FMF - Friends of Minerals Forum, discussion and message board

[Gail]

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[Gail]

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[Gail]

We all work so hard to put in displays, it is sad when everyone is taking down theirs. Some of us might not see each other for a year, and sometimes we never see some people again. But we all shared in putting our displays in and the camaraderie is wonderful.

The Dealers work so hard to bring pieces for sale, setting up cases and lighting, carpets and couches, flowers and CHOCOLATES. ha ha!

[Gail]

Some thoughts:

Bob Kerr and Jordi mentioned less of the regular dealers. I know so many who come to the show but are older and do not wish to set up booths anymore. There is a wave of them, they were the backbone of the show, but age has a way of dispersing dealers. It was pleasant to see many of them relaxing and enjoying the show as it should be.

We saw groups of young dealers sharing booths, which is the way to go until established enough to have their own. So you might be surprised when their are four dealers sharing a booth, but you only see one. Young people will find their niche. And, if they are smart and invest back into their stock, they will succeed.

Make a point to shop with younger dealers, they often have great pieces for lower prices.

The show has changed since we first came in 2006. But I am not bothered as much as others are. Not much new? I don't really let that bother me, I find that I can still pick up amazing things that aging collectors have dispersed. Or pieces brought over from Europe, Asia, India, South America and the African Continent. ( Amongst others )

[Gail]

Some pieces we picked up in Tucson

[Gail]

I have shots from my phone that I haven't had a chance to load on here...

[Gail]

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[Gail]

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[Gail]

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[bob kerr]

It's always a pleasure to leaf through Gail's annual photo journal/report - and you never know when even your own ugly kisser may show up.

As I mentioned before, the Brazilian display that Jim and Gail put in was the #1 case in the show. I think I spent an hour at it alone - just plain wonderful and they deserve a HUGE amount of applause and thanks for putting it in.

I think Gail's observation about booth sharing is accurate - especially among the new dealers - but her comment also touched on one of my fears for the future of mineral collecting. As she put it "age has a way of dispersing dealers". I will attend the monthly TGMS club meeting next Monday, and as other clubs I belong to the average age will be well north of 70. I just don't see a lot of younger people coming into the hobby to replace us old farts. I applaud Rob Lavinsky's efforts to support younger people in the hobby - ALL of the major dealers should follow his lead.

My other observation is a big increase in mineral dealers selling jewelry and polished rocks. Can't blame them - they have to make their money somewhere - but the trend is bothersome to me.

bob