Does anyone have any ideas on how to get the word out about this site. It would be great if more collectors and dealers were involved here. I'd love to see more in the items wanted/items for sale folders.
Eric, if it's okay with you, I think everyone here should include the link to this site in their ebay listings with a brief description of the site.
I think the site's off to a great start, and any way to get the word out and increase participation is a good one. It's simply going to take some time for the site to build up a large group of regular visitors and posters.
I would repeat my suggestion that we eliminate all the sub-categories and concentrate all posts into this general discussion forum ala Network 54's VBC forum (basically, I think we should just copy their whole format). I think if we concentrated all posting like announcements, comments on E-Bay listings, and buy/sell (in a designated monthly thread like VBC) posts in here, activity would increase dramatically (or at least appear to) and that would encourage even more posting.
I would also suggest changing the name of the site to "vintage sports memorabilia". That way, we could encompass game used collectors, but also attract other collectors of non-card sports as well. (I've been on Network 54 for over a year and there are a TON of collectors like myself who frequented the site simply because there was nowhere else to discuss vintage memorabilia.)
Another suggestion would be to post on the E-Bay, Beckett and Collector's Universe group sports collecting discussion sites. Again, I think you'll find many collectors anxious to find a more "sophisticated" place to discuss their collections.
Aside from that, like I said, it's just going to take some time and dedication on all our part. VBC didn't become VBC overnight. And we're already off to a much better start than many similar collector sites that have failed.
BTW, make sure to list your name on all posts (no more "Anonymous"!). It helps to build name-recognition.
Great ideas on promoting this forum. This thing has taken off A LOT faster than I thought it would. Word has spread quickly...so let's keep up the good work. If you have a website or an eBay "About Me" page, this should be promoted on your site...you have everything to gain and nothing to lose!
With all due respect to those collectors who wish to discuss memorabilia that is not game used, this really isn't the intended purpose of this forum. If you read the header on the index page, it's pretty clear about what this forum is meant for. While I have a great respect for ALL forms of sports collectibles, let's not compromise the integrity of this board by changing the name just to make the forum all-encompassing. It's the quality of posts that is important, not necessarily the quantity.
...and I echo Aaron's sentiments on "Anonymous" posts.
Rob Steinmetz, President
Authentic Gamers, Inc.
www.authenticgamers.com
authenticgamers@aol.com
Great ideas about improving the forum. Anyone is free to put links wherever they like. The more, the better. Please tell your favorite dealers and best customers.
With all due respect, I don't want to change the name of the site to "vintage sports memorabilia" because then it would exclude those who collect game used memorabilia. As it says on teh front page-
"This is a discussion of game worn and game used sports items including jerseys, helmets, cleats, pants, stadium artifacts etc, focusing primarily on baseball, football and basketball. It is an attempt to inform consumers on the legitimacy of what is being sold traded or auctioned and will discuss the current events in sports memorabilia collecting"
Well, I see that Rob and myself are the only ones to have added links on our websites so far. With a little nudging of the rest of you, I can really see this forum getting active in the next few months.
I like the title and scope of the forum. I also like the various folders. Over time, the amount of informtion will expand. Having folders to organize by topic vs post will speed up the procees when you want to come back and search for archived information.
Rob Mucha is going to post a link on his Glove Crazy web site.
I think we need to be patient and stay the course. It will take time. Just keep the noise level up, post something interesting from time to time, and enjoy. Just because people don't post doesn't mean they aren't reading.
Just to start, Great site Eric! I have already spread the word to about 5 collectors over the phone this evening. After traveling to many Nationals and other regional conventions I have realized there is a rather large core group of people that have all heard of each other. In fact, as I read posts tonight, I have heard of 95% of the people posting eventhough I have done business with only a few. I think word of mouth is good for this site! I also think the web based links are great! I am in the process of developing a website and this will be the premier link on my site for collector education. Knowledge is key out there! I have so many people come to me asking why the bats they purchased from other dealers have numbers scratched out on the knob and jerseys have names replaced, odd sizes, etc. This will be wonderful education for all! Thanks Again!
Chris Boyd
Houston Sports Investments
________________________________________________
Specializing in GU Astros Equipment & Autographs
713-385-1155
ccboyd@houston.rr.com
