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September 10, 2007
Soaking Up Some Salvage at the Fest
At Saturday's Salvage Fest, the sun was shining (a little too hard but we can't complain), most of the dealers showed up on time and attendees (some of whom came from as far as Chicago) showed up in droves, some with measuring tapes in hand, to see what all the fuss was about. Thanks to everyone who made the effort to come and helped make it a special day for us. (We particulaly enjoyed getting a chance to meet so many readers!) In addition, a special thanks to Principal Wrighton, Amy Oztan from the PTA and Councilwoman James for helping to make the event possible. And, of course, a big shout-out to all the dealers (listed on the jump) who took a chance on a first-time event. It's safe to say we'll be doing more of this type of event in the future. Lots of photos in the Flickr set on the link; or view as a slideshow here.
Salvage Fest Photo Set [Flickr]
Silver Fox
Moon River Chattel
Olde Good Things
Demolition Depot
Build It Green
Reclaimed Home
Architectural Salvage News
Eddie's Salvage
Suzanne's Salvage
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Comments
And I'd like to give a huge thanks to Jon, for bringing this great event to PS11, and to all of you who showed up and helped raise $1000 for the PS11 PTA!
I hope there are many more SalvageFests to come.
Amy
Posted by: Anonymous at September 10, 2007 9:35 AM
I wasn't in the market for any salvage but I stopped by and thought there was such a great neighborhood vibe. Maybe next time include some more furniture and other interior items?
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 9:43 AM
Anyone who doesn't think that this event was predominantly white should indeed look at the Flickr photo set (before it's taken down, which it probably will be now).
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 10:07 AM
god you are a pathetic race-baiter, 10:07. give it up. if you'd bothered to go you'd know that it was a diverse and welcoming event.
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 10:14 AM
10:07, you're nuts. i was there and it was a mixed crowd. the flickr photos actually refute your own claim. why are you trying to stir up trouble over a nice community event?
Posted by: z at September 10, 2007 10:15 AM
I found the perfect ceramic door knob at that big dealer in the corner. yahoo!
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 10:16 AM
Well if you mean that the most common race to be found at SalvageFest was white, then yes, you are correct. I have my own pictures, and more than half of the people in them are white. And? Your point is? Or are you just trying to start a meaningless argument for your own amusement?
Amy
Posted by: Anonymous at September 10, 2007 10:17 AM
Come on. The earlier poster clearly as a point. Before you come done on him/her like a tone of bricks, just look at the bloody photos. The event really was very white...stangely white. I think the question 'why' is one that is reasonably raised in this context.
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 10:21 AM
10:07 = 10:21
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 10:24 AM
There were a lot more black people at this event than at the 7th Avenue flea market in Park Slope-that's for sure!
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 10:25 AM
The after-tour house party that took place after the last Clinton Hill house tour was also almost exclusively white, and several people commented on that fact in the days following. I didn't think much of that at the time, but I do find it curious how, if someone so much as raises an issue of race on this board, they're IMMEDIATELY branded a 'race baitor'. That kind of reactionary stance is usually an indication of something unsavory.
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 10:26 AM
The early poster doesn't have a point because the conversation never was about race.
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 10:28 AM
..and the West Indian Day Parade is conducted and attended mainly by the Caribbean community. 10:07 I think you should look into that.
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 10:29 AM
And the point is?!? What? Did brownstoner only advertise to whites? Was there a sign at the gate that said "no blacks allowed"? Was there someone stationed on the corner directing blacks away from the event so that they couldn't see what was going on?
If you're trying to make the point that whites, on average, had more of an interest in coming to an architectural flea market due to property ownership rates, economic status, or exposure to websites and groups where the event was advertised, then that's an interesting discussion. But to simply comment that there were more whites than blacks at the event is pointless and silly.
SalvageFest was advertised on this site, on the FGKids listerv (serving a very diverse group), through the Society for Clinton Hill, and probably many other places I'm not aware of. If your point is that blacks don't have enough exposure to the websites and groups through which the event was promoted, then make that argument. But that's hardly brownstoner's fault, and to label an event as too white as if it were designed that way is irresponsible and stupid.
I was positioned in view of the gate all day, and met many of the people who were there. The group was diverse, friendly, and enthusiastic.
Amy
Posted by: Anonymous at September 10, 2007 10:32 AM
10:26 = 10:29
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 10:33 AM
Amy, I believe the other posters are asking for an explanation of the phenomenon, just like you are. Maybe there was something about the event, or some of the people at the event, that made people of color feel uncomfortable. I certainly have no idea because I was not there. However, I do think that when people pick up on these sorts of things it's usually for a legitimate reason, and I do not like the practice of laying into someone when they raise a concern about race. God knows we do not yet live in a perfectly just society, so let's try to maintain a level of calm here, okay?
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 10:37 AM
I could not make the Salvage Fest and was hoping posters would provide some reportage on the event—prices, products, etc. Instead I squandered five minutes reading about the 'whiteness' of the crowd. what a waste. get a life people.
Posted by: Fjorder at September 10, 2007 10:41 AM
to continue: I agree on the discussion but not the approach. legit topic, wrong forum.
Posted by: Fjorder at September 10, 2007 10:43 AM
10:41 = 10:33
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 10:46 AM
I think Salvage Fest was a wonderful event. I'd love to see it happen on a regular basis.
Posted by: Bob Marvin at September 10, 2007 10:48 AM
I agree, Bob, but I'd like everyone to feel welcome and not just some.
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 10:50 AM
We stopped by and drooled over bathtubs and baked goods, then headed over to the Fort Greene fest for some soul food and live music. I commented to my husband (as I often do) that the best part about living in Brooklyn is the incredible diversity; which is why strings like this one on this particular site sadden me. Talk about missing the ever-lovin' point!
Regardless, the SalvageFest looked like a great success and we look forward to the next one. Cheers~
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 10:50 AM
Sorry 10:37, that's not what's going on. Every time there is an event, someone gets on here and makes a broad comment about race, not a nuanced argument and not a question as to the broader sociologic causes. It's the race version of "When AY gets built all of this will be worthless." Probably the same person every time, trying to start an argument.
If someone were to comment on race and then make some of the arguments I was listing, or other coherent arguments, then I don't think that they would be attacked (at least I wouldn't be attacking). But to simply say "there weren't enough black people" or "black people weren't welcome" (as someone did in the comments on Friday's SalvegeFest post) is tantamount to racebaiting.
Normally I stay silent when this happens, but since I was involved in this event, I'm very annoyed by these comments that the event was too white. If people are interested, they will come. If people aren't interested, then ask why. But to lay it all at brownstoner's feet it just silly.
Posted by: Anonymous at September 10, 2007 10:52 AM
"...but I do find it curious how, if someone so much as raises an issue of race on this board, they're IMMEDIATELY branded a 'race baitor'. That kind of reactionary stance is usually an indication of something unsavory."
Exactly right. Almost without fail.
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 10:52 AM
I think the Salvage Fest was a great idea also, however, I hope that next time the vendors will bring more items instead of using it as an opportunity for advertising with only a few items. I am aware of places like Moon River Chattal, Demolition Depot and Olde Goode Things. What I was hoping was to be able to find items I needed and drag them home with me down the block since I don't have the option of driving to these places.
With the exception of doorknobs - I didn't see much architectural salvage I was interested in. I would have liked to see more doors, windows mouldings, floor planks, fixtures. Oh well, maybe next time. I also came early - maybe more was put out over the course of the day?
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 10:53 AM
All I can say "Amy" is that it's curious how you sign off on some of your posts as "Amy" and yet your user id is "Anonymous". You must understand why this invites suspicion, especially on this blog.
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 10:55 AM
Maybe black people were less interested than white people. I'm white and I wasn't at the Fort Greene Music Fest - I had no interest in attending. BFD - I can't really even agree that this is a worthwhile topic. It was advertised in numerous public forums, held in the outdoors in a predominantly black nabe- what more do you want?
I enjoyed the salvage fest (where, BTW, I saw quite a few black people in attendance and as exhibitors so I can't comment on why this so-called 'phenomenon' took place) and hope it'll grow and become a more regular event or maybe morph into a weekend flea market. Thanks to everyone who made it happen.
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 10:58 AM
My guess: Amy = Bob Marvin = three or four guests
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 10:59 AM
There's a very easy explanation: from day one of registering there has been a problem with my registration. I never, ever hide my identity. I sign in as Amy and it shows up as Anonymous, so I always make sure to sign Amy in the body of my post. I am Amy Oztan, neighborhood resident since 2002, blogger of the Gates Reno on this site, head of fundraising at PS11, mother of two, and I spent all day Saturday behind the popcorn machine at the SalvageFest bake sale. Nothing suspicious about it, and as soon as the web designers figure out what the problem is, my posts will show up with the correct signature. But you'll notice it's not "guest" and the info on the profile page is mine. Sorry, you'll have to look elsewhere for some kind of conspiracy.
Posted by: Anonymous at September 10, 2007 10:59 AM
I can almost guarantee you that ALL of the above posts were made by one and the same person.
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 11:01 AM
Well now I'm so annoyed that I've rushed these posts off without signing my name. 10:52 was mine, as was 10:59. I don't know what the problem is with my registration but it's certainly not my fault and I'm not trying to hide. And while I'm flattered to be equated with Bob Marvin, I can assure you we are two different people who live in two different neighborhoods who have never met. And he writes more eloquently than I do, so hopefully he's not insulted!
Amy
Posted by: Anonymous at September 10, 2007 11:04 AM
I'm getting dizzy.
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 11:11 AM
This is so stupid. We all need to let the troll converse with himself, as he has on half of these posts, and go about our business. Race was not an issue at the event, and shouldn't be one here, and yes, I was there, so I know.
As was noted in last Friday's post, there were several black vendors, lots of black attendees and everyone, black, white, Asian, Latino and their dogs had a great time. Everyone was buying, and having fun. I hope Brownstoner doesn't let this idiot ruin what should be a monthly event.
As the event progresses, he can fine tune what kind of vendors he has, they in turn can get a better sense of what kinds of merchandise sells, and have that on hand, and it could conceiveably be as big an event as the old 24th St flea markets were. We need mixtures of big and small items, cheap and expensive.
I must say that I was disappointed that a place like Demolition Depot, which is only in Harlem, couldn't bring any of their overpriced stock, but vendors from Albany managed to bring some of the best stuff there. Boo, DD. I wonder if the guy managed to sell anything from photgraphs?
Mr.B - good job!
Posted by: Montrose Morris at September 10, 2007 11:19 AM
Montrose is clearly one of the earlier posters. Maybe more than one.
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 11:21 AM
I was at the Salvage Fest briefly, but really only made a quick "surgical strike" and bolted. So, I didn't get much of a sense of what the crowd was like. However, I do think that the crowd is surprisingly white in the flickr photos, so I don't think that this is a case where people are rambling on about nothing. I also agree that this isn't the best forum for discussing the race issue, but then again what would be a better one?
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 11:24 AM
but what's the race issue? why fewer black people are interested in salvage? what's the big deal?
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 11:29 AM
I'm not insulted Amy.
BTW, we ALMOST met on Saturday--I saw the people near the popcorn machine. Maybe we should have Brownstoner name tags :-).
I was the old fat bald guy, wearing a Lefferts Manor tee shirt, but I doubt that I was very noticable. I'll introduce myself at the NEXT salvage fest :-)
Also, I've noticed that my registration works with Safari, but not with Firefox. Have you tried different browsers?
Posted by: Bob Marvin at September 10, 2007 11:36 AM
Let's concentrate on giving Brownstoner feedback on the event so it can become a regular thing and the crowd will become more and more diverse with lots of happy customers of all colors of the rainbow walking away with fantastic items and good neighborhood feelings.
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 11:38 AM
I'm really starting to hate this blog. I've always hated most of the regulars here, but tolerated them because there were some good discussions and good content. Now, however, it's all crap. Every interesting thread is undermined in one way or another. And it really, really bugs me that Mr. B doesn't just single out some of these people and ban their IP addresses so that they can't post anymore, ever, anonymously or under any user name!! And I think I've finally figured out why he doesn't. This blog is like Rosie O'Donnell. People hate it, but they hate it so much they can't keep their eyes off it. Since the troll accounts for people's hating the site so much, he is therefore too "valuable" to ban.
Sad, if true, but that's my theory.
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 11:38 AM
I was at Salvagefest briefly and saw a nice, friendly and diverse crowd. The weather was perfect, and I got to check out a really nice neighborhood that I hadn't before had the opportunity to spend time in. Nice job, Mr.B!
Posted by: GHB at September 10, 2007 11:39 AM
Oh please, Brownstoner went around and took photos once or twice during the day, and caught some white people shopping. Oh, look - black people shopping too! What a non-issue!
Maybe next time, he'll make it mandatory to take a head shot of everyone who comes in the gate, so we can do a count of how many black people were there, just so some idiot troll will shut up. Maybe we'll turn into pre-apartheid South Africa. Maybe I'll tell my fellow black brothers and sisters to rush the gate and skew the numbers in our favor. Then the troll will say that the event discriminates against white people. You just can't win. This is my last comment on the event, since I'm only feeding a troll who will just keep going, anyway.
It was a fine day for a salvage fest, and the day was enjoyed by all. 'Nuff said.
Posted by: Montrose Morris at September 10, 2007 11:39 AM
All I can say is, if there really is some sort of racism in play here, people are going to start hating this site for reasons going far beyond any 'trolls'.
Also, I find it interesting that people always assume that trolls are male. Surely there are tons of female trolls on the internet.
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 11:40 AM
11:38, I know zilch about the technical aspects of running a website, but how do you know that Mr. B can see what people's ip addresses are? If he could see them, I'm sure he'd be banning plenty of them. You're making claims here about what Mr. B can/cannot do that are unsubstantiated. It's probably a lot more complicated than you think.
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 11:45 AM
Thanks Bob, I've tried it on different computers, and tried all the other "tricks" like deleting my cookies and passwords, but not different browsers - only IE. I'll look for you next time. Tell me what shirt you'll be wearing. :-)
I also heard a few comments (people talking amongst themselves in front of the bake sale) that they wish there had been more furniture. Other than that though the comments sounded good. I also heard people talking who wanted to sell their own stuff. Not sure if that's feasible, but there was definitely interest. I guess it would be hard to keep it to architecture-related stuff though, and it would just end up being more of a normal flea market.
Amy
Posted by: Anonymous at September 10, 2007 11:48 AM
actually IP address logging and banning is pretty standard stuff for web sites, and certainly most blog software has this built in for obvious reasons.
in these situations the problem is just the trolls but those who feed them ...
Posted by: Jimmy Legs at September 10, 2007 11:50 AM
I would like to see it become a monthly or bimonthly event, but only if people of color are allowed to participate.
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 11:51 AM
I can't believe that, Jimmy Legs. If that were true, why wouldn't Mr. B simply ban this *&^holes who are screwing up his site?
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 11:52 AM
And Amy is not only a real person, but the type of person who stands in the hot sun all day selling baked goods to raise $1000 for a PTA at a predominantly black school.
Posted by: Drew at September 10, 2007 11:57 AM
The troll is probably a hacker or something and able to outwit Mr B and his staff (and virtually everyone who reads this site, from the looks of it).
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 11:58 AM
Actually, in this case, the troll, or trolls, is able to use a different IP address every time he/she posts a comment, so he/she can't be blocked unless we completely eliminate "guest" comments, which, on balance, we don't think would be good for the flow of information on the site. This is another example of why people should log in and why when you're reading these threads you should give more weight to the comments in the darker font by people who have logged in. Anyone who was at the event knows that it was a very mixed crowd and that there was a great energy and spirit in the air. 'Nuf said.
Posted by: brownstoner at September 10, 2007 12:01 PM
It's a relief to hear you say that, Mr. B, since we know that your neutral and have nothing at stake in the matter. Thanks.
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 12:03 PM
Ummm...may I ask a question, please?
If the IP addresses are different every time, then on what basis can you attribute them all to a single party, or group of parties? If the IP addresses are really different everytime, then I'm inclined to think that there is not troll after all. The alternative would be a troll with access to an indefinite number of different computers, and it's hard to imagine what would account for that. Even if he/she/it had that many computers, he/she/it would not be able to use that many in real time.
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 12:07 PM
I thought the Fest was great; came late purchased doorknobs (only thing I was looking for so I was not disappointed)
I don't know about prices; I'm broke doing this renovation so everything seems expensive to me. The doorknobs ranged between $20 for crystal to $145 for ornate brass with all the fixings. But I bargined down my purchases so I feel like I did good.
I know Amy, she is not Bob Marvin, and has been a tremendous asset to PS 11
I believe the comments about race are simply there to anger and annoy to the amusement of the poster; but just in case an innocent wanders in and mistakes it for truth.... I am Black; I was there with other Black friends and neighbors and did not notice anyone at the wide open gate practicing exclusionary methods. And if the majority of people attending were white, so what.
Ohhh and Amy; Please give us an update on the reno; I am hooked on other folks pain and glory as I try to accomplish the same thing.
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 12:10 PM
I am Black, came to the Salvage Fest, and left because I was made to feel uncomfortable and unwelcome by a number of the people there. I don't know why I'm bothering to say this, though, since the next step will undoubtedly be to call me a troll, accuse me of imagining things, etc.
Whatever.
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 12:12 PM
Of course Mr. B isn't neutral--he has a point of view and makes no secret of it--nothing wrong with that--what would be the point of reading his blog [or ANY blog] if it were otherwise? Wouldn't it be BORING?
What I've NEVER seen here is any indication that Mr. B is ever operating in anything other than good faith.
Posted by: Bob Marvin at September 10, 2007 12:15 PM
A lot of MILF.
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 12:16 PM
Mom-I'd-like-to-fuck?
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 12:21 PM
Guest 12:07,
I'm not very computer savy, but a simple Google search on "spoofing IP addresses" produces aprox. 1,840,000 results, many of which, I'm sure, are familiar to our creepy but industrious "friend."
Posted by: Bob Marvin at September 10, 2007 12:22 PM
OK. Fine. You've convinced me. He's a freaking genius and this site is doomed.
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 12:38 PM
Bob's right-- I'm sure there are lots of ways to enter a site with different IP addresses. Many people access the web via systems that assign a different (hence the term "dynamic") address each time they log on.
Again, all props to the race-baiter(s), who are quite skillful at trying to inflame people here--just like the talented poets who scribble on bathroom walls--and whose come-ons should be ignored. Generally, I think all of us who live in FG/CH know and love the racial/economic makeup of the hood--bohemian, predominantly black, artsy, working-class, business-y, literary. A great mix. Best I've had in ANY hood inside or out of the city. A couple of anonymous ranters on a blog thread aren't worth the time o' day.
And as one of the neighborhood's gays, I'm pleased to say the crowd had its share of cute, scruffy, artsy boys. And I saw a couple of my people, there, too. Look out: we recruit!
Posted by: Rehab at September 10, 2007 12:41 PM
OK, 12:12- I'll bite. Exactly how were you "made to fee uncomfortable and unwelcome"? While I'm almost 100% certain you're either A) imagining it or B) Lying to start a frenzy I still (as a white resident of CH) have an interest in what exactly you think went down.
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 12:45 PM
12:45, I hope you receive absolutely zero replies to that. Your mind is obviously made up and you're simply itching to start something.
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 12:49 PM
Rehab, why don't you talk to Bob Marvin. He's into joining new clubs and I think you could broaden his horizons (among other things).
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 12:53 PM
Troll -- it's obvious you are a single person. And for some reason you are incredibly jealous of Brownstoner and have nothing better to do with your time than try to ruin his forum.
Sadly, you aren't even good at it, just really idiotic and granted, as annoying as a mosquito.
This was a public event, where everyone was welcome. There was no attempt to insure that some racial balance was achieved -- how silly can you get? No one at all was made to feel unwelcome, which is all that matters.
If you want to have some separate discussion about why an event like that may draw more whites than people of color, you should pose that question on the forum. But of course, you really could care less about such a discussion. You are only looking for something to hijack a post to further attempt to alleviate your jealousy of Brownstoner by turning people off of the site.
So, I hope from now on, when a post is as obviously troll-like as this person's was (10:07), let's just completely ignore him and he'll go away. Wait, I take it back, he'll probably answer his own posts as if he disagrees, but let's ignore that too.
What a pathetic person you are.
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 1:13 PM
Does anyone here doubt that 1:13 is the troll? I don't.
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 1:16 PM
12:53, I've never met Bob Marvin, but from his posts he appears to be intelligent and employed, and I know he has a wood-burning fireplace-- always a plus! But I already have someone to go antiqueing with... and I suspect he does, too. :)
Posted by: Rehab at September 10, 2007 1:17 PM
Maybe he swings both ways?
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 1:25 PM
Hey, 12:12pm, When I walked in the schoolyard the first group to greet me were the black schoolkids from PS 11. I stopped for an iced tea (man, I needed it in that heat), then moved on to the Olde Good Things stall to chat about recycled tin ceiling mirrors and wall plaques with -- guess what? -- two black guys. I guess I was at a different Salvage Fest to the one you attended.
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 1:28 PM
Contrary to several posts I've read here about the Salvage Fest, feedback was generally positive from those who attended. As someone who is black, was onsite from start to finish, and am a Brooklyn resident, I would say the turnout was reflective of the demographics of the surrounding area. I look forward to working the event next year. Thanks to everyone who attended for making it a success.
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 1:29 PM
In my very brief (and early) drop in, the Salvage Fest looked pretty good. I only looked at Moon River and the folks from Albany. I agree its pretty pathetic that Demo Depot only brought a book of photos, though I suspect for most dealers the event was as much about networking as making a sale that day. Still, I'd think you'd attract more browsers with stuff.
As for diversity, I saw a mixed though predominantly white crowd. I'd say the mix was about the same as that at the kid's playground next door, where I spent a lot more time. For what its worth...
Posted by: WBer at September 10, 2007 1:33 PM
Everyone I've talked to found the salvage fest disappointing. Several also remarked on the relatively 'pale' makeup of the crowd. What's going on?
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 1:42 PM
Thanks Rehab,but I actually DON'T have a WBFP. Once I did the research and found out how much had to be done to convert one of our six non-functioning gas fireplaces I decided that it was just too much. My wife and I still talk about having a new gas line run to one of the FPs, but we've never been able to agree on which one. [But I think any further discussion on that topic should be in the Forum]
Posted by: Bob Marvin at September 10, 2007 1:51 PM
Compare the number of comments on each thread currently active on Brownstoner. The troll is obviously the best thing that ever happened to this blog. I wouldn't be surprised if he's on Mr. B's payroll.
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 2:00 PM
Saying that something was up with the black/white ratio at the salvage fair would be similar to commenting on the lack of white people at the West Indian Day Parade.
It's ASININE.
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 2:31 PM
I couldn't agree more. I thought the same thing when someone noticed that no blacks belonged to my exclusive country club near Miami Beach. There's always some damned do-gooder looking to stir up trouble.
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 2:34 PM
It's more about class than race.
I mean $100+ for a doorknob? Can so many people afford to buy these things here? And saying they are broke and doing a reno? I doubt you know what its like to be actually broke.
Most of the people who can afford to burn money in that fashion moved here because they can flaunt and show they have more than the next person, which was becoming harder to do in Manhattan.
I'll bet majority of these people are wives of workers in the financial field, where it's not actual labor, but simply shuffling other people's money around and taking a cut off the top.
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 2:35 PM
Most of the people who frequent this site are pure scum. They don't care about the poor. They don't care about people of color. They don't care about anything other than lining their pockets keeping up with the Joneses.
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 2:46 PM
2:35 makes the most accurate comment. class is more defining than race in this case.
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 3:07 PM
Actually, I'd say it's 2:46 who makes the most accurate comment.
And besides, must we pretend to be so naive that we see no connection between race and class in our society?
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 3:11 PM
The sad thing is this is exactly what Brownstoner likes to see - every thread turning into a race issue. And yes, I have heard him speak about this like he is doing us all a favor.
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 3:31 PM
The problem with all these conversations is that it forces even the most rational person to make generalizations. That's prejudiced.
Most of the people who can afford to burn money in that fashion moved here because they can flaunt and show they have more than the next person, which was becoming harder to do in Manhattan.
MOST?
Most of the people who frequent this site are pure scum. They don't care about the poor. They don't care about people of color. They don't care about anything other than lining their pockets keeping up with the Joneses.
MOST?
Brownstoner likes to see - every thread turning into a race issue.
EVERY?
Sad.
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 4:25 PM
So next time bring your black friends.
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 4:27 PM
But then all the white people would stop coming.
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 4:29 PM
"The problem with all these conversations is that it forces even the most rational person to make generalizations."
All?
Here you are criticizing others for generalizing when in the same breath you're doing it yourself. Hypocrite.
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 4:30 PM
Did the event have ethnic, age, gender, sexual orientation, height, income or any other diversity problems in addition to there being a race problem?
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 4:33 PM
4:30- you got me. See. You're right I'm human with the same damn struggles.
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 4:35 PM
BTW it wasn't a criticism. It was an observation. I was addressing the problem of talking about large groups of people. I think that most people know that every person is different. If the original person who raised the point of race was not racist he or she could have seen the crowd as people who were interested in restoration. That was the common denominator. Instead he/she did a head count based on race. Why he/she didn't take a count of male/female, gay/straight... I don't know. I guess race is his/her struggle.
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 4:46 PM
Dumbest thread ever.
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 5:23 PM
Cmon, I'm black, and I'm sure there were some black and Hispanic and Asian and Middle Eastern folks there as well as some folks representing various classes. This is Brooklyn. Plus, who cares if the thing was "predominantly white?" So is my job! And why should black people consider whether or not the event is predominantly black before deciding to attend? That ain't going to stop me if I intend to go. And I was gonna go too, except I fell asleep on the sofa.
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 5:26 PM
what's with all the obnoxious, psuedo-intellectual posts about race and class? if you really have ideas about social change, get to it and stop wasting your time on a blog about buildings.
Posted by: Drew at September 10, 2007 6:03 PM
i have a great idea. lets everyone ignore any comment not relating to salvaged objects.
-----------------------------------------
i didn't attend (too hot and muggy)but i'd love to go to the next one. will this be a yearly, or a more frequent event?
ps this is my first posting. honest.
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 6:34 PM
what's with all the obnoxious, psuedo-intellectual posts about race and buildings?
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 6:48 PM
I went there, but left after just a few minutes because I'm apparently of the wrong skin color.
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 6:49 PM
When this blog first started, I was obsessed and visited it four or five times a day. Kept this up for a couple of years. Now it's down to around once a week. This just isn't a serious real estate blog anymore.
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 6:52 PM
I hate all of you assholes.
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 8:02 PM
CareBear think 8:02 needs a great big hug.
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 9:41 PM
ok - here's the truth - I'm black - but did not go to the Salvage Fest because the mosquitoes were out of control and bit half my body as I was moving into my newly purchased brownstone - which I must admit will be the envy of all (black, white, yellow and orange) - because it has ALLLLL the original details intact in the parlor floor. Bought it from a loving family that owned it and loved it for the past 50 years - Blessed!
Not only am I black, but I'm a capitalist that works on Wall St as well as a community activitist - simly did not have time to attend the Fest, as my family was focused on heriting and investing in our future home - and we didn't need no damn knobs!!
Moral of the story - we know what's going on - and we'd be there it we wanted to be there! We simply prioritized! There are no victims in this neck of the woods - and there ain't ever gonna be any over here! - 'dem there days are gone!
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 10:01 PM
party on everyone! we stopped in and the only issue i had was that it was outside in the HOT SUN!! it would have even worked better if everyone had tents ala olde goode things or whatever they're called. otherwise, a gymnasium with AC would have been nice for sure. also, it seemed like some of the vendors could have brought more things or something. but i was impressed by the variety of vendors, and from out of town too! this could easily be monthly or weekly like a green market or more directly the chelsea flea market, but you'd have to find a space to accomodate that kind of scheduling. and if it happened more often then i bet it would carry a strong vibe.
Posted by: guest at September 11, 2007 2:33 AM
As one of the vendors at Salvagefest, Silver Fox from Albany, I logged in to see the comments. Unfortunately, very little about salvage and to one commenter -- almost everything we brought was salvage. I saw very little salvage sold and more home decor. With salvage, fit is critical and we had many things people were interested in but just didn't have the correct dimensions. Perhaps next time. And there should be a next time. We certainly would come again. We loved the crowd and for a first time thought Brownstoner did a great job. One comment about the race issue. The dealers to the left and right of us and across from us were black and about 30% of our sales were from black customers(just an observation from an old East Bronx native). Hope to see you again. Fred
Posted by: guest at September 18, 2007 9:54 PM
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