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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;lrbguy, post: 3090184, member: 88829&quot;]The article Ed pointed us to rings with familiarity and mentions some noteworthy things, but in the end is a monument to stereotyping.&nbsp; That said, I do recognize the quirks of &quot;the Researcher&quot; in Doug, and I want to comment in that vein.&nbsp; The article in question describes the Researcher as a decidedly middle class phenomenon.&nbsp; Exceptional are the people of rank and privilege who are so enthralled with a pursuit that they are willing and able to marshal their resources to building a lasting monument to research and discovery - reference collections.&nbsp; In reading the lament that Doug posted, I see a call for more of a research mentality among those whose personal resources might achieve more for the betterment of knowledge with a different focus or emphasis.&nbsp; </p><p><br /></p><p>But there is another aspect to his complaint.&nbsp; Intellect is seldom admired as much as beauty and strength.&nbsp; Doug&#039;s research efforts are diminished by those who first look to coins for beauty.&nbsp; For example, the Severan issues from Emesa have astoundingly interesting reverse types and themes, if you can get past the horrible appearance of most of them.&nbsp; Most collectors cannot.&nbsp; The few examples that are pleasing to the eye are so costly as to be all but unattainable for the &quot;Researcher&quot; type.&nbsp; The &quot;Researcher&quot; will watch as the beautifully significant are swallowed up by those whose interest is in its significant beauty.&nbsp; </p><p><br /></p><p>I resonate to this struggle, especially as a &quot;Researcher&quot; type who also wants to get the highest grade I can reasonably afford.&nbsp; I want to see, and not through a haze of imperfections.&nbsp; Wouldn&#039;t it be great to link up the able with the eager?</p><p><br /></p><p>Social class disparity is always the elephant in the room on an open list like this.&nbsp; I appreciate the broad reach of this list, and I hope that everyone in the conversation can set aside social class pride enough to allow some real thinking, challenging as it may be, to take place.&nbsp; It&#039;s easy to react.&nbsp; Understanding and insight are worth more, I think.&nbsp; So is appreciation over a naked acceptance or a bare toleration. </p><p><br /></p><p>What are you hoping to achieve by building your collection as you do?[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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