[Phono-L] No More Ebay Pranks
The arguments against ebay are very reasonable. They have grown to a monster that will eat anyone around. But honestly, as a collector in Europe, what should I do? There are no other -global- auction or market places around to reach people and to find stuff I am collecting. Of course, I am addicted to them and would welcome a true competitor but there is no alternative platform around I know that offers worldwide access and reaches the poeple.Craigslist is nice but was always made to support local business - that is not option for me. A boycott would mean to virtually stop collecting, except for my few US vacations while other (local) collectors would be feasting 24/7. At this time, there is no alternative for me. However yes, ebay sucks. I see the severe problems via ebay but as long no international alternative supplier comes around, eBay will liekly keep its position. Norman ps.: ebay owns about 25% of Craiglist. At 02:26 14.09.2008, you wrote: I just don't understand for the life of me why no one has been able to challenge ebay by establishing a new on line auction. Every successful business in the world has been challenged. Examples are: Ford Coca Cola General Electric K-Mart The list goes on and on. It truly amazes me that ebay is still the one and only on line auction that just continues to monopolize on line auction world. For this reason, they are big enough to continue to go up on rates, tell YOU the SELLER how you will get paid, and YOU the BUYER how you will pay. Most businesses in our country that continue to forget the patrons that made them who they are in the first place at some point in time begin to lose steam. I am still waiting for the time that a new company comes up and over takes ebay. As a 12+ year member of the ebay community as a seller and buyer (100% feedback), I have decided to boycott the auction company. I am doing my part to stop supporting a company that tells me how I will do business. I feel that if enough people do this, ebay will get the message. It's one thing to cry and 'belly ache' about how you are treated in the business world, but another thing to say, I am not only going to complain, but I AM GOING TO STOP SUPPORTING THE BUSINESS. When we all do that, the business will get the message. It's like our local gas stations here in town. When they saw an opportunity to put the screws on us by selling us gas that they bought last week at a $1.00 more a gallon (from $3.57 Friday to $4.57 today Saturday) due to the hurricane threat, I made the decision to stay home all weekend. It appears that many of my community neighbors have also done the same as word is these stations have done very little business. Instead of running on gas this weekend, I am running on the energy of my 100+ year old Victor springs and enjoying every minute. Billy Murray and Ada Jones have never sounded better, and to think...the entertainment and energy to produce it is free!! It's all about the mighty dollar my friends! You take care and keep the speed limit at 78...rpms that is! And yes, thank you Billy and Ada for continuing to entertain us, and for putting smiles on our faces! Brantley South Carolina /HTML ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org
[Phono-L] No More Ebay Pranks
I've read everyone's comments on eBay with great interest. Personally, I've never liked it, and I like it even less now, if that is possible. Any organization that makes it so easy for scoundrels to flourish is bad, in my opinion. Furthermore, eBay has turned into a monolith, like the Phone Company used to be back before the days of deregulation. They have contrived it so that you MUST deal with them, and you MUST do precisely what they say -- OR ELSE! Most Americans, in particular, who have a strong sense of rugged individualism, would rankle at being bossed around by pencil-necked geeks. For my part, I maintain my phonophan.com Web site as a tiny alternative to buying machines on eBay. Yet, we need to recall that antiques are only a portion of what eBay does. Chances are, even if every antique person defected, the enormity of all eBay's OTHER business would keep it going indefinitely. I'm not saying people shouldn't follow their consciences and boycott if they feel strongly, but eBay is a Frankenstein's Cat with a lot of lives. Cheers, to all, Tim Fabrizio phonophan PO Box 747 Henrietta, NY 14467 TEL 585 582 1586 FAX 585 582 2624 Web site: www.phonophan.com In a message dated 9/15/2008 4:11:35 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, phono-l at cylinder.de writes: The arguments against ebay are very reasonable. They have grown to a monster that will eat anyone around. But honestly, as a collector in Europe, what should I do? There are no other -global- auction or market places around to reach people and to find stuff I am collecting. Of course, I am addicted to them and would welcome a true competitor but there is no alternative platform around I know that offers worldwide access and reaches the poeple.Craigslist is nice but was always made to support local business - that is not option for me. A boycott would mean to virtually stop collecting, except for my few US vacations while other (local) collectors would be feasting 24/7. At this time, there is no alternative for me. However yes, ebay sucks. I see the severe problems via ebay but as long no international alternative supplier comes around, eBay will liekly keep its position. Norman ps.: ebay owns about 25% of Craiglist. At 02:26 14.09.2008, you wrote: I just don't understand for the life of me why no one has been able to challenge ebay by establishing a new on line auction. Every successful business in the world has been challenged. Examples are: Ford Coca Cola General Electric K-Mart The list goes on and on. It truly amazes me that ebay is still the one and only on line auction that just continues to monopolize on line auction world. For this reason, they are big enough to continue to go up on rates, tell YOU the SELLER how you will get paid, and YOU the BUYER how you will pay. Most businesses in our country that continue to forget the patrons that made them who they are in the first place at some point in time begin to lose steam. I am still waiting for the time that a new company comes up and over takes ebay. As a 12+ year member of the ebay community as a seller and buyer (100% feedback), I have decided to boycott the auction company. I am doing my part to stop supporting a company that tells me how I will do business. I feel that if enough people do this, ebay will get the message. It's one thing to cry and 'belly ache' about how you are treated in the business world, but another thing to say, I am not only going to complain, but I AM GOING TO STOP SUPPORTING THE BUSINESS. When we all do that, the business will get the message. It's like our local gas stations here in town. When they saw an opportunity to put the screws on us by selling us gas that they bought last week at a $1.00 more a gallon (from $3.57 Friday to $4.57 today Saturday) due to the hurricane threat, I made the decision to stay home all weekend. It appears that many of my community neighbors have also done the same as word is these stations have done very little business. Instead of running on gas this weekend, I am running on the energy of my 100+ year old Victor springs and enjoying every minute. Billy Murray and Ada Jones have never sounded better, and to think...the entertainment and energy to produce it is free!! It's all about the mighty dollar my friends! You take care and keep the speed limit at 78...rpms that is! And yes, thank you Billy and Ada for continuing to entertain us, and for putting smiles on our faces! Brantley South Carolina ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org **Pt...Have you heard the news? There's a new fashion blog, plus the latest fall trends and hair styles at StyleList.com.
[Phono-L] No More Ebay Pranks
As collectors, it is true that we have made ourselves dependent on ebay. How much of this is just a habit? I have to say, without ebay, I would not have met the many friends that I have in this hobby. In fact, one of my best friends in this habit, I mean hobby, of phonograph collecting I met on ebay about four years ago. I bought a Victor II from him. I picked it up from his home and have visited with him on several occasions. He has been very helpful to me as he is very knowledgeable in phonographs and has repaired several of my machines. To say ebay has been all bad would not be fair. However, ebay is an example of a very humble source that starts out big by being a great venue and a great value to the customer. Then, after success, greediness sets in and there is no consideration for the ones that made them who they are. I hate to say it, but this has become the American way. It all revolves around that thing called MONEY! My land, when do people or businesses say...enough is enough. I mean one can only spend so much money in a life time. It is like the greedy baseball player that feels like 55 million is not enough. Well, since it isn't, let's charge the fans a fortune for a ticket and make that fan mortgage the house for a hot-dog. As I stated in an earlier message, I have begun my boycott of ebay. I will rely on the friends that I have made, and the shows in my area to add to my collections. Not only will I not use ebay, but I will see exactly what I am buying and will see the person from whom I am buying from. You know something, it is much more fun that way! It is a fact that ebay will continue to thrive, and we, the collector and hobbyist will have to pay the price if we continue to support ebay. As my late grandfather used to say...Every Dog Has His Day. Ebay may be on top of the world today...but nothing lasts forever on this great earth of ours. No one is the 'Big Cheese' forever. There will be a new kid on the block, just wait and see. You are a great bunch. I enjoy this thread very much! Keep 'em spinning at 78!! Brantley /HTML
[Phono-L] Triumph Model F for sale
I am taking offers on a Triumph model F, in Opera style case. Let mebe honest this was a basket case machine, and needs cabinet work onthe hinges. The motor has new springs, and bull gear, it needs theproper long on and off lever, an original aduster for the tension. itis sans reproducer and horn. It will need a lid and nickel plating.Here are some links to photos of the machine. It does work finethough, and plays well. there are probably less Triumph Fs around than Operas it was available at the same time the Opera was and sopeople would have opted out and spent the 90.00 for the Opera,instead of the $75.00 for the Triumph. It has been refinished byme probably 8 years ago.http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j213/darksound1973/100_2101.jpghttp://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j213/darksound1973/100_2102.jpghttp://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j213/darksound1973/100_2103.jpghttp://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j213/darksound1973/100_2105-1.jpghttp://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j213/darksound1973/100_2105.jpghttp://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j213/darksound1973/100_2109.jpghttp://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j213/darksound1973/100_2100.jpg http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j213/darksound1973/100_2097.jpg http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j213/darksound1973/100_2112.jpg _ See how Windows connects the people, information, and fun that are part of your life. http://clk.atdmt.com/MRT/go/msnnkwxp1020093175mrt/direct/01/
[Phono-L] Phono-L No More E-Bay Pranks
Gents, Bob, you're right E-bay doesn't care about you...or me or Tom, Dick or Harry, but they do care about all of us together. That's the only way to make a difference-a large (and noisy enough block of buyers and sellers need to make their feelings known. Yes they have gotten to big and complacent. I agree with Douglas-it's the middle management bookkeeper types who are trying to squeeze every penny out the clientele. That seems to be S.O.P. these days. They seem to have forgotten lower price per unit means more units sold, means more profit! Yes the buyers are the key, we need to at least begin looking for options, the sellers will follow. The antique hobbies are now a smaller part of E-Bay than they once were. They know that too, just look at their advertising. That could be an opportunity for us. But Tim you can't compare them to the old Ma Bell, The old Telephone Company provided us with the best telephone service in the world. So if we phono-nuts all leave and find a new viable option and E-Bay stays the same-so what, good for them! We at least won't need to deal with them. Norman, I'm with you, I don't really have to many other options myself. Without E-Bay I wouldn't have one tenth of what I have phonographic-wise without it. I couldn't do without as things stand right now. Brantley, I too have met some very good people through E-Bay so it's not all bad, if it was I'd be gone, but it's up to the clientele to force the issue. To paraphrase-We get the E-bay we deserve Regards, John B.
[Phono-L] Commercial reminder - record list closing in 10 days
Hi Everyone, Just a reminder to those of you who have received my current record auction 124 (Summer Musical Madness) and are thinking about bidding - closing date is Sept. 26, just 10 days away. Don't miss out on the goodies you want! Tom Hawthorn Hawthorn's Antique Audio www.thoseoldrecords.com hawthorn at thoseoldrecords.com
[Phono-L] Items For Sale
Hello All, I have the following for sale: A super nice original finish Columbia Deluxe. I am asking $8k, but willing to talk as I am not sure of current market prices for these machines. Also for sale are 3 record store advertising signs. Two Okeh Christmas and one Edison, as well as a Victor Trolley sign. The store advertising signs are already framed. The price for these is $375 each. Here is a link to see the lot. There is a good UPS Store close I can take them too, but buyer pays shipping. http://home.comcast.net/~vtm12/sale/sale.html Please email me directly at vtm12 at comcast.net with a descriptive subject line so I don't miss the email if interested. Thanks, Vince
[Phono-L] Items For Sale
Just last week I saw two Columbia DeLuxes at the Solvang Antique Mart in Solvang CA, which is famous for their ridiculous prices on phonographs and music boxes. However, people buy there! The prices on the DeLuxes there were about $15,000 each. They also had a Reginaphone in the Deluxe cabinet, and that was about $22,000. You can see what I mean about ridiculous. There was also a nice Victor Monarch M with oak horn for $5700, and a Victrola XI for $2300. Shocking. THere was once a Victrola VI there for $875. It isn't there any more. They do sell stuff, to the unwary, I am guessing. John Robles --- On Mon, 9/15/08, Vince C. vtm12 at comcast.net wrote: From: Vince C. vt...@comcast.net Subject: [Phono-L] Items For Sale To: Antique Phonograph List phono-l at oldcrank.org Date: Monday, September 15, 2008, 5:16 PM Hello All, I have the following for sale: A super nice original finish Columbia Deluxe. I am asking $8k, but willing to talk as I am not sure of current market prices for these machines. Also for sale are 3 record store advertising signs. Two Okeh Christmas and one Edison, as well as a Victor Trolley sign. The store advertising signs are already framed. The price for these is $375 each. Here is a link to see the lot. There is a good UPS Store close I can take them too, but buyer pays shipping. http://home.comcast.net/~vtm12/sale/sale.html Please email me directly at vtm12 at comcast.net with a descriptive subject line so I don't miss the email if interested. Thanks, Vince ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org
