[Archive]

Posted By: Judge Dred

Steve,

I figure you would get tired of responding to these threads. I did as you stated and viewed several cards in your latest auction. It was hard to do this at random because the large thumbnails were available to view.

I can only conclude that we are all in agreement that grading is subjective. Perhaps the standards of several posters happens to be a bit different than yours. I can't imagine that perception could play much of a role because rounded corners, creases and basic "damage" is, what it is. I suppose that the degree of the imperfection and how it is applied to a grade is the subjective part of assigning a grade. I still think that you tend to assign generous grades. That doesn't make you a monster or a plague to the hobby. In fact, it's people like yourself that provide a means for hobbyists to complete sets or obtain cards. If you provide large scans, answer questions and provide a fair refund policy then you are offering a full and fair service. By the way, I've spoken to you at a few different shows and you seem to be a nice person and approachable (at least when it's not busy). I wouldn't try to shoot the breeze with someone trying to conduct business at a busy time.

Here's what would be interesting: Offer anyone $10 (typical grading fee) if they have the card graded and the encapsulation label (SGC or PSA) isn't within 1 full grade of your described grade. I realize you couldn't do this all the time but it would be an interesting challenge for your next auction (ending in 21 days from 02FEB05). You keep the scans of the cards available on your website for 2 months after the auction and let people post the results of the challenge. If it's found that you are in line with PSA or SGC then you can have bragging rights over the next thread that is created in your honor (like this thread). If you have grossly over graded your cards then you can openly admit that grading is subjective and you just happen to be a bit more liberal than SGC or PSA. You would also get to shovel out a lot of $10 bills.

Regards,

Fred