thanks brad for the kind words and as i said before the show is not all bad i had alot of fun meeting new people and going on the hunt to find that one great item to add to the collection.But current events from last week and from the chicago show have opened my eyes to a darker side of the hobby some which i cannot openly discuss here,Rob ask me for an example 1. as most people are aware i buy large amounts of product every year for my personal collection ,i deal direct with one great dealer, in chicago last sept. myself and a few other guys were asked by a manufacturer behind closed doors to steer our business to another dealer because of their weaker sales as of late.Being that i value my' friendship' with my dealer and not to mention that i am a straight shooter in life was not going to happen.2.next day in the room of another manufacturer who i buy there product from my dealer they say hey why dont you buy direct from me i will give you a better discount ?? i said you would do this to your dealer they said business is business and i just left the room with me its about honesty and having some loyalty.3.and last on this post the chicago show gets going on wed, room traders start to arrive with the goods for thurs and fri. room trading. no names mentioned this one guy who is worth billions on purpose shows up on tues and waits outside like a window washer and basically strip searches the guys soon as they get out of the car with their goods, He gets alot of good stuff this way,early only to take it and wave it in front of his friends faces when they arrive at the show look what i found and you wont because i got it first.i have seen this year after year not a story a fact. I can sit and tell you these facts all day long. however people want to take the truth is up to them. After 10 years of going to the shows and knowing the inner circle and the super collectors i will not attend anymore for a long time its become a turn off and for me taken the fun out of collecting. for the new guys remember behind all the jekyll and hyde smiles and friendships with manufactures its" all business " you are a walking credit card. again just my opinion.
“Books & Shows” (2 Viewers)
- Thread starter King & Country
- Start date
jager7080
Sergeant First Class
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I get what you are saying...Here is my thoughts for whatever it's worth...Don't let anything detract you from what you love or enjoy ! life is short...
I purchase/buy things based on my enjoyment or want's , not whether i think the people at the company really like me or wanting them to invite me over for dinner...Who cares !! If you are in the hobby because you enjoy it...then do that...buy from whomever dealer you want , buy whatever product you want/enjoy...People want to be shaddy who cares ! There will also always be people who try to one up you...i got this or i got that...good for them ! Be happy with what you have or own...
I was @ the show on Sunday there was plenty left to buy ! So window washer guy didn't get everything...
I went to the show got to meet Howard @ the K&C table...brought my wife & six year old daughter who loved the german train that was set-up & going around the tracks...Bumped into a fellow non-forum collector i hadn't seen in almost ten years...
I was reinvigorated with this hobby after joining the forum...My goal for the next Chicago show is to meet some more fellow treefrog forum member's & have a beer/drink & talk some toy soldiers...
Joe
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Desertkiwi
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Nice post Joe, couldn't have said it better myself.:salute::
Toyking, don't let others spoil ya fun mate, simply ignore them and spend more time with those collectors that make ya laugh and know how to enjoy life. {sm4}
Toddy
Simpson & his donkey.
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Have you Brett been to a toy soldier show ? I have not and maybe one day I may go. Maybe you have kept your visit's a secret to. Chris.:salute::
The Military Workshop
1st Lieutenant
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Been to 2. Both well before this forum was created so not a secret at all.
However if I was in UK and went to the London show and was a forum member I am pretty sure I would mention it in the threads and say hi to the others attending.
Hope that answers your question.
uksubs
Lieutenant Colonel
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Brett I hope your not calling me a liar ? As I'm sure Clive and his good wife will tell you different ! But go to show what a person you are and don't think I would want someone like you working for me if that the way you carry on! Next time are get a photo taken as proof :rolleyes2::salute::
The Military Workshop
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Neil,
I am not calling you a liar, merely expressing surprise as don't recall you ever mentioning going to the London show.
I am not sure what occupation you are in but I agree I would not want me working for you.
Now with that thought I hope you don't mind if I bow out of this discussion as bed awaits.
Brett
gk5717
2nd Lieutenant
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My thoughts on toykings post. I,m in total agreement with him in regards to manufacterers trying to steer him away from his regular dealers or buying direct and cutting out his dealer.
I do disagree tho on this. I think I know who he is referring to in regards to the person arriving early at the show and grabbing hot items. What,s wrong with that? This person is just out smarting and out working everyone else in his pursuit of items he wants. Good for him!
Gary
I do disagree tho on this. I think I know who he is referring to in regards to the person arriving early at the show and grabbing hot items. What,s wrong with that? This person is just out smarting and out working everyone else in his pursuit of items he wants. Good for him!
Gary
your right good for him not saying it was the crime of the century, he gets a gold star for creativity my point being on the fact that he would rub it in to his friends faces later on was my point .with friends like these who needs enemies.i also thought on adding some humor to the topic as at the end of the day it is was just funny to watch year after year.
Firebat
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First of all I didn't read every post here.
Forums are no doubt a valuable source of information, but what I am becoming aware of as of late, forums essentially don't work as they were designed to.
Here Andy made a statement, which he thought to be non controversial, failing to recognize the vast differences of opinion that exist on any particular forum.
Then the drawn out useless debates begin on such a benign topic. I don't think there is a benign topic any more. And you will never change anyones mind.
Anyway.....I am lucky there are no less than 5 shows within an hour of me. For the longest time I didn't go, then I finally went to Hackensack about 4 years ago.
Followed by a few others.
There is no doubt there are two good things that happen.
1- You get to see products in the flesh
2- You get to see forum members in the flesh ( And for some reason they are very different in person ). When you talk to them in person it seems to work out better than on a forum.
Forums are no doubt a valuable source of information, but what I am becoming aware of as of late, forums essentially don't work as they were designed to.
Here Andy made a statement, which he thought to be non controversial, failing to recognize the vast differences of opinion that exist on any particular forum.
Then the drawn out useless debates begin on such a benign topic. I don't think there is a benign topic any more. And you will never change anyones mind.
Anyway.....I am lucky there are no less than 5 shows within an hour of me. For the longest time I didn't go, then I finally went to Hackensack about 4 years ago.
Followed by a few others.
There is no doubt there are two good things that happen.
1- You get to see products in the flesh
2- You get to see forum members in the flesh ( And for some reason they are very different in person ). When you talk to them in person it seems to work out better than on a forum.
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first i understand your point and not trying to start a debate just stating facts i have been a loyal collector for years and never once has said anything bad about anyone on this forum nor started a problem but recent events that have happen has led me to this. not asking anybody to change their minds just not to have their head buried in the sand. Example when said manufacturer puts out a limited edition piece lets say 250 and alot guys on this forum run in panic to get covered on that piece and spend their hard earned money as with myself,then when i hear from the horses mouth that the limited edition piece is "as limited as we want it to be" if you want me to spell it out for your their is not just 250 us as collectors are being played begs the question why are these so limited pieces not numbered ?? or have a coa or marked in anyway.anyone can start a nice post hide behind a pc its a free country can state the facts anytime those who choose to keep their blinders on to feel cozy at night is up to them. I have alot of collector friends in the flesh who share the same opinion but in fear of backlash dont want to speak the truth so i am doing it for them.
gk5717
2nd Lieutenant
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I think discussions like this make for interesting reading. As stated I agreed on most of toykings points and disagreed on one. But I do like to hear of the good and bad in this hobby. What I get tired of and before you state "don,t read it" I don,t anymore, are these constant Rah, Rah, Rahs about a certain company or individual. And I am not singleing out any one company or individual.
This forum also helps at times to vent ones frustrations in regards to problems encountered in collecting. I know I have on several occasions and on one the problem was solved as a result.
As long as there is no name calling etc let everyone speak.
Gary
This forum also helps at times to vent ones frustrations in regards to problems encountered in collecting. I know I have on several occasions and on one the problem was solved as a result.
As long as there is no name calling etc let everyone speak.
Gary
Rob
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I think as long as respect is shown to others, people should be allowed to say just what they like whether it be a complaint or rah rah, I have no problem with either. The trouble normally occurs when someone starts a thread which could be either positive or negative and that thread is killed dead by continous repetition of the opposite view be it rah rah or negative. This then leads to name calling , deletions ...zzzzzzzzzzzzz
Rob
Rob
Firebat
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I wasn't directing my post towards you.....It was just a general overview of forum life. I actually agree with your statement above. I was basically feeling sorry for Andy starting off this thread with what he thought to be a positive encouraging statement.
I know all about the backlash...Been there many times
Best
Alex
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jager7080
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I am sorry , but i have to ask ! I have heard so much & so many times about backlash & the fear of backlash ??!! Really ?!
Are we talking Toy Soldiers ?!? What kind of backlash could possibly befall you ?! A stern look or a harsh or intimidating tone ?! Is there a Toy Soldier Mafia i am not aware of ??!
Sorry i just don't get it !! I grew up in South Chicago , so i guess this whole toy soldier backlashing has me stumped !!?!
Joe
Firebat
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My friend I grew up in Newark and fought fires in one of NJ's other tough cities, this is child's play, I personally have been involved in many confrontations here and elseware......I have to say it does bother me.
Many members here are very gentle ......men. The verbal confrontation does not sit well with them. Do you think Andy feels good about where this thread has gone. He is probably shaking his head and he was a Royal Marine.
Yes there has been a form of behavior here and on other forums that can create stress for the strongest and meekest of us, and I sympathize with the gentle.....men who are suppressed due to this behavior.
jager7080
Sergeant First Class
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Alex ,
Yes , i am aware of who you are...I am not going/ or trying to have a pissing contest with you about toughness...I am just curious why i hear over & over again about people in hiding for fear of backlash & all the backlash that has been received or fear of receiving it...You had stated when you had the battle diorama's going with Nick about forces acting against you & backlash ! We are grown a#* men collecting toy tanks & little men...Why or how does everything have to reach such high drama...? If someone is wronging you deal with it...Speak your mind if you have something to say...
I am thinking The Toy Soldier Mafia is driving around in black cars cruising around certain peoples house looking to put them in cement shoe's or bust kneecap's...!
Just my two cents...
Joe
Firebat
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PanzerAce1944
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I would tend to say that the original intent of this thread was to help make collectors aware of how much fun can be had from attending shows in person. Surely things like work, family, finances will dictate whether attending an event will happen or not, but for those having the time, ability to travel, and some extra spending money to pick up a few things along the way it is all well worth it !
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