[meteorite-list] Blaine Reed Tucson Notes & AD

From: jbaxter112 at pol.net <jbaxter112_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Thu, 22 Feb 2007 10:36:24 -0500 (EST)
Message-ID: <35492.10.250.10.1.1172158584.squirrel_at_sq05.pol.net>

Hello Al et al.,

I would like to second Al's suggestion that any Tucson attendee is really
missing out if they don't spend some time at Blaine's room. He always has
interesting material and is just a great source of meteorite information
and lore. To me he is an essential part of the Tucson experience.

Regards,
Jim Baxter

> Greetings Tucson attendees,
>
> Here is my two grams worth on the auctions, dealer rooms, participation
> and parties. First I know that the dealer rooms were the first
> participants at the show many years back. Robert Haag probably was the
> first real dealer to set up and offer meteorites at the show. Other
> dealers soon followed as they offered a much needed service. Back then
> few people knew what a meteorite was and didn't think you would ever be
> able to own one or offer them for re-sale. Dealers are paying about two
> thousand or more to be a part of the show (which is suppose to be a
> wholesale show) and to rent the rooms from the show organizers. Travel
> there and setting up and time are other factors and costs. Obviously
> this is a sizable investment for them and they need a fair return.
>
> Several years back someone decided to have an auction, not sure who but
> I would think it was the upscale auction from a New York dealer or
> possibly Michael Blood. As Blaine said those tended to compliment the
> dealers and no real problems. As the auctions caught on, a number of
> people would reserve specimens in some rooms and then go to the auctions
> in order to bid on items. Apparently after bidding on a number of
> things at auction, the same people who reserved specimens in dealer
> rooms would go back toward the end of the show and "change their minds"
> on the items they had taken off the shelves. Worse yet some didn't
> bother to return and let the dealer know they no longer wanted their
> reserved items. This results in the dealers selling less and costing
> them.
>
> As the auctions gained favor and higher attendance a lower volume of
> sales were realized by room dealers. Of course it is more complicated
> than just this. There are now more dealers than ever, it is more
> difficult for foreign collectors to travel due to past events, other
> dealers have offered their own auctions to counter the other auctions
> and get people back in their rooms to look around. The show is not
> nearly as large as it once was due to the internet and rock and gem
> attendees having a lower count these days. I am sure ebay plays a factor
> to some degree. There are also a number of party events that compete
> for attendees time.
>
> One trend that bothers me is the number of deals I see being made by
> "dealers" who don't have rooms but make the rounds to other dealer
> rooms. In some cases deals are being made in the paying dealer's room
> and has nothing to do with his inventory. To me this is very rude and if
> participants can't go outside or meet in a motel room to conduct their
> business they should at least offer the room dealer a percentage of the
> profit they are making in the offended dealers room. Courtesy seems to
> have vanished these days.
>
> There are few dealers that have the knowledge and understanding of
> meteorites these days like Blaine Reed does. I think he is a vital part
> of the show and it will be a sad day if he can no longer afford to
> attend these shows. I recommend that if you attend the show, at least
> take a little time out to visit some of the old timers like Blaine. I
> think you will be pleased by his display, his helpful manor, his
> knowledge of the subject and best his reasonable prices. There may be a
> day when all this dries up and the pilgrimage to Tucson will no longer
> be and a subject that we only talk about. As dealers close their doors
> there will be less an less reason to attend the show.
>
> With all this said I hope no one takes offense as it is not directed at
> any particular party. Rather it is an effort to get some of the other
> attendee's thoughts on the subject and stimulate discussion. While I am
> guilty of attending some of the auctions and understand the allure of
> going to them I still make the rounds to the rooms (as many as I can in
> the time I have) and spend a fair amount with them as well. Part of
> Tucson is the socializing, seeing what all is available from years past,
> and getting an idea of what items may become available in the near
> future. I hope to see others comment and share their thoughts on all of
> this.
>
> BTW, I do like the idea of scheduling a hotel so we can deal the
> organizers out but don't know the legalities of doing this. I might be
> willing to set up my collection if we ever went this way. Perhaps a show
> could be scheduled in some other town, although I would miss the
> restaurants in Tucson. Best!
>
> --AL Mitterling
> ______________________________________________
> Meteorite-list mailing list
> Meteorite-list at meteoritecentral.com
> http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
Received on Thu 22 Feb 2007 10:36:24 AM PST