Pin Savers

[JonoBN41]

Originally Posted by OTW

People collect stuff and sell/trade them all the time. I don't see the difference.

Neither do I.

[CutiePie2000]

Why would people buy them? If not collectors, then the only other reasons I can think of is:
a) to wear (or give to another to wear) in order to intentionally misrepresent themselves (i.e. "perp") as an initated member of that org
b) to give to another person to wear who became a member of that org and they need a pin
c) they didn't get a bid, so they bought the pin to wear in private and live out their "I'm a Beta" or "I'm a FIJI" <insert whatever GLO name here> fantasies in the privacy of their own bedroom.

I'm with you OTW: "With all the $$$ members are spending on these items -- it'd be nice to see that money going to philanthropy or donated to Foundation instead".

Originally Posted by CutiePie2000

Why would people buy them? If not collectors, then the only other reasons I can think of is:
a) to wear (or give to another to wear) in order to intentionally misrepresent themselves (i.e. "perp") as an initated member of that org
b) to give to another person to wear who became a member of that org and they need a pin
c) they didn't get a bid, so they bought the pin to wear in private and live out their "I'm a Beta" or "I'm a FIJI" <insert whatever GLO name here> fantasies in the privacy of their own bedroom.

I'm with you OTW: "With all the $$$ members are spending on these items -- it'd be nice to see that money going to philanthropy or donated to Foundation instead".

With all due respect to members who do have the means to rescue badges off the internet, I don't think I'd be okay knowing that my $$$ went to purchase something that'll sit in my jewelry box/IHQ archives for years to come.

[CutiePie2000]

Originally Posted by OTW

With all due respect to members who do have the means to rescue badges off the internet, I don't think I'd be okay knowing that my $$$ went to purchase something that'll sit in my jewelry box/IHQ archives for years to come.

Yes, I prefer to see money used in "active ways": scholarships for education, buildings built to be used for the betterment of a community (have sports/programming/music/the arts inside), funds for programs for kids / disadvantaged people, etc.

[ISUKappa]

Generally, the badge rescue groups are constantly searching and know fairly quickly when a badge is put on eBay or other sites.

I understand the money argument, but don't necessarily agree with it. The most prolific rescue-ers are also some of the most devoted volunteers within the organization who have already donated thousands to our Foundation. They simply view this as another way they can actively support the Fraternity.