major auction houses a lesson to be learned

[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.