Posted 10 years ago
antiques-i…
(240 items)
One of the most unfortunate things when it comes to collecting is new and experienced collectors seem to have a lack of support. Often a new collector looks for help and some more knowledgeable collectors give the impression they don’t have the time.
Experienced or advanced collectors often hide their collections away and don’t share them with the glass collecting community or others who simply may show interest in collecting, so what is the point of collecting if you don’t share what you love with others who would love to see and appreciate your accomplishments. I understand the concern of exposing yourself to possible theft risk should you open your home to others. With the internet, that risk is all but eliminated as long as you don’t give out your address or pictures of your home.
As a collector, I’ve made the decision to be as collector friendly and helpful as possible to all who are interested. I have written many articles on the subject of shaker collecting in many publications in the US, Canada, and the UK. I’ve given talks to various groups and made myself available to all who have interest.
We are trying to do our best to keep the interest alive for younger generations as well as older.
The most disturbing thing to me is the lack of interest by so many in the collecting world to adapt the same attitude. This goes for individuals as well as organizations and all types of media in the collecting world. I see this very often in conversations with others that often are broken off mid-stride in the conversation, never having their questions answered, especially in the world of glass collectors when communicating via the internet. Also the infighting that takes place when one has a differing opinion from another; I’ve even seen that on here. Often the internet is a two edged sword as far as it opens up the world to collectors in many facets but also fosters people to attack from a safe distance from behind their computer.
The whole point of this commentary is to get people thinking. I may be preaching to the choir here because this website is all about sharing. But I’m sure you interact with others that may fit into this profile.
Well anyway it’s just my thoughts and opinion and just thought I would give it. I certainly welcome any thoughts or opinions in response.
Well put & received here. You are right but some conflicts seem to be unavoidable & probably shouldn't be. Of course I've always been on the sidelines. LOL (triple that LOL). I have become wiser from my experiences on CW & truly am trying to avoid getting into conflicts. I have also learned to give the addresses & house pics of people I don't like. Nobody will ever take my sarcastic humour from me unless it is from my cold dead hands! Thanks Antiques for you reminder. Now can you tell what that is in your pic! <;-) (still trying to figure out these texting symbols).
Thanks so much for you kind words. Often I get myself into troble when I get on the soap box.
The pic is of some of the carnival glass I have. The bowl front and center is a Northwood Grape & Cable fruit bowl in anethyst.
Hey, "Throw a stone into a crowd and the person hit yells the loudest". Lol! Think you shot canister though.
Well, the reason why I bring these things up is through experience and observation. Looking at posts of people attacking others because they dont agree and they may think their opinion is the only one valid. Club and group politics can be horrible. Ive walked away from clubs because of politics.
We're smarter than most!
Here is a statement I often use in those types of situations:
Note: I am a collector not a glass researcher, I have a good eye for it and I put a lot of effort into it. My comments concerning shakers are based on my experiences. Therefore if you are not satisfied with what I have to say, it does not warrant attacks or fits of rage, you are free to accept what I have to say or consult with others.
well stated, I never, okay seldom argue any point of facts, judgement call yes. Basically because I'm just a sideliner in most conflicts, thus far.
I'm thinking perhaps there are many collectors who simply enjoy their collections and share the love of their collections with family and friends. Not so many who actually share online. I rather think of myself as simply a student of EAPG and certainly no expert. I do enjoy the research and searching, and still have a few unidentified cake stands in my collection. I'm happy to share what limited knowledge I've gained. I do enjoy seeing the many varied collections shared here on CW and learn lots from others who are willing to share.
I have had in general, a very good experience on CW. I guess the difference is Im sharing my love of what i collect with people who dont collect what I do. Igt gives other exposure to another collecting catagory and maybe develope interest in it.
Ive always been a big advocate of promoting collecting sinc it seems like in many ways its declining at least in catagory specific antique collecting.
The fighting that goes on sometimes has developed into harrassment to some people. Life is simply too short do what some people do to others over something everyone should enjoy.
Sorry typing too fast, not proof reading :)
But you get the idea of what Im saying
I think CW has gotten much better with getting rid of BS posters. It's now like it was a year or 2 ago. Great improvement. More natural & free-flowing than when the BS'ers had their era. When the floor needs sweeping, sweep it. I think we are back to where we should be & were before. I feel much more comfortable with it. It might have gotten a bit nasty to get rid of the BS'ers, but well worth it. I joke with posters more now & hope we all enjoy it.
I enjoy your humor and have enjoyed posting and getting everyones opinion. I first posted 2 years ago but only came back at a friends urging, glad I did.
I think its a type of glass you either like or hate.
Well, it is often described that way. It was a real cheap alternative to the more expensive art glass that many could not afford. Now, many patterns and colors are just as much as the fancier stuff.
I have a small collection of Carnival Glass now but used to have several hundred pieces. Now I mainly collect Victorian Art Glass shakers and condiment sets.
Well, its good to get people talking about this stuff and our thoughts and concerns. It great to post our finds and collections, but its also great just to talk and get to know our fellow collectors.
Lets see to put it into a single post. Its a couple of things, it has to be iridized and have a pattern to it. The glass that may be iridized can be lots of different colors from clear to milk glass and everything in between. Some patterns and colors are rarer than others. Color, really good color is important and does effect value and beauty.
If you would like to discuss it in greater detail we can via email or you may go to:
http://www.ddoty.com/index.html
That is the "Go to" site for carnival. The shaker page is mine on there.
Well work comes early but will be back tomorrow
Thank you for your interest!
Thanks so much for the nice comments! Yes, every group on the internet has people who are disruptive and cause problems. The real make up of a group is that they are recognized and shown the door. Some groups do that and others do not, that comes down to good group moderation, so you have to pick the groups carefully. Ive belonged to a lot of groups over the years and this is the only one I belong to now. Yes, I do see issues in this site and again, the problem people need to be shown the door. Its simple, sufficient warning and then you go.
And it does not mean that the person who is the problem is wrong in the point they are trying to make, its how they do it. People have to keep their emotions in check. Look, collecting is supposed to be fun. We are not in the UN here trying to solve the world problems. If it simply boils down to a ego, which much of it is, they have to control themselves and understand we all put our pants on one leg at a time.
So I would say to people who are rude or abusive, get over it or get out.
I couldn't agree more with you antiques-in-nj and applaud you for saying so!...and also wish those "people who are rude or abusive, get over it or get out:...but! unfortunately they don't and it's always the wrong ones that go..it seems that those who shout the loudest and are the most abusive are the ones that stay..where else could they get away with it?
Beautiful bowl!...:-)
Well that becomes a moderator issue or site administrator issue. In my opinion maybe a better job should be done. Because that is exactly what happens, the good people who want to learn and may make some errors along the way and yes we all do are chased off. Part of learning is making mistakes and for those who do not think they make mistakes have not learned anything.
And thanks :)
Many years ago I used to really be into carnival glass but went into collecting Victorian shakers however when I find a nice piece will buy it.
Thanks!
The other thing to consider here when it comes to bad behavior, is that it discourages new people showing interest in collecting to shy away and give up. This also affects new potential members joining collecting clubs. So many clubs are starving for new younger members to keep the clubs going. So many clubs are shrinking and facing extinction.
That!.. is a consideration I have put forward on this forum before but! it seems to fall on deaf ears..
I understand, its a pattern of behavior that has been around for many years. Ive noticed that some collecting catagories in glass seem to have more issues than others.
Some of the bettern collectors Ive encountered are Carnival glass collectors and Akro Agate collectors. We have the best time at the Akro Agate convention. Nobody is better than anyone else.
All we can do is try, and when encountering bad behavior, take the high road. Most who attack want a fight for whatever their reasons are. Maybe they cant interact any other way. Antisocial, often come from bad upbringing
I'm kind of having fun watching the correlation between the weather & the number of posts.
this subject is near and dear to my heart. Im enjoying the renewed interest in it.
You know this kind of behavior happens in all these groups. Ireally dont know how to prevent it totally especially if you are not in a position of managment so to speak. I have a statement that i often use when I encounter this issue.
Note: "I am a collector not a glass researcher, I have a good eye for it and I put a lot of effort into it. My comments concerning shakers are based on my experiences. Therefore if you are not satisfied with what I have to say, it does not warrant attacks or fits of rage, you are free to accept what I have to say or consult with others".
Im not a glass reseacher and dont say I am. All my articles in publications and comments in online groups from a collectors pont of view. I learned a long time ago that usually disarms these characters.
Thanks so much JayHow, none of this conversation was directed at anyone in particular. Its observng in general on this site and experiences on others. I really do appreciate you comments and it a credit to you.
And yes, there are very good collectors on here with great collections, that is what makes this site go good!
That is great and its nice to share. I think that is what collecting is all about, sharing info and ones collection. What is the point of collecting and hiding it all for only the collector to look at. That is what is nce about this site, the Show and Tell component.
Read all you cand and handle all you can. Knowledge is power and can save you from making costly mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes, that is part of learning and you learn from them.
Oh, also what ever you collect, if they have a club, join! Their yearly conventions are a wealth of knowledge!
Are you in the east? There is a great glass show in Carlisle Pa. twice a year. Lots of well know dealers there and glass you will see nowhere else!
Oh, also before I go. If you are in a position to, visit the West Virginia Museum of American Glass in Weston, WV. Its a great place to visit and subscribe to their magazine All About Glass.
They are very nice knowledgable, I write for the magazine quite often.
Talk soon
Thanks so much for the response and i fully understand. I have not had any attacks from anyone on the site nor will I tolorate it. I believe people who attack are for reasons Ive already stated in this thread. I guess what i dont understand is that, at least Im not aware of, no moderation and it can make for a wild,wild, west type atmosphere. I believe that so much more can be learned and so many others that may have been chased away, would still be here.
But I do identify with you in many of your experiences on other groups.
Ive always understood that one who thinks they know everything is the one you should run from, before they get you killed. And for those who may know factually they are right and attack for it, need to take some behavioral classes.
Yeah, but the bad eggs will pay too. Its what you do with them after they served notice that they are bad eggs.
I know that many forums are closed but im not sure if they charge, except maybe club forums in which you need to be a paid member of the club.