How Much Scrap Gold in CPU's ?

[Shaul]

Harold;

You wrote that:
"The administrator finally started approved registration, then purged the roster of those that never posted."

Well on this forum: As of this moment there are 1,844 Registered Members.

Out of those, 1,469 have never posted anything; not even 'Hello, I'm here'.

That only leaves 375 active members.

Something to think about before hitting the 'purge/delete' button.

Shaul

 

[Harold_V]

Something to think about before hitting the 'purge/delete' button.

Shaul

I wasn't recommending Noxx follow suit. I was simply stating what administration did on the Chaski board. It made a significant difference there----and readership didn't appear to suffer. If anything, there was an improvement. The benefits in that case were worth the effort.

I don't see anything remotely similar here on the gold forum-----it has been, for the most part, very tranquil. Likely because most of the troublesome people have been banned early on, which is as it should be.

I don't mean to sound unreasonable, but I don't think a reader deserves three strikes. If rules of common decency are violated even once after being admonished to behave, they should be banned immediately, in my opinion.

Understand that I do not set policy-----that's up to Knoxx, the founder of the forum.

Harold

 

[Gotrek]

I've just been reporting people to Noxx to keep an eye on them, no harm, no foul. People looking to make a buck are fairly easy to spot. If all members do the same and make an effort to keep the forum clean it shoudl remain clean.

 

[Anonymous]

Hello everyone,
I am new to thissite and I am really just getting started so i am looking to learn. I am mostly interested in electronic recycling.

Any advice?

I would appreciate it

 

[lazersteve]

Welcome to the forum Free,

Follow the 'Guided Tour Link' listed below my name.

Steve

 

[Shaul]

Harold;

Sorry, my mistake. Perhaps I should have added a couple of Emoticons like this: 8)

I wasn't seriously suggesting that you or anyone else ban all the members who haven't posted, nor was I trying to compare this forum to others.

Every forum has it's share of lurkers, sleepers and those who are too shy to ask. Some may be studying the posts in preparation for their first refining attempt, while others may be overwhelmed by the wealth of technical discussions. Whatever the reason, there's always a percentage.

If a forum has 10,000 members and 1,500 don't post; okay, no big deal, it's a small piece of the pie. But 1,469 out of 1,844 are huge figures.

I am sure that there is a lot of untapped potential out there.

Is there no way to encourage more members to be proactive?

Shaul

 

[Harold_V]

I am sure that there is a lot of untapped potential out there.

Ahhh! I see your point.

Is there no way to encourage more members to be proactive?

If my personal experience in learning to refine is an example--I think I can easily understand why readers would lurk instead of lend to the conversation. When I first set out to refine, I didn't have the slightest idea how to go about doing so, and I wouldn't have had the capability of lending anything to a conversation.

Readers should keep in mind that his forum is a resource that is unparalled where learning such a well kept secret is concerned. There was nothing similar to this when I learned, and those that had the slightest bit of knowledge wouldn't disclose any of it. Sadly, in my experience, those that would disclose anything were generally wrong. It's hard to sort myth from reality.

I turned to a person that I thought might be somewhat helpful (owner of a small refinery that had ties to my ex-wife's family) but was greeted with a laugh and the comment that "you'll never do it". That, of course, turned out to be wrong, for in the end I had captured many of his customers, enjoying the last laugh.

I'm exceptional in that I don't mind exposing my soft underbelly. I'm quick to ask questions, but not everyone is like that. There's one reader in particular that I have helped, here on this forum, who has remained silent for a long time, yet I see he posted very recently. Goes to show that many follow----but may not have a great deal to say.

The one thing that is important is for readers that are gaining a benefit to make mention in such a way that those that spend their time posting know and understand that they are reaching readers. I can't think of anything that is disheartening as an informative post that goes without comments. It need not be a pat on the head---just an acknowledgment that the information posted has helped in the learning curve, so it is understood that the time was well spent.

Harold

 

[jimdoc]

I think that we may be thankful that most of them
are lurking, or realized they aren't cut out for this
hobby. The best thing for a newbie to do is just read.
Then read some more, then if they think they are serious
they should buy Hoke's book, and get all their questions
answered before leaping into this hobby. Even getting
all the needed equipment adds up pretty quick, so its
not an easy hobby, and considering all the hazards and the
fumes you must deal with, I can see why alot of people
realize that they aren't cut out for this hobby.
Jim

 

[Harold_V]

Good words, Jim.

To add to your comments, some folks don't seem to "get it". They'll post processes that put the readers at risk unnecessarily, which annoys me no end.

To be quite frank, this is not a hobby for clever, but dim-witted people. There are accepted processes for processing metals, processes that present limited risks. Those are the ones a reader should see in print, not some off-the-wall process that works, but has the potential to do harm with the slightest misstep. Precious metals are very capable of forming explosive compounds when treated by the wrong process. Experimentation should be left to those that know and understand chemical reactions, to minimize the risks.

Harold

 

[Gotrek]

Good words, Jim.

To add to your comments, some folks don't seem to "get it". They'll post processes that put the readers at risk unnecessarily, which annoys me no end.

To be quite frank, this is not a hobby for clever, but dim-witted people. There are accepted processes for processing metals, processes that present limited risks. Those are the ones a reader should see in print, not some off-the-wall process that works, but has the potential to do harm with the slightest misstep. Precious metals are very capable of forming explosive compounds when treated by the wrong process. Experimentation should be left to those that know and understand chemical reactions, to minimize the risks.

Harold

Which is why forums like this didn't exist before. It's catch 22. The least info you provide the more people get at risk, the more info you provide the more people who don't understand the reactions at play come and try them. A smart person will read read read everything and be smart enough to weed out the bad from the good.

 

[Harold_V]

Which is why forums like this didn't exist before. It's catch 22. The least info you provide the more people get at risk, the more info you provide the more people who don't understand the reactions at play come and try them. A smart person will read read read everything and be smart enough to weed out the bad from the good.

If you are in need, how is it you can do that? Most folks don't have the ability to sort the garbage when exploring such activities----witness the common use of cupels for melting. Certainly not a dangerous thing to do, but is it in anyone's best interest?

Hardly, not unless one is cupelling.

Just one of many stupid ideas that get passed along by well meaning but poorly informed people. These are the folks that should be asking questions, not answering them.

Tell me------when you seek knowledge, do you ask a guy that has no clue, or do you go where the knowledge is known to exist?

Harold

 

[Gotrek]

Which is why forums like this didn't exist before. It's catch 22. The least info you provide the more people get at risk, the more info you provide the more people who don't understand the reactions at play come and try them. A smart person will read read read everything and be smart enough to weed out the bad from the good.

If you are in need, how is it you can do that? Most folks don't have the ability to sort the garbage when exploring such activities----witness the common use of cupels for melting. Certainly not a dangerous thing to do, but is it in anyone's best interest?

Hardly, not unless one is cupelling.

Just one of many stupid ideas that get passed along by well meaning but poorly informed people. These are the folks that should be asking questions, not answering them.

Tell me------when you seek knowledge, do you ask a guy that has no clue, or do you go where the knowledge is known to exist?

Harold

You right of course, I'm just stating on a public forum anyone can answer. It's your own responsibility to seek out those with experience. We're saying the same thing, in different words. I'm just trying to say that it's expected on a forum such as this to get both the experienced and those who think they are experienced to answer questions. Still have to be careful and carefully chose the information you follow.

On this forum it's simple to see those with experience, but in some threads it's not.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi...I am one of the lurkers. I am a newbie of about a month I'd say. Alot of this post rings true about lurkers...there is ALOT to digest here and, quite frankly, I imagine many have come to check it out and found it wasn't for them and are still "members". Like I said- there is ALOT here, and no one wants to get the "check the FAQ buddy" response. I'm here because I like to learn and have a need. The story goes like this: While working on a demolition construction project I happened upon the drain pipe from a laundromat. Lo and behold, I was rich! (almost). I drove home with a 5 gal spackle bucket full of quarters,dimes, nickels, gold chains,silver chains, plastic chains,gold rings, diamond ring(s), pins, boxcutters (tough nieghborhood),pendants,earings and all the other good and not-so-good stuff you forget and lose in the laundry. Much of it corroded. I've had a pile of "gold-like jewelry stuff" and diamonds and diamond-like stuff on my desk for 7 years now. A normal person would drive to the jeweler and cash in at whatever value the jeweler decides but like I said. I like to learn. So for now Ill read, read, read.....and learn....until such time as its "right" for me and then....I'll be rich. (ok, rich in knowledge and experience but still rich)....keep up the good work...you guys rock!....Glenn

 

[Gene Gindling]

Hello to all here.

I am in the process of reading much of the information posted here. I have a multi year collection of "stuff" to get rid of. I am initially trying to decide if I care to try refining, or just to send it out. I also am gathering information on what to waste time with.

I want to thank the old hands here for freely sharing their hard won knowledge with us. The time and cost savings are a real blessing for me.

Since I have limited knowledge in this field I will probably be reading a lot more than posting.

I especially want to thank Harold for sharing his wealth of knowledge freely. It is very much appreciated and I have learned much already.

Thanks to all for this forum.

Gene

 

[Harold_V]

While working on a demolition construction project I happened upon the drain pipe from a laundromat. Lo and behold, I was rich! (almost). I drove home with a 5 gal spackle bucket full of quarters,dimes, nickels, gold chains,silver chains, plastic chains,gold rings, diamond ring(s), pins, boxcutters (tough nieghborhood),pendants,earings and all the other good and not-so-good stuff you forget and lose in the laundry. Much of it corroded.

Squashboy-----don't know how I missed this post, but I did, indeed, miss it.

Wow! That has to be one of the best stories yet. :wink: Can't imagine too many of your days go so well.

Any silver coins in the lot, or was this a newer Laundromat?

I would imagine you've sorted the stuff well by now, so when (if) you're ready to process the values, let us know. I'd be more than happy to give you some guidelines, as I'm sure would others.

Thanks for the report. Wish I'd have been more timely in my response.

Harold

 

[Harold_V]

Gene,

Welcome aboard!

Thanks for your kind words. If you decide you'd like to process your treasures, I'm sure at least one of us can provide some guidance. Let us know when you're ready.

Harold

 

[jimwig]

question to the more experienced here on gf

goes like this --- say i could offer things like dimethylglyoxamine at a very reasonable price and in small quantities. something everyone could afford.

would i be thought ill of for doing that?

i am not in the selling business just trying to recoup my original investment and getting some for myself for free.

i would make a small profit on the DMG and the shipping -- modest.

wouldya think?

 

[Anonymous]

my first post here on the forum, been lurking for what seems like a lifetime now, but prompted by Harolds comment earlier in this thread i thought it was about time to make my presence known and take the opertunity to thank everyone for their contribution to this fantastic site. i've read and read and read somemore, got a copy hokes book and read somemore, whilst gathering a mountain (more like a very small hill) of scrap, now i think i'm ready to start putting some of the theory into practice.
just wanted to show my appreciation to my fellow members,i feel priviledged to be able to associate with such helpful likeminded people offering a fountain of knowledge for no reward other than knowing they have helped others to succeed in a hobby they themselves are passionate about. keep up the good work guys

 

[Harold_V]

would make a small profit on the DMG and the shipping -- modest.

wouldya think?

I think it's a good idea-----assuming you are right minded and are buying in larger quantities. I can't speak for the present, but in the past, small packaging of chemicals sent the price through the ceiling------yet many were available very inexpensively if you purchased a large package. I offer the price of bromine as an example. The supply house I dealt with wanted $25 for ¼ pound, but by getting to the source, I bought four five pint bottles for slightly over $115. The price difference was staggering.

Harold

 

[Anonymous]

got a copy hokes book and read somemore,

Hello,
I've already read that is posible to have a free version of Hokes book, but I did not find the link.

Could You give me the link?

Thank You.

Sergio