-- non-subscriber, please reply to sender and MMD --

My husband and I have long enjoyed "tuning in" to the forum and the
postings on various subjects.  We have collected for nearly 25 years
now, and have noted one particular recurring and very troublesome theme
in this great interest that we all share.  Although I do not anticipate
that this will be real popular with several of the readers, I feel that
it must be said.  It has a direct and lasting impact on the future of
this great hobby of ours.

As I mentioned, we have collected for some time now.  We have purchased
from all the common venues: privately, at auction, swap meets, and so
on.  We have remained fairly "low key" in the collectors' circles, yet
we are very familiar with those in our midst who routinely have items
for sale.  Although not all inclusive, it is our assessment that there
is much more of a focus with many of these individuals to make a quick
buck as opposed to representing the item for sale with honesty and
integrity.

Many times have we encountered collectors/dealers who are grossly and
knowingly misrepresenting an item.  This practice can also be witnessed
in auction houses throughout the country.  Yes, the buyer should be
knowledgeable of what they are buying, but the seller has an ethical
and moral obligation to be honest with any potential buyer.  Young or
new collectors should be able to rely on the veterans to pass onto
them their knowledge...but too often they are taken advantage of
because of their "newness" to our world.

Recently, it  has been more difficult for us to advocate to the younger
generation that this hobby will reward them in the way that it has us.
In this world that we live in, it sometime does not make good sense for
the blue-collar worker to spend thousands of dollars on a non-essential
item when gas prices are $2.30 gallon and the threat of domestic
terrorism looms greater by the day.  There seem to be enough road blocks
pre-existing to entice the younger generation to carry on our love of
this world of antique automated music without those in our industry
making it more difficult.

Pamela Walker
pamndoug@grm.net.geentroep