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The hobby in Canada needs these volunteers, and if you are unhappy with it, then step up and get involved.
SPP, this response is triggered by your reponse to my "issue" suggesting both entities (
RCNA and CCN) have the same president. If you are suggesting that these 2 positions (perhaps one is, probably with a big fat expense account) are volunteer positions, I think the facts would disappoint you.
Just like in politics, one sort of has to start volunteering on a "municipal level" and work upwards.
I tried to get involved in a coin club as a contributor of time, effort and expense on many levels with the results that the "old boys club" would undermine the efforts because the new move was not there idea)that there is little interest shown to move forward and get "with the times".
I even received an award for being the contributor of the year.
As you say, it is "the old boys club" or in our clubs case, the "we want to control the club" boys (and girl).
So, some members just do not attend anymore. Others are unhappy or just do not care. They just come for the auction.
You have very strong comments about being a volunteer and getting involved.
There are those who want to, and do get involved, to simply get a "podium". And there are others who do their thing in another way and still help and promote the hobby. For example promoting the hobby to Kids, which I do whenever I get a chance. Sometimes at considerable expense. Remember, if there are no kids taking up the hobby, there will eventually be nobody to buy your / mine / our expensive coins in a couple of decades.
To be a volunteer does not have to be through publications and does not have to involve "politics". It just needs some action.
In order to contribute to publications, one has to be reasonably qualified to do so. Unfortunately, I am not qualified by my own judgment and knowledge of the actual numismatic Issues on hand.
It is easy for you as a highly educated person, who can and does connect the numismatic hobby with your profession, to understand and know about a metallurgical process and write about it.
It is not so easy, or even possible for me, as a only basically educated person, to come even close to your knowledge about the subject. All I know is that a coin is a piece of material, usually metal, and that a coin's appearance and property does determine some of its value. Beyond that, I know very little about Numismatics. I need to say here that I have learned tons from you, your friends, and others.
Still suggesting I should be a volunteer? If yes, then please tell me how, and I might consider it.
Is it your opinion that everyone should contribute because YOU are a regular contributor to the
RCNA Journal and other publications?
Your contributions are well written and of great interest and are based on immense knowledge and understanding of the actual subject. I am sure that most readers thank you for it. I most certainly do as I always enjoy reading your articles.
But, did you ever just for a second think that many readers are just like me and have only a basic education? AND that some of us know swiddely-swat about how coins are actually "made", besides that they are struck on / in a coin press with intense pressure? And that many collectors know nothing about sleeves and collars etc.? However, they do not wish to look like dummies, so they say nothing.
Coins, the finished product, are a hobby and a financial investment for me. I know, most of you feel the same way. The investment in a coin has to be justified by its value.
My knowledge lies in my profession from which I retired by choice, some years back. Unfortunately my profession and knowledge does not fit in with numismatics as yours does.
Now, let me ask you another question:
How many coins, and or full or partially filled Whitman books, have you given away to kids for free in the last year to promote the hobby?
Well, my count is very interesting.
It does involve a different effort than writing an interesting article.
Is that perhaps another "kind" of volunteering?
Posted 11/20/2014 7:37 pm
