Its a viscious cycle. The more guys trade early and leave, the more the crowd dies the later days of the shows. No matter how you look at it, that is not good for the hobby.
It is good for the hobby (and the show) when the promoter makes the vendors stay.
Early selling is impossible to police EXCEPT at a show site like Peotone or Ohio Gas. Noone is saying that guys shouldn't trade at the hotels (other than guys setting up early at the hotels where the big shows are held).
Just because someone has an opposing viewpoint doesn't mean they're complaining. Its dialog.
Like I said before, I thank the promoters for their efforts. One year the vendors gave Wayne a standing ovation after the show at Peotone. The show promoters aren't getting rich from doing these shows so its possible to conclude that they are doing it for the love of the hobby. Much like the reason most of us participate on this site.
I only use Peotone because the buyer/vendor ratio is higher there than any show I've attended including Iowa Gas. The promoters at Peotone must be doing something right.
Although Peotone is realitively close to Chicago don't be mistaken thinking that's where all the buyers come from. Its not unusual for buyers to come from surrounding states. They get more buyers than the other small shows for a number of reasons. Not the least of which is they know the vendors will still be there when they arrive.
Collectors all spend the same amount....all we can.
