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Posted By: Craig Osbeck members - Tue Jan 30 2018 01:11 AM
Have not seen many old members posting for quite a while, they still around ?
Posted By: Savinsam Re: members - Tue Jan 30 2018 01:43 AM
I'm with you, Craig. I still keep checking in everyday (I'm retired). I'm wondering if there aren't a lot of other old members that do the same thing, only don't post. Like many others, I defected to Facebook for awhile, but it's turned into somewhat of a joke. People continually wanting to know values of rusted worthless oil cans etc. plus their foul comments, is causing me to leave them. I'm still comfortable with Oldgas knowing that there are great people here willing to share knowledge. Sam
Posted By: TN Volunteer Re: members - Tue Jan 30 2018 02:23 AM
Good Evening Greg,

I can say from experience that there have been times I have asked questions here (and maybe some of the questions have been too advanced or maybe nobody knows that answer) and I either get no replies or I get some smart ***** reply. I also posted stuff for sale and either nobody was interested or I if I did get an offer it was an insult. So I come here to see what info I can get or see whats for sale but don't say a whole lot. I know some dealers and some collectors who do the same as me for the same reasons I have just said. I understand dealers have got to make money on stuff, but don't insult me. I also have been involved with gas pumps one way or another for close to 20 years now and I have had pumps that most folks would have wet dreams about. I have had at least one pic of a gas pump stolen and posted to their site (just saw this a week ago) and was never asked if they could use the pic. I suspect that at least 1 pic will end up in the new gas pump book and I won't get any acknowledgement. I will accept responsibility for being too trusting with photos back in the day and not getting copy rights to the pics I posted. (I also know the guy I sold the pump to has NEVER posted a pic of the pump on here, he has not sold it, and it has not seen sunlight since the day that pic was taken.) I don't care and won't fuss about that cause I am not a glory hound, but I am telling what has happened to me and I KNOW for a fact that has happened to other folks as well. I have met in person some really good people on here, and I also have met a couple of real clowns.

Sorry if this has offended folks but that is why some folks aren't on here much any more. I also know that a lot of folks have passed away and that has hurt the veterans responses too.

TN Volunteer
Posted By: eshaver Re: members - Tue Jan 30 2018 03:17 AM
Originally Posted by Savinsam
I'm with you, Craig. I still keep checking in everyday (I'm retired). I'm wondering if there aren't a lot of other old members that do the same thing, only don't post. Like many others, I defected to Facebook for awhile, but it's turned into somewhat of a joke. People continually wanting to know values of rusted worthless oil cans etc. plus their foul comments, is causing me to leave them. I'm still comfortable with Oldgas knowing that there are great people here willing to share knowledge. Sam


For what it's worth , I own a couple of groups on Face Book . I don't exactly want buying and selling as it's become somewhat of a retired man's past time to speculate on what USED to be an enjoyable hobby . Meanwhile , I continue to stop into Old Gas daily . I still can't for the life of me figure out how to post pictures so , I guess if anyone wants pictures , stop by my Diorama group known as Roadside Relic Dioramas . It's "Public " so ya don't necessarily have to join the group to see what's going on .
Posted By: Speedracer Re: members - Tue Jan 30 2018 10:05 PM
Ellen,

If you want to send me your phone number in a PM, I can call you some night and try to help you out and walk you through on how to post a picture.

Just make sure you send it in a Private Message, DO NOT post your number in a reply below.

-Steve
Posted By: Corey1955 Re: members - Wed Jan 31 2018 12:15 AM
I’m obviously a new member and just started getting into this hobby. I come from a firearms background but don’t insult people by low balling them. I also keep what I get and don’t flip or pic people. I appreciate the older members here that give their knowledge. I also have a different outlook at this hobby, every time I can obtain a pump or sign, I personally view it as rescuing a piece of history. It gives me a a sense of pride and awe just thinking about the families that could have used a pump etc. while on vacation or the types of “classic” cars that gassed up at one of these. I am a Harley owner and can’t afford an old split window Corvette etc. but I imagine at one time there was one that did. I know we all have our own reasons why this hobby appeals to us, but this is my .02.
Posted By: Craig Osbeck Re: members - Wed Jan 31 2018 01:51 AM
Anybody know what has happened to Ray Sieder in Calif who's wife passed away, he was always on here with a lot of nice signs.
Posted By: Cold Pizza Re: members - Wed Jan 31 2018 02:31 AM
He was last on line here @ 2:15 on the 24th of this month.
http://oldgas.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showprofile&User=353
Posted By: Jack Sim Re: members - Wed Jan 31 2018 05:31 AM
DB always told me not to post anything here on OG when I came home from playing darts and of course drinking beer, so I will say this, tomorrow i will post a little info about the pictures I use in my books.

TN Volunteer, I wish I knew your name, it is not listed on your profile, sometimes I think this site is becoming a secret society. If you will email me your name I will email you back if I have listed it in my accomplishments for the 3rd book. Just send me your last name, that way there will be no question as to whether I have your name or not. My email address is: jhsim@petrocollect.com.

Jack Sim
Posted By: Nicole Re: members - Wed Jan 31 2018 08:21 AM
Don't know if I qualify as an 'old member' whistle but for some of us, other aspects of life creep in and we get busy...
Posted By: Old Racer Re: members - Wed Jan 31 2018 12:45 PM
Personally I use Facebook and Old Gas. I think there are pros and cons for both.
I am 72 now and things in life change. Priorities change as well.
You deal with health problems that make some things more important in life and get tired of drama.
I have only been on Old Gas for about twelve years.
I like Facebook because I know who I am dealing with in most cases by looking at their profiles.
On Old Gas many people just list their name and state, if that. No real contact information.
I guess todays society makes some people paranoid. Personally, I post all of my contact information.
If you want to try to steal from me, I say go for it. You may be in for one hell of a surprise.
I agree there are a lot of idiots on Facebook, but you can easily "BLOCK" them and they can no longer see you or anything you post.
I think many people post on Facebook because of the way you post pictures. Pretty much one click from your computer or phone.
I got my first computer in 1983. Windows came out in 1986, so I don't have trouble posting pictures on Old Gas, but some people do.
The world has changed with technology and people have too. Smartphones have also had a huge effect.
Everything has to be faster. Facebook is faster.
That all being said, Old Gas has been a meeting place for the hobby for many, many years. It has brought more true Petroliana collectors together than anything else.
I applaud Jim Potts for a great job for all these years.
At one time Terry Hubert had a second hobby Forum.
Some of the "hard liners" on Old Gas considered anyone who posted on there an "Outcast" and called it "The other channel".
I remember the time i was introduced to Dick Bennett at Iowa Gas, he said "I know you, you post on The Big Cheese Forum" and turned and walked away.
It was years before we spoke, but sorry to say we never really became friends. He was an incredibly knowledgeable person when it came to Petroliana.
Maybe a little rough for some, but you have to except people for who they are.
I think Old Gas is still the best group meeting place for gas & oil, but the world moves on.
You can lead, follow or step aside. The choice is up to you.
But just because someone does something different, or does not like something you like, it is not a bad thing.
So if you don't like Facebook, it simple, don't go there.
If you don't like what people say on here or Facebook, "CLICK" and move on. Life is too short to be bothered with IDIOTS.

Posted By: Hardy's Garage Re: members - Wed Jan 31 2018 01:27 PM
Very well stated John. I have been on Old Gas a little bit longer than you and also use Facebook and you nailed it. There are always a few people that are hard to deal with, but they can be set aside, and the vast majority are great folks. I'm 71, log on to this great site every day, and hope to be able to enjoy the this hobby for many years to come.
Posted By: Ryan Underthun Re: members - Wed Jan 31 2018 01:38 PM
John, I take back all those rotten things I said about you the other day! Take care buddy, hope to see you soon.
Posted By: LOWright Re: members - Wed Jan 31 2018 03:05 PM
I'm still here and check in most days, i use FB too....
Posted By: nebrgas Re: members - Wed Jan 31 2018 03:06 PM
I am now retired at age 70 and check Oldgas daily to stay abreast of what's going on in the hobby that I have been involved in for 25 years. I understand that Facebook has become big in the hobby, however, I do not have a Facebook account and not sure I want one. Oldgas is a great resource with a lot of good people. My only complaint in recent years is that there are numerous pickers/profiteers on the site, but am sure they are for the most part, good people also.

Someone asked about Ray Seider. Ray is alive and well (now remarried) in CA and I saw him at Iowa Gas last August.
Posted By: Done4 Re: members - Wed Jan 31 2018 04:40 PM
I too am a relatively a new member but lurked for two or three years prior to joining. I have found this place as a great resource for info, visual reference, locating parts and just keeping pace with the hobby. I do visit daily and sometimes multiple times if there is a key discussion going on. I think because of the wild growth of this hobby and the infusion of new collectors, pickers and scammers it has really changed the landscape and how we approach going on line or it has at least for me. I visit Facebook but have not bought or sold there, it just does not work for me as of yet. This place is like sitting down with a good book that I enjoy and feel comfortable with. I have shared many parts of my collection with only having a positive experience. The posts may span time because of projects I'm working on so that part of my participation is driven by having something I feel is worthy of sharing or finally finishing something to show. I also think many do not join in on conversations is because of the fear that they will get flamed, some times yes but the majority of the time no. I just did some math and I have been involved in this hobby for 38 years, wow, thinking where it was back then and where it is now makes my brain hurt. Just happy we have this place to visit and enjoy.
Posted By: eshaver Re: members - Wed Jan 31 2018 05:27 PM
Steve , many thanks for the offer to help !!!!!!
Posted By: Old Racer Re: members - Wed Jan 31 2018 06:03 PM
Originally Posted by Ryan Underthun
John, I take back all those rotten things I said about you the other day! Take care buddy, hope to see you soon.


Hey get BACK to WORK!!! crazy
Posted By: philmccauley Re: members - Wed Jan 31 2018 11:58 PM
Still here also, check in daily and agree with John.
Posted By: Craig Osbeck Re: members - Thu Feb 01 2018 02:49 PM
OK, glad to hear from some of the older members. Thanks
Posted By: publicenemy1925 Re: members - Fri Feb 02 2018 12:03 AM
I chatted a few times with D.B. at night and started a picture thread once. Haven't been on much last few years but i still collect and do a drive by on oldgas every once and a while. Still the best place for knowledge on the web for our kinda stuff.
Posted By: keithia Re: members - Fri Feb 02 2018 02:28 AM
Here pretty much every day.
Posted By: oillease55 Re: members - Fri Feb 02 2018 12:46 PM
I still check in daily because I don't know it all yet. Ron Lease-collector
Posted By: model72 Re: members - Sat Feb 03 2018 02:58 PM
I asked two questions this week on this forum about a Tokheim 850 and the two questions received 171 views as of Feb. 3rd.. I have received zero answers. I posted the same questions on Facebook
(Old Gas Pumps, Gas Pump Parts, and Gas Pump Memorabilia) and received answers to both questions within a matter of minutes; multiple answers and photos. That is just a statement of a fact, not a criticism of oldgas.com. I have been a member of oldgas.com for several years and I used to get answers to questions, but not so much anymore. I still browse oldgas.com everyday, but it is no longer the source of information for me regarding pumps.
Joe
Posted By: Old Racer Re: members - Sun Feb 04 2018 12:04 PM
That's interesting. I also see a lot of input on Facebook, but I think you have to look at a few factors. First is the fact there are far more people on Facebook. Most of which have no idea Old gas even exists, because their world IS Facebook.
Most of the comments I see are from people that have little actual experience in the hobby. When someone asks for a pump ID and value many of them pull it out of their butt. They own one pump and watch Ebay or one auction and become experts.
I know there are many Old Gas members on there as well, but it looks like the majority are new to the hobby and just want to post something to see themselves on the Internet.
I constantly see people say, "I bought this pump today, what do you think is a fair price?" HUH?? Or "I am thinking about buying this pump, how much should I pay?"
DO SOME FREAK'IN RESEARCH! Like i said earlier, it is much easier to just go to Facebook and post the question.
To me Facebook is just another communication tool.
There is a ton of history on Old Gas and the Internet to pull from if people take the time to look.
I just hope Jim never decides to retire this Forum, or the hobby is in trouble.
Posted By: BrianH Re: members - Sun Feb 04 2018 06:14 PM
I've only been doing this about two years now. Started with Oldgas, joined some facebook gas & oil groups about 9 months ago. I think both forums have their strengths and weaknesses. This site is generally more civil and mature than Facebook (and blocks posts with profanity which I like) and the ability to use the Google search engine to research old posts is really valuable for me. On here I typically see mostly collectors whereas on the facebook groups (at least the ones I'm a member of) there seem to be more pickers/dealers than collectors. There are some pretty childish things going on in the Facebook forums that kind of turn me off so I try to ignore that stuff. The Facebook petro members also seem to have their little cliques that remind me more of high school than I'd like. If you can get past that stuff, it's a great way to buy and sell and meet other folks in the hobby. Posting pics is really easy as John said (though I never had trouble on here either) and the volume of things that move through those groups is enough to keep anyone's wallet empty!

I'm pretty busy with work, but I try to check both sites at least once/day. Thanks Jim for all you do to keep this site up and running. I appreciate it!

BrianH
Posted By: bsplichal95 Re: members - Sun Feb 04 2018 06:24 PM
I know I am not a "Old Member", but i have been here awhile now and I also use Facebook. I check in almost daily. But the simple fact is this is the best source for info in our hobby. So much knowledge here.
Posted By: Ohio Oil Re: members - Sun Feb 04 2018 09:49 PM
I check the site every single day.

Love the changes recently made.
Posted By: 1PetroFan Re: members - Sun Feb 04 2018 11:38 PM
I still check almost every day and will post if I know what I'm talking about. I'm still very thankful that this site is here!
Posted By: JimT Re: members - Mon Feb 05 2018 12:59 AM
Model 72 - I looked at your questions and it sure looks like the one got answered -someone even went through the trouble to post a picture for you.
Posted By: JimT Re: members - Mon Feb 05 2018 01:01 AM
Model 72 - I looked at your questions and it sure looks like the one got answered -someone even went through the trouble to post a picture for you.
Posted By: model72 Re: members - Tue Feb 06 2018 03:48 PM
I posted the picture. There have now been 200 views for both questions combined and still zero answers, but I have the answers I need.
Posted By: Loyd Pierce Re: members - Tue Feb 06 2018 07:59 PM
I been wondering if the fact that it seems to be like pulling teeth to get other members input here lately,was going to come up in this topic. I've been sitting on my hands wanting to mention that post get little to no comments .I have noticed a increase since DB passed. He DB never let his head hit the pillow without answering any post that was left without comment. Maybe not the answer you wanted or was liked but as a moderator he made the contact. Knowing no one owes anyone help along in this hobby,I urge the veterans to help Jim keep this site as it has been the place to come for answers. I realize the input of people with the notion that it,s all about the fast buck buy and sell have soared here as everywhere in the hobby,and it has made me somewhat slow to post and maybe same with others. I get PMs from time to time,one called me the OLDGAS pierce pennant expert the other day and I had to laugh. I help as much as I can to answer questions with a little know how and history I have dug up,but I know the real experts are out there.
Thank you old timer veterans, guys and gals alike and special thanks to Jim that puts the ground work in to this great site. You had a heck of a vision!
Posted By: Rabbitman Re: members - Tue Feb 06 2018 09:09 PM
Good post Loyd.I am not an old time veteran on Oldgas but I have been here about seven years and try to help out on anything I have knowledge on. That being said, there are a lot of questions that I simply can't help with so I don't waste everyone's time with a reply to read that is of no value. That doesn't mean that I don't open and view most posts even if I never post a reply. All of us, even a lot of the veterans, have an area of expertise and I think are still more than willing to offer an opinion if they think it fits the question. There is no doubt we have lost a lot of members over the last few years that were the mouthpiece of Oldgas and seemed to have left a big void when they left us, either voluntarily or otherwise. There were several regulars on here that just quit posting after we lost DB, saying that it just wasn't the same. It wasn't the same, and I understand how hard it is to continue with something you love to do after losing a close friend you enjoyed doing it with. At the same time I always figured that Dick would have wanted the site to continue without him too. The fact that he was a moderator and so knowledgeable was part of the reason he answered every post but the real reason was that he enjoyed doing it. Not many of us have that passion but I do think there is still a vast amount of knowledge among those still here every day and for the most part we heed the call if a genuine need arises. Personally I don't like facebook, for a number of reasons I won't go in to here, though I check it often as most others do. It seems here of late that all of this online auction stuff and sheer commercial bs is making it harder and harder to navigate facebook. If you don't mark a post to come back to on there, good luck ever finding it again. Who has time to live on there to find the part you need? Now that Jim has made the improvements to our home site here I think you will see a return of some that have left and a growing influx of new members. This is still the only site where I feel like I can come and talk among friends without any strings attached and get honest help if I need it. And, maybe find a good deal or two along the way. Keep the faith brothers!....GB
Posted By: Speedracer Re: members - Tue Feb 06 2018 11:08 PM
Originally Posted by model72
I posted the picture. There have now been 200 views for both questions combined and still zero answers, but I have the answers I need.


Joe,

I read almost all posts, as I think a lot of people do. I saw your questions on the 850. I have no knowledge on the sight glass sign.

I also saw the post on the bolts and was going to reply, but at the same time, I saw in this thread that you found both of your answers. That may be why some people didn't reply. (Yes, it would still be nice if someone replied though, so people who may search this question in the future, can find an answer.)

And... when I saw your question, I climbed through two rows of pumps and checked both of my 850's for you and they have aftermarket bolts on them, as a lot of them do. So I can't help you, but please don't think that everybody did nothing.

As far as the sign on the sight glass, you asked if anyone has seen one (you found one pic on the Internet). Maybe no one replied because no one has ever seen one and/or because they didn't exist. That sign kind of looks like a tin aftermarket sign to me (and again I am not knowledgeable on the sight glass sign, just my 2 cents).

I also think you can contribute some of the 130 and 89 views of your questions to people reading this post and then going over to read your questions out of curiosity, because there have been a lot of views on this 'members' post.

And I don't know the numbers, but I'm sure there are a lot more Petro fans on the multi-billion dollar Facebook than active on here, which may also contribute to the reason you received your answer faster.

Believe me, I understand your frustration when you're looking for an answer and I'm just playing devils advocate. I agree with OldRacer as well. This is still a great website full of information, you just might not get an answer on every topic, or you may not get it right away.

Just my two cents.

Steve
Posted By: tjhvintage Re: members - Wed Feb 07 2018 05:14 AM
Some have drifted away from the hobby to pursue other interests. I was active in gas and oil and on this site regularly, but went back to building old school hot rods and bikes. So I tend to participate in those sites instead. I still have a lot of petroliana, I just don't chase it like I used to. I do like to check here every once in a while. This is and has always been the best petroleum collectible sight on the internet. Tim
Posted By: DWSheffer Re: members - Wed Feb 07 2018 07:58 PM
I'm on the site several times a day......I've thoroughly enjoyed being a member since I joined over a decade ago. Like others, DB gave me a hard time at first, but when he learned I wasn't a picker and was here for the knowledge, history, and was a true collector, we became friends and chatted via email back and forth, even up to the night before he died. I too noticed the changes immediately after DB was gone, but obviously it all can't be attributed to just that. My personal experience has been with the increase in hobbyists and prices, I simply am not much of a player in the hobby anymore. I built a nice Mobil collection most any collector would be proud of, mostly before the market skyrocketed. I couldn't afford to replace half of the items I own at today's prices. I still add items as I can, but I'm not as aggressive as I once was as with time I've lost the "have to have it all" attitude towards collecting. Another will come along......and at the price I'm willing to pay. Besides, I'm darn near out of room, lol!!

In regards to replying to posts on OG, I try to help with questions that I am able. I read most all posts on OG, but I am not an "expert" or knowledgeable about a lot of aspects of this hobby. I don't collect pumps, as I don't have much room for them. So while I may read your post asking which pump this handle this fits, I wouldn't have a clue! Others are trying to gain more knowledge from reading all the posts as well, they are not there to answer the OP's question. I no longer participate in the value section, as after many answers and not even a simple "thank you" after answering the question, I determined most, not all, but most of the people using that section abuse it. A great many of us on here have gained our knowledge in our specific areas of expertise by years and years of research, or by many years of "doing", as with pump restorations. With today's instant gratification society, people expect answers quickly and thanklessly, as it's expected to get an answer right away with a quick Google search. I don't think it's wrong to expect to be thanked for sharing knowledge that took you years to acquire, and you can get discouraged pretty quickly when you help and get no reply from the original poster. I've spent many hundreds of dollars buying literature, pamphlets, employee magazines, etc. put out by Socony-Vacuum and Mobil Oil Corporation over the years, and have gleaned much knowledge from it. It wasn't free to me.......

A final thought......I also think many of us established members aren't posting due to privacy concerns. This isn't in regards to answering questions, but about general participation. I had mentioned in another thread about theft that I'm not posting in BOTW anymore myself, as you're certainly putting yourself out there when you do. I know folks will say they're personally well protected, but I'm not going to get shot at over a damn Mobiloil can, lol! Just my 2 cents.....
Happy collecting,
Darin

I guess I should add I'm not on Facebook at all....I'm off the grid! smile
Posted By: model72 Re: members - Thu Feb 08 2018 02:00 PM
Steve, you made valid points. Thank you for the insight.
Joe
Posted By: Old Racer Re: members - Thu Feb 08 2018 02:16 PM
So apparently you don't like Pickers? You have never done business with any Pickers? You have purchased everything that you have in your collection on your own directly from a seller who have not purchased it before for resale. You have never purchased anything at a swap meet, you have never purchased anything on eBay, you've never purchased anything from anyone else that found it first?
There is one of the problems. The attitude that "I am holier than thou."
I believe without Pickers there wouldn't be a hobby. But I guess that's for another discussion.
I guess we should get rid of all of the swap meets that everybody goes to because they're all Pickers.
Posted By: DWSheffer Re: members - Thu Feb 08 2018 02:35 PM
John, If you're referring to my comment, I guess I should clarify that was one of DB's big hang ups with newer members, pickers that were here only for valuations....and IMO one of the things he used to figure out those who were truly here for love of the hobby. I have no issue with pickers and don't feel my post insinuated that!! I do not make a living doing this as some do, but I've done my share of bringing items out of barns and garages, although not necessarily gas related, to get them to someone who can use them or appreciate them before the item was lost forever. And I agree wholeheartedly that without pickers this hobby and many others wouldn't exist....personally I don't understand where the "holier than thou" comment came, but I know I am certainly not a high roller in this hobby......
Posted By: Old Racer Re: members - Thu Feb 08 2018 02:44 PM
I completely apologize I did not understand your post.
That actually applies to people who say they have a problem with Pickers.
One person told me a while ago that his entire collection was purchased off of eBay and he will not go to swap meets because they are all Pickers.
Again I apologize..
It is funny though that DB went to all of the swap meets but hated Pickers. He traveled all the way across the United States to get to Iowa, but had a problem with Pickers???
Like I said before you had to take Dick for who he was. He sure knew the hobby.
Posted By: DWSheffer Re: members - Thu Feb 08 2018 03:03 PM
No problem John, I sometimes find it difficult to articulate thoughts in writing and get a point perfectly across, even after reading it over several times before posting.
I think the majority of us qualify as pickers to an extent, as I like to save as much history as I can, petro or non-petro. I love the feeling of walking into a 100 year old barn or garage on a local farmstead, not knowing what could be around the corner......
Posted By: Ohio Oil Re: members - Thu Feb 08 2018 03:29 PM
I'm not the most experienced guy on here, but I have been around a while. My observation in this whole discussion is there seems to be 2 main types of people using the site. One is the experienced veterans that have learned what they know the hard way ... reading, swap meets, deals gone bad, etc.. The second is the internet generation ... the ones accustomed to typing a search term in a box and getting instantaneous results.

Our culture has experienced a major shift in regard to commerce, protocol, and respect. If as a veteran of the site you expect the new people coming here to act as you do it's going to be a frustrating experience for you. You're probably not going to get thanked sometimes. Yes, people are going to get info on this hobby that took you years to understand on your own. I guess you can either get ticked about it or accept it ... because the reality is it isn't going to change. If you have time to answer questions great. If you don't, then don't. The attitude is probably what needs to change most.

The future of specific interest websites such as Oldgas depends on the veterans of that community changing with the times, not expecting the culture around them to act like them.
Posted By: DWSheffer Re: members - Thu Feb 08 2018 04:10 PM
That's great insight Duane, thank you.
Posted By: Old Racer Re: members - Thu Feb 08 2018 04:37 PM
Originally Posted by Ohio Oil
I'm not the most experienced guy on here, but I have been around a while. My observation in this whole discussion is there seems to be 2 main types of people using the site. One is the experienced veterans that have learned what they know the hard way ... reading, swap meets, deals gone bad, etc.. The second is the internet generation ... the ones accustomed to typing a search term in a box and getting instantaneous results.

Our culture has experienced a major shift in regard to commerce, protocol, and respect. If as a veteran of the site you expect the new people coming here to act as you do it's going to be a frustrating experience for you. You're probably not going to get thanked sometimes. Yes, people are going to get info on this hobby that took you years to understand on your own. I guess you can either get ticked about it or accept it ... because the reality is it isn't going to change. If you have time to answer questions great. If you don't, then don't. The attitude is probably what needs to change most.

The future of specific interest websites such as Oldgas depends on the veterans of that community changing with the times, not expecting the culture around them to act like them.


AMEN!!
Posted By: Old Racer Re: members - Thu Feb 08 2018 04:44 PM
Originally Posted by DWSheffer
No problem John, I sometimes find it difficult to articulate thoughts in writing and get a point perfectly across, even after reading it over several times before posting.
I think the majority of us qualify as pickers to an extent, as I like to save as much history as I can, petro or non-petro. I love the feeling of walking into a 100 year old barn or garage on a local farmstead, not knowing what could be around the corner......


I know the exact feeling you're talking about. I always say "the fun is in the hunt".
I can't tell you how many pumps I have bought over the years where people have told me they were going to scrap them. If someone wants to call me a picker because of that more power to it.
Posted By: RandyM Re: members - Thu Feb 08 2018 06:10 PM
You guys can certainly be entertaining.
Posted By: Old Racer Re: members - Thu Feb 08 2018 06:30 PM
Originally Posted by RandyM
You guys can certainly be entertaining.


I've always said there are three kinds of people in the world:
People that Make things happen......
People that Watch things happen.....
People that say "What the hell happened?".....
Posted By: Nicole Re: members - Fri Feb 09 2018 12:55 AM
One guy I noticed who has stepped up since DB passed is Jack Sim. He had pledged to do so after DB's passing, and he has. Thank you Jack...

My apologies to the others who have stepped up as well, but I am not on as much as before (life and work are getting in the way), and his was the name I was noticing.

Still a great site, well managed by Jim Potts who works hard to make it better all the time...
Posted By: pkhammer Re: members - Fri Feb 09 2018 01:14 AM
Does it seem to anyone else that interest in the hobby is maybe slipping a little, especially among some of the older collectors? I have been collecting for around 25 years personally so I might qualify for that category. I still buy whenever I find a decent deal which has admittedly gotten much harder, especially these days where the tv shows has brought guys out of the woodwork that are only interested in making a quick buck. I also sell, and have done so successfully on this website. At this stage of my collecting I have two choices; quit buying or continue to buy when opportunity presents itself, but take something off the wall and sell it when I do. I enjoy the hunt. I enjoy wheeling and dealing. It's all part of this hobby or most any hobby for that matter.
The thing that bothers me at least here of late is when I run across something that I don't know about, and post a question here regarding value, rarity or whether real or fake, I either get no answer or a smart*** answer. I fail to understand this and can only surmise that because I post things on here for sale I have been pegged a "picker" and basically get the silent treatment. I hope I'm wrong about that because nothing could be farther from the truth. Most of us in the hobby are to some degree a "picker". How many collectors here have not at one time or another made great finds, purchased items at good prices and sold something for a profit along the way? Don't get me wrong, I don't support the individual that is out there trying to shaft some old-timer by buying his valuable pieces for nothing and then trying to gouge buyers by attempting to flip for a fabulous profit. That behavior will be repaid in spades at some point. I believe in Karma. If I'm asking a question about value because I'm not sure what to ask for the item when/if I sell it so what? It might be something I bought in 1995 for $50 and I simply don't know what I should ask for it today. If someone is interested in the piece, what's stopping them from sending a PM and asking me about it? I make every attempt to be fair when I sell and the fact is there is not one single piece in my collection that I wouldn't sell for fair market value. At the end of the day it's just stuff and people are more important.
If somebody, regardless of who they are asks a question about value, rarity, or whatever, and if I have the answer, I'm going to give it to them happily without expecting anything in return. Do unto others as you would like done unto you. Like I said, I've dealt with numerous great folks on here, made some new friends and I visit the site daily. I hope the hobby and this website stays strong regardless of the changes taking place within the hobby.
Posted By: RandyM Re: members - Fri Feb 09 2018 01:56 PM
Originally Posted by Old Racer
Originally Posted by RandyM
You guys can certainly be entertaining.


I've always said there are three kinds of people in the world:
People that Make things happen......
People that Watch things happen.....
People that say "What the hell happened?".....




grin grin

Yeah, I guess that would apply to the mundane and unimportant things in life as well. whistle
Posted By: kingshawn Re: members - Fri Feb 09 2018 05:50 PM
Originally Posted by pkhammer
Does it seem to anyone else that interest in the hobby is maybe slipping a little, especially among some of the older collectors? I have been collecting for around 25 years personally so I might qualify for that category. I still buy whenever I find a decent deal which has admittedly gotten much harder, especially these days where the tv shows has brought guys out of the woodwork that are only interested in making a quick buck. I also sell, and have done so successfully on this website. At this stage of my collecting I have two choices; quit buying or continue to buy when opportunity presents itself, but take something off the wall and sell it when I do. I enjoy the hunt. I enjoy wheeling and dealing. It's all part of this hobby or most any hobby for that matter.
The thing that bothers me at least here of late is when I run across something that I don't know about, and post a question here regarding value, rarity or whether real or fake, I either get no answer or a smart*** answer. I fail to understand this and can only surmise that because I post things on here for sale I have been pegged a "picker" and basically get the silent treatment. I hope I'm wrong about that because nothing could be farther from the truth. Most of us in the hobby are to some degree a "picker". How many collectors here have not at one time or another made great finds, purchased items at good prices and sold something for a profit along the way? Don't get me wrong, I don't support the individual that is out there trying to shaft some old-timer by buying his valuable pieces for nothing and then trying to gouge buyers by attempting to flip for a fabulous profit. That behavior will be repaid in spades at some point. I believe in Karma. If I'm asking a question about value because I'm not sure what to ask for the item when/if I sell it so what? It might be something I bought in 1995 for $50 and I simply don't know what I should ask for it today. If someone is interested in the piece, what's stopping them from sending a PM and asking me about it? I make every attempt to be fair when I sell and the fact is there is not one single piece in my collection that I wouldn't sell for fair market value. At the end of the day it's just stuff and people are more important.
If somebody, regardless of who they are asks a question about value, rarity, or whatever, and if I have the answer, I'm going to give it to them happily without expecting anything in return. Do unto others as you would like done unto you. Like I said, I've dealt with numerous great folks on here, made some new friends and I visit the site daily. I hope the hobby and this website stays strong regardless of the changes taking place within the hobby.



Totally agree!
First off,I would like to share I'm a newer collector(about 18 years now)Notice I said collector!...........
I can't afford to spend thousands of dollars on a single sign,globe ,etc.BUT....what I do buy I am very interested in!I want to learn all about the item,so I do some on-line research.That's what you do right?I have books,they are outdated and can only help so much.So off I go to OG or FB groups to hopefully get help.
I have reached for help to,I'll steal a term from another poster here on OG,a celebrity in our hobby to buy a book he wrote.Must have been having a bad day that day.Granted the book is great and I'm glad I bought it,but would refrain from contacting him again.
On another occasion with another celebrity,I asked in a FB group about a Standard white crown globe I bought,and soon had the post deleted due to being to common(this was his reasoning)(BTW this was my first globe and I LOVE IT even if it is common!lol!)
They always say,"you don't want to meet your hero's"!
So bottom line,I do what research I can on-line and move on.I don't want to poke you og OG'ers and be a bother.I lurk here and hope to learn things as they pop up.So post all your wisdom for the next generation!If you take it with you ,it'll be buried in the dirt!
As for the picker subject,best way to tell is by how much they REALLY want to learn about a certain item.Collectors want just about every detail there is to be known,pickers want the minimum so they can buy it cheap and/or sell it high and move on.
I sell duplicate items and could care less if the next owner makes money,as I sold it for what I wanted and am happy at that.
Posted By: Oldgas Moderator Re: members - Fri Feb 09 2018 07:53 PM
There's one thing you can always count on is change. Our hobby has changed over the years and I'm sure many long for the good old days. People change their interests and how much time and money they are willing to commit.

Remember just a few years ago, TV had broadcast shows and cable/satellite shows. Now, there are so many ways to get video content, it can be confusing, with Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, Roku and many more. People are cutting the cord to their phone company and cable TV provider. I feel like Oldgas.com is one of many choices that a petroliana collector or vendor has to buy/sell, learn about and share hobby interests. Oldgas.com will continue to refine the way we can serve the petro hobby. Our members are the ones who decide how much they want to share info and help one another. This recent upgrade has made it much easier to share photos and search for previously posted info and pictures. I'll do my part to help our online community continue to be a helpful and enjoyable place to interact for Petroliana enthusiasts.
Posted By: jecos Re: members - Fri Feb 09 2018 10:53 PM
Jim, your efforts are greatly appreciated on my end. Although I only occasionally participate in discussions, I still consider this site to be the go-to place for petroliana-related info, and manage to check in at least twice a day. Joe
Posted By: gasmelincelr Re: members - Sat Feb 10 2018 01:07 AM
Facebook is a cheeseburger, Oldgas is a steak. Thank you Jim !
Posted By: buzzy56 Re: members - Sat Feb 10 2018 05:01 AM
First I would like to say this site is first class . Knowledgeable members with a wealth of expierience. Always helpful & eventually you will get your answer . Quite often I felt quilty after asking a question after searching and not finding the answer on my own & someone eventually steps ups and answers my question. Or I did not word my search just right . I didn’t use the correct terminology in the search not being knowledgeable enough et’c. I think people forget that all the members are not retired like me and others and have jobs, family responsibilities that do not allow them to spend as much time on here as others. I have always had nothing but good experiences buying and selling and gathering knowledge. I cannot say that about other sites that I belong to where sellers and buyers and don’t always keep,their word The newer venues leave a lot to be desired . New picker wanna be’s i label them , that are only in it for the quick buck and really do not view the hobby as true collectors do. I have been helped by so many members and thank them for their time and effort to respond and contribute their knowledge . One of the best if not the best sites I have joined . Thanks Jim for your efforts and your contributions to the hobby .
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