benjoshua wrote:... so tell me I suck or I'm wrong.  I know, I know, someone is going to quote this, but I don't mind.

You don't suck ... you're not wrong. Ha! Crossed you up on that one.

benjoshua wrote:... bclarkie comes immediately to mind and, umm, oh yeah, Xaxaxe too!

I can't speak for Brian — who could, right? — but I think that's a fair statement. I prefer to write and speak directly, if possible. There's always exceptions; I'm not such an ogre that I will try to intentionally hurt people's feelings, and I also understand that it's okay to have an unexpressed thought. But I will speak (write) in a direct fashion when I encounter something that needs to be addressed. The blanket statement earlier about our alleged newbie bashing is a perfect example. It's just total nonsense ... nothing more than the author trying to sneak in his usual snarky asides.

+++++



Here's the thing, too, about our "bashing" or lack thereof: the context is the most important factor to observe.

I do not deny that some nO0bZ0rz have gotten hammered pretty badly over the years, but I still maintain that every single example would fall under the list I posted earlier. Taken out of context, they're horrifying threads that appear to be a handful of members here just unloading with both barrels on some poor slob. Reading the entire thread, though, reveals the general asshatery that led to the smackdown, whether it's an attempted scam, some bizarre agenda, the new user picking the fight (happens more often than most people here think), or whatever. And, of course, we always unload on the shady sellers (in fact, that's where most of the funniest, original insults come from): there is no reason to sugarcoat anything when discussing Cougie, or JonB, or Dayeconâ„¢, or others of their ilk. Idiots get no sympathy here.

However, in not one example I can think of has a new user with a generally pleasant demeanor been treated poorly here. I don't read every single post here, so maybe I'm mistaken; maybe there was an episode I missed. But I'm pretty in-tune with what might be called the general "Acaeum culture," so I'd have to say I'd be honestly surprised if such an episode actually happened.

Finally, here's a part that doesn't add up to me: weren't we all new here once? If this place is so unwelcoming to new visitors, how is it that so many people have stuck around and the user base has grown so much? (for reference purposes, consider that I am user #284, having signed up in late 2005; the site has more than 1,000 registered users now). I mean, Christsakes, even Al was new here once, and he's got like 20,000 posts already. Why is it that, if The Acaeum is so horrible to "95 percent" of newbies, that people like Al, and Shipley, and Jason W., and JohnGaunt, and Serleran, and I could go on and on, have all managed to somehow survive being new here, but have also become valuable contributors? As I said, it doesn't add up.

darkseraphim wrote:...you realize the staggering amount of work and the nebulous judgment calls required to gather a tangible set of data.

(Is that scan Near Mint?  Is it Fine?  I'm sure I've seen that scan before, does the seller use stock photos?  If I ask, will he answer?  If he does answer, will he tell me the truth?  Is what he calls Excellent actually Very Good?  Would I get better answers if I politely ask the buyer?  Hey, wait a minute, just how many items and how many sales can I track in this manner anyway?  Etc.)

The VB is actually a rather painful labor of love.  It's very time-consuming and the only thing you can be 100% certain of is that someone, somewhere, will have a vested dissatisfaction in your assessments.

I think I love you.

benjoshua wrote:I can see both sides here.  While technically there may have been no newbie bashing, there are several people on this site over the year or so I have been involved who are so direct in their communication, it can appear or feel like bashing.  bclarkie comes immediately to mind and, umm, oh yeah, Xaxaxe too!

It's not a problem or a concern.  I personally like straight shooters, and I don't have a chip on my shoulder so tell me I suck or I'm wrong.  I know, I know, someone is going to quote this, but I don't mind.

I would like to think we all would generally take the high road here.  I also think that the maturity level on this board is also much higher with the majority or us starting to fart dust!  ....mmm....then again there is always a bad apple in a bunch.

killjoy32 wrote:...in a similar vein to whatever that said board was about, would the reaction have been any different to what it was here? if anything, i personally think the reaction would have been far worse.

Think about it from the perspective of someone approaching the site. I used it as a reference for years before noticing the forums. Someone could reasonably get the impression that these boards exist primarily discuss the site itself, to suggest changes or offer constructive criticism.

GreyM prb answered things there.

look how he approached the site, to how the chap did on this thread. both were new, yet two totally different approaches and two different reactions, once other members piped in with info.

Al

GreyM wrote:
    I've seen a lot of this happening in the world of comic books as well with regards to the Overstreet price guide. I think most people are beginning to understand (atleast in the comics world), its just a rough estimate. If you want to really see oddball numbers, compare Mile High Comic's prices to the Overstreet price guide. On some items, Mile High is double or more than the price guide. Chuck (original owner) will actually buy specific items at price guide prices, because he knows he can sell them at a 50%+ markup.


GreyM

Mile High actually has a pretty funny scam going the last few years. They mark their comics up x2 or x3 guide, but ALWAYS have a 20-60 percent off sale going on....in effect, listing the comics for guide, and making the customer think they are getting a hell of a deal.  Actually not a bad way to roll for them.

Mike B

GreyM wrote:........btw...if anyone wants my Iron Man collection for guide prices....let me know  

Less the 40% hike in true condition?

lol

Just kidding dude.........

Badmike wrote:Mile High actually has a pretty funny scamB

I've found them to be like nobleknight in some regards- high prices up front, but plenty of bargains if you're willing to sift through the whole huge listing.

Mars wrote:I have purchased from Mile High a few times over the years mainly because I have bought a variety of lines and issues and was able to combine the shipping.  I have always waited for the 60% or back issue sale of 75% or 80% off.  Although I don't really care too much about the condition, I have found that the ones I purchased were pretty generously graded - Near mint having some spine creases etc.  I think what bothers me most though is that most don't come with or are shipped with back boards and a couple didn't have bags.  Mile High is the only shop I have ever dealt with that doesn't bag and backboard its back issues.

Guys try Lone Star Comics (based here in Texas)....I think their prices are much better than Mile High, and they have a large mail order business. I use their prices to grade my own comics, they seem closer to reality.

Mike B.

http://www.mycomicshop.com/