Disregarding Advice And Opinions Here

Interesting thread.

As you'd surmise, we have collectors of all levels of experience here from raw rookies to internationally-known experts. If you're working on the first couple opinions from people who wander into your thread with a reply, it'd probably be a risk to take any action at all on what you hear. The chance of correct information rises as a function of people who chime in similarly, particularly when they're generally in agreement.

But postcount and tenure don't always equate to correctness. Were that the case, I'd never be wrong.

Trust me - nothing could be further from the truth.

Certain things about numismatics are objective and fact-based, like varieties, mintages, and prices realized in real-world sales (understanding a_lot of outliers can be found there). Certain other things - grade (within limit), eye appeal, "reasonable" need to apply some conservation effort to a given coin - are more subjective.

But if you offer a coin for grading, and six people call it AU50 while one says it's MS65....

If enough advice/opinion is in one place regarding any specific topic for you to say to yourself, "well, most of these people say this," you'll probably regret disregarding it.

Agree with whats been said above.

I would also add that it would depend on the types of questions being asked for how useful the advice is. What I mean is if you ask a grade the chances are the group opinion will be correct or very close, if youre asking what you should collect or how you should collect that will all just be personal opinions. Its good to hear the ideas and decide what you want to do, but a good amount of collecting is based around individual likes and dislikes.

Asking for advice is a great way to learn. Aspects that you never imagined may come forward.

Sometimes there isn't a clear cut correct answer because a lot of it can be opinion based. And resulting from folks with differing perceptions of what should and shouldn't be.

You might have a course of action in mind, and might be looking for re-enforcement of your own thoughts.

Receive any advice gratefully. Weigh the factors. And make your decision. But let it be your decision.
And never regret it.

I completely disagree with what everyone has said.

Just kidding - that's one of those smart responses talked about...

Seriously, the thing I would add is that it's great to get opinions but also remember it's your collection, so if you like a coin, that's all that really matters in the end.

The best thing about CCF to me is how much you can learn by participating in the discussions. It's invaluable.

"Life is but a walking shadow..." and if you think we all ignore advise at times...you'd be correct. Most times, experience is the teacher as apposed to logic. Peer pressure is a powerful tool for the uninformed. Don't get trapped into listening to bad advice. Get as much information as you can before making the decision.

This thread has not gone the way I thought it might, but has been a very good read all the same.

Solid advice given, tongue in cheek.

Seriously though, I am thankful to the thoughts expressed and grateful to those who have expressed them.

When you read, sort and sift through what's here, the info you can find in the end can be a valuable component in the set of info sources that you access and use in the self-education process.
In addition to what's here---coin/PM dealer and mint websites, coin/PM info websites, coin books and magazines, local coin/PM shops, local coin shows and local coin clubs/club members
are also important potential info sources.

I'm only in this game 8 months and I've got 140+ websites bookmarked, but I've only had time to read through half of them. The available books and magazines go far beyond anything I'll ever
need (or could ever afford). The amount of info available is staggering. Good luck and happy hunting!

Not to cast any doubt on the quality of the information available here (or anywhere on the internet for that matter), at least for a while, take everything you read here with a grain of salt. The anonymity of the internet can make anybody an expert (or hot blonde, or a pro athlete, or a french model ala a certain insurance company commercial). I agree post count doesn't necessarily make someone an expert. I agree with the group consensus approach. If the majority of opinions expressed to a given question seem to be on the same lines, it's a good bet you've seen good information. Learn to separate fact from opinion. Some will insist their opinion is fact, and not let the truth get in the way of debunking it. As you continue to read, you'll learn to separate the honest opinions and knowledgeable posters from the others. Like everything else, experience is the key. Don't rely on any one source for all your information, especially a message board. Use multiple sources, including good old fashion printed material.

Not quite sure what you're looking for, but as I re-read your post, I can say that while I don't post much (I have reasons, not necessary to air them), I do check the site daily. I'm not an expert (nor any of the other things I mentioned above). I use the approach I just outlined when reading others offers of advice or opinions. Understand that opinions are just that. It's human nature to accept the advise you like, and disregard the stuff you don't agree with. Keep an open mind. While you may not agree with something said, think it through before you toss it aside. Just don't accept as gospel any advice on here that could cost you money. Research any spending completely before committing. I could say buy this or that. I may be Ben Bernacke, or I could just be some deadbeat with nothing better to do than post on internet forums. So always do further independent research before making decisions.