Coin Collecting and Social Networks

The social networks (facebook, twitter, forums, and other chat sites) are a new arena for discussion of coins and coin collecting that is quickly becoming a primary means of communication.  Being the internet, you get the good with the bad.  In a facebook coin group recently there were a couple of questions asked by new collectors who were met with some coarse replies.  I addressed the manner of the replies in a separate post.  Thought I'd share it here...

"I'm involved in this group to help new collectors. The hobby needs every one of them. If you want your coins to be valuable in the future, it would be in your interest to see more people get involved.
This group has new people joining every day. Some are experienced, some are novices, just as you all were when starting out. We get lots of entry level questions which have been asked dozens of times

before. We can treat people like trolls or we can give them a straight answer. How were you treated when you got started?

This hobby is not only about coins. There is an element of personal growth involved (see Axiom #7). Handling the questions of dozens of new people about the same topic teaches patience, tolerance, compassion, and understanding. If you don't have the patience to repeat the same answer, maybe this group is not the place for you. Alternately, this group can help you learn patience-you can practice it every single day.
I understand that it can be a tiresome burden to answer questions that seem mundane or insignificant. Bear in mind, to the person doing the asking, they seem prudent and important. Do you wish to be the person who shrugged off such questions or is it better to help out and build relationships? I've got several dedicated customers because I have stopped what I'm doing to chat with them for a few minutes. Look at it from the new collector's point of view: would you be more willing to buy coins from someone who helped you or from a jerk?

Be helpful, get rewarded.
Be a jerk, people won't do business with you.

You have 3 options:

• Be helpful
• Be a jerk
• Don't comment on a newbie post. This is a much better choice than #2

For those who are new and encounter some gruff or rude comments, consider the idea that the grumps are not yet ready to move on to the next level. They need your patience and support if they are to improve themselves.
The hobby is not just coins and facts. It's a journey that will last a lifetime. One day, if you are up to it, you'll be the experienced teacher.