last.
2) I feel that LISTENING to the ANA membership is important in order to understand issues and concerns that are effecting the hobby.
3) That I am not associated in any way with special-interest groups or large numismatic corperations (in other words, I am not bought-off by someone or have a vested interest in a company).
4) I feel that the more transparency the ANA is, the better off it will be.
Do I sound like a potential candidate?
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>
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>[Depends. Let me ask you this - are you fed up with politics as usual? Are you unhappy with the lies and deceits that are coming out of Colorado Springs? Are you feeling like your voice is not being heard and that you're being ignored?
Here is what it comes down to - As a member I want my voice to be heard and my concerns addressed. I want those who I elected into the Board of Governors to make the right decisions for the hobby as a whole. I am disgusted with all the crap that is going on with the ANA, like everyone else. I feel that if we, the concerned members of the ANA don't do something about it, then things are only going to get worse!
And as far the current board is concerned, in the words of one of the forum members, in 2007 lets "vote the bastiges out"!
Yes, the ANA ignores my concerns. But which bastiges will the collectors vote in next? >>
I would love to run against "the bastiges" - but, as I stated in previous posts, three things are currently going against me - money, time, name recognition. ANA election campaigns cost money and takes lots of time. Name recognition is another matter. Now, all of that could change if those who want to support me for a board seat can do the following: raise funds to finance the campaign (to purchase brochures, buttons, and postage), spread the word about me, and, most importantly, vote for me (and get others to do the same).
What should my campaign be? REFORM! If I am elected, my policy is that the ANA membership (all 32,000+ members) are my boss and I will answer to them. I will not sugar coat one thing, and I will not get involved in the "Colorado Springs Polka"!
My philosophy anymore is that of comedian Larry The Cable Guy - "GIT-R-DONE!"
My question to those on the CU Forum - Would you support my campaign? Most importantly, would you vote for me? >>
I would promise to seriously consider voting for you. I would like to see a detailed candidate statement first, of course.
I wonder what the percentage is, CU Forum Members who are members of the ANA. In many ANA threads here, you get
a lot of participation by non-members, which can hardly be representative of the membership at large, IMHO.
Non-members, especially those who have never been a member, can hardly speak as to what the ANA is all about,
the good, along with the bad. They are relying on what others tell them, or what they read online, or in the
newspaper.
I am kind of isolated, right now, being overseas - but I don't sense a huge dissatisfaction on the part of the average
ANA member, towards the ANA. Perhaps I am wrong about that, but most of the dissatisfaction I see comes from
former members with an obvious agenda to push, babbling from non-members (much of which makes no sense
whatsoever), and, of course, with current members who are not satisfied with the present leadership (I am one of
these). Time to get some new blood in there, IMHO.
In any event, any candidate that gets my vote will have to be qualified across the board, in all areas concerning
the ANA.
When I read postings about the defense fund, and how it was or was not used, it makes me angry. Still, I do not
have all of the facts, so I really can't make up my own mind about it, until the facts are made available to me.
As far as the senior leadership goes, the more transparency the better. The members have the right to know
what is going on in the ANA.
Those are my thoughts, anyway.
John >>
If I decide to run, here is the link to learn a bit about me - Click Here
Here is my platform:
More open meetings, and also have the meetings videotaped so that members get see what the board is doing.
A new Exceutive Director who will put the interests of the hobby ahead of his own.
Better fiscal management (currently the ANA is losing 3 times more money than last year - not a way to run a business (or a non-profit one, for that matter.)
Eliminate the "loyalty oaths" that volunteers and others have to sign and also eliminate the confidentiality agreement that board members have to sign
Encourage more member involvement, not less.
Why should I get your vote? Here's why -
1) I believe that the members of the ANA should come first, not last.
2) I feel that LISTENING to the ANA membership is important in order to understand issues and concerns that are effecting the hobby.
3) That I am not associated in any way with special-interest groups or large numismatic corperations (in other words, I am not bought-off by someone or have a vested interest in a company).
4) I feel that the more transparency the ANA is, the better off it will be.
Do I sound like a potential candidate? >>
Thanks, Michael - I like your ideas very much.
John
SFC, US Army (Ret.) 1974-1994
Now in office are an executive director and board of governors whom are secretive and elitist. Worse, the entire organization has become irrelevant to most of the membership.
With the explosion in the number of people becoming coin collectors, due mostly to the state quarters program, a great opportunity is being missed by the ANA. And the reason has to do with not connecting with the 'average' collector.
The ANA will not survive catering to just a narrowly defined group. ANA membership of 32,000 in a country with 300 million people and a huge coin collector base, is just pathetic.
I was an ANA member on two different occasions. Each experience, after only a couple of years, left me disenchanted with the 'inner workings' of the top echelon. I especially did not like the uncontested race for president and vice president that occured each time. It appeared that governors were doing nothing more than taking their turn being president and vice president. Very elitist!!
Does being a member and having a vote mean anything? I am not so sure!!
In any event, the ANA needs to update itself. It needs to develop a program that will attract all kinds of collectors, including casual coin collectors and especially the youth of America. Slash membership fees and develop a large base of membership and thus obtain funding that will dwarf what is brought in from a measly 32k membership currently.
Unless the ANA becomes much more relevant to the 'real' world of coin collecting in the country, it will become the Dodo bird of the 21st century.
<< <i>At its founding, the ANA was most likely very relevant to its membership group. Somewhere along the line that all changed.
Now in office are an executive director and board of governors whom are secretive and elitist. Worse, the entire organization has become irrelevant to most of the membership.
With the explosion in the number of people becoming coin collectors, due mostly to the state quarters program, a great opportunity is being missed by the ANA. And the reason has to do with not connecting with the 'average' collector.
The ANA will not survive catering to just a narrowly defined group. ANA membership of 22,000 in a country with 300 million people and a huge coin collector base, is just pathetic.
I was an ANA member on two different occasions. Each experience, after only a couple of years, left me disenchanted with the 'inner workings' of the top echelon. I especially did not like the uncontested race for president and vice president the occured each time. It appeared that governors were doing nothing more than taking their turn being president and vice president. Very elitist!!
Does being a member and having a vote mean anything? I am not so sure!!
In any event, the ANA needs to update itself. It needs to develop a program that will attract all kinds of collectors, including casual coin collectors and especially the youth of America. Slash membership fees and develop a large base of membership and thus obtain funding that will dwarf what is brought in from a measly 22k membership currently.
Unless the ANA becomes much more relevant to the 'real' world of coin collecting in the country, it will become the Dodo bird of the 21st century. >>
After reading your post, there was an error I noticed. The ANA currently has over 32,000 members on its rolls. But I have to agree with you that in a country of about 300,000,000 that the membership size of the ANA is very pathetic. There are probably over a million or so collectors in the USA and are, as you pointed out, not ANA members because of the cost of dues or some other reason. I do believe that the ANA should be moving forward, not backward. The dues for a member is $36 - more than most organizations but the American Numismatic Society, which is $60 for its cheapest membership. If this is not a sign of elitism, then what is?
Member ANA, SPMC, SCNA, FUN, CONECA
<< <i>As I've stated in previous threads, I am a 25-year-plus ANA member and I will NEVER vote for any of the current incumbents and I will be quite happy to support and work for any candidate who promises to fire Chris Cipoletti. I think that's pretty clear!! >>
You can count me in as one of those new candidates. ANA Reform NOW!
<< <i>
<< <i>At its founding, the ANA was most likely very relevant to its membership group. Somewhere along the line that all changed.
Now in office are an executive director and board of governors whom are secretive and elitist. Worse, the entire organization has become irrelevant to most of the membership.
With the explosion in the number of people becoming coin collectors, due mostly to the state quarters program, a great opportunity is being missed by the ANA. And the reason has to do with not connecting with the 'average' collector.
The ANA will not survive catering to just a narrowly defined group. ANA membership of 32,000 in a country with 300 million people and a huge coin collector base, is just pathetic.
I was an ANA member on two different occasions. Each experience, after only a couple of years, left me disenchanted with the 'inner workings' of the top echelon. I especially did not like the uncontested race for president and vice president the occured each time. It appeared that governors were doing nothing more than taking their turn being president and vice president. Very elitist!!
Does being a member and having a vote mean anything? I am not so sure!!
In any event, the ANA needs to update itself. It needs to develop a program that will attract all kinds of collectors, including casual coin collectors and especially the youth of America. Slash membership fees and develop a large base of membership and thus obtain funding that will dwarf what is brought in from a measly 22k membership currently.
Unless the ANA becomes much more relevant to the 'real' world of coin collecting in the country, it will become the Dodo bird of the 21st century. >>
After reading your post, there was an error I noticed. The ANA currently has over 32,000 members on its rolls. But I have to agree with you that in a country of about 300,000,000 that the membership size of the ANA is very pathetic. There are probably over a million or so collectors in the USA and are, as you pointed out, not ANA members because of the cost of dues or some other reason. I do believe that the ANA should be moving forward, not backward. The dues for a member is $36 - more than most organizations but the American Numismatic Society, which is $60 for its cheapest membership. If this is not a sign of elitism, then what is? >>
<< <i>
<< <i>As I've stated in previous threads, I am a 25-year-plus ANA member and I will NEVER vote for any of the current incumbents and I will be quite happy to support and work for any candidate who promises to fire Chris Cipoletti. I think that's pretty clear!! >>
You can count me in as one of those new candidates. ANA Reform NOW!
I may just rejoin the ANA myself just to have a vote again and participate in what I believe is going to be a very defining next ANA election.
are participating in online forums expressing their views or writing letters to the editor of Coin World
and Numismatic News. It seems that anyone who is a member and an active collector (subscriber to
CW or NN) has to know of the numerous controversies at least. A lot of people could be upset but
will just keep it to themselves.