Hobby Ramblings
THE STATE OF OUR HOBBY
Clearly It seems that the state of our hobby is in a great deal of flux at this time. I have seen the same thing happen with other hobbies. I hate when this happens because the "true collectors" wind up getting hurt by it. There are people out there that really do not know the difference between patch "trading" and "selling". These "dealers/collectors" are really nothing more than dealers in disguise. I have borrowed portions of an e-mail from a very good friend of mine whose opinion I greatly value and who has a vast knowledge of the hobby, yet remains a "true collector".
I noticed that more and more e-mail requests that are coming through is for the purpose of selling (making money)
I thought that these "patchtrading" groups are there for what it's called but now it seems that it has become a cheap way of making money for all those who has lost the joy and excitement of trading patches on a 1-1, 2-2 or multi patch trading.
What better way is there to meet fellow firefighters/EMT's/Fellow collectors/fire buffs from across the world in honoring each other in sending what was agreed upon in a trade.
Have the moderators/owners or webmasters of these groups lost control or what as I notice nothing is been done to prevent the trading to go to the dogs.
If that is so then please change your site from trading to selling.
Yes I know I do not have to read every e-mail I receive in my in box, but why should I be inconvenienced by individuals trying to make a quick buck.
If it is a trading site then please lets keep it to what it is suppose to be - trading is trading & not to sell or trade but just trade.
It is always the same people listing long lists for things to sell or to "trade & sell", trading is one thing but selling is another.
Man go & sell your stuff on other sites & let's just leave the trading sites for what it is meant to be.
Anyone with a positive and/or negative response to this letter is more that welcome to e-mail me with whatever it is that you have on your heart concerning my letter.
I will not in anyway hold anything negative against anyone who contacts me personally with their view. All I am trying to do is to try & prevent trading from being overshadowed by selling and also to find out what other geniune traders feel about the selling thing.
As far as handling your patches or other collectibles, all I can say is please respect the person with whom you are dealing. If you are a smoker please wash your hands and try and handle the patch in a clear room. I just got one today and it really stinks. I have had several over the years and I personally am offended by the smell and it ruins the patch for me. Plus I have a son who is severely asthmatic and cannot handle exposure to smoke at all. I have to shower twice and sometimes three times after a fire before I go home so I can be near him.
Also, food odors and stains. I received a patch yesterday that smelled like a brewery and had Ketchup stains on it. I'm not sure what else was on it, but please have respect for the patch/collectible and the person you are dealing with.
So food for thought when dealing with others.. be mind ful of the other person that you're not doing anything that can offend...
© 2002, David J. Marti
