I noticed today that I had 599 post to this site. That’s 599 post in 5 years. While that is not a lot compared to some of you. I think I've seen some posters do that in a week, seems to me that I do more listening and less talking. I’m thinking that’s a good way to learn. I was trying to come up with a “great” post to celebrate #600, but my mind seemed to be blank. I went back to see what was my first post and got caught up in reading several of them. Guess what I found out? When I started on this forum in 2008 I was seasoned beginner. I thought I knew a lot but found out how little I did know. I began to ask questions and take notes. I found that if one asked a sincere question, one would find the answers. I even found one could ask a stupid question and not be embarrassed. I found that I could share the happiness of finding that special coin. I found help in looking for the hard to find coins. I found collectors with similar interest that kept my desire and passion going. I saw great examples of coins that I had never knew existed. I learned how to properly examine and grade coins. I watch some of the better members come and go. I watched some of the poorer do the same. I was able to complete my U.S Type set using the information I gathered. I learned how to attend a coin show and have fun. I learned how to negotiate with sellers. I learned how to photograph my collections. I learned critique, not criticize someone else’s coins. I learned to expand my reading collection to be better informed before buying. I learned that this is a great place to spend time enjoying my hobby with others. By reading my old post and going forward I was able to see a progression to my learning curve. I still have not been able to come up with a “great” idea for post #600, so I guess I will just have to say “THANK YOU” to all the wonderful members of Coin Talk. The next 5 years will be better than the last because I will continue to learn.
