so, does anyone know this Amistadi guy that has written books? I believe one or two times he was helpful when i messaged him on eBay. But, lately, I've left messages with him just to ask simple questions, not any OVERLOAD at all, and he just ignores them. Anyway know if he just chooses to be generally unhelpful with offering his knowledge (which i suppose is his right)?

Was it asking what his Reserve is? LOL

He has always been helpful with my questions, but as Dick said I know that he will not reveal reserves. He does get great stuff.

I've had great service and communication with him when ever I've needed it. But being he has nothing for sale right now on e-bay, I would guess he's on vacation or doing other things right now. Has a great collection and items always in great shape and he describes them well.

I run a business and get a lot of inquiries from potential customers looking for information. It gets quite time consuming to answer questions about what fits and wont fit...ect. It is usually the last time I hear from them as they were only looking for info to make a purchase else where.

I know that, after a while I get frustrated with having to answer repeat questions from persons that have no intention of supporting my business. Seems unfair to me to have to continue to answer their questions.

Dave, I agree that the questions can be a pain. I remember years ago when Vic Raupt owned Vic's Place. He was always available to any caller. Later when Seth took over, he again saw the value of taking time and supplying info. Having been in sales, most of my life, I know that by talking to enough people, the odds of a sale will come. We get five-ten calls a day along with as many emails. Just the nature of the beast. Paul www.severngaspumps.com

Hi Paul,

Hope to see you in Columbus! Its been a long time since we've got to BS. Tim Rowland "Goober"

...I've dealt with him on several occasions, and never had any problems...I will say that I've only contacted him to ask him about something I was planning to buy, or making plans to pick an item up...

I've delt with him he is a Great Guy and I would buy from him again!! He is good at returning calls! Jim

Tim, "Goober".....although I miss Columbus greatly, my workload at the shop requires all available time. I do miss seeing and talking to old friends, like yourself. There's just not enough time in the day? Regards, Paul www.severngaspumps.com

hey Dave, that why you never answered my other question? oh well, your choice, i just kind of thought people on here would try and share their knowledge to keep the hobby going, etc...mabye i was wrong...

oh, plus, you never know when someone may refer someone else to your business, even if they have not purchased anything. of course, if the person remembers that they didn't answer their question, then they would probably tend to not recommend them. just another thought.

jimbo87us.... what is your burning question ? maybe we can answer it.

I've already posted the question to this list. I only wanted this other guy's opinion because he has published books on the topic, etc. but thanks for the offer. I will for sure take you up on your hospitality when my next question come up.

I seems like from other's posts that Amistadt has been a real help and a nice guy and I was thinkin' maybe you got him on a bad day, but after reading your last post, in that you already have your answer, but still wanted him to say so, you kinda come across as a pest--and if I am wrong, my apologies, I explain what I mean below...

As someone who was an expert in another field, if you have someone who has written a book and who has answered questions for you, you treat that relation ship like the only money you have to spend is gold coins, that you spend them carefully and infrequently.

I've had people come to me with questions that are easy to find the answers to, and they asked these types of questions again and again, and that becomes a pest you try to avoid. Even the most gracious experts can feel over used in this way...

So spend your gold carefully or you will alienate a good source.