I know all four of the posters whose comments on this thread came across as somewhat negative. They are good, thoughtful, intelligent and well meaning people. However, some of their comments were mistakes or just misguided. I trust that they will understand why I have to take issue with some of the things they said.
1.) SHOW SPONSOR - Running a show is a thankless job. I've been to about 100 shows in a dozen different cities in the midwest over the last 20 years. Not one of those running any of these shows was doing it for any reason other than a love of marbles, the marble hobby and the folks who collect marbles. To imply anything different is simply wrong. If you have ideas on how to make a show better go to the show sponsor and discuss it with him/her. Also, volunteer to help carry the load. SMITTY IS THE BEST. Everyone, get a grip on reality. He was just venting in post 2.
2.) NO NEW BLOOD - I too have committed the sin of saying that. However, upon reflection I have noticed in the last few years more new collectors than ever. For purposes of some anonymity, I'll just mention a few first names: Craig, Jeff, Dave, Dan, Eddie, Kevin R., Mark, Jane, Phyllis, Jack, Joe, Chris and there are many more. This is just from Ohio, Indiana, & WV shows we now attend. There are many more elsewhere and there will be more. These people know a lot about marbles and in various ways are a significant asset to the marble collecting world. Much of this "new blood" seems to be coming to the shows from the internet including chat boards such as this one. They and others like them are our future. NOTE: At this Canton show we sold more than we have at any show in the last few years. We sold to three people we never met before - one spent over $1,000 with us at the show, another spent over $100 purchasing no marble costing more than 1 or 2 dollars. I don't think the hobby or shows are dying.
3.) GERIATRIC MARBLE SHOWS - Maybe some of that is that older collectors have more time to attend, more money and less time to spend it. Twenty years ago when I was 50 years old, my wife and I were "new blood". We thought many of the other collectors were old. Some of them have died or left the hobby (shows anyway). That's life. "New blood" will take over.
4.) WALK-INS - Yes, some people walk into the rooms or show with marbles. Usually, they go to a random room or random table. Do they ever meet the show sponsor or advanced collectors? Of course, who would you want to see if you were in their shoes? If the "walk in" is smart they will visit many different people. Occassionally, something really good will show up. We are all happy and excited regardless of who, if anyone, benefits. The truth is that most "walk-ins" are duds. Their marbles are basically just decoration that will look good in a jar (after being washed).
5.) SHOW TABLES - Certainly many people have good reasons not to rent a table at a show - job, family, inexperience, other commitments, health, fatigue, distance home, not enough material or right kind to show or display at the show and other valid reasons. That's fine. My wife and I are retired and get to big shows on Mon. or Tues. and smaller shows on Wed. or Thurs. Often by Friday we are tired and ready to go home. Never-the-less, we have rented one (now two) tables at every show we have ever attended (except the first two). We do this to support the club and promote as best we can the hobby. Do whatever you can. We know it won't always be renting a table at the show.
6.) SOMETHING RARE - Something very rare came to our table at the show. The guy said he had hundreds more just like those marbles he showed me. Fairly quickly, I realized that I needed help because this was out of my league. So, I contacted Smitty. Do you want to know why? Because he knows more about marbles and was the most honest person in the room. He also lives near this person.
Anyone who has a doubt about shows come and see for yourself. I promise that you will enjoy meeting the people in the rooms, the halls and at the show, including those who may have seemed a bit negative in this thread (they really aren't). If I'm wrong see me and I'll give you some marbles.
CWB300
