Protecting Your Source

Ted, I agree with you that when a person does ask these things it does not necessarily mean they are lazy. I think though it is smarter to learn the field first before diving in. It?s like doing your homework and knowing the ramifications of such specific questions as asking another collector where they bought a ?particular- cel and how much was that cel. The person asking these questions should be more sensitive to how it would make the other person feel, usually it creates an awkward situation especially between strangers. On one hand perhaps the other wants to be ?helpful?, on another hand there maybe instances that disallows them from being ?that- helpful (prime example is what you mentioned about private collectors/studios), of course there?s always the competition factor? The person asking these questions should be fully aware of these things. Which is probably why I make it my business not to ask such specifics, but I keep it general if I ask at all? In the course of the conversation, if the person offers the information then great, if not then that should be fine too. Collecting is much more than just competition I think, it?s also about being respectful and sensitive of other collectors so one can build relationships, not just to share resources but just to make the hobby more enjoyable as a whole.