I must say, I see a plethora of new members lately and I must confess, part of it may be from me. I am also associated with Listia and have suggested to many members over there to join us over here. I have done so because there are some questions I just cannot answer with authority and thought it best they join a forum where their questions may be answered over here. BUT, I have tried my best to let them know they should become accustomed to the rules, how to post, post nice photos, have a sense of humor, etc. I can't take the blame for all of the problems with newbies but if rotten peaches are to be thrown, you can certainly fire away at me. Just trying to keep the hobby alive and hopefully all will work out in the end and we have someone to carry the torch after we are gone.
Oh-oh... I am a new guy. And while I do love peaches I hope I haven’t trodden on forbidden ground! Just happy to have figured out how to connect and learn a bit!
That's sure a big load off my mind, @tommyc03 ! We seem to be getting more than our share from BoobTube. Chris
Here's a peach for you! Freshly ripe, juicy, sliced and muddled with bourbon and a basil leaf. Much better than rotten ones...
Not to worry Chris, I only have an association with Boob Tube when I'm looking for new music I heard on the radio. On Facebook, I'm only associated with "Coin Seekers" page with a few nice folks who also share my lust for errors.
Not thinking of anyone in particular Randy but I have noticed that not enough newbies have yet figured out how to post full sized photos yet, and I know this can be irritating to some folks when they use thumbnails.
I'm one of the newbies. Joined last night. Not fully aware of what is liked about how I should post, what size pics etc.. al I know is what makes my own socks go up and down. Another opinion or nugget of advice ,especially from some well experienced and knowledgeable collectors will be be highly valued and taken very seriously. I'm not here to post crappy pics and ask stupid questions hoping that I have something worth lots of $$. I like what I have and if it was to be worth $..that's just a plus. The facts,stories and mysteries behind certain errors is something I really enjoy. The learning is a great experience. I'll do my best to not seem so green. Can't make any promises. I've never been on a forum myself. Got brave a joined here last night. Hope not to embarrass myself or get under anyone's fingernail.(had a toothpick sized splinter under my thumb nail in 2007 and the pain was a new level for me..a real bother) true story..
Haha, @CharlesCharles , a good sense of humor is always welcome! As far as pictures are concerned - look at them objectively. You know what you are seeing, of course, but think about someone who's never seen your coin - I need to be able to tell what it is. Well lit, in focus, reasonably large.... you'll be fine. And if not, we'll ask for more pics! Jump in, ask a question, learn something, and we hope you have fun! The biggest advice I can offer new members is to read and learn before posting. Starting off with "I found this beat up penny in a parking lot covered in gashes, is it a super rare error?" will make us strongly dislike you. Posting thoughtful questions on threads and learning will make us like you. If you think you have an error or a cool find, spend an afternoon googling (or, even better, reading a book) and learning about it before posting. I'm willing to answer super-noob questions - but please understand that if you ask the same question as 20 other posters in the past week, we might get frustrated.
And worse than asking questions about this beat-up penny is not believing the answers from a half a dozen people telling you it is damaged and not worth $100,000.00. People here are trying to help, not take advantage of you, or make fun of you... unless you paint a target on your head.
As far as pictures go, after you have taken them, bring them up in your photo viewer before you post them. If they are blurry or over pixelated, try again until they come out well enough to post so we can see what you are seeing (if this is possible). If they are good enough, after uploading them to your post, then click on "Full Image" for each/all so we don't have to click on the thumbnails to open in a new window. This is time saving and will get you answers much more quickly.
I am an educated hard workin’ old man with a fifty year hands on coin knowledge. However, for whatever reason God granted me two handicaps in my life. My brown thumb kills any vegetation it come in contact with.... And I NEVER ever have been able to snap a half decent photo...... So I am laying out my dirty laundry, skeletons, deficiencies all right here..... My photography skills are non existent. I am sorry. God skipped that gene when he made me. I’ll give it my college best though.
I know what you mean. I've spent hours reading up and eavesdropping in forums of course and have seen frustrations from collectors on the "parking lot coins". Because someone just hoping for a payday refuses the gentle advice given from someone who appreciates and values these mint errors and causes of the rarities
I think you're doing just fine @CharlesCharles ! The newbies that have a hard time are those who "learn" about coins on BoobTube, and then argue with us when they are told that they are wrong. Chris
I don't take all advice and pointers with a grain of salt. I'm only skeptical if I only have my own ignorance to go by when it comes to the errors. Honestly I only have my cell phone (google) a natural light lamp and a 25x loupe. And the hunger/desire for the error search. While keeping all I should..especially the key dates,regardless of conditions. Those really nice shiny circulated ones. Silver and copper (not the shield cents) are a must too. Taking them out of the haRd life they're in.
I get a kick out of the newbie necro-bumpers. Whenever an old thread gets bumped up to the first page, you can almost always assume a new guy did it. I don't have a clue as to why they do that, but it's not unique to this forum.
I assume that these folks google something, and an old thread comes up as the top response. They answer, not even realizing how old the thread is.
Old thread flatulence, but then again, it's good to see some 'old' threads revived........not that they hit the mark very often.
