Comments from RJ Bender about the Beaver/Bando W-SS Insignia book

[M Bando]

re: collector reference books

Since the subject matter of my book is exactly the subject matter of this forum, i've never understood why this book has never received some support or endorsement from the moderators of this page. That might have made a huge difference in the way the book was received, from the start, back in 2012. I always knew that SS Collectors were a tough audience, but the level of sarcasm and condescension here is really excessive. I've participated on other internet forums for collectors, where the posting individuals support and encourage each other, rather than sniping and making ****ty comments to each other. Just saying, such harmony can and does exist, on some forums.

[jacquesf]

I have never written a book, but I have read one, even one with no pictures. Does that score me any credits? J

[Ian Hulley]

Mark, my issue with the book is that due to the tragic way Michael wasn't able to complete the book PERSONALLY I feel that the opportunity for the book to be THE great reference book of our time was missed. Omitting the foreign volunteer unit insignia was a mistake ... maybe it was intended to be in a subsequent volume ?

The fact is that the search function here on WAF provides much better pictorial reference for the advanced SS collector. To a general 'across the board' collector it is no-doubt a brilliant guide to SS insignia but for example the section on metal cap insignia falls short in my opinion.

This is one person's honest view, and nothing to be upset about. As I have tried to tell you before ... if you are upset by my genuine view please use the 'Ignore' function.

Ian

[compressore]

Wow...

Dear Mr. Bando,

I am not a collector of SS items but I am following closely the threads for learning purposes.
Some remarks from my side.

"........one of the best TR collector references ever published. I stand behind that statement, and invite comparisons to any other collectors' book in existence, to show me something 'better.'"

This is only your personal opinion and I am quite a bit shocked that an author is so confident about himself and does express it in public.

Does it not come into your mind that with this statement you leverage yourself above all other authors which spend a lot of time and efforts in fantastic books. (for example our fellow WAF member Eduardo Delgado and his reference about the Kriegmarine).

"the historical info and war stories, which set it apart from any other TR collectibles book in existence."

This is not a selling point..at least not for me.
There are a lot of profound scientific studies about the credibility of "eye witness stories"...
If you have backed up all statements by documented ! facts...that is another story.

"One customer calls it "Militaria Porn."
You are proud of such a statement ?

"Hewett's assertion that my book is 'disorganized' is a total LIE."

Why a lie ? Maybe he dislikes the way how you organized it ? It his personal opinion and should be taken as such. Other may like it how you have done it.

"Since the subject matter of my book is exactly the subject matter of this forum, i've never understood why this book has never received some support or endorsement from the moderators of this page"

Maybe because you are asking for it ?

And your statements in the NCO rune tab thread:

"You can believe it is fake all day long, but you can't PROVE it."
I think its commonly accepted that a collector item is not genuine as long as its authenticity is proven...not the way around.

"Because of my interviews with 1500 WW2 veterans of the US Army, plus contact with SS veteran Fritz Langangke and the many stories I have collected, there is simply no other author who 'could have' produced such a book. I also brought half a century of personal experience (I started around 1960) of collecting TR artifacts to this project. RJ Bender, who published the Angolia book on SS insignia, has a copy of the Beaver/Bando W-SS book and is a huge fan of it. Maybe I should post his rave comments about it here?
"
Wow........but to be honest I am absolutely put-off by this...
How a mature person can write something like this in an open forum about himself ?

My opinion is that you should stay back and let your book speak for itself. Some will like it..some will not.

Your overwhelming self-appraisal is not fitting your purpose.

Regards
Christian

[Stossgruppe3]

Both condescending, insulting comments
Let somebody come after you and your work, and see how you like it.

Aaaaaawwwwwww dont let those nasty men upset you pet !
lets pop into the candy store and see what we can find

[SJP]

Book sales

How are sales Mark ?
__________________________________________________ ________________
Cheers Steve

[Antonio Scapini]

My comment is not insulting you, maybe you should learn to read.
Christian expressed very well what is the truth, and you MUST accept everyone's comment, if it has a reson to be. Furthermore there are great guys here, much more better than you and me, even if they never wrote a book, that deserve maximum respect. Is not a book that makes you a great author or a great collector.

I think me too that the Beaver (you co-authored) book is a great one, but at the same time I think it could be made much more better, and I feel it was a "missed oppurtunity" me too, because with just some more effort it could have been a real collectors Bible.

Anyway I repeat, this post is only a self-celebration that IMO put you in a very bad light; if you were looking for a way to attract dislike, I have to say this is the best.
No one authour should ever self-celebrate his works as you did.
Maybe a little bit of modesty and humility would be of help.

[Stossgruppe3]

My comment is not insulting you, maybe you should learn to read.
Christian expressed very well what is the truth, and you MUST accept everyone's comment, if it has a reson to be. Furthermore there are great guys here, much more better than you and me, even if they never wrote a book, that deserve maximum respect. Is not a book that makes you a great author or a great collector.

I think me too that the Beaver (you co-authored) book is a great one, but at the same time I think it could be made much more better, and I feel it was a "missed oppurtunity" me too, because with just some more effort it could have been a real collectors Bible.

Anyway I repeat, this post is only a self-celebration that IMO put you in a very bad light; if you were looking for a way to attract dislike, I have to say this is the best.
No one authour should ever self-celebrate his works as you did.
Maybe a little bit of modesty and humility would be of help.

Well said Antonio . . . .
I couldn't have put it better myself
Regards David

[Paul.B.]

My focus is helmets but like Walter my attention to SS cloth has been piqued by this book and I think it's a bloody good effort.
Nothing and no one is perfect.

[jacquesf]

M.....
Nothing and no one is perfect.

That is correct, but that does not stop one from telling everyone that you are. Worst case of self aggrandizement I have seen on the WAF. J

[Jeff V]

This is the first I have seen of this thread, and what a disappointment. As a moderator my job is to moderate the forum, not sell books. Publishers do that. My review is that I like the book, that my personal opinion, same as everyone else who has an opinion. No one agrees on everything in this hobby. You worked hard I'm sure to put this book out and it is nice, no need for all the self promotion. You act like a couple of pieces in the book being called fakes is the end of the world. My recommendation Mark is to toughen up.

[Dr. Strangelove]

Waf

This forum is not for the sensitive.

If you want soft and cuddly youtube seems rife with cat videos.


Some People will love your book, some People will like your book and others will hate it. That's life.

I have a copy and I like it. I hope all this makes somebody write another SS cloth book.

[paintbrush]

Anyway I repeat, this post is only a self-celebration that IMO put you in a very bad light; if you were looking for a way to attract dislike, I have to say this is the best.

Bingo. Count me in that camp. Not the first time I've seen this either, but sadly a refresher.

[DonC]

Books are like shoes - one size and one style does not fit all, and you can't force somebody to like it, or advertise it.

Don

[jotuntroll]

I have bought the book and I like it.
Books are like friends, if you eat them they die.