The Evolving State of the 'Hobby' (1 Viewer)

[PJDeluhery]

Jim and Pat -

I don't think anyone, and particularly me, was saying that you were offensive or in any way out of line in your conversation. You both are valued members of this community, and certainly entitled to your views.

The point I was trying to make, and am still trying to make, is that this topic has the potential to be divisive and harmful to our community - so don't go there! You've seen a bit of the effect already. Whatever benefit you may achieve - and I'm at a loss to imagine what that might be - will be more than offset by the harm and ill will caused.

If you really feel the need to pursue this, then do so privately.

As a humorous aside - after all, we are supposed to be having fun here -where's the guy with the signature quoting a line from the opening of The Prisoner? I won't steal his thunder - if you don't know the line.
Like cops - never around when you need them.

 

[Mitch]

With the greatest of respect is this not a form of censorship??? You don't feel this has merit or, could be disruptive so, keep it private. I think if you look through this site its a ''bubbler'' with many inoquous threads causing much more problem than this Look around you will see what I mean.

Its a free forum and should not be used for only the issues some want. I believe the site was and I have read it designed for collectors to talk ALL things relating to toy soldiers and, this is exactly that.

Its just not on imo, ''sections don't like it'' so, it must not be said. If you don't like the topic one does not have to either look at it or participate.

Just another opinion but, this is the often misquoted Churchilian quote right here in action. it all starts with a minority not allowing free speech and then...
Mitch

 

[Rob]

I don't really care about classifying collectors. Not only do I see no useful purpose for it, but my focus on what I collect has changed 10 times in the last several years. Do I need to get reclassified each time.

Terry

I certainly don't think Terry deserves to be classified, certified possibly

Very interesting thread Jim, and I also agree with Brad, don't walk away from it just because someone does not agree, its what makes many conversations around here very interesting.

As to the evolving state of the Hobby I have a related point. Does anyone think the youngsters of today are really collecting as we did 20,30,40 years ago?. Because I don't see it. I have nephews aged 9 and 12 and they have absolutely no interest in such things, its football and nintendo/Wii for them all the time. I fear its a lack of interest in History that also contributes to this. But I better stop before I start moaning about the old days again!

Rob

 

[Currahee Chris]

As to the evolving state of the Hobby I have a related point. Does anyone think the youngsters of today are really collecting as we did 20,30,40 years ago?. Because I don't see it. I have nephews aged 9 and 12 and they have absolutely no interest in such things, its football and nintendo/Wii for them all the time. I fear its a lack of interest in History that also contributes to this. But I better stop before I start moaning about the old days again!

Rob

My observations (and by default, opinion) mirrors yours Rob. Granted, I think history becomes more interesting when you peel it back and really dig into it- ie the best stories are never contained in the high school textbooks-

I see the major eras still being relevant in the US- WW2 and the ACW- I see the AWI declining a bit and I think Napoleonics will be drastically scaled back by 2025 (among US collectors) or so- WW1 will be all of unheard of. The demographics in the US is shifting and I think, by 2025, the modern era conflicts will be more pervasive due to those vets becoming grandfathers. Census statistics show that the country is expecting to have more citizens with roots in Central and South America- I think we may see a rise in those eras that appeal to that segment of the population- perhaps the Rough Riders, Alamo, Wild West will be more appealing.

 

[Phantom Warrior]

Jim sent a very comprehensive order of classification to me and to a few others to look at.

I was upset to find that there was no classification for me, but there was a separate one for Rob. I don't think a single, unique example should have an entire category while others are left out entirely.

But rising above my upset, there needs to be some work on defining some of the categories as not all are clear to me. And some of the categories are in groups with other categories which I feel should not be together.

Perhaps Jim can post his category list so specifics can be talked about rather than classification in the abstract.

But my previous opinion has only been reinforced by the list of categories. It would be a lot of work, there are ambiguities and difficult decisions to make to put collectors into categories, and as a collector (i.e. not a manufacturer), I don't see it being of any use or interest for me.

Terry

 

[Mitch]

Rob...

I think thats a very important and relevent point as modern times are not attracting similar people to the hobby as say the times you mention. Now, I know we are told the shows are showing an increase in people and sales are good but, one has to ask if its a core of the same faces saving for these events or, really new people coming into the hobby who intend to be long term collectors.

Its certainly seems to be the case that many young kids would probably prefer electronic games or things like you mentioned than a sets of figures and, as you say the loss of History as a core subject will also not help to inspire people to take an interst in military issues and the related off shoots from that interest ie this, or other similar hobbies.

I like the way that Britains tries to bring in younger collectors by attracting them to history etc at an early age. Its an interesting notion by Currahee that geographical demographics may play a part in the type of interest in ranges that may occur in the future.
Mitch

 

[jazzeum]

I wasn't privy to the list or on the chosen few list but I would like to see it and perhaps Jim or Pat can post it here or if they doesn't want to do that, perhaps one of them can send it to me, although I have reservations about classifying people. History is replete with circumstances of that being done to people, although that's probably an extreme comparison.

 

[Rob]

Yeah come on Terry, cough up the list!

 

[Phantom Warrior]

I don't know how I got to be on the list, but as I doubt it is meant to be confidential, I have forwarded the list to you. Can you see the category they put Rob in?

Terry

 

[Mitch]

I think the list, which, I recieved, was although detailed open to opinion and ideas from those with an interest.
Mitch

 

[Mitch]

Jazzeum et al...

What kind of lawyer are you Civil or criminal? Surely, you must have catagorised rightly or wrongly people you have come across in a professional or private setting. Everyone does and they do it on a daily basis its human nature.

We may not like catagorising or labelling others but, its something which cannot be evaded. Everybody has a label be it policeman, father bright etc labels are an important part of life.

Just cannot see why some are so opposed to their inclusion for the debate about taxonomy of toy soldiers
Mitch

 

[Spitfrnd]

Everyone indeed has a label, some more that others it seems.

 

[Currahee Chris]

Everyone indeed has a label, some more that others it seems.

Mine is "Fragile- handle with care"

 

[Rob]

Everyone indeed has a label, some more that others it seems.

My wife likes to label me Bill, mainly with a home address label for the London show, so I don't get drunk and lost on the way home!

Rob

 

[jazzeum]

I don't know how I got to be on the list, but as I doubt it is meant to be confidential, I have forwarded the list to you. Can you see the category they put Rob in?

Terry

Thanks, I received it. Yes, I saw the list they put Rob in but modesty prevents me from mentioning it. After, this is supposed to be a clean forum

 

[Rob]

Thanks, I received it. Yes, I saw the list they put Rob in but modesty prevents me from mentioning it. After, this is supposed to be a clean forum

I think you'll find it was the Young at Heart section

Rob

 

[jazzeum]

Jazzeum et al...

What kind of lawyer are you Civil or criminal? Surely, you must have catagorised rightly or wrongly people you have come across in a professional or private setting. Everyone does and they do it on a daily basis its human nature.

We may not like catagorising or labelling others but, its something which cannot be evaded. Everybody has a label be it policeman, father bright etc labels are an important part of life.

Just cannot see why some are so opposed to their inclusion for the debate about taxonomy of toy soldiers
Mitch

Mitch,

I'm principally a contracts attorney. Are you throwing some business my way? That will help me pay for the Karl Morser

Categorizing someone as a policeman, attorney, mother, doctor, what have you is not really a label but descriptive of their occupation. I see the taxonomy as different but I suppose we are splitting hairs.

 

[Phantom Warrior]

I think you'll find it was the Young at Heart section

Rob

Really Just give me a moment to check the list again.

Terry

 

[Mitch]

Jazzeum...

Could do as long as I can get a commision as I have ordered one myself. Seriously, don't know if mother is an occupation but, the catagorization that we use to get through day-to-day life are benign but, I think some (not aimed at you) misjudge catagory, label, steroetype IMO and, because of this misunderstanding see everything attached to it as negative.

If we fear labels then nothing ever gets addressed and often these concerns are used to nullify discussions and investigations which, should be addressed.
Mitch

Mitch,

I'm principally a contracts attorney. Are you throwing some business my way? That will help me pay for the Karl Morser

Categorizing someone as a policeman, attorney, mother, doctor, what have you is not really a label but descriptive of their occupation. I see the taxonomy as different but I suppose we are splitting hairs.

 

[Mitch]

My favourite saying from Lock stock and two smoking barrals: ''Your not funny... Your fat and look as if you should be'' Labelled as one of the best films ever
Mitch

Everyone indeed has a label, some more that others it seems.