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 Replies: 55 / Views: 5,832 |
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Valued Member
United States
247 Posts |
I hope one day to be a fellow "stupid error guy" but I've got a LONG way to go  I'd request one as well but I think I'm still too new here  Either way have fun and a safe trip back! |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3507 Posts |
That is a very nice thing to have done! I am also glad that you enjoyed Seattle:-)! I can see Seattle from here!
Have a Safe trip home!
Bill O'
PS: You are probably home by now! have Fun!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
810 Posts |
Congrats my friend. It sounds like an exciting experience.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
505 Posts |
So cool of you to do this!
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
601 Posts |
This thread has been one of my favorites. I've learned a lot from the members I've gotten to communicate with.
I know that my motives are often suspect- all of us have been taken advantage of by "Dealers". So much so that it's spoken as a dirty word in our collector vernacular. Anyone who's been curious about me on the forum and STILL doesn't know- has either made their own assumptions, or not taken the opportunity to become a friend.
My motivation on this forum is multi-faceted. I'll give you an idea of what I'm talking about:
By giving away a little more than 50 coins, I have gotten to interact with some interesting folks. Several stick out as people I want to get to know, and look forward to meeting. But most importantly these are a few of the insights I've gained in the last 36 hours:
A member from Canada wanted to mail me the $2 shipping to get a WAM. I realized this is because Canadian postage is about as desired as loon dollars in our country. In thinking about this, I realized that on my ebay sites- I don't ship to Canada. I offer free shipping on most of my listings, but chose not to include our northern neighbor because sending heavy parcels is complicated. I never sat back long enough to realize that I'm not the roll wholesaler I was 2 years ago. With this insight, I've opened myself up to a whole new world of friends. This will change the direction of my business. COST: nothing. VALUE: priceless.
I also discovered that 2 different forum members live in my own, sleepy and (what's the opposite of progressive?) town. I would jump at the chance to have a cup of coffee with ANY forum member. There's no way to put a price on good conversation.
I got recommendations from several forum members about interesting sites to see in their areas. My family loves to travel (roadtrip- screw the plane!), in fact we've turned it into a science. All of us depend on one another and it's simply an incredible experience anytime we're away from home. Because of forum members, we have several new and interesting experiences ahead of us this summer, the next time we're in Seattle.
I also had a member suggest a way for me to part with a ton of the bulk stuff that's sat in my office and stagnated, while being able to help the forum family. This answered something that'd been nagging me for quite a while. I have a new vision and direction because of this member.
I could tell you many other gems that I gleaned, and if you're still reading this, I believe you'd actually want to hear. Thank you.
My point is that value is where you find it.
I've gained incredible perspective on the state of our hobby from collectors and enthusiasts, not "dealers". What I love about this place is the personal interaction. ebay and other online retail services that I utilize steal away the personal aspect. What attracted me to coins was the brotherhood and camaraderie of the old fashioned coin shop. The spawn of the internet age and resulting shift in society has erased the fellowship that makes Numismatics amazing. In our world, knowledge and understanding is the ultimate equalizer.
To give you an idea of where I get my perspective- I'll share something slightly personal. When I first began selling coins for a living, I could only afford medical insurance on my wife and sons. When eating something delicious, I broke a tooth. It sucks when your perception of self image changes for the worse. I thought I looked like a jerk! OK- hear me out....
When my tooth broke, I noticed instantly that people reacted to me different. No longer the gorgeous young guy I fancied myself as, I started gaining great insight on the perception of others.
Long story short- I now can pay for the cost of insurance- even though it exceeds my mortgage. BUT- I've consciously chosen to keep my teeth the way they are. This is why-
Coin dealers can be notoriously dismissive. Doesn't matter your weakness, they can hone in on it in seconds. This is a predator mentality.
I meet new business contacts frequently. I prefer that people judge me harshly, immediately. This tells me all I need to know about the quality of person in front of me. It also shows me who I can trust. The people that I've chosen to deal with are the ones that afford more than just common respect, using insight and their own thoughts to know who I am, not assume.
The CCF forum circumvents unfair judgment. Here, everyone has the CHANCE to be an equal. One can sit and learn, or inquire with their own questions. There's always going to be "trolls" who want to be contrary to all things common sense, but they get pushed out (can't say I miss copprtop).
After eliminating the chaff, where you are right now is your single, largest and most valuable source of information. A wealth of collective knowledge gained from untold years of doing it the hard way, before our online world. I'm not talking about myself, I mean each one of you. You may think I'm just rambling on.....but watch for what I learn from you.
Having such rich interaction has given me depth and great clarity in my business. In just a few short months, I've redefined my goals and direction. In the future, PLEASE don't refer to me as a DEALER! In my own mind, that evokes a predatory merchant. I don't want to be associated with the type.
In closing, all I can say is THANKS! To everyone, even the "trolls" that I've butted heads with. I don't babble, I learn. One day I hope that I can be lucky enough to teach.
Years from now, when I'm dead and gone, I'd hate to be remembered as a decent "dealer". I am not. Just hoping to be a friend of the hobby.
Edited by liveandievarieties
04/14/2011 04:56 am
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New Member
United States
8 Posts |
I would love to have one! Thanks for the offer!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
810 Posts |
Ok now words come up. I was having some kind of weird malfunction.
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Valued Member
United States
234 Posts |
Well said Liveanddie!
Thank you for all the great contributions you have made to this site!
We all need to be reminded that a little kindness or generosity once in a while goes a long way and that is also usually repaid ten fold!
Lets go get a coffee sometime:). Have a great week!
Chugly
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1388 Posts |
 completely w/ Chugly... It's a little tough to join in on a coffee from Ohio though  ... I love CCF, no site can compare  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
601 Posts |
"We all need to be reminded that a little kindness or generosity once in a while goes a long way and that is also usually repaid ten fold!"
I never thought that a single sentence could encompass what I've been planning....Thanks!
PM me, I'd like to experience your pick for a perfect cup of coffee sometime in the coming weeks. Thanks Chugly!
Edited by liveandievarieties
04/15/2011 02:22 am
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2150 Posts |
Received my 2000 WAM today! Wanted to say thank you once again for this kind and generous offer!! |
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Valued Member
United States
237 Posts |
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Valued Member
United States
237 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1126 Posts |
liveanddievarieties, I just want to say BRAVO WELL DONE Terry |
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Pillar of the Community
2224 Posts |
Chris, I wish we weren't so far away, I'm outside DC. Would love to have the cup of coffee with ya. Got the WAM today, thank you very much. Although I'm just a lowly collector who loves history, if I can ever do anything for you and its within my ability, you got it. |
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Replies: 55 / Views: 5,832 |
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Posted 04/12/2011 10:00 pm
