Collecting Cards....Materialistic?

[yanksfan09]

I was just thinking to myself about our hobby a bit recently. I was just curious to get some opinions on how people think about collecting cards. Does anyone think of collecting cards; whether high dollar or otherwise, as materialistic?

For example: Do we in the hobby view or obsession with cards the same as the proverbial woman with a shoe collection? Is there a difference?

Do people outside the hobby view collecting cards as the same as someoe buying shoes or other "materialistic things"?

Do you think there is a difference between between us "collectors" and an "outsiders" view of our "hobby"


Me personally, I never considered it or thought of it in the same light as say "someone going out and buying a bunch of high dollar shoes or clothes or jewelry." However, I got to thinking about it and was wondering if there really is a difference? To me, for whatever reason, I see a difference with collectors, especially of old things with such nostalgia. I realize I may just be biased. Yet, I don't view someone who owns a couple old classic cars, no matter the dollar amount, as being materialistic. To me collectors have such passion and get such joy out of their respective hobbies. Yet, is someone who impulsively shops for new clothes and shoes, jewelry etc... any different? Are we as collectors just biased in our view of what we buy? Maybe other people get as much pleasure and are also passionate about "ICE" (slang for diamonds for the older generation) or the latest Prada bag?

I don't know and was just curious how other people thought of our hobby and how they classify it?

[slantycouch]

I think buying anything of "high" value can be considered materialistic. Ultimately it's all in the eye of the beholder.

Depending what they are, high dollar shoes or jewelry can be collected with the same nostalgia as baseball cards. I know people who will pay hundreds (even thousands) for vintage Air Jordans.

[V117collector]

Lets break it down and admit money it self is materialistic.

[barrysloate]

Collecting baseball cards is different than buying shoes because most collectors (not all) realize that the money they spend on them may actually end up being a very good investment. I don't think too many women are looking to resell their old Manolo Blahniks.

[Doug]

I think collecting cards usually falls under doing it for enjoyment, investment, or a combination of the two. I don't really view it as materialistic unless you are just buying them for bragging rights.

[slantycouch]

Originally Posted by barrysloate

Collecting baseball cards is different than buying shoes because most collectors (not all) realize that the money they spend on them may actually end up being a very good investment. I don't think too many women are looking to resell their old Manolo Blahniks.

155 currently listed in the used category on eBay now! haha

[yanksfan09]

Looks like a 50/50 split on opinions so far...... I feel that their is some difference even though it can be "technically" viewed as materialistic. I don't know...