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#37513 03/27/2010 12:38 PM
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Is it me or is this site really slowing down.I think alot of people have went on to greenier pastures.Anyone have an idea as to why.

#37514 03/27/2010 02:37 PM
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No matter where you go the forum sites are very slow. Even giant WAF has topics that sit a week at a time lately.
Either its the economy,,or there are now double the amount of forums that there were from 10 years ago,,or both!

#37515 03/27/2010 03:27 PM
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All other militaria web sites are also very slow.
GDC is mostly geared towards edged weapons and it is still, by far, the most popular web site...........in relation to edged weapons. Wink
Walhalla is mostly headgears and WAF mostly badges and uniforms but not so much on edged weapons.
Each forum have their strenghts and weakeness and have their own set of priorities.

#37516 03/27/2010 08:01 PM
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People have been asking that question for years, not sure it would do any good going into the possible reasons again.


Doug
#37517 03/27/2010 09:13 PM
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I don't know about other sites but it seems to me a member can get suspended or banned for the slightest reason. I noticed some members are suspended and never come back. I know their has to be censorship but it's a little extreme and even downright silly you can't call an aircrafts cockpit what it has been called since the dawn of flight. But of course that is just my opinion. I have noticed also some members occasionally use minor cuss words but some others use them and get booted for it.

#37518 03/27/2010 09:15 PM
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WOW, I guess I was wrong on one thing. Now you CAN call a cockpit a cockpit. It used to be ****pit.

#37519 03/27/2010 09:39 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by 109:
I don't know about other sites but it seems to me a member can get suspended or banned for the slightest reason.


I have found that to be true, to be fair that goes for just about any forum I have ever seen.
WAF will ban you at the drop of a hat, I wouldn't be surprised to see members of the ACLU sign up there they are so PC.

I think it boils down to human nature, and most mods eventually get on a power trip and feel compelled to exercise that power.


Doug
#37520 03/27/2010 09:50 PM
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I've been here for a while.....peaks & valleys happen everywhere....
I like it here either way..... Razz


Lou Bell
#37521 03/27/2010 10:31 PM
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Things are really slow all over. Not much coming out of the woodwork and certainly no prices that make me jump on items so the glory days of numerous pieces bought or asked about have slowed.

I suspect once the economy starts churning again the market will pick up.

#37522 03/27/2010 10:33 PM
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me too. paul

#37523 03/27/2010 11:35 PM
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I like it here. I know these guys, I have drank with most of them. I value their opinions.

Its not just a forum filled with hundreds of guys I don't know and some guy named "SSamt45" that is really a 14 year old kid in the basement offering his opinion.


JERRY
GDC GOLD #0213

www.militarycollectorsHQ.com
#37524 03/27/2010 11:52 PM
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Very true, a forum swamped by 1000's of posts every day is not ideal either.
You can post something, and it will get buried in hours, here it will stay in the active topics for days, if not weeks.

I like it somewhere in between, but don't complain either way.
The obvious reply "If you don't like it, start your own forum then" holds true.


Doug
#37525 03/28/2010 12:25 AM
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Over the years many questions have been asked--several times--and answers have been given--many times. Think about it--How much have you learned in the past 10 or so years? How often do you really need to ask about something compared to then?


MAX & OVMS Life Member, MAX Bd. of Experts. GDC Platinum Dealer. Collector since 1955.
#37526 03/28/2010 01:36 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Houston Coates:
Over the years many questions have been asked--several times--and answers have been given--many times. Think about it--How much have you learned in the past 10 or so years? How often do you really need to ask about something compared to then?


Well said IMO Houston.
I'm very greatful to have such a great resource with some of the best minds in the business to learn from.

#37527 03/28/2010 02:07 AM
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Maybe I'm just slowing down, but the site seems to be more civil than it was a while back. I like it that way. There is always room for differences of opinion, etc., and there is no reason people can't treat one another with courtesy and respect. There are still many true experts here and it is always welcoming for them to share their expertise. Like most, there are some areas of collecting I'm more "into" than others. It is great to have a "go-to" place for questions about other areas of collecting, as well as those areas you are interested in. Like fine wine, the site has aged nicely.

#37528 03/28/2010 02:12 AM
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my quest for an answer is off the beating path.I just have noticed that the post have really slowed down did people just loose interest.Has the economy beating everone down.JUst looks like the hobby was taking a turn.

#37529 03/28/2010 04:25 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by reichstall:
my quest for an answer is off the beating path.I just have noticed that the post have really slowed down did people just loose interest.Has the economy beating everone down.JUst looks like the hobby was taking a turn.


,,my opinion..four words: E CON OH ME. Razz
things can only get better...right?
"the future's so bright, I gotta wear shades" Cool


In Memory of Joe Mann
Medal of Honor Recipient
July 8, 1922 �
September 19, 1944



#37530 03/29/2010 08:59 PM
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Yes it is slow on here, I dont very often come on here now. There is very few new threads to look at, I maily read stuff now rather than post stuff. I have some very interesting new bits, same as other collectors but really cant be bothered with the debate over them.

#37531 03/29/2010 09:57 PM
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Hey fellow collectors:
The economy works both ways. This has been a very good year for me to buy items. There's even primary stuff coming out-of-the-woodwork again.
Jim

#37532 03/30/2010 02:38 AM
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If you look at the number of posts of most of the individuals on this site they have high posts. It seems like a very small club on GDC. Not much new blood over here. I'm not privy to new membership sign ups but I bet it's not good. JMO

#37533 03/30/2010 11:53 AM
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Slow or not is as much down to membership indifference as to the economy-come on guys, it doesnt have to be new or controversial, lets all make a difference by posting a picture or comment in any area we can relate to-you all have stuff I cant wait to see...
Paul


FUR EHR' UND PFLICHT BIS HERZ UND KLINGE BRICHT
#37534 04/16/2010 07:17 AM
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I do agree with Houston, and to a certain extend while the economy is recovering, there are now more books, more resources, clubs and museums to educate the collector. Less new discoveries are made and old questions have already been asked. So perhaps the hobby has come to a plateau? JMO.

#37535 04/16/2010 02:39 PM
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One thing for sure that has caused a slowdown, at least for me, was April 15. The Tax Bill was worse this year than last and, as my business is incorporated, March 15 was another deadline for taxes, so much time has been devoted to preparation.
Next, with the uncertainty in the current business cycle in the US, people are a little more hesitant here to invest or make any changes, so I hope this changes in this election year.
JMO,
Ron Weinand


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LIFE MEMBER OVMS
#37536 05/07/2010 02:14 AM
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I know this post will be quite unpopular, but who cares . . . As founder of GDC, I can tell you without reservation that in the beginning, GDC was loaded with individuals who had decades of experience in the field of edged weapons. Not years of experience looking at pictures, and building a nice collection, but actual experience owning millions of dollars in militaria over their career. These people came here to pass the torch to new collectors, and offered to teach what they knew. One by one, most ceased posting due to a rather destructive group dynamic that placed popularity and posting-numbers above actual knowledge. Not to say that there are not people left here who know their subject well, but it is not the same.

Tom Johnson mused to me the other day in Kassel about this very subject. He was amazed that people like Houston and Ron - truly the last of the old-guard who post regularly, even bother. My hat is indeed off to them for their perseverance, and they have my utmost respect. It's truly become a case of the blind leading the blind (or in fairness, the people with thick bifocals leading the blind!), and I think at some level, people know it. If you don't believe me, look at threads that devote pages and pages analyzing damascus daggers that ANY visitor to a show in Europe will spot immediately as a reproduction.

My one bit of advice to new collectors is to attend every show you can, and figure out some way to get to know old-timers, before it's too late. Buy and sell as MUCH material as you can, because only through ownership and risk will you learn. This is where the true knowledge lies.


Craig Gottlieb
Founder, German Daggers Dot Com
www.cgmauctions.com
#37537 05/07/2010 10:00 AM
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Roll EyesI suppose you were the glue that held them all together...
These people the blind...analyzing damascus daggers...kind of reminds me of you Gottlieb with NSKK High Leader Daggers,or a rifle ,or pistol... Roll Eyes

Sepp

#37538 05/07/2010 02:15 PM
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ha ha...

C. , you've never been so wrong ,,about everything you've posted here...

Owning many things makes you the expert huh? I've seen monster collections when I visited a well heeled friend in Hollywood only to have them half full of common fakes. so that ends that right there..

On this topic there are more old timers posting than the beginners,,,and we thank them and continue to thank them all the time.. by the way Mr. Wittman and Johnson never were posters here, except once or twice if I remember. And, there is a healthy influx of new members,,,and what is it to you if they want to discuss a damascus piece that they can't get a handle on,,weren't you ever a beginner, can't you remember just a few short years ago..
It's not just GDC theres a 13 page topic on WAF, Where Have All the Young Collectors Gone,,so why try and burn a rag here..

I've done a little bit of checking,,the main reason there are few posts anymore,,when you started this how many other forum sites were there?! Maybe WAF and AHF,,3 total with GDC... Now there are 3 times that,,and that's just in English!

And, if you really didn't care you wouldn't have posted at all..

#37539 05/07/2010 03:33 PM
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I agree with Craig in many ways. I (specialize) in my collecting. And after years of collecting, looking at huge personal (educated!!) collectors collections, going to museums in Europe looking in there original Damascus collections in storage. And meeting people who knew the Damascus smiths going to current Damascus smiths forges in Europe. I collect and buy every good reference book out there on the subject and period reference..Yes, go to shows... look what is there be a fly on the wall as they say... I Always have fun at the shows and it is great to talk to Tom W. Tom Johnson and his Wife Tink. Ron W. to many to list!! I always see the sword patriarch Art S. I have owned many Damascus swords daggers etc.... (could I afford to keep them all?? NO ) but I learned something from each piece.... We all make mistakes dealers, collectors, its human..And there is some very good fakes and some very bad.. After reading my post it seems to mirror what Craig has said.. Regards: James

#37540 05/07/2010 03:38 PM
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People should give Craig credit where due. I agree with Gaspare's assessmant of the site but let us not overlook Craig's co founding and operation of this site. Not to demean anyone elses administrative method, Craig ran a more "fluid" site. He became personally involved in many member disputes and kept things smooth. He also adjusted the forum rules as necessary.

That being said, I would add to Gaspare's summary that the general awarenes of common fakes reduces the need of many people to ask questions. Many questionable daggers on auction sites that would have been posted here with questions are not even looked at , or bid up, today. This shared knowledge is due to this web site and it reduces many questions.

Just my opinion.

Jim

#37541 05/07/2010 04:43 PM
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I don't see that the site has deteriorated all that much. It has changed, perhaps evolved, for certain. There are still many members whose opinions I respect and there have always been "hot dogs" here who have no idea what they are talking about. There seem to be fewer personal shots at members and most of the heated, explosive exchanges are absent. There are still disagreements, major and minor, but that is to be expected. Most are now conducted in a civilized way. The site is still a wealth of information and the photos posted aid immensely in the pursuit of the hobby. And don't forget the "for sale" and "wanted" sections. Great places to find "good stuff." Also, searching old posts can save enormous amounts of time and can answer important questions. I think the site is pretty much on an even keel and I anticipate it will continue to be.

#37542 05/07/2010 07:30 PM
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what annoys me on this site is collectors asking " what is your opinion on this " etc . When i started collecting the best advice i ever got was buy the reference books , talk to other collectors, an handle as many items as you can . which mirrors exactly what craig says .I dont consider myself an expert an i dont think i will ever have a world class collection , but after 15 years of collecting i own a reasonable amount of daggers ,26 to be precise , an i am happy with them all , yes i have been burnt but what TR collector has nt ? the fact of the matter is to many collectors now want there hands holding on every purchase they make . All i can say is do your homework an dont rely on anyone but yourself ,cos at the end its your money your spending £ $

#37543 05/07/2010 07:46 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Craig Gottlieb:
I know this post will be quite unpopular, but who cares . . . As founder of GDC, I can tell you without reservation that in the beginning, GDC was loaded with individuals who had decades of experience in the field of edged weapons. Not years of experience looking at pictures, and building a nice collection, but actual experience owning millions of dollars in militaria over their career. These people came here to pass the torch to new collectors, and offered to teach what they knew. One by one, most ceased posting due to a rather destructive group dynamic that placed popularity and posting-numbers above actual knowledge. Not to say that there are not people left here who know their subject well, but it is not the same.

Tom Johnson mused to me the other day in Kassel about this very subject. He was amazed that people like Houston and Ron - truly the last of the old-guard who post regularly, even bother. My hat is indeed off to them for their perseverance, and they have my utmost respect. It's truly become a case of the blind leading the blind (or in fairness, the people with thick bifocals leading the blind!), and I think at some level, people know it. If you don't believe me, look at threads that devote pages and pages analyzing damascus daggers that ANY visitor to a show in Europe will spot immediately as a reproduction.

My one bit of advice to new collectors is to attend every show you can, and figure out some way to get to know old-timers, before it's too late. Buy and sell as MUCH material as you can, because only through ownership and risk will you learn. This is where the true knowledge lies.


And your 10 years of experience allows you to judge?. Are you comparing yourself to Tom Johnson?. There is risk, but you do not need risk to learn. That is a sales pitch and the "old guard" is accessible by standard means, they do not need a keyboard or the founder of packaged software to guide them.

#37544 05/07/2010 09:03 PM
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RE: "the old guard".....
I, for one, appreciate the fact that guys like Houston, Ron, Gailen et al...still offer help and advice to the forum members.....there are members of the "younger guard, like Baz, WWII, Damast, JR, Gaspare, et al who still help anyone who asks "whats your opinion?. If you're not here anymore, for whatever reason, who cares about your opinion... GDC will carry on (I hope)....
with the help of all concerned.....


Lou Bell
#37545 05/07/2010 09:22 PM
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quote:
If you don't believe me, look at threads that devote pages and pages analyzing damascus daggers that ANY visitor to a show in Europe will spot immediately as a reproduction


Well I guess this above statement points out one thing. The Europeans wouldn't have wasted pages of posts on those "Huhnlein" daggers of last year. Roll Eyes

Jim

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#37546 05/09/2010 12:41 AM
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Guys, let me say as a fairly fresh collector comparing to some old timers here - once the members of this site stop responding to "what do you think of this one " questions it will go down very quickly. Thank you all for sharing your expertise!

#37547 05/10/2010 02:04 AM
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Since collecting from the spark of interest at the age of 19. At 61 I have found the perfect source of absolute knowledge that has escaped me all of the years in ignorance. All of my research through a small fortune in reference books, talking to and learning one on one to the "forgotten oldtimers who know better" collectors. Some who have become longtime dear friends who in addition to collecting have been an ally in the advice of a separation of marriage or other personal matters. Who have invited you over to their house and they have been to mine. Who have personally autographed the reference books in your library that they authored. I feel now that the knowledge that has escaped me after all these years is the answer Mr. Gottlieb opened my eyes to. I'm blind. The arrogance of his post is just short of comical.

#37548 05/12/2010 03:14 PM
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well now we start down the slamming road again.That is not what i wanted the post to do .I wanted people to see unless we change the way this site is going there will be no one left.I see people getting slammed for there spelling me being the worse, there use of the english lang. even though it is not there primary form of speech.Ok if I ask what you think of this dagger and you don't like it great if you do great just say so.But when you start slamming people behind a screen name than you are the one with a promblem.Email him and tell them .I've called out more than a few on here and you know what not a one of them ever showed up to back it up.The future must change or there will be none. jim

#37549 05/12/2010 04:15 PM
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I agree that personal shots over trivia are uncalled for. I haven't noticed much of that lately, but I don't read every post. There should be no insults, major or minor, active or passive, here. Such can adn has driven members away.

#37550 05/14/2010 04:19 AM
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I agree as well to slamming anyone over trival matters. However, I read an insult to the past and present members of this site,GDC. If it was my post, which was the last one on the topic, that was deemed as slamming it wasn't my intention. It is just a reaction to an insult in defense of collectors in common who voiced their own distain to the post. This is just the explanion of my post and my end of the subject.

#37551 05/14/2010 08:27 PM
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Expertise comes in many forms, and is not just limited to buying, selling, and owning. As Gaspare mentioned, I also have seen some monster collections in multiple areas with the good mixed in with the bad. Owned by guys who were otherwise clueless - that had accepted somebody’s word that the item was good because he (the seller) said that he was an “expert”. For some of them, if a forum such as this one had existed back then, it could have helped them avoid some very, very, costly mistakes.

But the 800 pound gorilla that’s in the room. That does not seem to have been addressed directly, is the fact that a lot of new or potentially new collectors are getting turned off by all of the fakes (which includes altered items). Face to face, that is one of the very serious concerns of these new guys who will be the ones that are carrying on the collecting tradition. And they don’t necessarily trust all of the dealers (or old timers) either, with some of them having very strong feelings.

Then, when you add in a bad economy, I’m not surprised that things have slowed down. In the near term I don’t expect much change, as even more fakes are coming into the marketplace, and the economy is still unsettled. But once things really do get turned around, I would hope that those who are now staying away return. And that they can continue to come to the forums for the best possible opinions in whatever area that they are collecting. FP

#37552 05/20/2010 11:59 AM
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Trust? Ronald Regan once said “trust but verify” One must do their own research BEFORE buying! Us young whippersnappers know there are known good and bad apples in the collecting world and we share this info with others. (the good and to avoid list) Sadly this has cost us lots of cash! I once bought of "trusted experts" and that ended up poorly as some see "s ucker" on your brow, then the light shines as the TRUTH always prevails.

Read many books, handle as many original items at the shows, ask lots of questions, study the details, find a few knowledgeable friends that are true collectors. This is how one can protect themselves from the wolves. The good news is 90% of the people are great, honest folks.

IMO GDC has ran off the "brains" and they really have nothing to gain by coming back. Why are the other .com sights busy compaired to GDC? Its not hard to figure out.....

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