Hi all,
I have seen a lot of ideas which I think would be great and very usable.
For instance that dealermembers could have a dealer designation on their avatar so that other members would know to look in their profile for their websites, which David pointed out (probably an idea from Gavin, if I understood well).
Also the splitting of the swap forum that Fearn pointed I think could be another good idea....
By the way, I deal a little besides my collecting, and all the money will be pumped in my own collection or other good genuine antique pointy things which will be sold or swapped.....And believe me, it is not very profitable (IF it is profitable at all). It takes a lot of work to maintain a website and the only pieces I have for sale once in a while are always pieces I like myself and most of the time have been (the one longer as the other) in my own collection....
Indeed some pieces go with a bit of a profit, but most of the pieces went to friendcollectors with swapping, or even with a great loss of money.....
There are also pieces I had obtained after a whole day driving to friendcollectors, and what is a euro50,- than for profit?? (Only to fill the fuel of my car is euro 8o,- that day, let alone the time I spent in trafficjam, and afterwards taking images, placing information and finally wrap them up and put them to the postoffice again)
So believe me when I am saying that a website is very time resuming (taking images, uploading, place the information etc. etc.) and I know that nobody is pushing me to do so....and it is my own free will.
But I am doing it because I like to learn, study and collect pieces. Also besides that I like to get in contact with collectors who have the same passion I have. Therefore I have my website, and also ofcourse to show my own collection, inclusive all information I have found out on the pieces.
The "dealers" that are posting in this thread, have a great heart for ethnographic swords, and also are always very helpfull to help other members.
Even, in my case, every member here on the forum is welcome to visit me when in The Netherlands...........and not for having a piece sold, but just to meet, shake hands, and talk about our mutual hobby...and I am sure other "dealers" have the same heart as me.
Ofcourse there are dealers who are very rude and sell crap, only to gain a lot of money....But I am sure the members who are a member for quite a time, can pick them out very easily...
I like the forum, and when not posting anymore in the swapdepartment as a dealer, so be it..
I leave that to the moderators, who are doing a great job.
But as Lee mentioned in the beginning of the thread:
"Constructive comments and observations on the swap forum, on how it exists presently and how it may be improved, may be made as replies to this thread or may be privately communicated to the moderator of your choice."
So all comments should be seen in this way, and not to complain about moderators. Also some statements shouldn't be taken so literally, but with a grain of salt...
Kind Regards,
Maurice