How do I get lots of money for my "Cane Toad Times" collection?

September 25, 2007 7:37 AM

I have a complete collection (I think) of the 80's satirical magazine "The Cane Toad Times" published in Brisbane, Australia, which I treasure but would willingly give up for large amounts of cash. Where would I go to find the big moolah? (Ebay doesn't seem to treasure it as much as I'm sure fanatical collectors would.)

My googling is hopeless and it could well be that no-one but me thinks that a chronicle of Queensland during the wonder (and declining) years of Joh Bjelke-Petersen is a fantastic thing, but I'm sure I've heard of it being worth something. Please help!

posted by h00py to media & arts (8 comments total)

If there are online forums, communities, newsgroups, etc. dedicated to 'The Cane Toad Times,' or Brisbane/Queensland, or Joh Bjelke-Petersen, you might try making a post in them.

The bad news, though, is that most-but-not-all fanatical collectors are already checking eBay, and that your magazines might not be worth as much as you'd like.
posted by box at 7:57 AM on September 25, 2007

I suspected as much but thought it was worth a shot.. I suppose the main gist of my question is how does one find such online forums communities, newsgroups etc, considering my googling skills are (apparently) crap?
posted by h00py at 8:04 AM on September 25, 2007

Add extra , where appropriate.
posted by h00py at 8:05 AM on September 25, 2007

And in fact, to be ultra-annoying by following up to my own question three times, I did a search on ebay for the title and came up with nothing and as I don't have a scanner or a credit card or a paypal account or even any kind of idea as to an approximate guess of what the collection would be worth I haven't put my collection up on Ebay. I thought that perhaps the lovely, exciting and very knowledgeable people who inhabit the green could give me a small clue.. I've seen so many examples of obscure things being worth shiteloads on shows like 'Antique Roadshow' and even in the mainstream media where someone's copy of such-and-such was sought throughout the globe that I guess I've been seduced by the idea of actually having a collectable.
posted by h00py at 8:29 AM on September 25, 2007

following up *on*, jaysus this is getting embarrassing.
posted by h00py at 8:30 AM on September 25, 2007

You might be better going local... do you live in Brisbane? Does 4zzz have classified adverts for subscribers? Or have you tried the anarchist bookshop in West End (can't remember what it's called).
posted by 8k at 10:05 AM on September 25, 2007

Great Google-y moogley.

Looks like copies of the first issue are still being sold at $ 35.

You might pay particular attention to the fourth link on the page above ... perhaps there will be an answer to your question there.
posted by yohko at 8:33 PM on September 25, 2007

Wow, I remember the Cane Toad Times!

You could try asking at Bent Books in West End or The Archives in Elizabeth St- they might be interested, or if not, have some contacts.

Perhaps someone at UQ, maybe in the Fryer Library, or at the State Library, might be able to give you an idea of their worth?

Also, there was an exhibition at the Museum of Brisbane about that very era just last year. Maybe give them a call and ask for a word with the curator.
posted by t0astie at 2:40 AM on September 26, 2007