A change of mood on the forum. (1 Viewer)

[damian]

I believe the collapse of the resale market has killed the "beanie-baby factor" for most in k and c figures and subsequently cools interest. Now "valuable" and "rare" items are seen as having little value. No need to pursue "missed" items issued earlier. Reissue of earlier figs (tiger tanks) diminishes value of earlier sought after vehicles. Poly warbirds curb the market for wood.any idea of "investing" or even "getting your money back" is now gone. Tends to really cool buying enthusiasm.

Well when ever my insurance salesman phones me he says now it the timeto buy.
If the market is hot he says I need a piece of the action
When the market drops he says yea but buy them now they are rock bottom you will make a killing when the market turns.

 

[tdubel]

A perfect example of what I'm talking about. My last post on the subject.

Hit nail on head, so true Brad.

I know not everyone knows me, but trust me I am not a 1 manufacturer wonder. I really have pieces from everywhere, I am a manufacturers' dream when it comes to a collector, I buy it all. However, I am a pain in the rump when it comes to my own view of people, if I get turned off, I will not buy no matter how much I like something.

Criticism is good for everyone, you need to be able to accept the criticism that comes with the accolades.

TD

 

[Phantom Warrior]

I believe the collapse of the resale market has killed the "beanie-baby factor" for most in k and c figures and subsequently cools interest. Now "valuable" and "rare" items are seen as having little value. No need to pursue "missed" items issued earlier. Reissue of earlier figs (tiger tanks) diminishes value of earlier sought after vehicles. Poly warbirds curb the market for wood.any idea of "investing" or even "getting your money back" is now gone. Tends to really cool buying enthusiasm.

While the resale market may be down at the moment, partly because of the economy, I wouldn't equate it to beanie-babies or baseball cards where the manufacturers flooded the market and artificially created rare beanies and cards during the booms. The older K&C pieces are rare because not many were made at the time and they have a value to collectors because they are rare and desirable to the small group of collectors that can afford them. Making cheaper, similar models for the general market today does not, IMO, affect the value of older rare pieces. Not everyone can afford the K&C winter tiger, and even if many could, there isn't enough to satisfy demand. If K&C makes a new version of the winter tiger, people who couldn't get the original model can get the new one which will likely be technically superior, but may not have the style and character of the older set.

Terry

 

[sammy719]

I noticed as well that Andy hasn't been posting much on K&C thread as well, I know he's a busy man, but always good to hear from the "boss man" every now and then, but if I remember correctly, last year after the westcoaster and London shows were over and alot of the new stuff had been released there was some down time on the forum after that, I'm sure with May releases coming up things will start poping again...Sammy

 

[debrito]

JUST Boring.

For a wild it seems to be all the same stuff again and again. People goes where the action is......and is not here.

Maybe is the lack of Pools...........NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO...please....

 

[Combat]

The forum has always had its share of bickering. That has rarely bothered me. The anonymous nature of the internet makes it inevitable. Factor in collector preferences, the need to get the last word, inability to let it go when someone disagrees and there you have it. In some cases the heated discussions are the most entertaining. They become wearisome only when the same parties go over and over the same ground. In the entire history of the internet, no one has ever been convinced they are wrong during one of these discussions. So it's pointless and silly, but harmless.

As for KC, I haven't posted much recently because I haven't collected much from them in the last two years. A lot of great releases but I have thrown my lot down with John Jenkins and running out of space. Only cherry pick from the rest.

 

[gk5717]

Never thought I would say this, but we need Mr. Gambale to return with his many insightfull remarks!
Really tho, how many times can you read "K&C is great" , "I want this or that", or "Here is my latest dio, and it is simply 2 tanks setting on a kitchen table with a tree thrown in".
I have also found my buying habits have changed. For the longest time I had to have just about everything WW2, now I refuse to buy another sherman, another tiger, etc. I find after the initial urge goes away I can live with out it.
Just my thoughts.
Gary

 

[Gideon]

I haven't really noticed much in the way of bickering and nastiness but I don't really frequent this section of the forum. It's a shame if it's growing but, again, I haven't noticed it to any great degree.

As far as re-sale market fluctuations and "the sky is falling" speak - well, there's always going to be an ebb and tide to collecting and peoples spending habits.

Fact is, we are in spring heading to summer which is generally a pretty quiet time overall. The economy doesn't help but I don't think there is a tremendous crash taking place in the way it's being spoken about.

 

[Rob]

I haven't really noticed much in the way of bickering and nastiness but I don't really frequent this section of the forum. It's a shame if it's growing but, again, I haven't noticed it to any great degree.

As far as re-sale market fluctuations and "the sky is falling" speak - well, there's always going to be an ebb and tide to collecting and peoples spending habits.

Fact is, we are in spring heading to summer which is generally a pretty quiet time overall. The economy doesn't help but I don't think there is a tremendous crash taking place in the way it's being spoken about.

Actually I think folk may be referring to another section of the forum,its pretty good natured over here these days

Rob

 

[thebritfarmer]

You all need to explore the rest of the forum, lots of great stuff going on in all of the different sections.

 

[thebritfarmer]

Never thought I would say this, but we need Mr. Gambale to return with his many insightfull remarks!
Really tho, how many times can you read "K&C is great" , "I want this or that", or "Here is my latest dio, and it is simply 2 tanks setting on a kitchen table with a tree thrown in".
I have also found my buying habits have changed. For the longest time I had to have just about everything WW2, now I refuse to buy another sherman, another tiger, etc. I find after the initial urge goes away I can live with out it.
Just my thoughts.
Gary

We have already been down this path on another part of the forum. It doesn't matter how people display there collection all that matters they are taking the time out of their busy schedules to photograph and are willing to share them with us,. Not everyone is capable of creating a museum quality display.

Keep on posting guys no matter how your display looks.

 

[arnhem44mad]

Is it just me or is there a slight change in mood going on in the K&C thread lately. Not alot of new things being discussed and not alot of the old timers getting involved. Are we all just busy doing other things or is this the norm with toy soldier collecting. I no for one I have slowed right down and though I still read and play around with making little things I am just feeling alittle stale. Maybe this is a world wide thing as I am not feeling the enthusiasm on the forum as when I first joined. What do you guys think are we in a bit of a slump or is there just too much out there to try to keep up with that we just don't care any more. Confused Simmo.

Not much going on at the moment is there?

 

[jazzeum]

Never thought I would say this, but we need Mr. Gambale to return with his many insightfull remarks!
Really tho, how many times can you read "K&C is great" , "I want this or that", or "Here is my latest dio, and it is simply 2 tanks setting on a kitchen table with a tree thrown in".
I have also found my buying habits have changed. For the longest time I had to have just about everything WW2, now I refuse to buy another sherman, another tiger, etc. I find after the initial urge goes away I can live with out it.
Just my thoughts.
Gary

We have already been down this path on another part of the forum. It doesn't matter how people display there collection all that matters they are taking the time out of their busy schedules to photograph and are willing to share them with us,. Not everyone is capable of creating a museum quality display.

Keep on posting guys no matter how your display looks.

I usually like to throw in a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for realism

 

[forlornhoper]

perhaps like myself, forum members have been involved in the "Balancing Principle",everyday life versus hobby,both of which require lots of commitment, time and money,oh and then there's "Work",the one thing that pays for everything.Admittedly i browse the forum most days but rarely post by choice but do not browse too deeply and more than likely miss many interesting topics due to a division of time versus commitments.As an observation have members noticed that K&C and FIRST LEGION are attracting a similar number of viewers on a more frequent basis ? Ken

 

[Kurt]

The level of activity on the forum shouldn't be considered a barometer for enthusiasm for the hobby. I have been reading and posting on the forum much less these days, but my monthly purchasing remains consistent and I'm happier than ever with my collection.

 

[IXEC]

The change of mood I've noticed is the tendency of threads in certain areas to degenerate into petty squabbling, which disgusts me to no end.

As a result, I'm thinking about cutting back my participation here. Not going away, just cutting back. The lack of harmony is quite bothersome.

Quite right Brad.

I've already " cut back " here but mostly because I noticed when I disagreed here, harrasment on my eBay site increased. Now I stay under the radar ( little participation ) and believe it or not, works out to MUCH less grief

 

[10TH LA.]

interesting post......I am not new or old at this but did enjoy reading the different ideas ......I my self have started to lean toward a couple of different toy soldier company's right now only because...K&C has nothing of interest at the moment .....but once the new battle of Britain comes out that will change.....

 

[Vezzolf]

It has been a bit sluggish in this section of the forum....Seems to be the same old same old regarding K/C releases....Could be a reflection of saturation point reached by both K/C and customers....I am purchasing some K/C items but not nearly as many....Many more choices are now available to most of us....some of which have commanded much attention..... both good and bad.....Things evolve.

 

[Vezzolf]

I believe the collapse of the resale market has killed the "beanie-baby factor" for most in k and c figures and subsequently cools interest. Now "valuable" and "rare" items are seen as having little value. No need to pursue "missed" items issued earlier. Reissue of earlier figs (tiger tanks) diminishes value of earlier sought after vehicles. Poly warbirds curb the market for wood.any idea of "investing" or even "getting your money back" is now gone. Tends to really cool buying enthusiasm.

Very True....All that goes up must come back down.....There has been some serious "reality checks" in all areas of the economy (especially in real estate) and the toy soldier market is no exception.....The party is over for the most part....Collect what you can afford and enjoy....It's not an investment...and probably never was much of an investment to start.IMHO

 

[Cyber Field Marshall]

Dead dog boring. Love it.
Kind of apt though..even Rob is quiet! At leats there's been some controversy on the First legion thread to keep us going.

I think the K&C section needs more pix posted, more dios, more reviews of new or old items, more jokes and messing around.

Agreed. I've said it before but my favourite reason for being on the TREEFROG FORUM is seeing my people's awesome collections from all eras, no matter what company or how big or small. I also love the many pics from trade shows that I can't attend from all over the world. Recently that's where I've spent a lot of my time, pouring over pictures..........I guess I'm to lazy too read!!! Everything else on this forum is relegated to secondary importance.