8mm Forum: Whatever happened to Austin Holcomb?

This is topic Whatever happened to Austin Holcomb? in forum General Yak at 8mm Forum.

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Posted by Tony Stucchio (Member # 519) on January 11, 2013, 04:57 PM:

Did he finally realize the jig was up?

Posted by Christian Bjorgen (Member # 1780) on January 11, 2013, 05:04 PM:

Seeing as his user, and all his threads/posts, have been deleted. I'd think so yes.

Posted by Vidar Olavesen (Member # 3354) on January 11, 2013, 05:09 PM:

What did he do? Before my time here I guess

Posted by Bill Phelps (Member # 1431) on January 11, 2013, 05:13 PM:

[Confused]

His posts are not erased.

Bill [Confused]

Posted by Greg Marshall (Member # 1268) on January 11, 2013, 05:37 PM:

Splain, Lucy, splain..... what happened?

Posted by Gerald Santana (Member # 2362) on January 11, 2013, 06:06 PM:

Austin is a real kid. He bought films from me and paid with his mothers account. He also sold film and posted pictures with his collection. I thought it was obvious he wasn't kidding, just asking a lot of questions...as all children do.

Greg, a kid named Austin Holcomb came onto the forum curious about film and projectors. Obviously he couldn't afford top prices for classic films but, it was upsetting to see others berate him and call him unnecessary names under assumptions.

Anyway, he's probably out there, back in school. We might hear from him during the summer, once school is out.

Posted by Hugh Thompson Scott (Member # 2922) on January 11, 2013, 06:10 PM:

I've just put his name to "metal mickey" and no joy,has the lad
seen the light or done something sensible like turned to drink.
I'll miss the lad, he was very enthusiastic,but his education is
more important than film.

Posted by Zechariah Sporre (Member # 2358) on January 11, 2013, 07:09 PM:

It's kind of funny I was just thinking about a week ago that he hadn't posted anything on here for a long time.

Posted by Tony Stucchio (Member # 519) on January 11, 2013, 07:13 PM:

quote:
Austin is a real kid. He bought films from me and paid with his mothers account.

Oh OK, I was wondering if he really was a kid or not. I was really convinced he was someone having a laugh. But since you have proof, that's another matter. I support kids getting into the hobby. Wonder why his account was deleted. His posts are still around.

Posted by Hugh Thompson Scott (Member # 2922) on January 11, 2013, 07:26 PM:

What struck me with the lad was that he wanted to be a part of
the forum,but he would buy films just for the sake of having it
a short time, then it was up for sale, his Mum must have wondered what was going on.The main thing is, as long as he's safe and okay
that's the important bit.Another missing person,what happened to Akshay, he's not posted for a while.

Posted by John Capazzo (Member # 157) on January 11, 2013, 07:37 PM:

I've sent Austin a free Castle horror film a year ago (Or late 2011) and he was much obliged. He then asked me if I'd drop the price of my Mountain feature King Kong from $100.00 to 30.00. I pretended to put my hand on his shoulder and say, "no chance, son".

Posted by Steve Klare (Member # 12) on January 11, 2013, 07:44 PM:

He had to be a kid: nobody with a high school diploma could fake "kidspeak" like his!

Posted by Gerald Santana (Member # 2362) on January 11, 2013, 07:47 PM:

The last post he made was back in October, he sold a horror film that went for about $100. Maybe he finally found King Kong or better, a girlfriend? [Wink]

I just sent him a PM and found his member profile here:

http://8mmforum.film-tech.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_profile;u=00002507

I think it's still active.

Posted by Pasquale DAlessio (Member # 2052) on January 11, 2013, 07:50 PM:

I had and old Bell & Howell sound projector that worked and sent it to him free just to get him going. He was so thrilled and appreciative. He had a real interest in the hobby. I hope he comes back. I liked his enthusiasum.

[ January 12, 2013, 10:25 AM: Message edited by: Pasquale DAlessio ]

Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on January 11, 2013, 08:31 PM:

Austin posted a couple of photos of his projector, screen and films in "Your Screening Room Pictures".

I hope he is alright, as I think its really neat that someone his age can find an interest is all this stuff.

Graham.

Posted by Douglas Meltzer (Member # 28) on January 11, 2013, 10:21 PM:

Austin's most recent post was on October 15th, 2012. His membership is still active and none of his posts have been deleted. I hope he's well and that we'll hear from him soon.

Doug

Posted by Joe Balitzki (Member # 438) on January 11, 2013, 11:30 PM:

I think he will eventually resurface. But besides school, perhaps he is working as well. If so, he may use some of his earnings to become active in the hobby again. I think that his parents have likely stopped financing his hobby. They are probably having to tighten their budget as the company his father works for was not doing well. Akshay is likely in the same situation as he wasn't sure in the New Year how his financial situation would be. I believe that was related to his job as well. Both will likely resurface even if its to liquidate what they have. I feel they are holding onto what they have till they are able to pursue the hobby again.

Posted by Laksmi Breathwaite (Member # 2320) on January 12, 2013, 12:04 AM:

Hey I loved Austin he would email me and ask me if I would sell him some Superman Cartoons. And asked me many questions about collecting I wanted to send him a extra film but never did. I guess he is back in school and we will hear from him soon. Akshay and I had some great talks and emails. He wanted to buy or trade films all the time. What did happen to him? Anyway I guess Vidar replaced them for now. But he told me he is going blind and may not have his sight for to much longer? So he may be the next to go??? I hope he is not upset I let the cat out of the bag.

Posted by Hugh Thompson Scott (Member # 2922) on January 12, 2013, 05:43 AM:

Laksmi, that is the worst news I've heard in a long time, in fact I
had to re read the post.Are you sure that nothing can be done for
his sight,if it's something like Glaucoma, there are various drugs
that can benefit.That is indeed a tragedy, I know Akshay was training to be a doctor, and this must be heartbreaking for his Family as well. I just thought it strange that he'd been off the
forum for a while, but I never expected such sad news as this.
I'm sure that I speak for many forum members in hoping that
something can be done.

Posted by Christian Bjorgen (Member # 1780) on January 12, 2013, 09:20 AM:

That is quite tragic indeed, specially at such a young age! I know what it's like to have diseases and such looming around the corner, I am in a Parkinsons risk group and have occasional symptons (mild ones, luckily).

Posted by Larry Arpin (Member # 744) on January 12, 2013, 10:29 AM:

Are you saying Akshay is going blind? I bought/traded from him and had a few conversations with him. He even called just to thank me for the film he got. What a nice guy for something like this to happen.

Posted by Winbert Hutahaean (Member # 58) on January 12, 2013, 10:55 AM:

Hi guys, Akshay is not a Doctor as "calling Doctor Howser, calling Doctor Howser"...no he is a PhD candidate. On what subject?, I don't know.

But I just exchanged emails with him a couple days ago about sending my films from his place and I just received those films. He is doing fine but busy with his PhD program which he expects to be done in this April/May and promise to comeback to the forum after that.

For Austin, he is 13 (thirteen not THIRTY) years old in 2011. So you guys can see that even today he should not be allowed to open a bank account (or work).

This is one of his first posts and you can see his enthusiasm:

recording a movie to watch on 8mm

He is a kid like other kids that think he can do whatever he sees. Also he thinks he can trade everything with his own stuffs. My sons do this for trading cookies, toys, TV channel selection, etc. And once he offered ATARI games for a projector. I NEVER made a laugh of it because I NEVER made a laugh to my kids too. Did you?

So I treat him like other kids. All kids are the future of our lives and surely for our hobbies too, and if he has that high enthusiasm, it is a benefit for the old crack who are always saying "let's buy CAPTAIN AMERICA so this hobby may alive longer".

But unfortunatelly some members here did not take this seriously but in fact make a joke on him.

looking for a not so good-bad print of king kong

As in the above post, I rather re-write again the result of my investigation upon the curiosity of some members to him here:

quote:
... [a name] there is a google where you can trace who is Austin and I did it (like Alan did above) and I could find that beside films, Austin also loves to collect games (SNES, Sega, etc). I found it in several forums.

This is consistent with what he has expressed in this forum, plus also his 13 yo age. I can PM you the link if you need it.

Now in the other thread we discuss about to preserve this hobby by releasing new materials, but before doing this fantastic move (who say it is easy to spend $225 for a 34 minutes show?), have you done an easy job by respecting new bloods?

I never get tired to write a long answer email for questions from new members (newbies) about this hobby although the questions are sometimes too simple. Yes, because that does not cost anything, and I don't have $225 to spend on a film too.

My 2 cents,

Posted by Hugh Thompson Scott (Member # 2922) on January 12, 2013, 11:44 AM:

I don't want to contradict Winbert, but I'm sure Akshay said he was studying something medical, not that it matters, I just wish
him well and hope he's going to be okay.

Posted by Greg Marshall (Member # 1268) on January 12, 2013, 12:36 PM:

I remember Austin.... I think he may have bought a trailer or caroon from me, here and there.

Posted by Joe Balitzki (Member # 438) on January 12, 2013, 05:42 PM:

I am partially correct in that finances come into the picture in both cases. With Austin, his parents have to draw the line somewhere to manage expenses. The family has 3 children and the father had to relocate due to the company he works for. I know this because we were going to meet when the family was here on a business trip. That did not pan out however simply because they were in North Charleston and I am in Charleston. Two different cities though they are adjacent to each other. He really cannot afford the Hobby but in time when things improve I believe he will return. Akshay's finances certainly do come into play when one considers the cost of medical care plus the cost of college. I speak from experience having to live at a low income level which fortunately provides me with the medical coverage that I need. I am sure we will hear from them both again and I wish them well.

Posted by Laksmi Breathwaite (Member # 2320) on January 12, 2013, 07:33 PM:

Hugh I meant Vidar Olavesen not Akshay I have not heard anything from Ak? It is Vidar I was talking about.

Posted by Hugh Thompson Scott (Member # 2922) on January 13, 2013, 05:01 AM:

Laksmi, in your post,you said you had many talks and emails from
Akshay who traded films all the time and you didn't know what had become of him,but you guessed that Vidar had replaced them for now, but he was going blind and may not have his sight for much longer,The implication that it was Akshay that was losing his sight,you never mentioned speaking with Vidar, so leaving anyone
reading that posting that Akshay was the injured party.
Are you sure it was Vidar,which is tragic also.

Posted by Vidar Olavesen (Member # 3354) on January 13, 2013, 05:19 AM:

It is me, yes, but I do hope to be around for some 5-10 years. I am selling off my video game collection for collecting Super 8 and 16mm instead. It's caused by diabetes, and it's too long gone, but I can try to keep it at bay for as long as possible. If I have 10 years, that would be a decent time to get some movies watched. Hopefully I will get all my video games sold, I'd be able to go wild with reels and projectors (still wanting a GS-1200)

I hope to be bugging you guys for a few more years

Laksmi, no problem, I am very open about everything, so no worries, can tell anything as long as it's true

If anyone's interested in games, have a look : http://pokeysoft.no/games/

It's some 50.000 to 70.000 dollars worth of systems and games

Posted by Douglas Meltzer (Member # 28) on January 13, 2013, 10:32 AM:

Vidar,

I hope you'll be posting here for many, many years to come.

Doug

Posted by Vidar Olavesen (Member # 3354) on January 13, 2013, 10:39 AM:

Thank you, very kind ... I hope to get as much as possible out of the time I am able to view movies. I did (do) love video games too, but it's just priority in reels now. I am more relaxed with watching movies than playing games.

I hope to be able to contribute a bit too when I know enough, so I don't just take advice, but being new, that's the way I have to learn. I'll hang on for as long as possible and I will get my wife to post here if something happens, I don't want the reels to be thrown or something.

Appreciate the concern, makes a big difference to me

Thanks again

Posted by Hugh Thompson Scott (Member # 2922) on January 13, 2013, 11:34 AM:

Vidar, I am most sorry to learn of your predicament, and if there
is any way that I, and I'm sure other members may in any way
be of assistance, you must let us know.A terrible thing to be sure
and one that must take tremendous courage to adjust to.I hope,
to echo Dougs words, that you'll be here on this forum for many years to come.

Posted by Akshay Nanjangud (Member # 2828) on June 21, 2013, 11:07 PM:

What a thread! A forum member just made me aware of this thread.

Since there has been so much concern, I will clear the air a little. I went off the forum as I was nearing the completion of my Ph.D. in Engineering. I haven't had any vision problems, lucky me. Anyway, it was time to complete that dissertation, edit those research papers and find a job. With all these done, I am back. In August I will be moving to Dallas. Until then I am watching the films I already own, making some purchases, trades, etc.. Let us see how busy the job will be, it is my first job ever. Will I have time for screenings? The onus of securing a future lies in the coming years. Any advice? Invest in stocks, homes? Or just invest in every 'Star Wars' print out there? [Big Grin]

Posted by Bill Phelps (Member # 1431) on June 22, 2013, 04:48 PM:

Hello Akshay!

Actually, investing in the STAR WARS prints may turn out to be a good investment! They get good returns!

Bill [Smile]

P.S. Austin is back selling films!

Posted by Winbert Hutahaean (Member # 58) on June 22, 2013, 04:59 PM:

I have never been thinking that buying films as an investment. I will get dissapointed if that does not happen. This is a collecting hobby.

Posted by David Ollerearnshaw (Member # 3296) on June 22, 2013, 05:23 PM:

Good luck in your first job. My first got me money to buy ELMO ST1200 and a few films, but hired loads in the mid 70's to mid 80's. Now self employed harder to get work, but more happy.

My dream a real ale pub with a cinema. [Big Grin]

Posted by Akshay Nanjangud (Member # 2828) on June 22, 2013, 06:27 PM:

My first paycheck will go likely go towards clearing loans from relocation expenses. Perhaps subsequent paychecks will leave more room for films.

This brings me to another question. Most members are older than I am. Can I ask for some advice on sustaining the hobby through my 30's, 40's, 50's and beyond? Honestly, I have been into the hobby for two years now and I was in absentia for a year! I feel time to project full-features is going to be a big issue in the coming years, and I am a full-features kinda guy. Should I start collecting shorts and digests? If some members could recount their collecting experiences over their lifetimes, it'd be nice to read. What were the challenges? How did the collecting affect family, friendships, etc.?

Posted by Bill Phelps (Member # 1431) on June 22, 2013, 07:02 PM:

Winbert...tongue in cheek...my comment was lighthearted not serious...

Bill [Smile]

Posted by Winbert Hutahaean (Member # 58) on June 22, 2013, 07:48 PM:

Got it Bill... [Wink]

Posted by Adrian Winchester (Member # 248) on June 22, 2013, 10:20 PM:

Akshay - good luck but to be honest, I think it's a bit optimistic to ask "If some members could recount their collecting experiences over their lifetimes." I'm not speaking for everyone, but if I could actually find the time to do that, I'd probably need to get out more! Also, your chances of a reply are reduced by the question appearing in a thread titled "Whatever happened to Austin Holcomb?"

Posted by Akshay Nanjangud (Member # 2828) on June 22, 2013, 10:53 PM:

Adrian, you are right. I am not expecting much of a response. The scope of the question I ask is as large as the image from 70mm film. If I was expecting serious replies, I'd have started a special thread.

Posted by Larry Arpin (Member # 744) on June 23, 2013, 12:06 AM:

Akshay I am so glad you are back. My brother is an engineer and is in the process of retiring and he says he will only take a job if it is worth it. He has worked all over from JPL to Hughes Helicopter and many more. He works mostly on planes.

Regarding watching films such as features I will sometimes only watch one or two reels at a time when my time is limited. Then I will look forward to the next reels with anticipation. That way it seems more fun than forcing your time to fit in a whole feature. There are some digests I enjoy watching and of course my Tom & Jerrys get a lot of screen time. But that all depends on you. The 3D digests are a lot of fun as long as you get a decent print such as a SP print where it hasn't faded and doesn't lose the effect.

I'm just glad you are back and good luck in your job.

Posted by Akshay Nanjangud (Member # 2828) on June 23, 2013, 12:43 AM:

Larry, your brother-in-law may be in a field related to mine. My Ph.D. is on control systems design, it should make sense to your b-i-l. I envy him, working at those cool places.

Watching a couple of reels a night is an idea my wife and I have discussed. Most likely, we will do this with 'Gone With The Wind'. Acquiring cartoons is definitely on my mind. I am also looking for some digests of features we have already watched, 'Taxi Driver' is a great one because the full-feature doesn't exist on Super 8. Let's see how things pan out.

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