major auction houses a lesson to be learned

[Rich Klein]

Most cards don't require much more than a few lines.

One paragraph on the background of the player

One paragraph on the card's grade and if needed; an explanation of the importance of said condition.

NOW; there are memorabilia pieces which require more detail as to explain WHY the piece exists may take a few paragraphs.

Thus; for the average collector on this board; card descriptions are too long and mem descriptions need more detail.

But we also have to remember; that not every collector knows what we DO about these cards.

Rich

[Exhibitman]

I agree with Rich's final observation. I like longer and more detailed descriptions on some of the rarer cards and sets about which I know little more than their catalog designation. I also don't mind well-written, well-researched information on a player, especially if the information offered is something obscure. REA writes very long descriptions on some of their lots and I appreciate the information. As far as negatives, I especially would like to see less of the "this is so great for its grade" hype and more detailed explanation of the actual condition--like telling me which corner is weak, which I might not see in a scan. I can also do without the goofy synonyms, similes and metaphors. I feel like Leonard Pinth-Garnell when I read some of them: Welcome to Bad Auction Writing.

[hcv123]

Originally Posted by Rich Klein

Most cards don't require much more than a few lines.

One paragraph on the background of the player

One paragraph on the card's grade and if needed; an explanation of the importance of said condition.

NOW; there are memorabilia pieces which require more detail as to explain WHY the piece exists may take a few paragraphs.

Thus; for the average collector on this board; card descriptions are too long and mem descriptions need more detail.

But we also have to remember; that not every collector knows what we DO about these cards.

Rich

The more familiar or educated a person is with an issue - the more boring the wordy "fluffed" description will likely be. I am sure the houses are adding some "newbie" bidders in each auction who I am sure have the potential to be significantly swayed with an "exciting" albeit often inflated (imo) description. This Leads to more revenue for the auction house and higher prices for the consignors. I guess the upside for the established/knowledgeable collector is more people entering the collecting world and come time for us or our heirs to sell off our collection hopefully leads to greater fruits for our efforts.

[drc]

The problem is when you have to read 1,000 words before you first learn what is being sold. I once half-jokingly said an auction house should underline the first line of the object description, so those of us who wanted could skip the novella.