Galadrin
Vassal
When I returned to these forums in the last few months, I was surprised to see how much the community had grown. It has been truly empowering to see that the idea of Oldhammer has gotten so much attention and validation from the greater online community of gamers. I do see a strange trend entering the picture, however. Particular in our marketplace sub-forum, but also in our broader discussions, it seems like there is the slow and inevitable creep of artificially inflated miniature valuation. It struck me in the early days that while cheap scores on eBay were applauded, there was not such a secular celebration of figurine value and high prices in general. The "How to do Oldhammer" thread suggests some of the same concern—trying to return the conversation to how everyone can create an inexpensive, do-it-yourself Warhammer experience on a budget.
Today, however, I often find minis selling for £10 or even more a piece. As an American, I don't have an individual stake in this (as I am not interested in paying for shipping outside of the continental US anyway), but it strikes me as in principal contrary to the sentiment of community reciprocity itself. I do not believe that we can simply point to eBay in comparison, both because eBay prices are inherently irrational and often based on the impulse purchase, but also because eBay is a capitalistic venture that is functionally different than what a community of hobbyists with shared interests (and a communal interest in furthering the hobby) ought to be.
So my question is, in your personal view, how much is too much for a piece of pewter? Does a mass-produced piece of lead, with no broader cultural or historical relevance and no inherent utility, have no upper price limit? Is it purely governed by the buyers interest—however much he or she is willing to put down is the rational value? Is there a negative effect on the community for having a marketplace at all? Or should we argue that people that are happy to pay high rates are happy with their trades, and others who want nothing to do with it can kindly mind their own business? Is there a long term effect to commercializing this hobby and this shared space?
As a less direct question, how much have you spent on Oldhammer since the New Years? Is it more or less than you expected? How does unexpected hobby spending effect your outlook for the hobby in the future?
Edited to make the questions seem more interactive and less loaded.
Today, however, I often find minis selling for £10 or even more a piece. As an American, I don't have an individual stake in this (as I am not interested in paying for shipping outside of the continental US anyway), but it strikes me as in principal contrary to the sentiment of community reciprocity itself. I do not believe that we can simply point to eBay in comparison, both because eBay prices are inherently irrational and often based on the impulse purchase, but also because eBay is a capitalistic venture that is functionally different than what a community of hobbyists with shared interests (and a communal interest in furthering the hobby) ought to be.
So my question is, in your personal view, how much is too much for a piece of pewter? Does a mass-produced piece of lead, with no broader cultural or historical relevance and no inherent utility, have no upper price limit? Is it purely governed by the buyers interest—however much he or she is willing to put down is the rational value? Is there a negative effect on the community for having a marketplace at all? Or should we argue that people that are happy to pay high rates are happy with their trades, and others who want nothing to do with it can kindly mind their own business? Is there a long term effect to commercializing this hobby and this shared space?
As a less direct question, how much have you spent on Oldhammer since the New Years? Is it more or less than you expected? How does unexpected hobby spending effect your outlook for the hobby in the future?
Edited to make the questions seem more interactive and less loaded.
