Hi all,
I consider myself a novice collector - student of Nihonto. That said, there has been a great deal of advice I have received on this board that is quite sound. My current library as it relates to this particular passion is becoming rather extensive, and having the reference information at my finger tips has proved to be invaluable. When I tack down a hard to find book, I tend to get fairly excited. I study the blades and fittings I have, and am fortunate enough to have access to some incredibly knowledgeable people, willing to exercise the patience needed to aid in my education.
If we are looking to attract new people to the collecting pool, I think one of the things needed is to make it as friendly and receptive as possible. As with anything rare and collectible, the risk of conveying an attitude that is rather effete is very real. Like I tell my kids, its not always what you say, but how you say it. Being conscious in terms of how behavior effects others can often time either attract or repel them. While I wont go quite as far as to fully agree with the old adage "There are no stupid questions, only stupid answers" the general concept is one that warrants some thought. This should be viewed as teaching and educating as much as collecting, and this requires patience and a smile more often than the rolling of eyes and shaking of heads.
Cheers,
Sam