Monday, June 25, 2012

One of the Gazette’s participants wrote in Friday to say “enough already” with complaints about eBay and its policies on shipping. This gives me an opportunity to discuss some of what the Gazette is about. As the moderator of the Gazette I view my role on behalf of the Carder Steuben Club much like “letters to the editor”. For example, the subject of packaging has resonated with our interest group and generated a great deal of e-mail exchanges.

Everyone has had a glass packaging experience. Some of those experiences come from sloppy packaging. Those on the receiving end have been emotionally crushed to see their prize purchase damaged. Some are taken aback by the reality of how much a properly pack package can cost and add to their purchase. Some want to spend their money on the glass and want to chintz on the packaging.

Every delivered package has two sides. The sender and the receiver. Of course, a lot of business is done on the internet; and particularly eBay. eBay plays its game to make packaging look inexpensive and forces this down the throat of the sender. The buyer appears to get a packaging bargain, but it may force the sender to “cheap out” on the packaging. It also deludes the buyer into thinking that packaging of glass isn’t an expensive thing.

Then we spent a lot of time on addressing how to properly package. How much tape? How many boxes? What kind of packaging materials? Where to find paper diapers. Reusing the synthetic popcorn. Alternatives to the inner box. And, it goes on. Lots of constructive ideas.

Bottom line; every collector is materially affected by packaging issues. We have buyers, sellers and those who do both in our e-mail list. Now, having said that let’s discuss how the Gazette works. We take and encourage everyone to partake and have their say. While the Carder Steuben Club has the privilege of withholding publication, editing or adjusting input, we rarely do that. It would only discourage participation. Yes, we realize that some subjects don’t interest everyone. For example, if you are only an eBay buyer, you don’t care about the issues between sellers and eBay on forcing “free shipping”. Some of those writing to the Gazette may say things that are technically incorrect, or may hurt someone’s feelings, or just go on too long with a discussion. However, the less the interference or editing, and the more interaction, hopefully the more robust discussion at the end of the day.

Robust discussion? Yes, we’re now approaching our 1,500th edition of the Gazette. It only comes about because of a great deal of discussion and sharing from collectors who take time to share their view of the glass world. It’s an amazing exchange of ideas. Sometimes I wonder whether I’ll have anything to put out on the Gazette a day or two from now. Then out of the blue an email appears on my computer with a question on how to package glass, minimize damage and what it should fairly cost. And, we’re off to the proverbial races. Keep the input, ideas, pictures, commentary and questions relevant to Carder Steuben collectors coming. If for any reason you don’t want your name used—well just say so and that’s how it will be. Thank you everyone on this e-mail list for keeping the Gazette vibrant and interesting. Thank you for honoring Frederick Carder, by the lively examination of his creativity and genius. Alan

www.cardersteubenclub.org

Any opinions expressed by participants to the Gazette e-mail newsletters are the opinions of the authors and are not endorsed by or the opinions of the Carder Steuben Club.

2012 Carder Steuben Club annual Symposium will be held at The Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, NY from September 20-22, 2012.