18 Nov
2002
18 Nov
'02
10:48 a.m.
I _very recently_ had the unfortunate experience in
having to deal with a
"collector" who seems to fit your description of the second group. I
invited the "collector" along on a rescue of a fair number of systems,
with a prior understanding that I'd get first pick, but he showed up
unannounced (didn't call ahead) and early (he got there before I had
I used to go to a scrap yard where a good half dozen people would be lined
up waiting for the gate to open, and people would literally run to the back
to see the pallets of new stuff and stake out the stuff they wanted.
Personality flaws were often revealed.
I'm not shy, when I take somebody to a source of goodies, I lay out ground
rules, and if they aren't accepted and followed, they don't get access
anymore if I can manage it.
OTOH this is my hobby, and I recognize for many people this is what puts
food on the table and pays the rent.
OTOOH I know a couple guys who absolutely refuse to reveal any sources of
any kind, AND who often make hardline arrangements with all their sources,
ie I accidently find a place on my own, but when I make an offer for some
stuff I find out all deals get run past the person I know. I so detest this
practice that I do try not to emulate it.