An invitation/challenge to all the long ago members that do not post anymore

nam812 · February 1, 2010 1:59AM

Many threads these days contain a phrase that looks similar to this:

"This is the reason why all the long time valuable members no longer post anymore."

I would imagine they still read the boards (even if only occasionally), so I am calling on those same long time valuable members to respond in this thread with some of the reasons why they do not post anymore. If you do, please be specific as to what the reason is that makes you have no desire to interact anymore (even if it is me that you do not like). Maybe with enough input we can take measures to rectify things and get the board back on track to becoming a place you would like to post once again.

So come out of the woodwork and say what's on your mind. Or tell me to take a hike. Either way.

RonBurgundy · February 1, 2010 2:02AM

I second this motion. And the notion.

DavidPuddy · February 1, 2010 2:04AM

I second that Emotion

Morgoth · February 1, 2010 2:09AM

Also if you were long time members, banned but now have new alts.... wait, wrong thread..............

lsutigers1973 · February 1, 2010 2:14AM

I may be partially at fault for continuing to add fuel to a fire. However, I will always defend myself when my honesty and integrity are questioned. I will also continue to call out any alt that is a formerly banned member. There are actually a few that I have not called out because the board has had enough drama lately and I do not want to see this board go POOF.

Downtown1974 · February 1, 2010 2:18AM

Great idea Nick! I was thinking of posting something along the lines of this a couple of days ago. A type of "dirty laundry" thread so everyone can speak whats on their minds. I like the way you approached it better. Im curious to see what kind of responses we get.

hammered · February 1, 2010 2:21AM

I'm guessing they simply moved on due to lack of interest or they no longer have time to post

I've seen older threads. The kind of BS that occurs now doesn't seem to be anything new.

Edited to eliminate negativity

prscott933 · February 1, 2010 2:30AM

And now it's the time to air the grievances.

itzagoner · February 1, 2010 2:34AM

there are some old schoolers around, i've seen the threads, lots of good info from "back in the day"......if they have anything good to offer now, i invite them to do so, as one of the main reasons i visit here is to gain knowledge and insight from people more experienced than i am.

and there are many.

Alfonz24 · February 1, 2010 4:11AM

<< I'm guessing they simply moved on due to lack of interest or they no longer have time to post

I've seen older threads. The kind of BS that occurs now doesn't seem to be anything new.

Edited to eliminate negativity >>

I agree with hammered.

When I joined the board there were several group rips, they the Gary incident. There was always incidents of several members jumping all over several other (most of the times deserved, other times when someone just wouldn't drop a grudge). I learned to which posters to ignore over time.

I have hardly been on the boards since October when my job was eliminated and have spent my time trying to find a new job.

So over the last several years I have seen many good and bad people (at least those who post) come and go. I think a lot of people's priorities change over a period of time.

larryallen73 · February 1, 2010 4:38AM

I post less frequently primarily because my interest in cards has been on the decline the last 6-12 months. However, when I do post I sometimes notice terse replies that don't have much thought. I expect that from certain jerks (or maybe the jerks are the same person using alts? -

) but not people I do not "know." I generally try to give my opinion and usually support that opinion as best I can. If the reply given is simply "I don't agree" or "you must be joking" I tend to just walk away lately rather than get into a debate. It's as if people don't really want to "discuss" an issue and, in my opinion, they come across a tad rude at times. Yes, I can be thin skinned and also at other times rude toward others; not pleading innocence on all accounts here. I just thought I would provide my perspective.

Stone193 · February 1, 2010 4:39AM

Nice thread Nick!

I'm gonna agree that crap has always been part of a public forum and will never go away. But, lately, it seems to be spinning a bit faster and with all the support this weekend - I believe we'll see a marked improvement.

I believe some of the "ole guard" has moved on for different reasons and perhaps - were motivated quicker by crap - but would've left anyway.

Keep in mind, that in 2004 a competitive website opened up that took quite a few members that no longer see the need to post a CU. And that includes net54 e.g.

We all know that a new board recently opened and it will 'draw' some attention away from here also.

That said - I like CU - I like the members and would like to see it last.

I enjoy sharing what I know and what I pickup - that's 50% of the satisfaction of collecting for me.

Thanx to everyone - again Nick excellent thread!
mike

ROCKDJRW · February 1, 2010 4:47AM

I have been around here for awhile and while my post numbers aren't huge, I am and have been a daily board reader all this time. There were jerks around then as well it's just time forgets them. While several good members left others have come. It's easy to say "things used to be better" but this is still the best place to come to find hobby info.

OT Does anyone know old board member roastedcat?? I have been trying to contact him!

WinPitcher · February 1, 2010 5:22AM

Pm sent

(To Rock)

Steve

Blackborder · February 1, 2010 5:29AM

I wasn't allowed.

onlyanumber · February 1, 2010 5:48AM

It's about time a thread like this was posted.

I wasn't driven away by the carp, rather by my health. The long and short of it is, I suffered a stroke in March of 2008. The signs were there--my memory was going, I was doing things bass ackwards, fatigue, but I didn't think I could be prone to a stroke. And then one morning it happened while I was sitting in my truck. I was on the phone with my wife I'm told. when the phone dropped she realized something was wrong and called my company who located me via GPS. I'm told EMTs arrived pretty quickly and that's what made a difference. I ended up in the hospital in a coma. Had several operations. Woke up to no memory of anything that happened (or for that matter anything from the prior few months to the stroke). Lots of physical therapy. Still can't type or communicate properly (my wife is typing this for me). Still doing physical therapy.

It was a tough go for her, never knowing if or when she'd get that call that I passed. For a while there she was telling those that asked about me that I wasn't going to live, or if it was someone who she didn't know, she told them I died just to save herself from explaining everything. She cries about that pretty much daily. She had to sell 90% of my collection to help with the bills. The company I worked for helped out for a couple of months before they couldn't afford to anyomre and let me go. I wish she never had to go through that.

Through all of it I started reading the boards again to try to return to routine. Lots of new faces, lots of faces long gone. About the most I can type is sevendust, which takes a few minutes to do, but hey, it gets the point across. Eventually when I'm stronger (and have more inventory) I'll start my giveaways again.

This place was fun. It can be again.

billwaltonsbeard · February 1, 2010 5:52AM

jeez. Talk about putting all this crap into perspective.....

Glad you're doing better

lsutigers1973 · February 1, 2010 5:56AM

<< I wasn't allowed. >>

Am I the only one that noticed that post?

Aric · February 1, 2010 5:58AM

Message boards go in cycles. A great message board has the right balance of informative posters, funny posters, knucklehead posters, etc. When that balance gets thrown off ( i.e. everyone suddenly thinks they are Mr. Funnyguy) then the board suddenly doesn't flow as well as it did before and everyone starts talking of the old days. This happens on every message board. It is the nature of internet beast.

larryallen73 · February 1, 2010 6:00AM

onlyanumber-
Thank you for sharing.

My best wishes to you and your family.

Sure puts all the petty BS around here in perspective.

ROCKDJRW · February 1, 2010 6:01AM

<< onlyanumber-
Thank you for sharing.

My best wishes to you and your family.

Sure puts all the petty BS around here in perspective. >>

Well said! I look forward to your quick return.

Allen · February 1, 2010 6:09AM

<< Message boards go in cycles. A great message board has the right balance of informative posters, funny posters, knucklehead posters, etc. When that balance gets thrown off ( i.e. everyone suddenly thinks they are Mr. Funnyguy) then the board suddenly doesn't flow as well as it did before and everyone starts talking of the old days. This happens on every message board. It is the nature of internet beast. >>

Well said.

itzagoner · February 1, 2010 6:15AM

<< 

<< I wasn't allowed. >>

Am I the only one that noticed that post? >>

no.

zep33 · February 1, 2010 6:16AM

Welcome back onlyanumber.

Glad to see you're doing as well as your are. You have a great wife taking care of you.

initialD · February 1, 2010 6:24AM

<< 

<< I wasn't allowed. >>

Am I the only one that noticed that post? >>

Archived

DeutscherGeist · February 1, 2010 6:35AM

I always liked this board, but sometimes it was tough, especially when I was new. Some people misunderstand a post and go crazy and dog pile on the person who posted. I still participate but sometimes have long absences. I am also on the Mercedes-Benz Club of America board which has much less flaming wars.

A number of the ole guard went to the Net54 board, at least the members I was concerned about.

Some of the strengths of this board include the annual secret santa (thanks to Matt and Jami) and how we patrol the ebay auctions looking for scammers and then dog pile on them via messages. We would help our fellow collectors whenever they got the raw end of the deal. Remember "PAOutdoorsman"? The potential for solidarity is there and I wish to harness that more. The buy/sell/trade forum is pretty reliable and I like how members help out eachother out with finishing up their collections. A lot of free cards get passed around too as goodwill and for the spirit of collecting.

I liked how Rob started a collection of Derek Jeter cards and donations for that sick boy Ryan. His family was very moved.

Predators like Gary took advantage of our trust and it was a reminder to be very careful.

CoolHandLuke vs Roach was one for the ages. Talk about misunderstandings and subsequent flame wars..... That really took a toll on the board.

The Birthday Club Arnie incident: A lot of members lost money....that did not need to happen. Everyone needs to understand that you must settle your accounts, otherwise things drag on. I for one make note of who is lousy at settling accounts and simply stay away from them.

There were some head cases too. I do not want to list their names or alts, but the cry babies, Golly gee kiss ass types, ultra thin skinned.....

Unfortunately, our giving nature was taken advantage of when a man suffering from a disease was believed to be dead and his wife perpetuated that belief so she can collect on the money we were gathering for her and her children. The guy was alive all along.

In all, there were memorable moments and really pitiful moments too.

edit spelling

Tabe · February 1, 2010 6:35AM

<< It's about time a thread like this was posted.

I wasn't driven away by the carp, rather by my health. The long and short of it is, I suffered a stroke in March of 2008. The signs were there--my memory was going, I was doing things bass ackwards, fatigue, but I didn't think I could be prone to a stroke. And then one morning it happened while I was sitting in my truck. I was on the phone with my wife I'm told. when the phone dropped she realized something was wrong and called my company who located me via GPS. I'm told EMTs arrived pretty quickly and that's what made a difference. I ended up in the hospital in a coma. Had several operations. Woke up to no memory of anything that happened (or for that matter anything from the prior few months to the stroke). Lots of physical therapy. Still can't type or communicate properly (my wife is typing this for me). Still doing physical therapy. >>

Keep with the PT and welcome back. Glad to hear you're recovering.

Tabe

stown · February 1, 2010 6:47AM

<< onlyanumber-
Thank you for sharing.

My best wishes to you and your family.

Sure puts all the petty BS around here in perspective. >>

scooter729 · February 1, 2010 6:55AM

Not sure if I was a long time or valuable member, but I have shifted away from this board somewhat, just because it seems like good threads just don't last for long before they sink on the page, and threads about absolutely nothing reign supreme.

When I joined, I think there was definitely more of a focus on having real discussions. Now those threads get lost in the midst of pointless banter.

I do still enjoy viewing this board, but post much less now. If I have real questions, I'll usually go to Net54, although if I feel like I can contribute something here to a question, I will definitely do so.

I'd love to see some of the meaningless threads like "hey, let's post 259 times to this thread to pad our post counts!" or a "please delete" title which ends up with 300 posts go away. Sure, I don't have to read them, but they cause good threads to get lost in the shuffle.

Scott

jackstraw · February 1, 2010 6:58AM

SECOND THAT EMOTION

BigRedMachine · February 1, 2010 7:01AM

Oh my goodness Paul!!

Obviously I didn't know. I wish you continued recovery and all the best to you and your family.

Glad you're back.

shawn

AkbarClone · February 1, 2010 7:16AM

Good to hear from you Paul,

Wishing you well on a full recovery. Keep up the fight.

It may take a while, but it will be worth it.

Hopefully you be back as a regular poster.

smtjoy · February 1, 2010 7:44AM

For me I do not post much because I find a lot less threads about cards and too many about a bunch of crap. I come here to get info on the hobby I love. I do agree with what Aric said and if a board losses it balance it can suffer and I think this one has.

Here is what I see-

I think public boards will always have some trolls but I think lately instead of just ignoring them, members have gotten more agressive and all that does is give the board a more negative feel and that spills over into many other threads. Plus I think most boards develop a click and when anyone says something against a click member, they get piled on by a bunch of other members, I see that happen here a lot. Everyone here should be adults and they can handle that stuff in pm's or messages, when you add to one of these threads all you do is push it to the top so now more people read it. I just see it as adding fuel to the fire. Insead of jumping into to the fray tell them to take it to PM's the less of that stuff on the boards the better.

I can name a number of people on this board who don't like each other and they have to keep bringing it up, I wish they would just get over it. If someone ripped you off, thanks the first time for letting everyone know but man at times it seems like a few can never let it drop when you have been wronged.

I do think this board does a good job of helping new collectors, more of that would be good.

Things that can help is just go stay focused on cards and post pics when ya can and talk about them, with enough good threads thinsg can change.

RonBurgundy · February 1, 2010 7:51AM

Though I continue to post here regularly, here are some of the troubling things I've observed since I joined in 2005:

1) Spats. Spats over a card deal gone bad are one thing, spats over personality conflicts are stupid and drive people away. I've done it, we've all done it, it's just not necessary. Especially when it seems half the threads are about spats.

2) The decline in substantive posts about the hobby.

3) Post padding stupidity.

Just sayin'.

stown · February 1, 2010 8:07AM

<< Though I continue to post here regularly, here are some of the troubling things I've observed since I joined in 2005:

1) Spats. Spats over a card deal gone bad are one thing, spats over personality conflicts are stupid and drive people away. I've done it, we've all done it, it's just not necessary. Especially when it seems half the threads are about spats.

2) The decline in substantive posts about the hobby.

3) Post padding stupidity.

Just sayin'. >>

Hey, I resemble those remarks.

MULLINS5 · February 1, 2010 8:35AM

I joined five years ago when another member messaged me through eBay, informing me on an auction I was bidding was a scam, took a few years off for personal issues, came back last year to find that most of everyone who was here had moved on. Slowly I began to notice why they left....

1) There are people here who on a regular (probably daily) basis look through others eBay listings and CU posts/threads for dirt to post or "expose" on this board.

2) You can't ask an honest question without a flame pile to come and I personally am absolutely terrified to post anything, or ask any questions.

3) The cussing of people out/using foul and hostile language through PM's.

4) Facebook (a new problem). PSA has a Facebook page now and members can (and have) saved images of others to their hard drives and posted the images here to humiliate them.

5) OP's threads (good threads) being derailed, then locked.

6) Post padding.

People come here to talk, not get lectured, and will only take but so much before they go somewhere else. Even if they are not the ones getting lectured, or flamed, they don't want to associate themselves with people who do it. In my opinion, anybody who has a vendetta against another member should leave or be banned. It is a known fact if you get political here you will be banned or suspended...this should also be strictly enforced to members who do any of the above.

Patrick

TNP777 · February 1, 2010 4:05PM

Paul - thanks for checking in and letting us know what's going on in your life. You've got a real blessing in your wife - she obviously loves you a lot. I'm glad she has been such a rock for you.

Geordie

WinPitcher · February 1, 2010 5:23PM

<< Am I the only one that noticed that post? >>

No I welcomed BB back in a PM.

Steve

WinPitcher · February 1, 2010 5:29PM

Onlyanumber

Paul glad you are feeling better.

I know what you mean.

Steve

Tedw9 · February 2, 2010 7:27AM

onlyanumber,

I'm thrilled to hear that your doing ok. I can relate to what you are going through as I am in the same boat with my Dad who had a stroke a couple of days before Christmas. Please know
that you and your family will be in my thoughts. You have a wonderful wife who is by your side, God bless her and you.

We look forward to having you back on a regular basis. Keep up the therapy and you will be surprised at how quickly you will bounce back.

Take care my friend.

otwcards · February 2, 2010 11:47AM

I think the biggest issue facing this forum, not the other forums per se, but this "GENERAL" forum is that it has, as I stated several times over the past few years, become a playground that oft times resembles a cesspool. Too many members carrying on vendettas against others. Too many members that think they can post something that is detrimental to the hobby then have a hissy-fit when they're called on it. Others with such thin skins that when they are questioned or challenged, decide that such is enough cause to begin flaming other members.

I have had my issues with quite a few over the years and even recently. I try to say my piece and then move on (although my piece may take several posts in a thread). Many of these people are regular posters and while we may not agree or see eye to eye, we coexist without finding cause to continue issues that have long passed. I just wish that some of the juvenile flames that carry over from thread to thread like a game of hide and seek would just cease. It seems that some members have nothing better to do than to find a target and continue to use them as a punching bag every time they post. As a result, far too much quality content is lost in the shenanigans. Too many other members lose interest and either decide not to participate or to move on. I think the greatest suggestion that I could make to see these boards improve is that if you are going to insist on flaming someone, keep it in the thread that the cause of the flame started. Tomfoolery and childish games are fun at times, but when they interfere with the daily enjoyment of everyone else, then they have gone too far and need to end. In other words, if you don't have the decency to respect the enjoyment of others then have the decency to leave...

I know that there are times that I feel like this place, the Sports Cards & Memorabilia Forum, has become too cumbersome to negotiate and I wait a few days for tempers to cool and the threads to resume with reasonable substance.

Also, I think there should be a sticky note at the very top of this forum noting that the SEARCH feature is available and SHOULD BE USED before the same questions are asked over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over again. I appreciate new members having questions. I appreciate that they want to learn. I just wish that some would learn the SEARCH feature is their friend...

PROMETHIUS88 · February 2, 2010 12:20PM

As one of the longer standing members of this board, I can say that there has always been some form of crap going on since I've been here. What used to be nice is that there used to be lots of trades and deals made on this site with very few problems. Now, it seemed that 6-7 years ago, there were more younger members... teenagers and to be honest, most of them were pretty good even if they didn't all have great stuff. There was some immaturity from them, but that was to be expected with their age. It shouldn't be expected with the older members that we have here today. This was a great forum to share a vast wealth of knowledge and still can be. I've met some great people on here and picked up some really tough stuff for my collection over the years. I've been around for about 9 years and have about 1600 posts.... the majority of them were the first year or two I was on. There came a point that I'm sure some of you "veterans" can remember that the crap back and forth and the shady deals became unbearable. Coming here was like going to a preschool every day. Personally, I had enough and gave up posting on the site for a few years. I did come back every now and again to see what was going on and finally more regularly over the last year or so. I'm not a major poster and at the rate I'm going, it would take me til I'm 90 to get to 10k posts. My father always told me that you can learn a lot more by listening than by talking and I go by that here. Many others that I dealt with back then felt the same way and left and I haven't seen them since. I miss the guys like Friedel, Coachvinny, and even Crum although I think he overgraded stuff! I'd like hear from some other older members and see my thoughts of what happened here years ago is the same as what they remember. Sometimes I forget where I'm at, so remembering what happened 6 years ago might be a little clouded.

Tim

hotmush · February 3, 2010 12:20AM

One word: drama.

An invitation/challenge to all the long ago members that do not post anymore

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