posted on June 10, 2001 04:24:23 PM
Hi - I have found the Discussion Boards like the HTML, MrLister, Search Boards very helpful at times, but there are always a lot of people there who seem rather frantic for an answer, or having a conniption-fit about something - if the right people are around, though, you can get some good help.
I have never found the Book Board there to be much help - when I asked a question, I always got the feeling they resented someone interrupting their chatter . . . . .
posted on June 10, 2001 06:37:49 PM
Oh my! I think the peeps on the BB at eBaY are simply precious and helpful and friendly and not at all snooty. Lovely pictures and poems and tests and talk about hair color and flowers. Tee hee.
posted on June 10, 2001 06:56:57 PM
I have been a member of Ebay for 3 years, buying and selling. I must say in defense of the Book Board that I have learned incredible amounts of information. The Red Post, Blue post, Hey Boys and Girls...all very helpfull. I also luv to lurk at the Emergency Board, and the HTML board. But please NOTE: They are listed on the Site Map as "Chat Boards". Nuff said.
posted on June 10, 2001 07:13:12 PM
Funny this should come up right now. I just went over to see what is new at Ebay. All the boards I looked at were full of nonsense. I find the boards here more helpful and more interesting.
One reason people are in a hurry, I think, is because it is so easy to lose your question. I wish the answers were delivered to my mailbox as in AW. I maight have an urgent question adn have to run an erand. When I come back it takes about an hour to go through the dribble to even find the question.
The only board I have found consistanly useful there is the picture board...and that was really great.
posted on June 10, 2001 07:17:18 PM
i must say... in over three years of selling, i have learned more info on selling books on the book board than i knew existed
there are informational posts that have a wealth of information. <P>
when a person asks a question, i try to answer if i know, or at least welcome them and point them towards where the info can be found.
many of the other boards visited have much of the same types of posting. <P>
a chat board is just that. i take what i need and leave the rest, using my favorite tool
MR TOOLBAR.<P>
i do hope those seeking information on collecting or selling books will take more than a perfunctory look and make up their own mind. <P> specific questions are more than welcome. however, many times the couple persons who may have that info , may not be lurking and the 'questioner' will have to check back.<P>
i have found the board a valuable tool to me , as i have learned a better way to list books than i was doing , thus making me more money. <P> it also taught me many avenues of shopping for books , along with many money saving ideas. all meaning more cash in my pocket.
posted on June 10, 2001 07:23:39 PM
FYI, folks.... In case you have not been on the book board you might want to read through ALL the posts rather than some of them... because if you did, you would find at least 3 colored posts that are posted several times a day that are manned and created by book board people. these colored posts contain a comprehensive list of links for any and all questions that most people ask when they come on the book board for the first time. I have found more help on there through the variety of comments posted... thoughts about what is selling, and what is not, thoughts and expertise about ways to determine a first edition, thoughts and expertise on books terms, binding, publishers, resources on where to find information on authors, illustrators, translations... In fact if it was not for the expertise on that board, I would not have been able to support myself through the sale of books.. The advise and the expertise on that book board has helped me on a daily basis. Just thought you folks might want to know the real story on the book board.
posted on June 10, 2001 07:46:18 PM
The range of knowledge and willingness to share on the ebay book board is astounding. "Off-topic" discussions about pets, ice cream, hair color, children etc. make it more personal and friendly. Most questions get answered or at least the poster is acknowledged and sent to places to research. Info about books, storage, organizational problems, how to list etc. are scattered throughout the board. Where else will you find people who are actually willing to travel to help others organize their stock?
posted on June 10, 2001 07:57:52 PM
I have found that the Advertising Collectibles Board is very helphful. Feel free to post there, you won't be ignored and most everyone gets a welcome post from the regs.
posted on June 10, 2001 09:37:22 PM
The two eBay auction boards I read (Dolls & Books) have both provided a plethora of knowledge for me... it seems to me some people only 'pop in' expecting to find an immediate answer to their question and I don't think that's what the boards were set up to supply. It was my understanding they were primarily for eBay sellers/buyers to discuss their interests... and most of the time when collectors get together to discuss their common interest I think you'll find 'chit-chat' is a regular part of the conversation. If someone wants an appraisal service perhaps they should look in the yellow pages. If they wanna discuss common interests perhaps the boards might fit their need. Someone put it very succintly recently when they commented the boards have become a modern day "coffee break" room for sellers. It just seems to me so many people are so eager to criticize EVERYTHING... Lord, just get a life! If the Book Board isn't supplying what you want... find another place better suited to your needs.
posted on June 10, 2001 09:45:50 PM
if you want the real "dirt" on ebay, check out the DNF (Discuss New Features) board over there. It is a "real time chat", and the posters will put links to news articles, let each other know about such things as cookies ebay is loading in your computer, and if they catch a pinky (ebay employee) in there, will nail 'em down on policy about things like links, etc.
posted on June 11, 2001 08:00:24 AM
LOL, lovemyjunk - "It just seems to me so many people are so eager to criticize EVERYTHING... Lord, just get a life! If the Book Board isn't supplying what you want... find another place better suited to your needs."
That strikes me as the most critical thing posted in this discussion! Handmade5 asked a question - and people gave their opinions. None of those opinions seem to be related to whether anyone needs to "get a life" or not. (And who said anyone was looking for an appraisal service?)
As for "find another place better suited to your needs", I did, long ago, and I'm sure many others have. But again, handmade5 asked a legitimate question, and the various answers may help to determine where that other place might be for him/her, and others as well.
