(Fwd) Re: _Collectible Microcomputers_ now available for order - test-drb@ccmp.vtda.org

8 Nov 2002

 This seemed to not get thru a classic talk screening. Could you give me 
reasons why this shouldn't have been posted ?
------- Forwarded message follows -------
From:           	Lawrence Walker &lt;lgwalker(a)mts.net&gt;
To:             	cctalk(a)classiccmp.org
Subject:        	Re: _Collectible Microcomputers_ now available for order from   VCF
Send reply to:  	lgwalker(a)mts.net
Date sent:      	Fri, 8 Nov 2002 14:12:23 -0600

 No I think you're wrong here Sellam. He's more like genital lice. A parasite.
What is more interesting is that he had the audacity to try and discredit the
value of Michaels book on a list of classic computer enthusiasts. Michaels
contributions to the computer community go back to the days of Micro 80 
and his
newsletter is a valued resource.

 As is obvious this creep's main concern is making a buck off recent interest 
in
older computers despite all the appeals to the higher virtues of his
contribution to blah, blah, blah. The usual tactic of a charlatan.

 A while back an interesting poster to the list, a scrap dealer who could have
offerred us insight into the workings of that world was harassed off the list. I
viewed that as unfortunate but slime like this who selfservingly slag an info-
source valueable cause it might undermine their preying on unknowledgeable
collectors is beyond redemption.

Lawrence

...
  On Fri, 8 Nov 2002, Mail List wrote:

  How is it you feel you have a right to pass
judgement on me?  
 Because you're a dick.

  No, I was concerned that the data sources might
be incomplete and fail
 to "conveniently" acknowledge the commercial market sector. You know,
 that portion of the economy that is encumbered with real expenses ( like
 marketing expenses, payroll, taxes, etc. ) and that provides jobs ( for
 those that still have one ) and therefore has to charge prices for their
 goods and services which allows them to meet those expenses and remain in
 operation.  
 Look, the book is called _Collectible *MICROCOMPUTERS*_.  Sure the LSI-11 is a
 microcomputer, but that was conveniently left out.  There is no pricing
 information for PDP stuff, so you can continue to ask whatever the hell you
 like for it.

 The prices in the book were based on a mixture of actual scarcity (i.e.
 supply), demand, gut feeling, and past sales, in that order.  At least
 that is how I approached it when Michael consulted with me on the pricing. I
 can't speak for Michael, as he had final say as to how to value each machine
 since it was his book.  I think he did a terrific job.  The values are
 reasonable.  The values are based on what a machine might go for in the real
 world, not what it would sell for on eBay if the seller was a dealer and had
 overhead such as taxes and marketing and payroll, etc.

 Since when does ANY value guide take this into account?  You are now
 arguing for the sake of arguing.  Just admin you're a dick and move on.
 We'll forget about you soon enough.

  Don't lament when you're out of work,
when you have
 previously condemned that sector that provided you your jobs. Don't
 lament when you see the value of your retirement accounts decline in
 value when you condemn those companies that your very same account is
 invested in, decline in value, as you complain about their prices ( no
 competent fund manager invests funds in the average eBay seller ). This
 thing called the economy is something we are all in together. Soil that
 where you eat, and you may find the food no longer edible.  
 Ok, George Bush, we'll allow you to attack Iraq just to get you to shut
 up.

 <violins>

  You know, I used to believe that if everybody
worked together, everybody
 could see some benefit from that cooperative relationship, whether that be
 parts you have a use for, or cash to buy parts you want, etc. There have
 been times that I could have run something by you that would have helped you
 out, but previous contact seemed to indicate that you were all about
 yourself only. I have since given up. My impression was that you can't stand
 to see anyone else realize any benefit from their contribution. You want it
 all for yourself. So you have closed off those opportunities.  
 </violins>

 Sellam Ismail                                        Vintage Computer Festival
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 International Man of Intrigue and Danger                http://www.vintage.org

  * Old computing resources for business and academia at www.VintageTech.com *

------- End of forwarded message -------
lgwalker(a)mts.net
bigwalk_ca(a)yahoo.com