Ok, please bear with me. I don't think I have done a very good job of conveying my point and have definitely not done myself any favours. For that I apologise whole heartedly. Truly I didn't mean to offend, I just got caught up in the heat of the moment.
My original post is below (not wanting to hide) and I do apologise for how it reads. As someone who has been around quite a few years in collecting circles, had a long gap and then come back to a whole new world, I can see both sides of the argument. I used to love the forums, still do but all of a sudden they feel quite old fashioned (if you like that aspect, that is great). They are easily the best medium for archiving factual information and discussions (I've found posts I made to RS over 10 years ago with relative ease) and nothing else comes close. Facebook meanwhile does have a significant number of limitations, information is easily lost, discussions never get very deep before the next mail call post comes along, and there is a degree of 'posing' that goes on. Much of it is beneficial and great to see rare pieces, a reasonable percentage can easily be considered just showing off.
My comment regarding inferiority complex was completely wrong. However, if this forum is better (ultimately it is), celebrate that fact instead of constantly bitching about the new kids on the block. As a oldie who is now a newbie again its interesting to see the different dynamics of each medium and from where I sit it can come across as slightly bitter and negative (and boring) to constantly read the derogatory 'facebook muppet' comments.
My post was not originally intended to knock the forums. I wanted to demonstrate that facebook can be a very useful addition to a collectors armoury, if you can ignore the occasional bullshit. I guess I too don't like the negativity, tried to fight the FB corner yet ended up being SW FUK public enemy no.1. Again apologies.
I operate mainly on my phone/tablet these days and I think that is why the facebook platform works well for me. Its quick its easy its 'lite'. I write this on my laptop (can you tell?) and that's how I always used to operate on the forums, on my laptop. Much easier to put a point across properly without coming across arrogant and troll-ish and 'lite'.
Before I go, just wanted to say that in the 10 months since I re-entered the hobby I have bought from facebook (approx 60%), ebay (approx. 30%), and the forums (approx. 10%). I have never overpaid (as far as I am concerned) and have picked up many amazing items in super quick time. Not by throwing cash at it, but by searching out deals, a bit of buying and selling and by not limiting myself and enjoying all the opportunities across the internet (and good old face to face). Last night I scored a super Canadian ESB carded Leia (toyfair or more likely multipack) for £110 on facebook. A price I feel is good value for something with a bit of history attached. Thanks for reading and sorry I offended.
I really dont understand the hostility towards FB on here other than possibly inferiority complex. Yes there are new collectors out of control and the constant mail call posts and ironic ebay price exposès are tedious but it is a fast paced marketplace where bargains pop up all the time (12 back R2D2 lasst night for $299 anyone)?
Im an old time collector from the 90's who sold up in 2005 then came back last year. When I first revisited the forums I though the hobby had literally died. Little did I realise at the time it had just moved to FB.
I have build a mid range 12 back set in a year for around £2300 so the deals are still about, but mostly on FB as far as I have seen.
