What I have learned in my time here, so far

[RobertGT]

I can see where reading these boards daily could give one the impression that this is a corrupt hobby that is only getting worse, but keep in mind that perception may be skewed by the very nature of an online chat board.

It is human nature that the negative aspects of any hobby or endeavor will bubble up to the surface - begging to be exposed - while the daily positive acts and relationships go unreported forever.

The vast majority of people involved in the hobby are COLLECTORS and are outstanding people.

This is still the No. 1 hobby in the world (my biased opinion). Keep educating yourself, use common sense, and you will win every time.

[Bocabirdman]

Originally Posted by RobertGT

I can see where reading these boards daily could give one the impression that this is a corrupt hobby that is only getting worse, but keep in mind that perception may be skewed by the very nature of an online chat board.

It is human nature that the negative aspects of any hobby or endeavor will bubble up to the surface - begging to be exposed - while the daily positive acts and relationships go unreported forever.

The vast majority of people involved in the hobby are COLLECTORS and are outstanding people.

This is still the No. 1 hobby in the world (my biased opinion). Keep educating yourself, use common sense, and you will win every time.

Rob, my post was written strictly in jest. There does, however, seem to be more than a couple of alarmists around here.

[sportscardpete]

At the end of the day, if all you have to complain about is certain grading companies misjudging a card by a grade or two, I'd say that you are living a preeeetty good life. Just my opinion.

[Bocabirdman]

Originally Posted by sportscardpete

At the end of the day, if all you have to complain about is certain grading companies misjudging a card by a grade or two, I'd say that you are living a preeeetty good life. Just my opinion.

Pete, again this was written tongue in cheek, please don't take it as serious complaining. Everything I wrote though, this side of the snakeoil salesan bit, was included because of serious threads debating such things....

[sportscardpete]

Haha no no I'm sorry I was just saying in general. Nothing about your post, which I thought was fantastic btw. Especially the first paragraph

[drc]

Some of the threads-- including the negative, personal complaint and conspiracy threads-- involve just a handful of members. Doesn't automatically reflect the entire board's thoughts.

Some of the complaint threads against an auction house, I don't have a strong opinion one way or the other. I think some threads involve valid points but the rhetoric can go overboard and overlong.

[Bocabirdman]

Originally Posted by drc

Some of the threads-- including the negative, personal complaint and conspiracy threads-- involve just a handful of members. Doesn't automatically reflect the entire board's thoughts.

Some of the complaint threads against an auction house, I don't have a strong opinion one way or the other.

I agree. The negative threads make the occaisional valid point but they tend to get pissy and turn into a headbuttin' match. This whole post of mine may have been a mis-guided idea. I was attempted to point out certain silliness. I guess I can expect PM's frm the Snake Oil Salesman Federation any moment now....

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Bocabirdman

Pete, again this was written tongue in cheek, please don't take it as serious complaining. Everything I wrote though, this side of the snakeoil salesan bit, was included because of serious threads debating such things....

And for those that have not been on this board very long, it is worth noting that several GOOD hobby changes have come about because of the alarmists on Net54baseball. I agree that the overwhelming majority of folks in our hobby are really good, honest people. However, in a somewhat unregulated hobby with billions of dollars there will be fraud. It is on us to catch and expose it. In the last 7-8 yrs the authorities have done an admirable job in helping too. However, they are fighting with an under-staffed army in my opinion. If we all do our part to oust the fraud the hobby will be great for many more generations to come. And lastly, I don't mind reiterating the fact that EVERYONE is legally liable for what they say on the internet in public forums (and elsewhere I suppose).