Goodness gracious, to look at some of the helmet collecting sites, it often seems that many of the members have wet diapers.
Novices are often berated by self-styled "experts" for asking fundamental questions about helmets.
"Yeah, but..." counter the experts as they qualify their bullying - pronouncing that before a novice asks questions, they should do ample research before troubling the experts with such fundamental questions. Sadly, the I've never seen a moderator call out such bullying.
Another thing that bugs me (uh-oh...is this turning into a rant?) are the guys who shout "fake" at every opportunity, without giving any explanation for their reaction.
One guy pronounced a helmet as fake, and when the original poster asked him what he based his opinion on, the response was:
"Because it's fake."
My personal policy regarding the forums is that if I have nothing to add to the conversation, I say nothing. When I do make a comment, and someone wants to bicker about it, I remain aloof.
The forums exist for three reasons:
1. to show off your cool helmets
2. to get information about cool helmets.
3. to have fun
What is there in any of that to get one's panties in a bunch?
What are your experiences in this regard? share in the comments.
I gear this site toward the novices, and all questions are welcomed. You can always email me at: museumofamerica@myactv.net. I'd love to "talk helmets" with you.
Stay enthusiastic and keep having fun.
Mannie
Hey there! Been enjoying your blog, and I agree 100% in your statements above. I have been collecting helmets for 32 years and have seen a massive shift in the collectors attitude since the internet era. Like you I read, and when warranted I post. The it’s “fake” statements I find are collectors who really don’t understand the military in general and why there are so many oddities on legitimate helmets. Oh well keep writing and stay safe!
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