With eBay and similar websites, you have instant gratification. The psychological concept of Instant Gratification[FONT=arial, sans-serif] refers to the idea that humans like to have what they want right now; not later and they don't want to wait.[/FONT] [FONT=arial, sans-serif]It's not just you, it's everyone. We all want something now. [/FONT] [FONT=arial, sans-serif]That might idea might work when you see a new camera on sale. The problem is that all those boxes in the warehouse of that model, look exactly the same. When it comes to coins, instant gratification can be a real problem. You see a coin, you buy the coin, but then you get looking it over and wonder "why did I buy this coin." Or you might see only 5 coins offered for sale, but they are all ugly. So you look them all over and settle... Stop right there! You should never have to settle for a coin. Your under no obligation to buy it. If you don't like it, don't buy it. Now I collect bust halves, and their are currently over 19,000 of them slabbed with PCGS. So I'm guessing there is about 2000 of them floating around on eBay now and in the near future. Who knows, maybe a huge capped bust collector will pass away tomorrow, and his heirs put the entire collection on eBay. It's been very hard for me to learn patience, but after finding out it's rewards, it's coming a lot easier. There has been many coins I almost pulled the trigger on. They are still for sale, right now, and I could buy anyone of them if I wanted to. However I decided not to, because I know there will be more in the future. Anytime you get ready to buy a coin, think to yourself "can I look at this coin a year from now and appreciate it?". If you can't then don't buy it. Now, there may be times where this rule don't work. Maybe it's some super rare coin that only 5 of them exist, so at the point, you do want to buy it, if of course you like it. Who knows, it might be 20 years before another one pops up. So to all you new collectors out there, if you don't see what you like, then wait a little while. I'm sure within two weeks you may find something you will fall in love with. Don't just purchase something only because you can buy it right now.[/FONT]
Based on your history here, Tim, this post shows either you are growing up or you are talking through your hat. I'd like to believe that you are growing up. Please don't disappoint me.
Most of the hobbies I can think of are what you would call "patient" ones, or they would be called jobs. Hunting, weather Deer, Fish, Foul comes to mind as a patient endeavor or one can quickly become disappointed. Sometimes I tread several outings rock hunting before I nail a killer agate all the while whistling a "this is a patient hobby" tune. One doesn't summit Devils Tower on their first outing either and technical climbing takes patience and dedication to build the skill set to do so. When one enters any hobby there is always people that have already been there for several years and there is a tendancy to want to get to their level as soon as you can, I get what you are saying. Best to just chill out a knotch and let them guide you, and if you have the propper respect, when you fall they will pick you up wipe your nose and eventually (patience) become one of them. I don't care if you are painting, sewing, pottery, kite flying, metal detecting or building choppers, patience is critical Mr. Obvious, why would coin collecting be any different. When I see a great Registry set for instance, it isn't usually the coins or how much they might cost that I find impressive, but the amount of time and effort that was sacrificed to pull it together. A great collection represents delayed gratification and sacrifice. A set of proof state quarters in MS70? Meh. A set of well matched toned Indian cents, well that wasn't put together on eBay last weekend. But at some point, after one has put in the time and paid the dues, one should then be able to shoot from the hip and know what is a great coin to buy, shoot the right buck, value the rock specimen, grade the climbing route, choose your own handlebars, etc without flip phoning you wife or buddy first. Just one way to look at it, Matt
