Michael, I'm very sorry to see you go, even if only for a short time, but I feel the same way myself
Other forums I frequent are for the use of collectors to chat and exchange ideas. But mainly they are used to help other collectors find items they are looking for at reasonable prices. In these other forums, members keep a close eye on eBay sales and any eBay listings with higher than average prices (normal biding or buy it now prices), incorrect descriptions, and other factors that concern collectors are discussed in depth. Apparently such discussions are not welcome here unless names are not mentioned which makes the discussion pointless and the seller can maintain their tactics covertly.
This forum has always been very pro King & Country and in the past any person that suggested that there was scope for improvement in their products was harassed by other members and even the occassional business owner. I know that I still carry some scars from those past times when I tackled some of the issues.
I'm fully aware that K & C as a progressive company do improve their vehicles and tanks over time. But I like to think I played some small part in hastening these improvements such as better tank tracks, clear windows etc. This will enable K & C vehicles to enjoy greater acceptance in this hobby and collectors can enjoy better detailed products, a win/win situation if ever there was one.
However a win/win situation will not occur for collectors if prices for retired K & C pieces continue to climb. Eventually a boom becomes a bust, especially if the boom has been pushed artificially. Which is why I often comment when I see other members making attempts to affect an upward trend in prices on eBay.
I agree this does have positives for members in that it allows them to convert some of their items to cash for more model buys. However the negatives can be far worse as prices reach a point where the average collector can no longer participate in the hobby. Which is when the BUST usually kicks in causing concerns beyond everyones expectations.
Of course the usual defence for complaints about increasing prices is that the complaining person cannot afford said item, and the old "sour grapes" comment is then passed around. Of course they do not actually know the persons wealth, but most members appear to agree that MUST be the reason for such complaints. The fact that the complaining member may actually be worried for less affluent members and this hobby in general appears to escape them.
Before I get the "it's a free country and they don't HAVE to bid or buy it now", you should consider this. Humans, especially those with the collectors passion are easily persuaded by "advice", rumours and fears of "lost" items. You only have to look at the mad scramble for retired products be they King & Country or Honour Bound to see the later in action. I like to temper these comments and "advice" with posts of a more objective view.
However it appears my words of caution, together with my joke thread, are no longer desired. This is certainly not my view of a free country but I guess it is not my country so who am I to say. Anyway, I've decided to stay in my own country for a while, where freedom of speach is more real than just talked about and folk of a more British culture are more accepted.
And before I'm attacked by American Patriots. I ask that you actually do some research to discover how much your media etc is censored compared to most other democracies.
