Where have all the experts gone.

Once upon a time, I could submit a highly technical question on a coin, die variety, historical tidbit, basically anything numismatic and a) have 25 or more responses and more importantly b) have an answer and have other members verify it. Nowadays I am lucky to get 4 responses and one of those might contain a possible answer. Where have all the experts gone?

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

[video=youtube;h0YX6Jgq7Ng]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0YX6Jgq7Ng[/video]

 

I don't know.

I know some of them are still around because I see their names on other forums. I used to frequent several different sites but over the last few months, I'm active on maybe five and I lurk on another dozen or so.

I try to assist when there is something I'm familiar with but since my focus has changed to paper money and error coins, I've lost some of my interest in other areas.

One thing that I noticed that drives away some of the experts, (and this in no way pertains to you at all) is some of the new members who pop in with a question become argumentative when they find out their coin or error on their coins is common and not valuable. I can see how this can be frustrating to someone who volunteers their expertise only to get insulted or abused.

I, too, miss a lot of the senior members.

Maybe what we need is an online Homecoming to get them to come back.

 

Some of the experts have left, no doubt about that. The whole structure of the forum has changed, my guess is some felt the change coming and may not have appreciated it. Another way to look at it is it could be a sign of the times meaning that collectors have to work harder than they used to, to make that same dollar they used to get for less effort. Once again, another example of missing the good ole days!!

 

They're still around. But, for the most part there haven't been many posts interesting enough for them, I think. I noticed this trend when bullion exploded and all of a sudden there were a million "collectors" who are really poor investors, taking over the boards. Thats not where many who are serious about the hobby want things to be, so they stay silent till it blows over, and it will.
Guy

 

You're still here....

I mean that.

 

Backwards

Quite often I have a question and do a backwards search to see if my question is unique or never been asked before.

I think there are some basic ten thousand questions and there are already multiple answers for many.

I do admire the activity of putting up a photo and having multiple opinions expressed in a brief time frame on some items.

I also do not expect the most accomplished/capable folks to repeat answers they have already given many times before for my instant gratification.

 

Oh, I forgot to add that some ppl have gone to this new site run by Freaky Garrett and Mom!

http://www.numissociety.com/index.php

 

Wow. It looks a lot like CT! I am not leaving CT, though; this site will always be the best.

 

I'm not talking about the run of the mill questions that everyone asks a hundred times and everyone answers it. I'm not talking about a lack of research question. I only ask for a question or opinion once I have exhausted my own research. Maybe Doug is right, maybe a few of the questions I've asked in the past have been too technical. Maybe people have moved on.

 

I'm Still orbiting. I beam down occasionally.

 

Interesting question - several of the ones who responded to me when I first joined are still around. And I consider them experts. Some just don't post as often as they used to. Several new ones have joined but also do not respond to every question.

 

I think most of them are still around. Imo, I think coleguy hit the nail on the head, if they aren't really finding any threads that interest them enough they're not going to post. I haven't seen your specific threads, but Doug's answer could be right too, depending on the question, it's possible only a very small number of people have an answer; and then you have to hope those people see that thread.

 

I think many of the experts are still around but the number of completely useless threads has so diluted the forum, it is harder to see their contributions. I used to read almost every thread. Now, it is rare if I read more than one on page 1. As most of the coins in the world are dreck, so are most of the threads on this forum. Since it is much harder to wade through all of the threads, it only makes sense that many of the good threads are missed by the experts.

I hope that people like TomB and MarkFeld who post on all of the major forums continue to post here. From my perspective, it seems that some CT members become argumentative with the experts out of sheer ignorance. It is hard to tell whether people are actually seeking advice or simply want someone to give them a pat on the back for buying some dreck back of greysheet bid. It becomes much more clear when one of the experts weighs in with an honest opinion and the newbie becomes defensive.

 

I agree....TomB hasnt wrote on this forum in a while

 

Sorry you feel that way maybe you can request Peter to setup a non-dreck forum. It is a pity not everyone can spend 10x the normal cost for a coin with toning. Who can blame some of them for being defensive when you come across like this. There are way more low end collectors than top end collectors.

 

Dang it ! I was going to ask about a 1909 vdb cent I have that's missing the "S" too. I was hoping to get some verification on what may be a rare specimen ? An expert weighing in on it would sure help.

But I have noticed that some of the experts are involved to a great degree with publications, both on-line and off. Is it possible with the next year's books and guides possibly nearing the first of the year publication dates that they are busy wi9th that ?

 

Right

What He Said!:yes: