Anyone else feel the same way?

[iwantitiwinit]

Since this alteration/trimming/fraud scandal broke in late May I have totally lost interest in collecting. I used to look forward to taking an hour or two each day to look at the major auction offerings, ebay listing of t206's, net 54 bst, etc. This fiasco has just ruined it for me. I haven't purchased a card in 2 months. I still visit this site but not nearly as much, I simply don't care much if at all anymore. I think I'll just focus on golf from now on. Anyone else feel the same?

[Johnny630]

Yes exactly the same...I sold 90% of my stuff.....put the big stuff away and will just enjoy the people I’ve met over the years...may great experiences and fun times the hobby brought me in the past....that’s what I’ll remember and cherish not so much the cards.

[Promethius88]

No

[Rhotchkiss]

Originally Posted by Promethius88

No

+1

However, I have lost all interest in/for PWCC and anything ever sold by them (as can be determined thanks, to among other things, VCP)

[TanksAndSpartans]

Yes. Lost enthusiasm for cards, haven't bought one since this broke. Not ready to sell yet although I have thought about it.

[darwinbulldog]

I wouldn't say I've lost all interest, but it's definitely waned. There were two snipes I set in the past week, on GavelSnipe as fate would have it, so they weren't executed anyway. I used to set about 25 snipes just for the PWCC auctions.

[ullmandds]

I had really slowed down in my purchasing the last few years as my focus is pretty narrow these days. I have been casually checking out Auctions the last few years but have not been terribly aggressive in anyway.

But I totally feel the same way! To me the essence of the hobby has been forever bastardised.

So I have returned to my childhood collecting Ways...I now have a binder of Yankees and a binder of Hall of Famer‘s. Im happy!

[Peter_Spaeth]

While I wait I am working on expanding my 80s and 90s rookies down to the next level of not quite good enough for the Hall lol. Not too worried on these purchases. Rolen (well maybe some day), Edmonds, Cone, players of that ilk.

I haven't lost enthusiasm for cards yet. But my hatred of the fraudsters, and honestly to some extent my bad feelings towards some of the people who defended them for years, have if anything grown.

I still think one can separate cards from the fraudsters, though it's not easy.

[MULLINS5]

Opposite for me. Since the scandal I've ditched graded, gone raw, and have a lot more fun (and money). Bought a bunch of unikeep binders and pages.

[todeen]

Originally Posted by MULLINS5

Opposite for me. Since the scandal I've ditched graded, gone raw, and have a lot more fun (and money). Bought a bunch of unikeep binders and pages.

I never got into graded cards. Bought raw, still by raw. I did kind of follow authenticated autographs. But for 10 years I have heard that fraud is rampant in this sector. I followed the hall of shame blog. Best advice has always been buy from your trusted local dealer. So the news to me hasn't been earth shattering.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[frankbmd]

The name of this is thread could appropriately changed to

ENNUI?

Starting to downsize in preparation for my RIP condolence thread, but don’t get your hopes up. I may be around for twenty more years.

[jammin0511]

Although I'm certainly upset with all of the scandalous activity that is being exposed in the hobby, I am what you might consider a "low end" collector; most of the cards I'm after are not really worth altering. For the most part, I actively avoid graded cards in general, let alone "gem mint" cards, so my collecting habits are essentially unaffected. However, the high end cards that I have always drooled over but could never afford seem much less appealing now. I'm sure if I was, shall we say, of higher economic status, my collection would be much different and my outlook on the hobby would be greatly affected.

[egri]

I've become a lot more cautious, (Earlier this year I passed on a card I needed for my project because it was authenticated by JSA. When other collectors I asked didn't feel comfortable with it, I let it go.) but I am still very involved and still check here/eBay/Mickey's/SCN frequently for new listings.

[Exhibitman]

Originally Posted by jammin0511

Although I'm certainly upset with all of the scandalous activity that is being exposed in the hobby, I am what you might consider a "low end" collector; most of the cards I'm after are not really worth altering. For the most part, I actively avoid graded cards in general, let alone "gem mint" cards, so my collecting habits are essentially unaffected. However, the high end cards that I have always drooled over but could never afford seem much less appealing now. I'm sure if I was, shall we say, of higher economic status, my collection would be much different and my outlook on the hobby would be greatly affected.

+1. My enthusiasm for the way I collect has not dampened; if anything I feel vindicated, like I instinctively chose the right path. I still collect like a twelve year old me when it comes to older cards: perfectly happy with stuff from the dollar box (aka low grade cards) because I get to have more of them and they can be in my easily-enjoyed binders instead of in boxes of slabs. The vast majority of my slabbed cards are those I submitted myself, so no doubts about them. I am very much looking forward to the National.

[bnorth]

I haven't really changed much but my focus. I have been on a Wade Boggs bat kick for a while now thanks to Sean(JoeDfan). Also got into Eddie Mathews because Sean and I teamed up on a group of bats and I got the Eddie Mathews. Then I realized how great he was as a player so been adding some of his cards to my hoard.

Really need to greatly reduce the insane size of my collection that I have accumulated over the last 35 years. I am a hoarder and a procrastinator so not much has changed there.

Since day one I have considered PSA a scam. I have avoided PWCC and several other scammers for years. So this latest little bump in the road has had little to no affect on me or my collecting at all.

[vintagetoppsguy]

Originally Posted by iwantitiwinit

Since this alteration/trimming/fraud scandal broke in late May I have totally lost interest in collecting. I used to look forward to taking an hour or two each day to look at the major auction offerings, ebay listing of t206's, net 54 bst, etc. This fiasco has just ruined it for me. I haven't purchased a card in 2 months. I still visit this site but not nearly as much, I simply don't care much if at all anymore. I think I'll just focus on golf from now on. Anyone else feel the same?

Yes! I don't think I've bought a card since then either.
In fact, I've sold off a lot of duplicates. I'm finding other areas to put my money. I'll probably come back to collecting, but I'm going to take a long break.

[Stampsfan]

Originally Posted by iwantitiwinit

Since this alteration/trimming/fraud scandal broke in late May I have totally lost interest in collecting. I used to look forward to taking an hour or two each day to look at the major auction offerings, ebay listing of t206's, net 54 bst, etc. This fiasco has just ruined it for me. I haven't purchased a card in 2 months. I still visit this site but not nearly as much, I simply don't care much if at all anymore. I think I'll just focus on golf from now on. Anyone else feel the same?

Unfortunately I feel exactly the same way. I bought one $30 card on a stink bid last week and that was the first purchase since this whole scandal broke. I do not go onto eBay on a (virtually) daily basis any longer; perhaps once per week.

I too am thinking more and more about golf, and have used some funds to upgrade a few clubs for my wife and I. It saddens me somewhat, but it is a little liberating in a funny way.

[Gradedcardman]

I am more disenchanted with the people than the scandals. I have found most of the “high level” collectors to be pretty petty and selfish. Typical I suppose in all the hobbies. Nonetheless my days doing this are numbered but trying to hang on.

[Fuddjcal]

Originally Posted by iwantitiwinit

Since this alteration/trimming/fraud scandal broke in late May I have totally lost interest in collecting. I used to look forward to taking an hour or two each day to look at the major auction offerings, ebay listing of t206's, net 54 bst, etc. This fiasco has just ruined it for me. I haven't purchased a card in 2 months. I still visit this site but not nearly as much, I simply don't care much if at all anymore. I think I'll just focus on golf from now on. Anyone else feel the same?

As someone I respect and have traded with, you hit the nail on the head for me as well.

I look at raw cards if any. I have purchased less than $100 after it all hit me what's been going on. I replaced fake cards with money clips.

I have been on a mission. I've picked up a few fake 14k gold coin money clips the past month. Just as bad as baseballs cards as an investment. I'm sick sick sick, but you already knew that.

[OldEnglishD]

Originally Posted by iwantitiwinit

Since this alteration/trimming/fraud scandal broke in late May I have totally lost interest in collecting. I used to look forward to taking an hour or two each day to look at the major auction offerings, ebay listing of t206's, net 54 bst, etc. This fiasco has just ruined it for me. I haven't purchased a card in 2 months. I still visit this site but not nearly as much, I simply don't care much if at all anymore. I think I'll just focus on golf from now on. Anyone else feel the same?

I feel the same, except for the golf

I'll be fishing.

[Snapolit1]

Originally Posted by iwantitiwinit

Since this alteration/trimming/fraud scandal broke in late May I have totally lost interest in collecting. I used to look forward to taking an hour or two each day to look at the major auction offerings, ebay listing of t206's, net 54 bst, etc. This fiasco has just ruined it for me. I haven't purchased a card in 2 months. I still visit this site but not nearly as much, I simply don't care much if at all anymore. I think I'll just focus on golf from now on. Anyone else feel the same?

I love baseball and love collecting vintage cards and memorabilia, and realized from the day I got involved in this that there's a lot of shady characters and fraudsters. My love for this stuff is not dependent on some grade assigned by a TPG. So while recent revelations have definitely made me think about sinking big bucks into a small piece of cardboard that someone may or may not have worked over, it hasn't ruined the hobby for me. Just made me a lot more wary.
I have a wall full of framed stuff that makes me happy every single time I look at it.

[KingFisk]

As stated/posted in other threads (post war and elsewhere here). I have solely been speculating on Alec Bohm prospect cards. Possibly foolish but a lot of fun getting behind a player I am genuinely excited about.

Sent from my SM-G960U1 using Tapatalk

[barrysloate]

For those who are disgusted by what has happened with third party grading, but still want to collect, why not consider some other kinds of baseball collectibles? There are many interesting areas other than cards, and it's just a matter of finding something that you find appealing.

Not for everyone, but something to think about.

[vintagetoppsguy]

Originally Posted by barrysloate

For those who are disgusted by what has happened with third party grading, but still want to collect, why not consider some other kinds of baseball collectibles? There are many interesting areas other than cards, and it's just a matter of finding something that you find appealing.

Not for everyone, but something to think about.

I agree with this. In fact, I did just this a few months ago, prior to this scandal. My reasons had nothing to do with a bad sentiment towards the hobby, I had just gotten bored with what I was collecting. For me, I dove into signed checks (pretty hard to fake although it can be done), press photos and high grade HOF miscut cards. Since my passion is cards, I've had the most fun with the miscut cards. I buy what most people don't want and can usually pick them up very cheap. Here's a few that I've picked up so far. I don't think I paid more than $30 for any of these. The more miscut the better - I prefer to see part of another card - but it does have to be in otherwise very high grade condition. (If you have some for sale, hit me up )

[Exhibitman]

Originally Posted by vintagetoppsguy

Since my passion is cards, I've had the most fun with the miscut cards. I buy what most people don't want and can usually pick them up very cheap. Here's a few that I've picked up so far. I don't think I paid more than $30 for any of these. The more miscut the better - I prefer to see part of another card - but it does have to be in otherwise very high grade condition. (If you have some for sale, hit me up )

I've been interested in miscuts for years. Some of my favorites:

[Yoda]

PWCC must be a full blown money-making machine. I am sure their cash flow covers overheads easily and leaves a tidy profit for the owners. But poor Bret. Think of the agro.

[Bicem]

Originally Posted by barrysloate

For those who are disgusted by what has happened with third party grading, but still want to collect, why not consider some other kinds of baseball collectibles? There are many interesting areas other than cards, and it's just a matter of finding something that you find appealing.

Not for everyone, but something to think about.

Exactly, and I bet cards will seem much more ordinary (including high grade) after discovering other aspects of baseball collecting. At least it did for me.

Probably not trimmed...

[lowpopper]

Take the knowledge you gathered from the scandal
and use it to your benefit. Don’t get flustered or
discouraged. Do what you love and become sharper
through knowledge gained.

[Danny Smith]

I sold out of pretty much everything a few months ago. I still collect e105s and kept a few sentimental items. I really enjoyed the hunt but going forward i'm having fun collecting raw cards of players that I like to watch. I doubt I will ever get back into vintage like i was before.

[AGuinness]

Originally Posted by lowpopper

Take the knowledge you gathered from the scandal
and use it to your benefit. Don’t get flustered or
discouraged. Do what you love and become sharper
through knowledge gained.

I agree. Anybody who has found this board has some basic knowledge to work with and the ability to learn more. Part of my enjoyment in collecting is expanding my knowledge and my skills in assessing cards. And there are limitless ways to collect - if these scandals made such an impact that it ruins things, there are opportunities to shift and find other niches.

[seattlerainiers]

Originally Posted by Bicem

Exactly, and I bet cards will seem much more ordinary (including high grade) after discovering other aspects of baseball collecting. At least it did for me.

Probably not trimmed...

What a silly-looking card Jeff. Who would want to own one of those?

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by barrysloate

For those who are disgusted by what has happened with third party grading, but still want to collect, why not consider some other kinds of baseball collectibles? There are many interesting areas other than cards, and it's just a matter of finding something that you find appealing.

Not for everyone, but something to think about.

I think probably most of the people on this board have the collecting gene so your thoughts on collecting other things is probably what some people need especially after this fiasco. I’m sure we’re just scratching the surface as well.

Personally I’m very disgusted, a bit down and disappointed with what’s going on with cards with both the sellers and TPA. When I first started collecting I didn’t take much consideration about the condition of cards. Shoot when I was young I didn’t really even think about “oh no; this card is off center”. Since I’ve been collecting a while now I decided to upgrade some of my cards and purchased some in slabs. It hurts to know I may have some of those cards that are altered that I paid a premium. I haven’t given up completely like some, but I stopped purchasing graded cards completely at this point.

[Johnny630]

In the spirit of Warren Buffett....When people get nervous I look for buying opportunities.....
or Ex Chicago Mayor, Never let a crisis go to waste....when blood is in the water and the prices drop that will be the time to pounce... Pricing hasn't been effected yet.....

[Baseball Bob]

To me, it all goes into the old adage “if it seems to be too good to be true, it is”. PWCC getting 30-40% more than any other auction house always seemed very suspicious to me, so I steered clear of them for the most part. If I later find that I was shilled and lost some money then shame on me.

I also always despised PSA because their grading was IMO terribly inconsistent. I always stuck with SGC, whose grading was way more predictable and consistent. Not perfect, mind you, but seemed more honest to me.

I still love collecting but I guard against fraud at every turn. People being people, and with the current mindset in this country being grab for whatever you can get no matter what the collateral damage to other people, other countries, the environment, etc, I am extraordinarily careful.

[Snapolit1]

"PWCC getting 30-40% more than any other auction house" ?

I must have missed that. Sure, there are many instance on PWCC where stuff seems run up very oddly, but on high end stuff I never saw them getting consistently any higher prices than REA or Heritage or even Goldin. In many many cases I've watched over the years PWCC is lower. The slick catalogs and write ups clearly drive lots of people to these top tier AHs who ordinarily might not be speculating in cards. One spot for Goldin on CNBC Power Lunch probably equates to 100 new rich guy bidders on Wall Street. If one has a real high end vintage card, you'd be nuts to sell that with PWCC.

PWCC might seem higher of course as they don't tack on a 22-25% vig.

Originally Posted by Baseball Bob

To me, it all goes into the old adage “if it seems to be too good to be true, it is”. PWCC getting 30-40% more than any other auction house always seemed very suspicious to me, so I steered clear of them for the most part. If I later find that I was shilled and lost some money then shame on me.

I also always despised PSA because their grading was IMO terribly inconsistent. I always stuck with SGC, whose grading was way more predictable and consistent. Not perfect, mind you, but seemed more honest to me.

I still love collecting but I guard against fraud at every turn. People being people, and with the current mindset in this country being grab for whatever you can get no matter what the collateral damage to other people, other countries, the environment, etc, I am extraordinarily careful.

[NYYFan63]

I started collecting pre-war over a year ago. I purchased about 50 T206's then stopped as I went back to collecting current (Trout, Acuna and a few others), and have now come back to buying T206's again. I am focusing on HOFr's for now mostly in the GD-EX range.