Hello B!
After reading the post I thought I'd offer my opinion on this thread and your pieces. You know what they say about opinions...and I have one too dde0e.
I don't think anyone that has posted on any of your threads meant to be argumentative or condescending. They are simply posting their opinions of what you've posted. I've only been a member here for a few months and in that short time I've learned more from those guys than most books, online searches, etc. At first I was skeptical of who these online "strangers" are and what actual experience and knowledge they have. That skepticism was gone once I took the time to look through the threads of those regular posters, their finds, their observations and even more so the conversational threads between these experts. I'm not one to believe everything I see, so when someone posts something I'm inexperienced about, I research the subject, the artifact, etc. For example, the bar amulet posted recently with the great story of finding the two pieces years apart. I'd never heard of that type of amulet. So I researched, found they're in the same category as bird stones. Interesting read, learned a lot, but then I dig deeper...where have they been found, in what context and then I guess the different purposes as no one truly knows their purpose. I search google images for examples and so on.
If you take the time to research the folks who post here and other forums on the subject (I think it's funny everyone is so addicted to this pastime that almost everyone here are regulars on other sites too...we just can't get enough) you'll find your conversing with some of the most experienced collectors and experts in the field.
Go back and look at the years of information on this site and others. You'll find that they all mean well and many have learned their rocks are just that...rocks. Some take the opinions as an insult because its so easy to misread someone's intentions on the Internet. It's impossible to convey emotion in a forum, email, etc. Some like me realize those rocks are probably rocks. But I'm still new enough to keep some of those rocks because the shadow of doubt is there. I imagine you stop collecting everything after you run out of room for the rocks...and some of these guys have 20-40 years of experience. I've also researched artifact shows, conventions, etc....these same guys are there with people coming far and wide to show their pieces and get opinions from these guys. They're not just strangers and the majority of these guys are true experts on the subject.
In short you can learn a lot from these folks...but insulting and being argumentative won't help you get further advice. Sure, sometimes someone will be wrong with their opinion of your finds. But they're human and no one is perfect. Keep in mind no one is holding the piece in question, and looking at pics...us newbies are also not good at taking pics (you can even learn a lot about what angles, lighting, etc work the best when showing finds).
Keep the ones you believe to be "something". I do. Others here like NC Field hunter have an amazing collection but still have a shadow of doubt and put them aside for later. There's no harm in that. But currently there is no archeology evidence or documented proof that what you have were manipulated by man. Despite your belief there aren't great artifacts in your area, other members here have posted proof you're mistaken. Look at the posts from your area and you'll see some great examples. Study the type of flints, cherts and crystalline material found most in your area and learn to spot the material. Quartz is a very common material found in your area and wow...some of what I've seen from nc are amazing!
I'm not being mean or trying to spark a argument. I promise...that's not how this hillbilly rolls. I was new here, still am. At first I thought some folks were rude in their short "it's a rock" posts. But after getting to "know" them better by researching them I found a different story. They are here to converse and share with their peers and some are more helpful with us newbies....but how much fun is it to post something this long (sorry I know I'm going on and on here) about why they think its a rock and then review posts to ensure they're not coming across rude because so many don't want to hear its just a rock. Once you research and see how many of us post rocks you'll realize no one would help us if they had to take this kind of time to help. I know I'm too busy to do it so I can't expect them to.
If you can keep an open mind, take some posts with a grain of salt and have sense enough to question everything, research yourself and realize that can learn a lot this site than by all means stick around. I promise no one comes here to argue, intentionally be negative, etc. We all love this pastime, love sharing it, love learning and are happy to find so many others who share our passion. Archeology is a constantly changing field, history has been rewritten so many times and will continue to be rewritten as we find new evidence over time. Take clovis first vs. pre clovis for example...we are in the midst of a split that could rewrite it in our lifetime.
Anyhow....some of us have to work so I better get my long winded arse off here and get to it.
Have a great day! Nice to "meet ya" and I look forward to watching you "grow up" here with me....lots to learn man...lots to learn.
Yours truly,
Brandiwine-O
