Re: Collectors (fwd)

[Yiing Lin <ylin@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Fri, 8 Dec 1995 10:36:38 -0500
From: AndyBurr@xxxxxxx
To: photo-3d@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: Collectors

Soapbox warning!

I've been enjoying the collectors/photographers discussions, and it's one of
the rare occasions when I feel I actually may have something to contribute.

There is, of course, a complete spectrum of stereo aficianados. I imagine the
range encompasses everyone from those who are interested only in daguerrotype
stereo images to those interested only in digital images. Most of us fall
somewhere in between the extremes and are interested in the complete range of
stereography. Most of us can find many topics of interest being discussed
here on a regular basis.

On the other hand, there are the extremists (probably not the best choice of
word) on the 3D spectrum--the collectors whose minds react negatively (no pun
intended) to the mere mention of an f-stop or a focal point (whatever those
terms mean), and the hardcore techies whose inputs shut down when confronted
with a list of antique images offered for sale or trade.  As a forum leans
more towards one extreme or the other, there will be a corresponding group of
people on the other extreme who feel that forum has little to offer them.

That's why we have subject headings, it's been said. A subscriber can scan
the headings and bypass the ones that don't seem to address their particular
interest. But I bet most of us read (or at least scan) every post, eager to
see whatever info awaits, no matter what the subject. 

Then I know several stereo collectors who are either uninterested in the vast
majority of topics discussed here, or too intimidated by the erudition of
most contributors to make their own contributions on the subject of
collecting. And it's easy to understand why: much collector correspondence
sounds like gloating ("I found this at a yard sale, and that at the
fleamarket, etc) or like child's play ("I'll trade ya two Kilburns for an
Anthony!"). I'm not certain whether photo-3d'ers should be subjected to this
sort of exchange, and I'm fairly certain many collectors would not feel
comfortable enough in this format to engage in their natural acquisitional
behavior. 

Then there's the question of having a full mailbox, or a full digest (aol
subscribers find the size of their digest is limited). If collectors started
posting here en masse, even though they're not all as long-winded as I am
we're talking serious mailbox glut. If there were two 3D forums, those on the
extremes of the 3D spectrum would find it best to subscribe to one or the
other newsgroup, while those of us whose interests are broader might
subscribe to both.

And that's why I think a collector-3d newsgroup would be a wonderful thing.

Thank you, and God bless you all!
Andy Burr



------------------------------