[ARC5] Don Merz Message

[Rick Popovich]

Very well said Don and others,

I am writing to add what I have also observed in addition to the points
that Don noted. I have been following the "market" for many years as a
hobbyist, collector, buyer, seller and horse trader. While your
observation and example of the Drake gear is very relevant and does hold
water, I can trace a significant part of the theoretical "180 degree
turn" you mention directly to the Great Crash of '07. While I can't
offer up any concrete data or exact figures, percentages or other
indicator(s) one might choose to use to verify the impact of that
debacle on the value of radio gear, it clearly had a direct effect on
many folks and their ability to continue collecting, upgrading or even
selling their collection. I can speak from direct personal experience on
this point and I'm sure I'm not alone.

On the other side of the coin (no pun intended) is the reality that
while there has been somewhat of a "recovery" since '07-08, it certainly
has not been across the board and in some areas, regionally and
statistically, the recovery has yet to arrive. I think this is an X
factor that may have an effect on the "turn" for the good or the bad,
and as with all things - only time will tell.

Another factor, without mentioning the website by name... but it starts
with an "E", has also played a key role in how these items are traded on
a global scale. Sadly, what once was the shining light for not only
spreading awareness and knowledge of the hobby but also enabling
collectors worldwide and mid-lifers such as myself to relive the glory
days and acquire those gems we always wanted but maybe couldn't afford
back in the day has now become a Mega-over regulated, profit first,
bureaucratic, bloated monopoly that is a pathetic shadow of what is was
even 5 years ago. While still a somewhat viable venue, I know many
people whose ever more common response is to no longer use it or, those
that do have greatly changed how they use it to not only protect their
interest(s) but their livelihood - definitely not a win-win.

I have given my heirs very specific instructions on how to handle my
collection, whatever it may ultimately consist of when I shuffle off to
the big radio shack in the sky. I think that for whatever it's worth
this is the best approach to take to not only give them a chance to reap
some monetary benefit but to also hopefully insure these items that
amount to evermore increasingly vanishing pieces of history are given a
chance to hopefully be enjoyed by someone who chooses to carry the
torch. 

Not bitching ... just tellin' it like I see it 

Rick P