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Topic: Astro-auctions
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mensclub10@aol.com
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posted 03-29-2003 07:32 PM
   
I have tried unsucessfully to email Astro-auctions using the CONTACT icon on their website many times. Yesterday I placed a bid on an item that was just listed and today the item is gone. It was being sold through Novaspace. Has anyone else had trouble getting a responce when trying to email them through the site. This is not the first time I have asked a question and never received a returning email. Thanks! Dave |
diamond
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posted 03-30-2003 02:44 PM
Hello . You were about to deal with a seller who is not worth to deal with. I checked out novaspace astro-auction site and was not very impressed actually I want to warn bidders. For example the bid increments vary and are raised to fast at auction only in the two digits $ amount. It's five bucks each bid where ebay's increment is one buck. Another thing he is listing hot stuff with very high not reachable reserves. You really can not talk about an auction site but rip-off site. He has one approved seller who is selling mostly photos and signed photos. This seller has a serious problem as he has his auctions always started with a reserve for example $3.95 and for the same auction a buy it now $3.99
Does this make sence ? Another disturbing thing is that the description never states the form of shipment and postage quotes. I can guarantee you that I'll never bid on his Auction site! The novaspace seller must learn that he will never expand his astro-auction and attract bidders and sellers with this kind of an imperfect auction.
Thank you for your kind attention. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42981
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 03-30-2003 03:01 PM
Diamond, have you submitted your suggestions to Kim Poor at Novaspace? Kim is a reasonable individual and will listen to suggestions, if received as such. As to some of your criticisms, both on eBay and Astro-Auction (and indeed any auction), the seller is permitted to set his/her reserves at whatever level he/she chooses. A reserve protects the seller to insure he/she gets what he/she thinks is a fair price -- it is not based on what the buyer perceives as fair. If sellers are content with not having their items sell because of a high reserve, that's their perogative. As for bid increments, unlike eBay, the seller determines the increment on Astro-Auction. You might want to peruse the FAQ area of the site to become familiar with the auction rules. If you consider the alternatives (eBay), Astro-Auction offers quite a few advantages, including a required picture accompanying each auction (it always amazes me when I see autograph auctions on eBay without a picture; am I just supposed to guess its authentic?) and editorial control -- Astro-Auction removes the forgeries and insures autopens are identified as such so we don't waste our time looking at bogus auctions. Not to mention, when was the last time you saw an astronaut consigning directly to eBay? Dave, per your original inquiry, full contact information for Novaspace Galleries is located on their homepage. You might try e-mailing them through there and if not successful, try calling. I've always found Kim and his staff to be responsive. |
mensclub10@aol.com
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posted 03-30-2003 03:21 PM
Diamond, I definitely agree with some of your comments about Asto-auctions. There seems to be a very limited number of sellers (reportly this will expand). Their reserves also seem out of whack at times. However, I have won some nice items from Mintspace(Gerry) and SpaceMike. It also gives us collectors a additonal place to go to add to our collections. This was the first time I had bid on something from Novaspace. It was a great looking signed photo of Frank Borman and when I place my bid, I decided to sell my own signed Frank Borman photo on Ebay, hopefully replacing it with the one from Astro-auctions. The next day after I place the bid, it vanished from the auction, even though it was just listed the previous day with no reserve or "Buy It Now" and I received a bid comfirmation. Considering that they run the auctions, I am surprised that they never returned my emails to them. This is not the first time this has happened. Also, all I seem to hear is they have a great reputation with space collectables. Has anyone had a problem communicating with them either at the auction site or their website? I tried to contact them there also, so far with no luck. Kim Poor, if you read this, please contact me!
Dave[This message has been edited by mensclub10@aol.com (edited March 30, 2003).] |
diamond
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posted 03-30-2003 03:44 PM
Robert, give me a break. A reserve not met at $3.95 ..,versus a .04 cent difference to a "Buy It Now" does NOT protect the seller or the bidder.
Also, nobody is forced to bid on a fake eBay auction. It is the bidder's responsibility to get smart before the bid occurs.
The fact is you can make a deal on eBay but NOT on Astro-Auction. Novaspace does not understand the word "Auction." They only understand making money.
I hope Mr. Poor will read my first post and take my notes seriously. It will improve his Astro-Auction dramatic. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42981
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 03-30-2003 04:02 PM
I'm not sure I understand your objection, Diamond. "Buy It Now", as I have seen it used both on Astro Auction and eBay, is simply a way for a buyer to avoid bidding and pay the seller's reserve immediately. So it makes sense for the reserve and BIN price to match. Both equate to the value that the seller is willing to see the piece sell.Personally, I think BIN has no place on auction sites, whether on Astro Auction or eBay. BIN, introduced by eBay, is their attempt to become a retail site at the same time as offering auctions. That's mixing mediums and as you say, doesn't benefit the seller... And I didn't say that anyone was forced to buy forgeries or autopens -- but even if you are experienced, you waste a tremendous amount of time looking at auctions that have no business being sold. Less we forget: selling forgeries is not only a nuisance, it is against the law. [This message has been edited by Robert Pearlman (edited March 30, 2003).] |
mensclub10@aol.com
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posted 03-30-2003 04:47 PM
I do agree with Robert that by buying from Astro-Auctions it does take away the possibility of buying a bad autograph and that in itself is huge!
That said, I just received a bid comfirmation of the bid I place two days ago and the item is back into the auction. No explanation from NovaSpace. The auction also was changed from a four day auction to a seven day auction which may have influenced my bid, even though it didn't, if you get what I'm saying. I'm convinced that this reinstatement of this auction item was definitely a result of this forum. Thanks Robert and Collectspace!
It would be nice for Kim Poor to email me and explain to me what happened. Just smart business. Kim, you need to communicate with you customers!Dave |
mensclub10@aol.com
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posted 03-30-2003 05:27 PM
Guess what? I just received an email from Kim Poor! He explained to me that the Contact icon (email) was not working at the Astro-auction site. He is trying to fix that problem as we speak.
Well alls well that ends well!
Dave |
diamond
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posted 03-30-2003 05:36 PM
Dave,
I do NOT agree with Robert regarding no possibility of bad autographs on Astro-Auction. Just because an approved seller on NOVASPACE sells Autographed items (especially once without COA's) does not mean they are original and not bad autographs, "Fakes". You must always be on the lookout for sellers trying to sell autographed items that are faked whether they are aware of it or not. I've seen a lot of fakes autographs everywhere. There are always people who take advantage of good believers. Buyer Beware! |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42981
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 03-30-2003 06:11 PM
The difference Diamond, is that not only does Kim monitor all items listed for forgeries and removes them, but if a user writes to him and points one that has escaped his attention (and assuming he agrees or can find independent confirmation) he'll remove the offending item. Good luck ever getting eBay to do the same. |
dss65
Member Posts: 1156
From: Sandpoint, ID, USA
Registered: Mar 2003
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posted 03-30-2003 07:44 PM
I don't know how much this is worth to all of you "old pros," because I am very much an amateur in this business. However, I have bid on a fair number of items in the Astro-Auction and won several. I have always found Kim to be responsive, polite, and professional. He has been a pleasure to do business with.------------------
Don |
colonelgumby
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posted 03-30-2003 08:05 PM
Just like Don above, I am a new-be to collecting, about four years now. I do use Kim's site if for anything, the trust factor. I know the items are screened as well as is possible which helps new folks like me. I bought something from Mintspace on the site last night using BIN because it was something that fit my collection. I was contacted literally in one minute by him. After 240 purchases on eBay, that has never happened. For what it is worth, I love the site.
Trey |
rjurek349
Member Posts: 1190
From: Northwest Indiana
Registered: Jan 2002
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posted 03-30-2003 10:04 PM
As someone who has bought and sold on Astro-auction...I find the site to be fantastic. Does it have little quirks? Absolutely!! Afterall, Kim is not a billion dollar corporation like ebay, and he has set this up on his own...and is not charging his current sellers fees right now while he works out the bugs. (Don't hold your breath seeing ebay or any other seller/dealer doing that!) And as someone who has sold/bought much via Astro -- I have NEVER found Kim not to be polite, open to criticism (particularly constructive criticism) and extremely helpful. And this comment goes beyond just running the site and beyond just Kim -- the entire staff at Novaspace has ALWAYS responded with utmost professionalism and responsiveness. The prices on many items are more than fair -- and if there is an issue with how someone sets a price, etc. then you should deal directly with that seller. Kim's doesn't establish the pricing policies. He simply provides a marketplace for buyers and sellers to strike their own prices. Personally, I do wish more people would sell/trade via the site. But I also know that I have dealt not only with Kim, Gerry, Spaceflori and many others from whom I have purchased, and I have not had a single "bad experience." Either with the quality of the item or the completion of the deal. I can not say that about ebay. Again -- if people have constructive suggestions, I have ALWAYS found Kim absolutely open to them and welcoming of them. End of the day, the Astro-auction is a very credible venue for collectors, and I personally find the site a very positive addition to the hobby. Richard |
msdvflorid
Member Posts: 137
From: West Palm Beach, FL, USA
Registered: Jul 2002
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posted 03-30-2003 10:14 PM
I bought from astro auction and from Mintspace(Gerry) i always have the best service and great price for signed photo,Wen you buy from Mintspace you know you will have the real thing.The Same thing goes for Kim . |
overniagara
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posted 03-30-2003 11:01 PM
First of all, Diamond, have you dealt with any of these people? You don’t mention any first-hand transactions. It would be wise to participate before posting negative comments, comments which seem to be unfounded.I have dealt with Kim Poor through NovaSpace and Astro-Auction and have participated in Kim's private signings. In each and every case, my transactions have been 100% perfect. In addition, I have dealt with many of the sellers and bidders on this site, through both Astro-Auction and ebay, and every single one is highly reputable. Being a space collector for a good number of years has brought me to recognize most of the sellers on Astro-auction, and that cannot be said about eBay. As a collector, this benefit is priceless. It makes me confident to bid on an item, when I know, or know of, the seller. Granted, eBay has many highly reputable dealers, too, and I don’t mean to take away from them---I am a member of ebay and participate in their auctions. However, with eBay, you have to be on your toes for the large percentage of transactions. With Astro-Auction, we know the quality and authenticity is there. Given eBay or Astro-Auction, I'd take the latter in a heartbeat! Take a close look at the two auction sites. The quality of items, and the sheer variety, in Astro-auction, in my opinion, far surpasses those offered on eBay. Take signed pictures, for instance. A large percentage of all signed images on Astro-Auction are never offered on eBay. Because of the quality of the sellers on Astro-Auction, we aren’t seeing the same images over and over. Plus, I guarantee you’ll never see an Armstrong signed Spitfire here! Remember, we are dealing with the best, most knowledgeable, sellers and buyers around. Also, if somebody puts a reserve a few cents off of the opening bid, so be it. Deal with an Astro-Auction seller such as MintSpace, and then post comments of how flawless the transaction was. Don’t tear down before participating. The prices on this site are quite reasonable in most instances, and you don't have the huge volume of people driving up the bids and putting an item out of reach, as you do on almost every item on eBay----check out the bid history of some closed Astro-Auction items. The bidding doesn't get as hectic toward the end, like on ebay, as ebay has so many bidders waiting to pounce from the wings. This auction site's members seem to be more respectful, and know what they want and how much they will spend. I think the sheer volume of ebay bidders drive the prices out of range, and far out of whack for the true marketplace. With the more knowledgeable collectors and sellers participating in Astro-auction, prices seem to be kept in check, max-ing out at a more normal, and honest, level. Well, I have said enough!
Andrew Messer
[This message has been edited by overniagara (edited March 30, 2003).] |
albatron@aol.com
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posted 03-30-2003 11:14 PM
As an infrequent buyer/seller on Astro Auction I must tell you the difference between it and eBay is so huge, it doesn't compare. I've sold and bought on both, and on eBay for quite some time and frankly would NEVER sell there if there was an alternative.Astro-auction is the BEGINNING of that alternative. While it will take some time, it should get there and be the place to go. Heres why. Diamond your complaints about Astro Auction are I think, simply not being familiar with things and with more experience you will see this. No insults intended, but from what I've read theres not 1 thing you bring up, that couldn't be handled by contacting Kim. As Robert said, try contacting eBay for ANYTHING. That being said, Kim has been in this business for quite some time and is knowledgable about signatures. He monitors, as Robert says, the items being posted and sold. If he spots a forgery, it comes off. If someone else spots one that he trusts, he yanks it right away. You NEVER see that happening on eBay and some of us who've been booted off eBay temporarily for trying to deal with forgeries, we find that a breath of fresh air. Do mistakes happen? Sure, theres no one here who could run this better than Kim and especially anyone who could without any glitches whatsoever. But in Kims defense, as soon as hes aware of it, its remedied and you hear from him. eBay? <LOL> Yeah right. Anyone who's had a problem, such as the listing, yanking reinstatement - whatever - I hardly believe Kim was contacted and did not respond. Now there may be email glitches, Kim and I have had those on rare occasion - but a resend by either of us traditionally cures that problem. I have known Kim for many years, long before any of the online groups existed, before collectspace, and when it was only on the old Compuserve message boards. I have found him to be a man of complete integrity and any suggestions of impropriety on his part are just plain wrong. Most probably is it a misconception of some sort or usually an axe to grind. Mesclub had his problem worked out by communicating and it was found to be a miscommunication. But again, to question his integrity and suggest nefarious behaviour? You do not know the man. Cut him some slack, hes trying to offer a safe and efficient alternative to eBay. If you prefer eBay by all means go there, but the guy is doing something rather than complaining about it. Would that many of us could say the same thing. Best, Al |
diamond
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posted 03-30-2003 11:42 PM
For all of you Astro Auction followers. I know a third party seller who currently fakes and sells autographs. He has in the past sold some of his fakes on this Astro Auction site (his customers were highly satisfied). I guarantee he has no reservations for doing this in the future even on Mr. Poor's site. Something which I absolutely do NOT support!! Forgive me all of you Astro Auction supporters. I understand your loyalty completely but I am only going on my own facts as I know them. Good luck and happy bidding. This is as much as I'm going to involve myself in this. I am going to stay neutral towards this because it is the bidders responsibility to get smart and the nature for human beings to commit crime. I wish all of you the best of luck. Bid Bid Bid!!! One more thing about Kim Poor's Astro Auction. You can recognize bidder's proxy bids and you're able to bid the next bid increment safely because you know you will be outbid. I think if money is involved this should not be. This advice of course is not for all of you who do not know what a proxy bid is. eBay has the same thing. You can recognize proxys. Remember... Randomly Bid Bid Bid!!!! NEVER QUESTION AUTHENTICITY!!! I am at least smarter than that!!! |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42981
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 03-31-2003 12:14 AM
I'm sorry Diamond, but I don't support anyone who supports forgeries. By admitting to knowing a forger and not doing anything about it, you are condoning his/her actions. You have 48 hours to provide the name of this alleged forgery artist -- either here on this board or privately, via e-mail directly to me -- or your membership on this board will be terminated. |
diamond
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posted 03-31-2003 12:27 AM
Then I get a new code/user name... I don't take responsibility for other people's actions... Why do you think I am speaking out to begin with!! Trust no-one!! Nobody sets me a deadline you Jew! |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42981
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 03-31-2003 12:32 AM
Say goodbye, Diamond. [Diamond's account is no longer able to post to this board.] [This message has been edited by Robert Pearlman (edited March 31, 2003).] |
br62
Member Posts: 122
From: The Frozen Tundra
Registered: Jul 2002
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posted 03-31-2003 12:39 AM
Everyone, I believe that "Diamond", or whoever they really are, is really trying to provoke people's emotions and stir things up with their comments and veiled "information" (of which I am sure they cannot reveal names or sources). What are you so worried about, you are the one who started all of this. Either put up, or SHUT UP!
If memory serves correctly, you were also very critical of Donnis Willis a couple months ago. Now Kim Poor and Gerry Montague seem to be your targets. All very highly respected members of the hobby. What are your credentials?Bruce |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42981
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 03-31-2003 12:43 AM
Bruce (et al): Diamond can no longer reply. Despite his threats, I think he will find it difficult to register under a different username. Best we move on with our discussions and forget Diamond.[This message has been edited by Robert Pearlman (edited March 31, 2003).] |
br62
Member Posts: 122
From: The Frozen Tundra
Registered: Jul 2002
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posted 03-31-2003 12:49 AM
Sorry Robert, I was composing while you were in the process of removing this "irritation". Good Riddance. Yes, I agree, let's all move on.Bruce |
spaceflori
Member Posts: 1499
From: Germany
Registered: May 2000
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posted 03-31-2003 01:31 AM
Back to the technical questions :
I didn't miss a bid confirmation in the last weeks, they almost arrive here in the second I was bidding - so maybe it's not a problem of astro-auction but of your own provider that delays emails (sometimes)!
Also I always got an immediate and friendly reply from Kim whenever I emailed him...again if you don't receive a reply from someone - there may be other (technical) reasons !In any case, the BIG BIG advantage for everybody on Astroauction compared to ANY other auction I know is that the auction time extends by 10 minutes if a bid is placed within the last 10 minutes - no more sniping and disappointments !! Florian |
music_space
Member Posts: 1179
From: Canada
Registered: Jul 2001
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posted 03-31-2003 02:59 AM
Eh! I didn't realize about this ten-minute extention! It's a great idea, it's closer to the live auction spirit. |
John K. Rochester
Member Posts: 1292
From: Rochester, NY, USA
Registered: Mar 2002
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posted 03-31-2003 07:02 AM
Robert, In all the time I've been associated with this site I've never been more angry than with Mr. Diamond's slanderous remark..even if he signs on with another log-on, we will know ..for true ignorance will again rear its ugly head. |
srodday
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posted 03-31-2003 07:45 AM
Just adding my 2 cents...As a newbie collector of only a year, who noticed Astro-auctions a month after I started, it was a god-send. It really was informative and I have always had good luck. I didn't know (or forgot) about the 10min rule. That's nice. So often, I lose auctions on e-bay because someone bids in the last 7 sec. Really -- it happenned to me on most of my auction bids this weekend. Easy come... and go! -Suzanne |
mensclub10@aol.com
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posted 03-31-2003 12:48 PM
Considering that I was the one who started this discussion on Astro-Auction, I would like to apologize. This Diamond situation was terrible. What a sickening individual! Maybe in a sense I did a good thing by rooting him out of our group. Like Al said, communication is the key to most problems. Once I was able to talk to Kim and found out that it was a problem with his site email(contact icon), the problem was quickly resolved. My only problem now is that with me talking so much about my bid problem I may have brought to much attention to the item I was bidding on! I have been overbid already.
Again, sorry about all of this but I'm glad he's gone! Robert, please keep this jerk out![This message has been edited by mensclub10@aol.com (edited March 31, 2003).] |
albatron@aol.com
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posted 03-31-2003 03:36 PM
Hey nothing for you to apologize for. Not in the least - you brought up a valid point and that was discussed rationaly and normally. Dont let pea brain scum like "Diamond", which you are not responsible for, cause you the least bit of concern. I love cowards, yes COWARDS who cannot reveal sources nor even have the courage to post their email addresses, who feel they have to slam others. I realize some do not list their email addresses for legit reasons and thats not what I am referring to. As you can see, rather than post with a monniker I use mine - so when I do say something controversial people know I dont hind behind something. But again, this is not directed at those who do not legitamately. Cheers! Al |
rail3cards@aol.com
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posted 03-31-2003 11:42 PM
Hi Gang:It's been a while since I've made a post, but I must say that I'm appalled but what I have read on this astro-auction thread.
First of all, this guy "diamond" or whoever he is, is a real jerk. Obviously an individual with the IQ of an amoeba. Enough said. For the newbies of Collectspace or any other space group, research and patience is the true key in collecting space memorabilia. You can't collect everything. Collect what you enjoy. I've always said that Space forums should do two things: educate and share information with fellow collectors. In support of Kim, I think he does a great job for this hobby. I think his Astro-auction will eventually become the standard for space collecting. His private signings are absolutely fantastic. In addition, newbies need to know that there are many experts and dealers out there that know this hobby. In my personal opinion, from doing business with them, I have high regard for the following: "Mint" Gerry Montague, Donnis "Lunar Legacies", Steve "FarthestReaches" and Florian "SpaceFlori" In addition, I must thank Al Hallonquist, Steve Zarelli, Andrew Messer, and Roger Waterbury "The Litho King" for being great list members. I don't want to forget Robert Pearlman who does a great job on Collectspace. For the newbies out there, deal with the experts. Don't be afraid to ask questions.
Everyone was a newbie at one time including myself. Let me leave you with this quote: "GOOD JUDGEMENT COMES FROM EXPERIENCE, AND EXPERIENCE COMES FROM BAD JUDGEMENT"
Barry LePatner Get to know who the players are in this hobby. Best regards to everyone, Bob |
TRS
Member Posts: 721
From: Wellington, New Zealand
Registered: Mar 2003
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posted 04-02-2003 12:48 AM
Following on from other comments - I would also like to add my appreciation for Donnis at Lunar Legacies and Steve at Farthest Reaches - being a newbee is hard enough in this game, but being one in New Zealand is even harder as the only real way of gaining an education in all this is via groups like this and finding one or two patient and trustowrthy colector/dealers. There isn't a big collector community that I can locate over here(!)Steve and Donnis have both been amazingly helpful to me (and very patient with my dozy questions) - and I want to echo previous comments about the great contribution that people like them make not only to the general collecting populace, but individual collectors as well. Thanks guys!
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