Re: Collecting

[Eric Goldstein <egoldste@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Michael Watters wrote:
> difference between a "User" and "Collector" has more to do with the
> motivations than the volume.


Mike-

I think you nailed it.

I'll throw in my two cents worth regarding another important 
distinction... I typically find users to be fair and generous when it 
comes time to resell the equipment they no longer want. They consider 
the condition of the piece, what they paid for it, how much wear or 
improving they have contributed, and usually come up with a real world 
price.

Or, if they come across a piece that they feel might interest others, 
they post it to the list with no markup. The objective for them is not 
to "do a deal" or "make a killing," but to support those interested in 
pursuing a craft to get the equipment they need at reasonable cost.

In contrast to this approach, we have all dealt with those who sell 
their equipment by first consulting the ads or retail camera 
resellers/dealers to see what they can "get." These people would have 
you believe that you should pay $175 for a realist or kodak 3.5, or $400 
for a 2.8, or $150 for a red button, or $275 for a revere, because they 
saw an ad in shutterbug asking for such prices, or because they saw a 
camera in a store marked with such a price.

They are focused on commerce. I choose my focus to be photography.

It is not my intention to judge or criticise anyone for their individual 
choices regarding how they pursue their lives or their interests. I 
simply wish to point out that we are lucky to have many, many generous 
people on this list who have sold us $90 Realists and $100 Kodaks in 
wonderful user condition, viewers and viewer mods at reasonable prices, 
etc. And also to say that for me, personally, I choose to model my own 
behavior and conduct along these lines.


Eric G.
egoldste@xxxxxx


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