I disagree for a few simple reasons: First, there aren't enough systems
worth the kind of money that would interest an investor/speculator. You need
to get into a five-figure value range and then have a history of value
growth over years. The only computer I can think of in that class is the
Apple I. Investors want to buy a few things for a lot of money that will
appreciate over time. Otherwise, it's too much work and overhead.
Second, buying computers as an investment is not like collecting, say, art.
If not cared for, many of the most valuable systems deteriorate over time,
and with them their value. A speculator would have to invest in maintenance.
And then there are the storage and transportation issues involved with
larger systems.
Finally, no infrastructure exists to broker the buying and selling of
investor-level systems (even if they did exist in number). eBay is really
just a big yard sale. You don't have the equivalent of a Sotheby's auction
house or even of a high-end antique dealer. It took decades for this type of
infrastructure to develop for the antique auto hobby.
As the hobby grows (and it will whether we like it or not), it will attract
attention from mainstream media and people who think they can make a quick
buck. (and a buck is about all they will make). The bozos among them will be
a nuisance, but in the long run greater awareness of the hobby will result
in more systems being saved.
--Mike
Michael Nadeau
Editorial Services
603-893-2379
----- Original Message -----
From: "R. D. Davis" <rdd_at_smart.net>
To: <classiccmp_at_classiccmp.org>
Sent: Tuesday, July 31, 2001 6:56 PM
Subject: Re: Newsweek mentions VCFe and Sellam
> On Tue, 31 Jul 2001, Mike wrote:
> > I don't normally endorse this rag in any way, but in Newsweek's Aug 6
issue
> > pg 8 (Periscope dept.) "Trading Pickup Lines in COBOL" VCFs and Sellam
get
> > a nice little token mention and are charactertured to boot!
>
> All of this publicity is a bad thing for computer collecting; too many
> biz 'droids and other idiots with lots of cash and warehouse space
> will start collecting older computers as an investment, not to use and
> trade. Finding parts that we need, and systems that we want to play
> with, will become more difficult. :-(
>
> --
> Copyright (C) 2001 R. D. Davis The difference between humans & other
animals:
> All Rights Reserved an unnatural belief that we're above Nature
&
> rdd_at_rddavis.net 410-744-4900 her other creatures, using dogma to justify
such
> http://www.rddavis.net beliefs and to justify much human cruelty.
>
>
Received on Tue Jul 31 2001 - 18:41:29 BST