Original Manuscript of Auld Lang Syne

[Cynthia]

Saw this come through my Twitter feed and thought it was interesting:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ukne...t-auction.html

[McFarkus]

When I saw an estimate of 50,000 GBP as an auction estimate for the manuscript, I thought, "Wow! that's pretty low, considering the interest in Burns for the 250th anniversary of his birth. But I understood it upon reading that the high bidder doesn't get to take it home, but will be recognized on a plaque next to the song in a museum. In fact, it might be a tad high.

[Iolaus]

Wow! What a scam!!

[ghostlight]

I'm so confused.

[macwilkin]

Wow! What a scam!!

How is it a scam? People donate money to museums all the time for conservation & preservation of national artifacts. This is an important part of Scotland's history worth conserving.

For example, the Iowa State Historical Society allows individuals and groups to "adopt" a Civil War regimental flag from their collection in order to raise funds for preservation work. If I had the money, you'd bet I'd adopt one of the flags from my g-g-grandfather's regiment.

Todd

[Iolaus]

How is it a scam? People donate money to museums all the time for conservation & preservation of national artifacts. This is an important part of Scotland's history worth conserving.

For example, the Iowa State Historical Society allows individuals and groups to "adopt" a Civil War regimental flag from their collection in order to raise funds for preservation work. If I had the money, you'd bet I'd adopt one of the flags from my g-g-grandfather's regiment.

Todd

$82,580? ...just to put your name next to it?

That's insane.

[ghostlight]

I agree, Todd. The cause is a worthy one.

The Telegraph's choice of headlining, however, is a little deceptive as it leads the reader to believe that the document itself is for sale.

[macwilkin]

$82,580? ...just to put your name next to it?

That's insane.

You're missing the point. The money goes to preserve the manuscript, a manuscript of one of the world's best-known and well-beloved songs, written by Scotland's greatest poet and some say, her greatest man. The money also goes to help with the museum to Burns and his works.

If I were given the credit of help preserve an artifact of Burns for future generations, then yes, I would just to put my name next to it, and proudly.

T.

[Bigkahuna]

I couldn't agree with you more Todd.

[KFCarter]

If I were given the credit of help preserve an artifact of Burns for future generations, then yes, I would just to put my name next to it, and proudly.

T.

Thank you for that sentiment, Todd!

The survival of many non-profit missions in preservation and the arts depend on people who share those feelings.

Ken