For sale very rare Salem's Lot S/L #44 in Red

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Ms. Mod
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You know, another thought occurred to me sitting here thinking about this discussion. I am a long time reader/fan since 1978 and consider myself a true admirer of the quality of storytelling in his work, be it paperback, hardback, or silver-screen form, delivery does not really matter to me. I have read and greatly enjoyed many of his stories through the years; just take Salem’s Lot for example; I read it 1978, it had for me a wonderful affect on my “mind’s eye” as a teenager and I never forgot that. So, when I see that he has released a collectible version of that work, and that I would like to own, be it short term or long term for whatever reason, don't you think that would help justify doing it?

Although it may appear that profits are the motivation there are, as in life, many variables to consider…just an afterthought.
It's not that he doesn't appreciate the beauty and quality in the limited editions or he wouldn't keep saying yes to the proposals to do them, but you have to admit there are some collectors for whom it's about the investment potential. Books are a huge part of his life and not just the high end ones because they take you to places he could not otherwise go and enrich his life. Why bother with a book that you put on a shelf in its shrink-wrap and never open to appreciate the beauty inside? Is the story itself not of value?
 

Spideyman

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It's not that he doesn't appreciate the beauty and quality in the limited editions or he wouldn't keep saying yes to the proposals to do them, but you have to admit there are some collectors for whom it's about the investment potential. Books are a huge part of his life and not just the high end ones because they take you to places he could not otherwise go and enrich his life. Why bother with a book that you put on a shelf in its shrink-wrap and never open to appreciate the beauty inside? Is the story itself not of value?


:yes_pig::clap:
 

Michael Gerner

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Jan 7, 2014
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It's not that he doesn't appreciate the beauty and quality in the limited editions or he wouldn't keep saying yes to the proposals to do them, but you have to admit there are some collectors for whom it's about the investment potential. Books are a huge part of his life and not just the high end ones because they take you to places he could not otherwise go and enrich his life. Why bother with a book that you put on a shelf in its shrink-wrap and never open to appreciate the beauty inside? Is the story itself not of value?
Had to step away from the desk for an hour to mow the lawn, its rainy season down here in SW Florida…

Anyway, I completely agree with your point of view! I tried to relay that sentiment above in my personal experience with Salem’s Lot, and many others for that matter. Now, as a fan and collector I own several versions of the limited edition Salem’s Lot book, including 1 of 600 unsigned which I thoroughly enjoyed reading, paging through will admiring the craftsmanship.

However, the collector in me recognizes and appreciates the artistic /workmanship quality and uniqueness in the rare limited editions and knows others do as well. By not reading or handling, and preserving its beauty we ensure that others will someday have the chance to treasure the overall work, sometime for a small fee.
 
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jchanic

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It's not that he doesn't appreciate the beauty and quality in the limited editions or he wouldn't keep saying yes to the proposals to do them, but you have to admit there are some collectors for whom it's about the investment potential. Books are a huge part of his life and not just the high end ones because they take you to places he could not otherwise go and enrich his life. Why bother with a book that you put on a shelf in its shrink-wrap and never open to appreciate the beauty inside? Is the story itself not of value?

I agree that some people (I refuse to call them collectors, really) are in it for the money, but I enjoy taking out the "special" editions and simply paging through them to admire the workmanship. I do this frequently. I won't read them (that's what the trade editions are for) but I do enjoy them as a work of art.

John
 

fushingfeef

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I bought a signed limited edition of Doctor Sleep last year. My favorite thing in the world is when I let a true fan of Stephen King--I mean someone who really "gets" the whole Stephen King thing, not just a casual reader--I'll let them hold the book and look through it. It's almost as if it has a magic power to true fans, they are so careful and almost reverent with it. (So far only three people have gotten to do this!) Some objects really do have a certain kind of power.
 

Michael Gerner

Well-Known Member
Jan 7, 2014
55
124
62
South West Florida
It's not that he doesn't appreciate the beauty and quality in the limited editions or he wouldn't keep saying yes to the proposals to do them, but you have to admit there are some collectors for whom it's about the investment potential. Books are a huge part of his life and not just the high end ones because they take you to places he could not otherwise go and enrich his life. Why bother with a book that you put on a shelf in its shrink-wrap and never open to appreciate the beauty inside? Is the story itself not of value?
Good Morning Marsha,

I would like to start out by saying that this reply is NOT in any way intended to be a sarcastic or resentful response, and I hope it will be posted for all to think about, especially since there was such an emotional response along the way.

I have really been thinking about this comment and weighed whether I should reply to ask this question, I decided to reply. I can clearly see from your words how Stephen feels about the exorbitant (as Sundrop mentioned) profit people in the public could make from the resale of these rare versions and the dilemma it presents him. Recognizing that, I just wanted to say for the record the profit part of this book sold at $3,000, believe it or not, after all resale fees it really would represent a small percentage over the original price I paid; however, I understand the resale part still stands in question.

So, as you are also probably aware, these 80 in RED, in this particular run of books, were NOT intended for resale to the general public and were meant for family and friends. The person I bought this from was in-fact a family member who I assume was given the book from Stephen, probably for free (I assume again) back in 2004, this family member sold it to me for what could certainly be interpreted as exorbitant profit. Therefore, what I would like to ask is this question:

How does Stephen feel when his family is the source of the sale and takes the profit?

Thanks in advance, I really appreciate the dialog!

Michael!
 
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Moderator

Ms. Mod
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Good Morning Marsha,

I would like to start out by saying that this reply is NOT in any way intended to be a sarcastic or resentful response, and I hope it will be posted for all to think about, especially since there was such an emotional response along the way.

I have really been thinking about this comment and weighed whether I should reply to ask this question, I decided to reply. I can clearly see from your words how Stephen feels about the exorbitant (as Sundrop mentioned) profit people in the public could make from the resale of these rare versions and the dilemma it presents him. Recognizing that, I just wanted to say for the record the profit part of this book sold at $3,000, believe it or not, after all resale fees it really would represent a small percentage over the original price I paid; however, I understand the resale part still stands in question.

So, as you are also probably aware, these 80 in RED, in this particular run of books, were NOT intended for resale to the general public and were meant for family and friends. The person I bought this from was in-fact a family member who I assume was given the book from Stephen, probably for free (I assume again) back in 2004, this family member sold it to me for what could certainly be interpreted as exorbitant profit. Therefore, what I would like to ask is this question:

How does Stephen feel when his family is the source of the sale and takes the profit?

Thanks in advance, I really appreciate the dialog!

Michael!
I don't know the answer to your question but my gut feeling is that he would not comment publicly about his feelings one way or the other about his family.
 

Spideyman

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Hey Spidey, It really is a challenge to properly interpret your reply with animated cartoon figures. So as for the applause I get it, for Ms. Mods thoughtful remarks, but I am not sure about the PIG, could you elaborate….;-D
The shaking head pig is a way of saying "yes" in agreement to a post, that was posted by MsMod.
 
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