die Anfragenflut

    Sorry - I still dare not try to write in german, but I do have some reflections on the discussion about "die Anfragenflut".
    As far as I can see there is no real "homepage" to this forum where you are informed about the purpose of discussions and chats here (if there is one it is certainly not very obvious).
    On such a page the introductory notes could inform "fortune seekers" that this forum is the wrong place, that such information is best found with renowned dealers and auction houses.
    The first thread that now meets the eye is "Identifizierung und Wertbestimmung von Briefmarken Erkundigen Sie sich hier nach den ungefähren Handelswert von ..."
    That is a bit ironic in perspective of what is being discussed right now.
    As your discussions are running now, any beginner would hesitate to ask any questions for fear of being snubbed by the elite.
    As for Dachbodenfunds: this is literally how I started my own collection. With a large bagful of Massenware, and more or less moldy and stained stuff found after +50 years in a family house. Going through it, not really looking for a fortune but scrutinizing cancellations and stamps and postcards (if they were readable att all) experimenting with paper qualities and colours, learning to read catalogues, searching for literature, has been an invaluable experience, and extremely fun even though 99% of the objects were useless in any serious collection. This is how I started my own collecting; I think I have moved from basics to a second or perhaps even a third level. And I would recommend anybody who has a boxful of "worthless stuff" to start there, that is a very inexpensive way to learn very much.

    I am very sorry that I can not take part in this discussion in german.
    But you should all know that I enjoy all discussions here, that I learn a lot from them
    Thank you for your patience!
    :)
    Pixie

    Most of us are absolutly willing to help out with any sort of information requested.
    But some people that just don't want to accept the answers they get. That is what makes us think about regulating that sort of traffic. That particular discussion leads to nothing, since there will be no way to direct a fortune seeker anywhere without his participation.

    Ich mag verdammen, was du sagst, aber ich werde mein Leben dafür einsetzen, dass du es sagen darfst.

    Voltaire

    Hallo Pixie

    Out of scool since 35 years I´m not so good in English conversation, soory.
    So I only understood 60 % from what you have written. But it is ok.
    I only can hope that we have a member in our forum who can translate
    your letter, so the rest of the members can read your mining in German.
    I think you are great, to give your mind in a strange language into this forum, because you normaly must know that not everybody will read
    this. BUT never give up. All the best to you.

    Greetings from Bavaria

    Wolle

    I'll post a short german translation in the "german thread".
    Uli

    Suche Bund-Marken mit Stempel aus Düsseldorf! 
    Meine Tausch- und Verkaufsangebote im Philaforum --->  Ulis Flohmarkt

    Lacplesis,
    I can well understand that kind of fatigue, but too harsh means might throw out the babies with the water. Introductory tests, checking on active participation etc.
    :)

    Wolle,
    thank you for kind and encouraging words.
    I know I talk too much - that is compulsory, but always a sign that I enjoy the company.
    :)

    Uli,
    thank you - if you think it is worth the while ..
    :)

    I have no objection to answering their questions, however as Lacplesis states, "the answers they receive are not what they want to hear".

    This in part has much to do with the perception of old equates to valuable, complete and utter bollocks, but this myth makes for good television and is mirrored in many newspaper reports aboput various things being found. Typical example;- Granny's chmaber pot turns out to be a ming vase, whoopee she gets several thousands of pounds, on the downside she has neither the life expectancy or health to enjoy her windfall.

    "Old/antique is not necessarily valuable", is simply not newsworthy, thus the myth is perpetuated, much to the chagrin of those inheriting grandad's collection/accumulation.

    They clearly ask themselves, "Why else would he have kept all these stamps?", they must be valuable". Before the arrival of the internet such accumulations would be taken to a dealer etc., there they would be appraised and more often than not the prospective vendor disabused of the notion such were valuable.

    Ergo they clearly need to be directed to where many of their questions are answered. A FAQ section for example. I fear here though that we will then be confronted with questions by the cognitively challenged (good english "Thick as shit") wanting to know why they aren't valuable.

    I am certainly not elitist, and nor are many others here, but it is time-consuming to answer questions from people who simply want to hear what they have inherited is valuable, let alone try and convince them to become collectors themselves. This really is flogging a dead horse. Furthermore the members list is clogged with those who have registered to place such questions only to never be heard from again.

    This site is not elitist, nor should it become so.

    There is certainly no "One size fits all", solution to this.

    My solution to this would be to write to them requesting a response within, say 14 days, no answer they are removed, should they subsequently wish to re-register they may do so.

    Another way would perhaps be to have a section which states;-

    ''In possession of a collection accumulation, no intention of becoming a collector, and simply want to gain an idea of its worth, place your question here. Scans will assist in the appraisal of the item(s).''

    And as a caveat,"Until you have received an answer we strongly suggest you do not pre-order a Porsche or any Foreign holidays or tell your employer to go fuck himself".

    regards

    Nigel

    Sammeln wie es einem Spaß macht

    Oh yes, Nigel
    We have them here to
    :)
    only two days ago my neighbour proudly brought in a piece of furniture, a poor imitation of 18th century ...and who am I to tell that this is not genuine stuff...?
    I know that you readily and kindly answer questions, and that most of the members do
    but as your discussions are more likely to be read by serious newbies here than by those concerned, they might scare some off.

    It is not easy to make a compact of a reply that is in fact a reaction to many suggestions that have come up lately, seriously and more jokingly.

    Uli,
    thank you for bringing it up in german
    I think some nice suggestions have come out of your comments
    I will follow discussions closely
    :)


    My final suggestions:
    move up the threads for beginners - the how-tos
    and move down the "advanced philately"
    a discussion about the relative merits of auctions and "dutch auctions" in determining the market price of commodities ... well ...
    not to mention a discussion about "value" as such in its relation to "price"
    ;-))


    @ All
    again, thank you for your patience!
    :)

    With regard to a lack of interest in collecting, not just stamps, but many other things besides. I put it across this way.

    "No batteries, no screen, no gratuitous sex or violence, equals no interest".

    Guess I'm becoming more cynical in my dotage. Still it's much more fun to grow old disgracefully.

    regards

    Nigel

    Sammeln wie es einem Spaß macht