There are many fine organizations or chapters out there that would be of interest to phonograph collectors. MAPS and CAPS are two of the best, no argument there. OTAPS is another that I've heard good things about. There are great organizations in most every area of the US as well as organizations in other countries. I belong to three: MAPS, CAPS, and WIMAPS. The latter is the Wisconsin Chapter of MAPS. I would encourage people to search out a group that may be close to where they live. The social interaction with other collectors is beyond value. When a new collector interacts with a group it can be a bit intimidating to share items from your collection. It's a perception issue . . . that is common to any group. Some collectors have more advanced (or developed) interests and that can be intimidating to some newbies. It is not that the perception is intended . . . it simply is what it is. A smaller group that interacts can be of great benefit to the new comer. Even a new comer has something to offer. A question that may take a discussion to new levels, etc. Some of the regional chapters also have newsletters. I look forward to all the publications with great anticipation. Each has a focus that is unique. With that said . . . I need to point out that I value my phonograph friends highly. Rarely do I encounter someone that treats me dishonestly. When I do, I simply make the choice not to encounter them again. It's a hobby and I try to keep that perspective. I do understand business, though, and the hobby would not enjoy as much participation without the high caliber of many phonograph dealers. Most are members of this group. These people are the ones that show up at the various shows, write books, repair the unrepairable, stockpile those odd tid bits that we all need at one time or another, take the time to answer a question, and have answers to what part goes with what machine. All have a personal interest in increasing interest in the hobby. Many of us were encouraged by a dealor or two along the way. Now I've spent my two bits. It's an enjoyable hobby. New comers, don't be afraid to ask questions. Dont' be afraid to contact another collector. Don't be afraid to share.
<:)> Wayne H My website is at http://www.phonomantiques.com/ From [email protected] Wed Mar 12 20:06:16 2008 From: [email protected] (john robles) Date: Wed Mar 12 20:06:36 2008 Subject: [Phono-L] Phonograph Organizations In-Reply-To: <[email protected]> Message-ID: <[email protected]> I echo those sentiments on behalf of GSPS, the California chapter of MAPS, which I founded with a handful of collectors about ten years ago. Not bad for a club about whom one collector said "you won't last six months". We also have a publication, a monthly newsletter, which we find delight in. I hesitate to say that any one publication is the best, when all our publications have value to the readers. Certainly the CAPS publication is the highest quality publication, with glossy cover, color pics, etc. I certainly enjoy getting it. But I enjoy the less technically advanced ones too, which also have good content. They all add to the enjoyment of the hobby. John Robles wayne holznagel <[email protected]> wrote: There are many fine organizations or chapters out there that would be of interest to phonograph collectors. MAPS and CAPS are two of the best, no argument there. OTAPS is another that I've heard good things about. There are great organizations in most every area of the US as well as organizations in other countries. I belong to three: MAPS, CAPS, and WIMAPS. The latter is the Wisconsin Chapter of MAPS. I would encourage people to search out a group that may be close to where they live. The social interaction with other collectors is beyond value. When a new collector interacts with a group it can be a bit intimidating to share items from your collection. It's a perception issue . . . that is common to any group. Some collectors have more advanced (or developed) interests and that can be intimidating to some newbies. It is not that the perception is intended . . . it simply is what it is. A smaller group that interacts can be of great benefit to the new comer. Even a new comer has something to offer. A question that may take a discussion to new levels, etc. Some of the regional chapters also have newsletters. I look forward to all the publications with great anticipation. Each has a focus that is unique. With that said . . . I need to point out that I value my phonograph friends highly. Rarely do I encounter someone that treats me dishonestly. When I do, I simply make the choice not to encounter them again. It's a hobby and I try to keep that perspective. I do understand business, though, and the hobby would not enjoy as much participation without the high caliber of many phonograph dealers. Most are members of this group. These people are the ones that show up at the various shows, write books, repair the unrepairable, stockpile those odd tid bits that we all need at one time or another, take the time to answer a question, and have answers to what part goes with what machine. All have a personal interest in increasing interest in the hobby. Many of us were encouraged by a dealor or two along the way. Now I've spent my two bits. It's an enjoyable hobby. New comers, don't be afraid to ask questions. Dont' be afraid to contact another collector. Don't be afraid to share. <:)> Wayne H My website is at http://www.phonomantiques.com/ _______________________________________________ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org
