Can corruption kill this beloved hobby?

[Leon]

I don't think corruption will kill the hobby. If we are all diligent we can significantly decrease it in our sphere, by keeping individuals and companies accountable for their actions. Thank God for the FBI, Postal Inspectors, Secret Service and other law enforcement who take an interest in our hobby. And thanks to all collectors who try to rat out the bad guys, wherever they may be.

[martindl]

Originally Posted by Leon

I don't think corruption will kill the hobby. If we are all diligent we can significantly decrease it in our sphere, by keeping individuals and companies accountable for their actions. Thank God for the FBI, Postal Inspectors, Secret Service and other law enforcement who take an interest in our hobby. And thanks to all collectors who try to rat out the bad guys, wherever they may be.

While I agree with the sentiment Leon, the truth is there's very much a "look the other way" mentality that pervades this hobby. If you had say a jewelry store in your local area, one run by a known cheater so accused based on multiple proven instances of past wrong doing, who consistently offers up gold that is really brass, would the people in your area continue to flock there? No they wouldn't. They'd avoid the place like the plague.

Not so in this hobby. Regardless of past and present indisgressions, people keep going back. Like Barry said, it's an addiction and like most addictions, it defies logical actions.

Martin Dalziel

[MBMiller25]

I think any time you involve money and wealth you will find corruption and fraud not to far behind. In my opinion it's a shame that it has become as blatant and in your face like is, but I refer back to my first sentence.

[Zach Wheat]

I don't think it will wreck the hobby by any means. Deceptive practices have always been present to some extent. I have become a helluva lot more educated buyer.

Z Wheat

[ethicsprof]

the hobby will not die. It may well, at some point, lose its preoccupation with(1)
grades and grading,(2) competitive oneupsmanship,(3) ad hominem arguments,(4)
illusions that avocations must be remunerative vocations at all costs,(5) expertise
becoming synonymous with ruthless, retaliatory efforts backed by perfect card corners or the lack thereof, and,(6)the unrelenting desire to win and gain no matter the harm to the hobby or to another.

I like that Pete U. described the hobby as the beloved hobby. Losing the
preoccupations with the aforementioned may well renew, even revivify,
our own relationship with the beloved. Nothing will kill that. IMHO

all the best,
barry

[ethicsprof]

THIS IS A REPEAT. I' M SORRY.

I like that Pete U. described the hobby as the beloved hobby. Losing the
preoccupations with the aforementioned may well renew, even revivify,
our own relationship with the beloved. Nothing will kill that. IMHO

all the best,
barry

[HRBAKER]

Originally Posted by ethicsprof

the hobby will not die. It may well, at some point, lose its preoccupation with(1)
grades and grading,(2) competitive oneupsmanship,(3) ad hominem arguments,(4)
illusions that avocations must be remunerative vocations at all costs,(5) expertise
becoming synonymous with ruthless, retaliatory efforts backed by perfect card corners or the lack thereof, and,(6)the unrelenting desire to win and gain no matter the harm to the hobby or to another.

I like that Pete U. described the hobby as the beloved hobby. Losing the
preoccupations with the aforementioned may well renew, even revivify,
our own relationship with the beloved. Nothing will kill that. IMHO

all the best,
barry

Barry,

I'm headed for my thesaurus again!

[ethicsprof]

you don't need it, buddy.
I've been reading your fine comments for years!!
all the best,
barry

[Peter_Spaeth]

Has even one person walked away as the result of everything that has been revealed to date, and everything that is suspected? I doubt it. Nobody cares, and certainly not in the face of a card up for sale on our list.

[HRBAKER]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

Has even one person walked away as the result of everything that has been revealed to date, and everything that is suspected? I doubt it. Nobody cares, and certainly not in the face of a card up for sale on our list.

It's the perfect sandbox.

But Peter the occasional bout of righteous indignation is good for the soul.

[Zach Wheat]

Originally Posted by ethicsprof

you don't need it, buddy.
I've been reading your fine comments for years!!
all the best,
barry

Wow thanks Barry. Means something coming from a guy like you.

Z Wheat