I have been a member for several years; however my activity on the site varies greatly and is often dependent on my project or interest of the day. I may be one of the younger members being in my 40’s. Most of this gas stuff was history before I was born. Yet my fascination with muscle cars and memorabilia of the era has brought me here. My small collection of gas items has some original and some reproductions. What I do have provides a bit of joy each day I pass my collection.
People collect because they have an emotional attachment to an object. The things people collect are as different as the people that have the collections. Be it an oil can from the 1930’s, an ice scraper from the 50’s, or a reproduction item; they are all items that someone has developed a bond with that perhaps triggers a good memory.
The arguments may start because people have this special bond with their collection and can’t help but feel frustrated that others don’t appreciate it as much as they do. The point here is why criticize, if someone posts a photo of a reproduction sign or a rare high dollar sign, enjoy it. If it bugs you, click past it. Keep the showcase a showcase of photos and not opinions. There are other places to debate a topic or an item. While the item someone posts may not be anything you’re interested in collecting, it gives someone some joy. It may also make you a more rounded person knowing that the item exists and someone is trying to preserve a little bit of the past.
Just my two cents...
