Some wise posts here, and I agree wholeheartedly with several of you. I am at least 40 years in the hobby, and in those years I have presented programs for 30 to 40 groups, perhaps more, ranging from bottle clubs, to dive clubs, to car clubs, to many historical societies, one of which I am on the Board of Directors.
Many are quite interested in our hobby, and our knowledge gleaned from hours of "digging" in directories and other historical references. I have encountered a number in the "professional" field who are interested in our work, and are grateful for the knowledge we can share with them.
I have also encountered those who refer to us as "pot hunters", "robbers" and worse. One organization once they learned more of my intended program and my background then canceled me. Funny, the program, which they requested was on local stoneware and the related potting industry on Long Island, which I have collected and researched for 40 years now.
Likely we will never see the end of this dispute, and sadly, many in the "professional" arena will not have the benefit of the knowledge which we so passionately seek, and share.
This is something in which, to me, it is hard to say there are winners, or losers among those in the debate. Those whom are most passionate in their views are unlikely to be swayed by any arguments, pro or con.
The ultimate looser is the public really.
Many are quite interested in our hobby, and our knowledge gleaned from hours of "digging" in directories and other historical references. I have encountered a number in the "professional" field who are interested in our work, and are grateful for the knowledge we can share with them.
I have also encountered those who refer to us as "pot hunters", "robbers" and worse. One organization once they learned more of my intended program and my background then canceled me. Funny, the program, which they requested was on local stoneware and the related potting industry on Long Island, which I have collected and researched for 40 years now.
Likely we will never see the end of this dispute, and sadly, many in the "professional" arena will not have the benefit of the knowledge which we so passionately seek, and share.
This is something in which, to me, it is hard to say there are winners, or losers among those in the debate. Those whom are most passionate in their views are unlikely to be swayed by any arguments, pro or con.
The ultimate looser is the public really.