ANA: Now is the time for a Website Forum!

[fjrosetti]

With the sudden and disturbing end of the Coin World Forum right around the corner, a thought or two:

First, Coin World is a hobby publication and its number one priority is MAKING MONEY. So when a part of it(the Forum) becomes a liability, it certainly does make sense for the Coin World management to do what is necessary to keep the business strong.

Those of us who so much enjoyed the Coin World Forum rightfully feel a big loss, but we will survive, especially with such a fine forum as this one right here.

However, it seems to me that the obvious place where collectors could meet and exchange ideas, ask questions, and so forth, should be the American Numismatic Association.

The ANA is suppose to be a center for numismatists, collectors included. I am a member and I feel that a Coin Forum is a feature the ANA SHOULD include in the new web site that will replace the old one early in 2005.

Collector communication, exchange of knowledge is what the ANA says it is all about. I agree. Now give us a Forum!!!

[dthigpen]

I agree that a forum only for active ANA members would be nice. An ethics code violation reporting/discussion forum would also be fun

[susanlynn9]

Originally Posted by fjrosetti

With the sudden and disturbing end of the Coin World Forum right around the corner, a thought or two:

First, Coin World is a hobby publication and its number one priority is MAKING MONEY. So when a part of it(the Forum) becomes a liability, it certainly does make sense for the Coin World management to do what is necessary to keep the business strong.

Those of us who so much enjoyed the Coin World Forum rightfully feel a big loss, but we will survive, especially with such a fine forum as this one right here.

However, it seems to me that the obvious place where collectors could meet and exchange ideas, ask questions, and so forth, should be the American Numismatic Association.

The ANA is suppose to be a center for numismatists, collectors included. I am a member and I feel that a Coin Forum is a feature the ANA SHOULD include in the new web site that will replace the old one early in 2005.

Collector communication, exchange of knowledge is what the ANA says it is all about. I agree. Now give us a Forum!!!

Have you contacted the ANA with this idea?

[fjrosetti]

No susanlynn9, I have not contacted the ANA regarding having a Website Forum, but that is an excellent idea. Perhaps they would be interested, I hope so.

[susanlynn9]

I am sure that there are many ANA members who would participate in a forum that was on the ANA site. Please let us know what they have to say.

[fjrosetti]

Will do Susan! I would hope the ANA could set one up to accept everyone. It would make a great marketing tool for them to sell memberships. The number of folks currently ANA members is quite pathetic considering the huge number of coin collectors in the country. They are doing something wrong selling the ANA, or perhaps appealing to only aselect group. In any event, a Forum would certainly help get the message out what a great organization the ANA is.

[National dealer]

Originally Posted by dthigpen

I agree that a forum only for active ANA members would be nice.

Well lets see. 100 million collectors, 30 thousand ANA members.

We need to spread the word about our hobby, not limit it by who is or who is not active.

[National dealer]

[quote=fjrosetti] It would make a great marketing tool for them to sell memberships. The number of folks currently ANA members is quite pathetic considering the huge number of coin collectors in the country. They are doing something wrong selling the ANA, or perhaps appealing to only aselect group.QUOTE]

If you look in the open section, you will find a thread that I started concerning this topic. Unfortunately, the ANA has not shown any interest in marketing the hobby as a whole. No club has that I have seen.

[the_highlander]

ANA just takes money from anyone that wishes to join, lots only join as a way to get coins slabbed.And in return for grading companies stipulating that ana likes to give these trading companies free adverts.

Any associations im a part of in my construction buisness are a lot more choosier who they allow in.


conclusion
ANA is nothing but a con

[National dealer]

Originally Posted by the_highlander

ANA is nothing but a con

I would not go that far. The ANA is a very useful tool if the member chooses to take advantage of it. The library is worth triple the membership fees.

[dthigpen]

Originally Posted by National dealer

Well lets see. 100 million collectors, 30 thousand ANA members.

We need to spread the word about our hobby, not limit it by who is or who is not active.

There are plenty of internet forums for collectors to discuss the various aspects of the hobby. The main appeal of ANA forums would be a venue for revue of member complaints. Of course many members who aren't so ethical would likely have a problem with hosting a public venue for such matters.

[fjrosetti]

Right you are National dealer! Only 30K ANA members, but a HUGE number of coin collectors in this country.

Admittedly, many of that huge number are 'casual' collectors interested only in saving some states quarters or whatever elso tickles their fancy. That mostly being different and/or unusual coins they find in circulation.

BUT, the potential to convert these 'casual' collectors into full-fledged numismatists is certainly there; their interest has already ben piqued.

However, I do not see the ANA doing very much to help create new collectors. Seems that the ANA powers that be are choosing to be elitist, catering to a select group, that being mostly coin dealers. There, I said it, but if the shoe fits, then wear it!

The ANA could take a huge step forward by creating a Coin Forum, open to all, on their soon to be new website.

Here's hoping!

[National dealer]

I think that there are enough forums catering to the complaints now. What we need is to rise above, and share the good aspects. It is simular to beating down the low tier grading services. Why bother? Promote the 4 that are acceptable, and teach others why those 4 are the only ones to do business with.
Just do a quick look through this forum, and you will see many sellers and organizations bashed. How many good ones are shared?

On top of that, what would make the ANA so special? I have been a member, and how is there code of ethics any better than anything else if they do not enforce the rules? The ANA suspended 2 dealers in 2004. How many others deserved this action?

Every organization will cater to who pays the bills. Dealers give many thousands of dollars to the ANA. They are and will continue to be treated special.

We who believe that there can be better, must step up and make the difference. Do not rely on someone else to do it for us.

[susanlynn9]

Well said, ND. I wholeheartedly agree.

Also, for the record, I have contacted the ANA for information and help a couple of times, NOT as a dealer and have always received fast, courteous service and help. There are many who feel that the ANA does not do anything for the average member, but how many of these people have contacted the ANA and asked for help or information and not received what they needed? Many do not even bother to try. And, as ND has said, the library service they offer pays for the membership dues over and over again - if it is used.

[fjrosetti]

Exactly National dealer! You are absolutely right in saying that those who believe there can be better should step up! Your saying so is a good start!

That is why I wanted to speak up regarding the current management of the ANA. I am a member and respect the organization, but I aspire for the ANA to be so much more; to represent all collectors.

And I believe a ANA Coin Forum would certainly benefit collectors, would also benefit the ANA itself by bringing who knows how many new collectors directly to it; then perhaps with this large new base of paying collectors, the ANA would become much more of a collectors organization and less of a dealers haven.