Why Post?

[Jim McDougall]

Jeff, thank you again, and for elaborating more on this perspective, which finally does explain some of the concerns that seem to have been very present, and led to many of the present circumstances existing here.

Actually, your points have been extremely well placed and presented, and I think now I much better understand the position taken by many dealers and those more closely connected commercially. I do know that many of them are reluctant to participate in forum discussions, although some of them still will appear from time to time, but usually only in discussions which involve certain unusual or seldom addressed topics on rare items.
Most of them are extremely busy, and I can well understand them not wanting to get involved in random ebay chatter or simple, laconic notes on commonly seen pieces, however I had not thought of any sort of wrath regarding giving out free information. I was always under the impression that interesting historical information on weapons directly charged interest in that particular form of weapon and would actually promote sales.

I suppose that idea came from times in the past when certain movies often spurred sales, such as if based on Arabia, perhaps like 'Lawrence of Arabia', might have generated more interest in janbiyya's or other Arabian weapons.
Possibly simplistic, but often such is the way of things. I will admit that as a young collector the movie 'King of the Khyber Rifles' fanned the flames of my passion into a quest for Martini-Henry's, Sniders and jezails, and to research for years that had me actually in touch with one of the commanders of this famed unit. You should have seen my wifes face when that letter from Pakistan came in, with an autographed book on the history of the unit!
She exclaimed theres something here with Arabic stuff on it and really strange stamps all over it.

While I have of course often entertained thoughts that one day I might work for a museum, or augment my limited income by appraising, the fact is that it remains an empassioned hobby for me, and I enjoy learning as I help others.
The information I provide is really nothing more than secondary research from books many out there do not have (but I provide the references so they might watch for bargains online) and from notes I have compiled over many decades of joyful adventures.

Retirement can be a lonely thing, especially if you are detached from any core of social life such as friends or neighbors. When we took to 'the road' it is of course enjoyable and exciting at times, but very often in extremely remote locations I am so grateful to have this hobby and the computer.
I can recall how amazing it seemed to be in a Winnebago in the middle of the Sonora desert involved in international three or four way communications investigating a rare 17th century weapon! Incredible! I often wonder if I am perhaps one of the only 'mobile arms research units'

I have no idea what the future will bring, but for now, I truly enjoy what I do, and I certainly dont want to impede on anyones ability to make a living by sharing information and doing research to learn. I honestly believed, and still do, that awareness and knowledge fosters more interest in acquiring weapons, and more importantly, understanding them. As I said before, we are together here, custodians of history, and there is no reason that as collectors or dealers or both, we cannot carry out our interests to the mutual benefit of all.

I have been told that publishing a reference work, such as a monograph on weapons online is ideal because so much exposure is gained, and that it actually generates sales in degree of the actual published work. I know that for many years I often utilized tattered photocopies of books important to my research, but when the opportunity to buy an actual bound copy came up, I bought it instantly. Obviously the situation is now a bit different, as the 'bookmobile' has limited capacity, and the shocks can only take so much!
The point is that information shared online does not necessarily negate enterprise.

I honestly hope yet more of my ramblings in some way illustrate my position on this interesting aspect of writing on the forums, and that again, more out there reading will join us, as well as that those we have lost might consider coming back. What we have all done together over the years I believe stands as important material in these threads, and I know I use the search feature constantly. Lets try to keep it going!

All very best regards,
Jim