Is This a Trend?

[Craig L Barry]

Maybe this trend is cyclical, but a recent group of threads has been following the "What do you think of this non-Approved Vendor who offers hardcore (whatever that means) goods for too-good-to-be-true prices?"

It recently began with, but was not limited to, Provisional Supply (still waiting on that new and improved cartridge box they were sending me to evaluate) and it seems to be coming up more and more. I am beginning to see what drove Charles Heath batty. See http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/...ad.php?t=12000.

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

Re: Is This a Trend?

Its no trend, its been going on here since the site was founded. New membership ebbs and flows, causing new questions to be asked that may or may not have been asked before. Once the new members get to see how things are done on this forum, and you get them "trained", the newest members come on board and begin it again. I guess maybe its cyclic, but not a new trend.

[Pvt_Sullivan]

Re: Is This a Trend?

Craig,

I've been on AC for about 18 months now and learning how to interact within our community and increasing my knowledge. I am looking forward to becoming a real part of the community in the agressive number of Tier 1 events I plan to attend this year.

I've noticed the trend of questions concerning specific vendors also, but I am impressed and pleased with the way they are being fielded by the moderators and by the community at large.

[ley74]

Re: Is This a Trend?

Craig:

My take is that it is mosly a pricing issue from new folks. It may also have to do with wait times.

Coaching the young guys along is necessary 'cause guys like me.. well. 'Cause of guys like me.

[Curt Schmidt]

Re: Is This a Trend?

Hallo!

NUG, IMHO, things that are "too good to be true" are, in the end, too good to be true.

Yes, I agree part of the cycle of questions is due to the ebb and flow of members on the AC Forum, but also that the membership has increased most heavily at the so-called Mainstream and Progressive Mainstream levels of the Alphabet Model.
Hobbywide, as that segment grows, it causes some makers and some vendors to try to supply more of the customers' inquiries and demands. Say, adding hand-sewn top-stitching or hand-sewn button-holes to an otherwise "Mainstream" level blouse or jacket. Or adding So-and-so's line of "the best" so-called "de-farbed Enfields and Springfields to their gun options while their rest of their inventory remains so-called Farb or Mainstream..

And, IMHO, a reflection that there are indeed, progressive types at most all of the Alphabet Letters but they often get divided between wanting to progress and upgrade versus wanting to progress and upgrade more "cheaply" finanically- and are lured and seduced by some vendors' advertising and marketing strategies of calling their products "hardcore" or "authentic" when in reality they are neither.
Much like some units advertise and promote themselves as "period correct," "historically accurate,"' or "authentic" when in reality and practice they are not except in their literature and websites, and in their own minds.

Curt
Bats in the Belfry

[Johnny Lloyd]

Re: Is This a Trend?

Hobbywide, as that segment grows, it causes some makers and some vendors to try to supply more of the customers' inquiries and demands. Say, adding hand-sewn top-stitching or hand-sewn button-holes to an otherwise "Mainstream" level blouse or jacket. Or adding So-and-so's line of "the best" so-called "de-farbed Enfields and Springfields to their gun options while their rest of their inventory remains so-called Farb or Mainstream..

Curt-
You read my mind here... if one takes a look at SOME vendor's websites (mentioned here before by this thread), the newly self-minted C/P/H can be easily confused as to what exactly defines a quality vendor's wares. (This above, of course, presumes this person has not taken the time to study photos/read books or examine originals before making his final purchase. I dunno about you, but if I'm going to buy gear new from a quality vendor, I want to see the original or detailed pictures of such with historical references. I'll read-up on that particular item too.)

Perhaps the new enthusiast looking on these certain "clearly mainstream/just-above mainstream" goods websites will go with his pocketbook and buy the "standard" option on that jacket he wanted?

There can be a variety of reasons this trend has started- bad economy but the desire to be a progressive (Lord, the spirit is willing- but the wallet is weak), wants to save money, doesn't do research-doesn't care, doesn't know how to get started in the hobby and makes bad choices, etc... we've all been there before if you have some time in the hobby world unless you started in the C/P/H end of the hobby. Unfortunately, that costs money unless you make "good purchases" from the start...

Face it, some of the best quality vendors/producers of quality goods are known by word-of-mouth and reputation only. (This can be a blessing and a curse as we've seen.) Unless you know or know how to get ahold of that quality vendor or producer of quality goods for the item you want, the new progressive might be tempted to look elsewhere for a quick solution to the quandry. When the type into the Google search engine "sutlers"- they see someone offering "campaigner quality" and the rest is history...

If there were only a way to keep internet vendors from confusing people specifically looking for a quality vendor with their "campaigner grade" versus "standard quality" verbage... That is what the vendor list on the AC was meant to guide individuals towards, but we all know some people either don't know or don't care to use the search function on here." ;)

My 2 cents... it is as good as anyone else's, I reckon.

- Johnny