I think that we are being watched.

[johnallg]

I think we are getting off topic.

Is it just me, or does anyone else find it odd that over 80% of the members here do not participate in posting?

Dave, I don't think that is out of line with any other forum. Look at the RIC forum and it is quite the same - 4043 users registered almost all of them with 0 to 30 posts.

http://www.rickenbacker.com/forum_members.asp

Other forums I have posted on regularly were the same way. Sure, some who register here at the RRF did it just to keep an eye on the Sale and Wanted forums, but nowhere near the 80%. I really doubt that.

As a gauge, how many of us have put up something to sell or that we needed X item and had someone who doesn't post contact us to buy or sell? I would think the lurking you suspect of sniping instruments is more for gauging the value of what they have. I have believed for quite a while now that this forum is driving the pricing on used Rickenbackers.

[jakeox]

As a gauge, how many of us have put up something to sell or that we needed X item and had someone who doesn't post contact us to buy or sell? I would think the lurking you suspect of sniping instruments is more for gauging the value of what they have. I have believed for quite a while now that this forum is driving the pricing on used Rickenbackers.

I agree.

And may I just say, I think the June '73 4001 with the small inlays and no notched tailpiece is the best value in the used bass market, and should be going for 6-7k within a year.

[heinpete]

And may I just say, I think the June '73 4001 with the small inlays and no notched tailpiece is the best value in the used bass market, and should be going for 6-7k within a year.

Hey Jake!
You write that to prove that the RRF IS actually driving the prices, or do you want to make a good deal with selling yours next year?

[doctorwho]

jimk, this is what you have to look forward to:

This isn't scary until one realizes that I am not a bass player ... and that there are other basses not in the picture!

Then there's the "I need another in a different variant/color" part of RAS:

[The c58 has since been sold ... and replaced by a 320 Red ...!)

Okay, back on topic. I think that there is nothing wrong with lurking. I also don't think that lack of comment is bad; there have been a lot of threads that I have felt unqualified for making a comment.

[ram]

Tom, the only problem a lot of us have is, what the heck is your avatar!

Sorry in the late reply Jeff been busy not able to participate as I would like...

The avatar is a Manta Ray - from a night dive off Kona Hawaii and couple years ago. This one was a male about 7 to 8 feet across. That night we had three of them - one female about 13 feet across. They just eat plankton and are amazingly graceful in their pursuit of it. One of them did glance off my head while soaring around.... a very magical experience.

[jakeox]

And may I just say, I think the June '73 4001 with the small inlays and no notched tailpiece is the best value in the used bass market, and should be going for 6-7k within a year.

Hey Jake!
You write that to prove that the RRF IS actually driving the prices, or do you want to make a good deal with selling yours next year?

Yep, just trying to drive the price of my own collection .

[jps]

Thanks Tom, the angle or perhaps just the small size of the image makes it hard to see what it is. Very cool!

[j_gary]

I rather enjoy a good lurking. Luckily the gal across the street with a Corvette convertible has yet to notice me.

(It's a good thing I don't post much)

[drumbob]

Every forum has lurkers. No big deal. At drumforum.org where I am a moderator, we have many, many drum industry heavy hitters lurking all the time who don't want to identify themselves. They do, however, want to know what we are saying about their companies and the drums, cymbals and accessories we discuss.

A couple months ago, Glenn Noyes, one of the head drum guys at Guitar Center, came onto the forum to purposely shill for GC, drum up business, and ask us how they could improve their service. He was quickly asked to refrain from promoting GC, and was told he was welcome as a member, but was not to mention GC in any way, as the site has a policy; no promotion of goods and services. He hasn't shown his face since.

And don't get me started on GC. I could go on for days about how I detest that chain and what they've done to the music retail business.

By the way, I registered a few days ago on another guitar forum and was immediately harrassed and badgered by one juvenile, wiseass member, so badly, I terminated my membership today. This is a very good adult guitar forum and I'm happy to be here.

[jimk]

Glad to have you here, drumbob. Yes, this is a very good forum, nice folks and polite, too. I also really admire the passion everyone seems to devote to their Rickenbackers, and the affirmation that RIC receives, too.

JimK

[scotty]

Glad to have you here, drumbob. Yes, this is a very good forum, nice folks and polite, too. I also really admire the passion everyone seems to devote to their Rickenbackers, and the affirmation that RIC receives, too.

JimK

+1

[doctorwho]

+1

[relayer4u]

Lurking is good....I started lurking during the process of deciding if I wanted to buy a Ric. I registered five days after getting my first one. I think my first post was a "here is my new Ric" post. I think my second post was "how do you get that darn pickup cover off?"

I tend to post only if I have something to offer...or if I need some information. I have never found the "I agree" post to be very useful and really figure it to be just a waste of digital space.

I like the sale (and for that matter, the wanted) sections private. I purchased my second Ric from someone here on the forum who had read my "I wish I had one of those" posts. After having been burned on the bay I will never go back there, but I felt totally comfortable in dealing privately with a furomite.....

Mark is so right.

There is a lot to be said for the lurkers. I tend to jump in head first with uniformed opinions and observations. Everyone here has been quick but gentle when My lack of knowledge needed correction.

The for sale and wanted sections should be wide open to everyone imho, for the reasons that Mark points out. The forum as a group isn't very likely to let anything get past the community.

I do agree that this forum is setting the price of used Rics now-a-days.

Mark, I hope that bass is still a pleasure!

[beacon]

Ray.......still loving the bass, and still lurking.

I had to laugh when I saw your post quoting me...I just realized I had typed "furomite"....not sure what that is

[sodbuster]

I think this ratio of lurkers vs. posters due mostly to the ratio of people who have extensive knowledge of Rickenbackers vs. just everyday enthusiasts, thankfully the more knowlegable members are so open about sharing their expertise,