Wow - this is shocking.
- Thread starter _Lee_
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indianawars
Sith Lord
I watched this during my shift last night, and have to agree with him - live and and let live, ffs. Certainly no need for echo base to act the way they have/did. And this is why I'm no member of any FB groups.
StarWarsFan
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Blimey, watched this last night, sad whats happened to collecting. 
_Lee_
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Glad it's not just me. I think that is awful treatment.
I bailed on the hobby a while ago because there are too many self appointed experts who deem themselves the collecting Police. If someone said that to me I would tell them to **** right off. Too many keyboard tough guys and basement virgins in the hobby now.
It makes me sick to be honest. I miss the good old days.
I bailed on the hobby a while ago because there are too many self appointed experts who deem themselves the collecting Police. If someone said that to me I would tell them to **** right off. Too many keyboard tough guys and basement virgins in the hobby now.
It makes me sick to be honest. I miss the good old days.
StarWarsFan
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_Lee_ said:
Same here mate, I ******* hate facebook, has caused that many problems over the years. People keep saying to me join facebook so you can join echo. My words are not even Star Wars can get me on there. Also can never understand why people what to put their lives on there and all this must have 100000 "friends". I will never know.
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StarWarsFan
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_Lee_ said:
TBH i hardly collect SW these days sick of the trouble it has caused, not just with fakes but some dealers and collectors i've encountered have been horrible.
Palifan
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I'm glad someone posted this up as I also watched it last night and found the whole thing really interesting. I must admit that I've found Michael to be a angry of late, which is a shame to see as he should just get back to enjoying toys and not get so worked up at times but I felt he really hit it out of the park with this one.
Also I found the whole presentation really amusing with all of the clips he inserted into the video and although I felt it could have been a little shorter I could see that there was a lot to cover here.
A great video to end the year on and it is quite an eyeopener to how things have gone over time. Is Stan Solo really destroying the hobby or just helping some people own items that they could maybe never afford to own? It's a whole can of worms that question and I guess it's each to their own and as long as things are labelled correctly then you hope it doesn't harm that much (although I can see how it can in the wrong hands). For me educating yourself about what you're buying is your best bet and quite often I find that to be the most interesting part about owning an item.
Ian
Also I found the whole presentation really amusing with all of the clips he inserted into the video and although I felt it could have been a little shorter I could see that there was a lot to cover here.
A great video to end the year on and it is quite an eyeopener to how things have gone over time. Is Stan Solo really destroying the hobby or just helping some people own items that they could maybe never afford to own? It's a whole can of worms that question and I guess it's each to their own and as long as things are labelled correctly then you hope it doesn't harm that much (although I can see how it can in the wrong hands). For me educating yourself about what you're buying is your best bet and quite often I find that to be the most interesting part about owning an item.
Ian
I agree, Ian. - michael has a genuine passion for the toys and collecting, and a lot of his videos are great - he certainly should be able to collect what and how he likes without getting abuse . If you don't like his channel - don't watch it! If you don't like repro - don't buy it !
I can see why long time collectors running groups don't want the same old repro arguments over and over again clogging up the group chat, but on the other hand, I also think that is a very closed shop, head firmly buried in the sand, attitude. We are where we are : in an era where it's increasingly possible to accurately reproduce the figures and accessories, to meet demand that is out there. There is far too much hypocrisy - If you are a staunch anti-repro collector who dictates what others should do whilst happily flogging leia blasters for 70+ quid a pop and flipping stuff for a quick profit, you shouldn't be surprised when high quality reproductions turn up. These two things are not unrelated.
I can see why long time collectors running groups don't want the same old repro arguments over and over again clogging up the group chat, but on the other hand, I also think that is a very closed shop, head firmly buried in the sand, attitude. We are where we are : in an era where it's increasingly possible to accurately reproduce the figures and accessories, to meet demand that is out there. There is far too much hypocrisy - If you are a staunch anti-repro collector who dictates what others should do whilst happily flogging leia blasters for 70+ quid a pop and flipping stuff for a quick profit, you shouldn't be surprised when high quality reproductions turn up. These two things are not unrelated.
I do enjoy his videos as its not just focus purely on SW, the two of them have done a ton for the collecting community. I can sense the irritation in him is increasing and understandably so, he was targeted by another so called collector that brought toxicity to a whole new level. Have a look at the whole sail barge debacle, fortunate enough to of met him briefly and hes genuine as is his love and enthusiasm for collecting toys and information often overlooked by others.
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Amazing how some pricks can make this hobby so complicated. Great thread/post. Stay positive.
StarWarsFan
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Sundancer Squadron said:
Yer saw the videos on the Sail Barge. The was so horrible to Mike, no need for it.
An interesting watch, I think there are valid points on both sides. Do some collectors take things too far? Absolutely, and things like death threats (even in jest) should not be tolerated. However completely denying that reproductions can have *any* downsides is also ridiculous, and some of the comparisons made in the video are silly - of course vintage cars don't have original era tyres, they have long since perished, wheras authentic action figure accessories for the most part have not. I think most collectors are open to replacing perishable things like Yoda's swamp foam, because like car tyres sourcing an original is impossible.
So I agree some of the anti repro lot should tone it down a bit (I wasn't aware of most of the things in this video) but equally the pro repro guys have to concede that their actions have some ethical and financial consequences. What he fails to acknowledge in the video is that Star Wars is by far the most 'mature' action figure collecting market, yes collectors of some other toy lines are fine with repros (I see it all the time in the MASK groups) but those collectors are making all the same mistakes now that SW collectors made 20 years ago, and he's kidding himself if he thinks at some point they also won't start questioning repros.
So I agree some of the anti repro lot should tone it down a bit (I wasn't aware of most of the things in this video) but equally the pro repro guys have to concede that their actions have some ethical and financial consequences. What he fails to acknowledge in the video is that Star Wars is by far the most 'mature' action figure collecting market, yes collectors of some other toy lines are fine with repros (I see it all the time in the MASK groups) but those collectors are making all the same mistakes now that SW collectors made 20 years ago, and he's kidding himself if he thinks at some point they also won't start questioning repros.
Watched this and thought 'what a bunch of ******s!'
I try not to have any repros in my collection but understand that others will but it doesn't mean it's wrong.
Watched the videos about the sail barge and was well impressed that he was willing to fly half way round to world to deliver it to its rightful owner and also stick it to his detractors!!!
Yet another reason for me not to join Facebook
Edd Good point about the 'less' mature figures
I try not to have any repros in my collection but understand that others will but it doesn't mean it's wrong.
Watched the videos about the sail barge and was well impressed that he was willing to fly half way round to world to deliver it to its rightful owner and also stick it to his detractors!!!
Yet another reason for me not to join Facebook
Edd Good point about the 'less' mature figures
_Lee_
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I couldn't beleive the bit where he says that some collectors were posing naked with star wars toys covering their private parts - WTF??
The sad thing about all of this is the conflict it is bringing into the hobby. I remember in the late 90s and early 2000s that the internet was a breath of fresh air into the hobby because it enabled networking and enabled friendships to be built. Fast forward to now and it is without doubt the worst thing ever to happen, not only in this hobby but in everyday life. Facebook has probably ended more friendships ,marriages and partnerships that anything else in history.
Regarding.collecting, many of these self appointed experts havent got a clue, and many seem to put themselves on a pedestal. Trust me, there are probably.a handful that have been there since the start and most of the others see it as an ego trip to make themselves look better. I can assure you now that most people know who these idiots are because its blatantly obvious they are doing it for personal gain. I also believe that people dont mean because of the hobby, it's because it affects their personal collection and they see repros as damaging their investments.
Supply and demand is another issue. It's a known fact that most kids lost the accessories with their figures pretty much straight away because they were meant as toys. Fast forward to now and millions of figures have no original accessories, and the prices people are asking for some is ridiculous. I have no issues with some people ( and there are more than you would think) that buy repro purely because of this. If other collecting areas accept them, why cant Star Wars?? The answer is that many vintage Star Wars collectors think of themselves as elite and that it is the pinnacle of ant toy collecting.
Regarding the replica carded figures etc, if someone wants to buy a replica MOC Trilogo R2D2 Pop up for £40 rather than £500 minimum for a real one then to some it's a no brainer. I have seen one of the R2 Trilogo and they are pretty much bang on, plus they are stamped on the rear of the card with SLC. IMO this guy is helping many collectors to realise a dream on a budget and isnt out to hurt the hobby. Its just that some become angry because in their own mental thinking, they beleive they should be asked about these and the damage they do to 'Their'hobby.
Trust me , we need to rid the hobby of these people. It's not the repros that are bringing this hobby down, but the selfish, ignorant an arrogant twats who deem themselves fit to criticise anyone and anything. Money and greed is a huge factor and too many think they are the big boys because they have deep pockets. Well I've probably owned more vintage, prototypes etc than they ever will.
Dont ever let anyone tell you what to collect or how to do it. Collect for you and have the balls to stand up and tell these arseholes to **** off.
The sad thing about all of this is the conflict it is bringing into the hobby. I remember in the late 90s and early 2000s that the internet was a breath of fresh air into the hobby because it enabled networking and enabled friendships to be built. Fast forward to now and it is without doubt the worst thing ever to happen, not only in this hobby but in everyday life. Facebook has probably ended more friendships ,marriages and partnerships that anything else in history.
Regarding.collecting, many of these self appointed experts havent got a clue, and many seem to put themselves on a pedestal. Trust me, there are probably.a handful that have been there since the start and most of the others see it as an ego trip to make themselves look better. I can assure you now that most people know who these idiots are because its blatantly obvious they are doing it for personal gain. I also believe that people dont mean because of the hobby, it's because it affects their personal collection and they see repros as damaging their investments.
Supply and demand is another issue. It's a known fact that most kids lost the accessories with their figures pretty much straight away because they were meant as toys. Fast forward to now and millions of figures have no original accessories, and the prices people are asking for some is ridiculous. I have no issues with some people ( and there are more than you would think) that buy repro purely because of this. If other collecting areas accept them, why cant Star Wars?? The answer is that many vintage Star Wars collectors think of themselves as elite and that it is the pinnacle of ant toy collecting.
Regarding the replica carded figures etc, if someone wants to buy a replica MOC Trilogo R2D2 Pop up for £40 rather than £500 minimum for a real one then to some it's a no brainer. I have seen one of the R2 Trilogo and they are pretty much bang on, plus they are stamped on the rear of the card with SLC. IMO this guy is helping many collectors to realise a dream on a budget and isnt out to hurt the hobby. Its just that some become angry because in their own mental thinking, they beleive they should be asked about these and the damage they do to 'Their'hobby.
Trust me , we need to rid the hobby of these people. It's not the repros that are bringing this hobby down, but the selfish, ignorant an arrogant twats who deem themselves fit to criticise anyone and anything. Money and greed is a huge factor and too many think they are the big boys because they have deep pockets. Well I've probably owned more vintage, prototypes etc than they ever will.
Dont ever let anyone tell you what to collect or how to do it. Collect for you and have the balls to stand up and tell these arseholes to **** off.
I've no time for repro (especially when people sell it as original) & I would never have it in my collection but if people want to buy it who can't afford or don't want to pay the prices for original vintage then who I am to tell someone how to collect?,it's NONE of my business & I would NEVER do it.
I'm a member of a few Facebook groups but rarely interact & really only use it for buying & selling but the way some of those people lose their minds over repro items is quite ridiculous,they're little pieces of plastic ffs & there's more important things going on in the world right now to worry about.
It really is a pack mentality & is usually started by an admin or one of the regular more established members & then everyone else piles in.Last year I saw one guy ask about repro & one of the admins replied,instead of just saying we don't have repro on this group,he replied with a "**** you gif".There's a lot of unhinged people about & one day it'll end it really badly for one of them (especially the way some of the admin on those groups speak to people). :roll:
Unfortunately repro VSW items have been around since the 90's & whether we like it or not,they aren't going away.
I'm a member of a few Facebook groups but rarely interact & really only use it for buying & selling but the way some of those people lose their minds over repro items is quite ridiculous,they're little pieces of plastic ffs & there's more important things going on in the world right now to worry about.
It really is a pack mentality & is usually started by an admin or one of the regular more established members & then everyone else piles in.Last year I saw one guy ask about repro & one of the admins replied,instead of just saying we don't have repro on this group,he replied with a "**** you gif".There's a lot of unhinged people about & one day it'll end it really badly for one of them (especially the way some of the admin on those groups speak to people). :roll:
Unfortunately repro VSW items have been around since the 90's & whether we like it or not,they aren't going away.
I despise repro and would never knowingly buy it or keep it in my collection. I would ALWAYS advise against it, for the many reasons that we all know already. HOWEVER, as above, who am I to dictate to others how to collect? £150 for a pop-up saber?!!! You can see why people buy repro stuff.
There is a lot of 'Gatekeeping' in the SW communities, whether it's over-the-top repro hate or ridiculously severe anti-Kathleen/Disney sentiments. It's rather sad and anyone looking in from the outside must think it's all pretty unhinged and bizarre, especially with the real issues that have hit us all in 2020. The sheer hatred generated and fueled in the FB groups is astonishing. Some of the admins/mods on the groups are given god-like status and the sycophants worship the ground they walk on, lapping up everything they say without question. There are so many who just blindly follow, just so they can try to be part of the 'it' crowd. When they smell blood, It's often like a pack of wolves all going in for the kill... all over toys and films :roll:
The worst thing about repro though, is the incredibly annoying use of the word 'Repo' instead. Boy, that gets right on my toot :lol:
There is a lot of 'Gatekeeping' in the SW communities, whether it's over-the-top repro hate or ridiculously severe anti-Kathleen/Disney sentiments. It's rather sad and anyone looking in from the outside must think it's all pretty unhinged and bizarre, especially with the real issues that have hit us all in 2020. The sheer hatred generated and fueled in the FB groups is astonishing. Some of the admins/mods on the groups are given god-like status and the sycophants worship the ground they walk on, lapping up everything they say without question. There are so many who just blindly follow, just so they can try to be part of the 'it' crowd. When they smell blood, It's often like a pack of wolves all going in for the kill... all over toys and films :roll:
The worst thing about repro though, is the incredibly annoying use of the word 'Repo' instead. Boy, that gets right on my toot :lol:
UKS
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I think if you love the thing for its value to you rather than its value to others... then you are fine.
If SW is an investment, then this type of thing crushes that a bit.
I personally don't go for repro - yet I love TTs!
So I guess there is a line for everyone and I suppose we have should accept that. Transformers have had huge amounts of bootlegs and reissues and it does suppress prices but doesn't seem to suppress the fan community.
If SW is an investment, then this type of thing crushes that a bit.
I personally don't go for repro - yet I love TTs!
So I guess there is a line for everyone and I suppose we have should accept that. Transformers have had huge amounts of bootlegs and reissues and it does suppress prices but doesn't seem to suppress the fan community.
Robstyley
Sith Lord
That's interesting. It exposes some quite shocking, not even shocking but unpleasant, ******** behaviour. And some of it I'd take with a pinch of salt to be honest. It sounds like grown men arguing and being arseholes about mass produced little pieces of plastic. In any hobby people get passionate and can take things very seriously. It's crazy really when you think how abusive people can get about old toys. I don't think this is even about what your opinion is, it's about people trying to push their opinion and will on others and being judgemental.
I don't like reproduction accessories or own any fake MOC's, that's my choice. In my loose figure cabinet it's all legit. But a few figures have the wrong or no accessory because I won't pay £100+ for one or have a repro. In my other cabinet two Stormtroopers have modern blasters, a Han has a snapped AT-AT Driver rifle made into a blaster, a Boba Fett has a G.I Joe gun that looks like it should be Boba Fetts blaster..! It's my collection, I can do as I please and I like a bit of different stuff going on. If someone wants repro, even if I don't like it or agree with it it's their choice. I've been quite vocal in the past about repros and repainting figures etc but the hobby has changed and the influx of collectors and lack of supply can only inevitably result in people finding ways to meet that demand. Maybe we do need to chill out a bit.
I don't like reproduction accessories or own any fake MOC's, that's my choice. In my loose figure cabinet it's all legit. But a few figures have the wrong or no accessory because I won't pay £100+ for one or have a repro. In my other cabinet two Stormtroopers have modern blasters, a Han has a snapped AT-AT Driver rifle made into a blaster, a Boba Fett has a G.I Joe gun that looks like it should be Boba Fetts blaster..! It's my collection, I can do as I please and I like a bit of different stuff going on. If someone wants repro, even if I don't like it or agree with it it's their choice. I've been quite vocal in the past about repros and repainting figures etc but the hobby has changed and the influx of collectors and lack of supply can only inevitably result in people finding ways to meet that demand. Maybe we do need to chill out a bit.
TheJabbaWookie
Sith Lord
Firstly let me say I'm an admin on one of the Jabba's groups on Facebook. Secondly, I find the rules and regulations laid down by Echo over the top which is why I gravitate towards Jabba's. JP who runs TIG can be hot headed and certainly doesn't mince his words when he's arguing about something he's passionate about. And well there's no two ways about it, the IC and it's founder certainly divide the Star Wars collecting community.
I certainly don't see eye to eye with a lot of them but the anti repro stance that they fight for when it comes to SLC, Stan Solo and TFSB gets my thumbs up every time.
Chris Smith is a crook. He's done time for counterfeit goods in the past. I was on the fringes of Jabba's when those Leia blasters first hit the scene and all the crap Retroblasting put in that video about Chris Smith thinking they were genuine was ********.
Yes he was talking to one of the TIG guys but everything about the so-called discovery was setting alarm bells ringing in the community.
It soon became clear that it was a new major player in the repro community and if you think Smithlord Creations were in it for the good of the fans who can't afford originals ask yourself why they were willing to make up a story about having a friend of a son of a former Palitoy worker who discovered a box of blasters, and selling them on as originals at up to £40 a blaster. I bought one of them blasters very early on. They were better than anything we'd seen at the time. If that story was true or if he even thought he was the one conned ask yourself why did he then go in to make reproductions of all the other major blasters and weapons since?
I understand the argument about reproduction for people who haven't got the funds to facilitate the purchase of a 100% original collection and I respect that. But kit them out with the easily identifiable grey or blue weapons from the 90s that sink like a lead balloon. Or clearly mark them to make them easily identifiable. Don't make something so god damn close to the original. There's only one reason to do that and it's to fool the collector.
And here in lies the problem and is the reason that the Retroblasting guy and other pro-repro guys totally miss the point. Even if these reproductions are sold with honourable intentions initially (and here I'm giving a massive **** off benefit of doubt) they end up bought by others intentionally or unintentionally and sold on as genuine at original market prices. It totally ***** over the collector who wants to buy original.
And if you think it's all for the benefit of the hard up collector and not to line their pockets ask yourself why they didn't just stop at reproducing the expensive Blasters like the Leia, palace, Jawa and Endor blaster and why they are now producing exact replicas of loads of the cheapest weapons on the market. I can buy an original for the same price or cheaper then they're selling them.
The biggest travesty is that there's clearly a lot of talent at Stan Solo. A lot of people in my circle of friendship wishe they had just turned their hands to customisation. They started off with Han Stormtrooper. Why didn't they concentrate on producing other desirable unproduced figures from the OT like Tarkin, Rebel Fleet Trooper... instead of producing reproductions of the last 17 and Blue Snag?
I certainly don't see eye to eye with a lot of them but the anti repro stance that they fight for when it comes to SLC, Stan Solo and TFSB gets my thumbs up every time.
Chris Smith is a crook. He's done time for counterfeit goods in the past. I was on the fringes of Jabba's when those Leia blasters first hit the scene and all the crap Retroblasting put in that video about Chris Smith thinking they were genuine was ********.
Yes he was talking to one of the TIG guys but everything about the so-called discovery was setting alarm bells ringing in the community.
It soon became clear that it was a new major player in the repro community and if you think Smithlord Creations were in it for the good of the fans who can't afford originals ask yourself why they were willing to make up a story about having a friend of a son of a former Palitoy worker who discovered a box of blasters, and selling them on as originals at up to £40 a blaster. I bought one of them blasters very early on. They were better than anything we'd seen at the time. If that story was true or if he even thought he was the one conned ask yourself why did he then go in to make reproductions of all the other major blasters and weapons since?
I understand the argument about reproduction for people who haven't got the funds to facilitate the purchase of a 100% original collection and I respect that. But kit them out with the easily identifiable grey or blue weapons from the 90s that sink like a lead balloon. Or clearly mark them to make them easily identifiable. Don't make something so god damn close to the original. There's only one reason to do that and it's to fool the collector.
And here in lies the problem and is the reason that the Retroblasting guy and other pro-repro guys totally miss the point. Even if these reproductions are sold with honourable intentions initially (and here I'm giving a massive **** off benefit of doubt) they end up bought by others intentionally or unintentionally and sold on as genuine at original market prices. It totally ***** over the collector who wants to buy original.
And if you think it's all for the benefit of the hard up collector and not to line their pockets ask yourself why they didn't just stop at reproducing the expensive Blasters like the Leia, palace, Jawa and Endor blaster and why they are now producing exact replicas of loads of the cheapest weapons on the market. I can buy an original for the same price or cheaper then they're selling them.
The biggest travesty is that there's clearly a lot of talent at Stan Solo. A lot of people in my circle of friendship wishe they had just turned their hands to customisation. They started off with Han Stormtrooper. Why didn't they concentrate on producing other desirable unproduced figures from the OT like Tarkin, Rebel Fleet Trooper... instead of producing reproductions of the last 17 and Blue Snag?
grinchy
Sith Lord
I watched the video, shocking the way some people react to this hobby, it should be a fun thing that amuses you, not a bad headache inducing trip.
I'll collect how i like, i don't tell others how to collect, so expect the same treatment, live and let live.
I use the facebook groups for buying and selling, but i agree the rules can be a bit much sometimes
I'll collect how i like, i don't tell others how to collect, so expect the same treatment, live and let live.
I use the facebook groups for buying and selling, but i agree the rules can be a bit much sometimes
Robstyley
Sith Lord
You make some good points there [mention]TheJabbaWookie[/mention] and I absolutely agree anyone making accurate repros to deliberately fool collectors and line their own pockets are bang out of order and should be called out. It comes down to honesty and integrity which some don't have.
There's two separate issues here though - repros themselves and whether they are identifiable, or being released into the market to fool people and make money.
- the way admins and collectors treat people regarding repros. It's fine to say we don't hock repro here but bullying and being abusive is not cool.
There's two separate issues here though - repros themselves and whether they are identifiable, or being released into the market to fool people and make money.
- the way admins and collectors treat people regarding repros. It's fine to say we don't hock repro here but bullying and being abusive is not cool.
Robstyley said:
I would agree that the issue isn't about whether Chris Smith is dodgy or retreading arguments about repro, but equally you can always leave groups if you don't like the way they operate. To me the issue here is that *some* people seem to think that the rules of their own groups apply to other collectors outside of their groups. When this gets to the stage of encouraging or in some cases orchestrating abuse of people doing their own thing, whether you like it or not, it has gone way too far imo
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There's a very easy answer to the repro question and that is to make them very easily identifiable - either by colour or moulding. If the repro makers stuck to that, and making customs of figures and other toys that never existed, then I think most if not all of the conflict would go away and they would be accepted throughout the hobby.
Repro's that are indistinguishable from the real thing, and that float, are made with just one purpose - to deceive. They are a massive problem for our hobby.
There are those on both sides of the debate that need to take a look at themselves and their behaviour, but until the repro makers stop making near perfect replicas, then I know which side I believe in.
Repro's that are indistinguishable from the real thing, and that float, are made with just one purpose - to deceive. They are a massive problem for our hobby.
There are those on both sides of the debate that need to take a look at themselves and their behaviour, but until the repro makers stop making near perfect replicas, then I know which side I believe in.
UKS
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Having now watched the Retroblast video half way through then stopped - Hmmm. He is very disingenuous in it quite a few times. Misrepresenting peoples opinions and posting private messages all over the place. And also using very violent and emotive language demonising the anti-repro groups. I'm afraid his claims that facebook groups are somehow strong union-style communities, severely undermines his entire argument, if you were or are a member of any FB groups! And his Leia Blaster argument is profoundly wrong. Fraudsters famously want provenience and legitimacy to their fraud. For evidence of that feel free to see Hitlers Diaries, and many art based fraud.
I think if he thought about it in less childishly and emotionally, he would realise that anti-repro people have a legitimate point of view and perhaps help address their concerns.
For instance, repro is inexorably linked with fraud. He even admits that in the video and basically says Caveat Emptor. What people like him could do, is push for a simple way to differeniate original from reproduction.
Pro-repro people should have no issue with differentiation.
Alas commericals from both sides can interfere. If you have spent large amounts of money on a collection (or inventory as a store) you are legitimately worried about a collapse in that value. Scarcity does increase value.
If you are a reproduction person, you would probably want a way to keep the valiue of your work high. There is a risk of a large element of fraud or misrepresentation in that.
With the consuming fans stuck in the middle!
There is a place for a discussion on this - Especially as plastic ages out and toys actually disintegrate. Those bubbles are ALL coming off those cards at some point - Maybe in our lifetimes - However this retroblasting person should be nowhere near that conversation.
UKS
I think if he thought about it in less childishly and emotionally, he would realise that anti-repro people have a legitimate point of view and perhaps help address their concerns.
For instance, repro is inexorably linked with fraud. He even admits that in the video and basically says Caveat Emptor. What people like him could do, is push for a simple way to differeniate original from reproduction.
Pro-repro people should have no issue with differentiation.
Alas commericals from both sides can interfere. If you have spent large amounts of money on a collection (or inventory as a store) you are legitimately worried about a collapse in that value. Scarcity does increase value.
If you are a reproduction person, you would probably want a way to keep the valiue of your work high. There is a risk of a large element of fraud or misrepresentation in that.
With the consuming fans stuck in the middle!
There is a place for a discussion on this - Especially as plastic ages out and toys actually disintegrate. Those bubbles are ALL coming off those cards at some point - Maybe in our lifetimes - However this retroblasting person should be nowhere near that conversation.
UKS
Repro is a matter of personal choice, if you don't want repro then don't buy it! Simple
We are naive if we think repro will not go away, if there is a market for something it will be produced and sold.
Can we rid the world of morons, nope we can't, the world is full of idiots, but also full of genuine people as well.
We are naive if we think repro will not go away, if there is a market for something it will be produced and sold.
Can we rid the world of morons, nope we can't, the world is full of idiots, but also full of genuine people as well.
I used to love RB videos but he's just turned into an absolute drama queen.
I tried watching the video but as soon as he started posting up screenshots of private conversations and making ridiculous assumptions based on other people's comments I bailed.
This hobby is full of unnecessary drama due to people who depend on social media either for their income or their personal fix.
I want my online time to be fun - I sit and listen to generation Skywalker as I enjoy my collection. I don't want to listen to a grown man try and generate more hits for his channel through drama.
I don't have any repro in my collection and like many I'm strongly anti repro because of the damage it can cause to the hobby I love but it's a completely personal thing now - wouldn't dream of judging anyone that buys it. I thought we might stop it being produced through educating others to the long term issues, but that boat has sailed.
We collect toys for fun, nostalgia, collecting highs when we find something we really want, interaction with like minded folk, community spirit - I just avoid anything I don't enjoy, my spare time is too precious to waste on nonsense.
I tried watching the video but as soon as he started posting up screenshots of private conversations and making ridiculous assumptions based on other people's comments I bailed.
This hobby is full of unnecessary drama due to people who depend on social media either for their income or their personal fix.
I want my online time to be fun - I sit and listen to generation Skywalker as I enjoy my collection. I don't want to listen to a grown man try and generate more hits for his channel through drama.
I don't have any repro in my collection and like many I'm strongly anti repro because of the damage it can cause to the hobby I love but it's a completely personal thing now - wouldn't dream of judging anyone that buys it. I thought we might stop it being produced through educating others to the long term issues, but that boat has sailed.
We collect toys for fun, nostalgia, collecting highs when we find something we really want, interaction with like minded folk, community spirit - I just avoid anything I don't enjoy, my spare time is too precious to waste on nonsense.
I only collect genuine and have no Repro accessories in my collection, that's my choice. I have no problem with easily identified Repro i.e sinking in water etc. But the problem is that Repro manufacturing has become more sophisticated over the years. Fakes are not only imitating the looks of their genuine counterparts more faithfully but also their behaviours, this for me is where the problem lies.
TIG was always the place to go for updates and regularly kept us in the know on the latest wave of Repro, but updates have been less of late, and lately I bet it's been a major headache to keep on top of it.
The question I ask is are any of how long will it be until they make it through AFA's/UKG grading process?
If they can't spot them what chance do we have.
TIG was always the place to go for updates and regularly kept us in the know on the latest wave of Repro, but updates have been less of late, and lately I bet it's been a major headache to keep on top of it.
The question I ask is are any of how long will it be until they make it through AFA's/UKG grading process?
If they can't spot them what chance do we have.
TheJabbaWookie
Sith Lord
TIG is out of date now unfortunately. Look out for the new Variant Villains website later this year, which will have up-to-date information on COOs, weapon variants and reproductions, and the start of figure focus guides. A **** load of work is going into that.
