Exactly.
This subject, in general, has been touched on here in APF before, whether the high-end collector is new to APF or is a long time member that spends little to more moderate amounts.
Because words like "inferior" vs "superior," "elite," "5 star poster" etc are used here with some regularity, it has kept others (whom I have personally PM'd with) from posting their items, out of this same concern- being made fun of, put down or even to be made to feel like their poster(s) wouldn't "measure up."
It's no wonder that only a handful ever post their collection or new acquisitions here (let alone comment: there are 383 registered members on APF). Granted, many also don't want to post their images or feel the need, but I know of a handful of members that wont post images because of the above mentioned, as well. And that's a shame, on a poster collecting forum, where all should feel comfortable in sharing their found treasures and collections, if they so choose.
I just now read this... I think it has merit but what I think you are seeing is more based on personality type than other people running people off. I mean if there were a direct correlation between being made fun of based on your latest acquisition posts, Mel would have shot himself by now, and anyone whom had interacted with Louie would have run
home to mama. You are either a fighter or a runner.
But think about all those 'low-end' collector like myself who celebrate every $5 Stargate or Black Swan Poster they get and don't care when the egg jokes come out. I doesn't stop me, because that is my personality. Maybe what we are seeing in these 'high-end' folks is buyer sensitivity. Because, hell, getting made fun of for dropping 13K sure hurts more than being made fun of after dropping $5. But if they are that sensitive then maybe they we not deliberate in the first place and are still second guessing themselves...
Would it also be safe to say that most of the high-end guys don't need us? I have this theory that there is a poster network fabric beyond the interwebz that many of us have never tapped into...
Can you guys name any high end collectors that started posting and then quit posting? I know there were probably some newbies that started and got ran off but they were buying modern paper.
And what does 'high-end' mean anyway? And why do we care if they come to the forum?
In fact if I had the money to buy $50K posters I would either be buying them for someone else (as a dealer) or some super busy hedge fund manager, actor, or CEO and wouldn't really have the time or care to frequent forums and talk about what I bought...
Plus there may also be some security considerations for these 'high-end' folks. I mean if it was web knowledge that a Metropolis three-sheet was at a personal residence and not a place of business, that would be a concern in my book. (that's why I never told you guys I had one
)
I don't know but can say this:
If you want to post, then post! Stop whining to Jeff about it and let us know that we are a bunch of assholes. It will make you feel better... Else, you're just a bunch of pussies. You aren't going to find a better place to make a splash than here or Ari's place - so get busy.
