My war of words with a collector on ebay

[emerson]

What makes our country great is being able to voice your opinion ----if you like it or not. I know a person that buys old cars and parts them out---that is where the money is for him. I may not agree---but to each their own. I hate to see a phonograph turned into a wine rack or any painted thing----but to some is is an artistic endeavor? Life is way to short to be angry over something that you will not take with you---in the long run. Negatives are only a soreness, that doesn't do you any good. Enough of my philosophy. I want to get rid of at least 15- 20 machines (4)third style vtla's , (5) L-door 16's, earliest? square door in circcassian walnut and one mahogany (was antiqued), (2) 18's, plus others. Want to do a package deal. ---Your Thoughts, Thanks

[startgroove]

I'm sure that person learned that his negativity did nothing to influence you. You likely will continue to do superb restoration work, (and I for one, appreciate and commend you for your saving many a machine and turning junkers into jewels) in spite of his criticisms.
It is a shame he could not recognize what I and others recognize, and be more positive about it. We don't need bad attitudes in our our lives from people who cause us stress by trying to press their values onto us. Best to block or ignore him. Cheers, Russie

[soundgen]

”I collect Morgan dollars and have an 1895 that i am sure is worth more than your entire old broken down junk phonograph collection put together. why dont you shove it and just leave me alone,.”

Good response. The guy is definitely an [a-hole] I hope he leaves you alone!

David

http://cointrackers.com/coins/383/1895- ... er-dollar/

[Inigo]

Johnsheff... Your work is wonderful. Don't let others bother you at all! Me too would want one of your princely finished machines as a present, but...!
Your hard work has its value, and must be payed for....

[Granby]

Agreed.

If I see a car, antique, or something else I can't afford or I don't like the price point, I just keep it movin'

There is no time and it is not respectful to bother a seller only to risk offending them.... unless they say something like "open to offers"...

Then... it's on!

[bigshot]

People can charge whatever they want, but it doesn't mean that anyone has to buy a $4,500 phonograph. If you're going to add your time on top of the value of the machine, you probably won't sell many. The idea is to get machines in bad shape for a song, so you can fix them up and sell them at market value and still make a little money.

[Sidewinder]

It is best not to react. Collectors in the UK had to spar with the world champion know-it-all for many years on an unprecedented level of nastiness. reaction just leads to a ramp-up.

[soundgen]

It's an eternal problem , should you leave something as it is now or take it back to what it looked like in 1910 ? Leave the horn with it's patina or polish it ? I find people split about 50 50 . so I always sell items as AF ( as found ) even if I have to do some restoration to make it saleable , the best of both worlds And your restorations are absolutely fantastic keep doing them and blank the naysayers