Some Positive Thoughts on This Hobby

[3-2-count]

Hi Blair. I agree with everything on your list, but would like to add one.

5. The appreciation of friends and acquaintances I've met in the hobby the last 15 years. Between N54 and a couple other forums I'm part of
it's hands down the one most important thing I treasure most and am thankful for.

Regards, Tony Andrea

[rc4157]

I agree with all of the above.
Without Net54 and it's many resources from it's members, I truly doubt I would still be pursuing vintage cards (that would have saved me some money!), but I would be missing out on cyber friendships and also the rekindling of my interest in old-time baseball.
RC

[Mrc32]

I would say the greatest thing about the hobby is access to cards that 15 years ago were almost impossible to find. I remember going to shows in the early 90s and seeing pre-war cards, like t206s, at prices that were way out of the reach of us mere mortals.

Today with the advent of the internet and eBay you can find cards that I once thought to be collected by a few, accessible to everyone.

[Rich Klein]

The availability of those items on the internet has driven down prices. Good for consumers, not so good for dealers. But the smart dealers have adjusted to the times.

Rich

[timzcardz]

One of the greatest things about this hobby, is the people, and the sharing with them of cards, information, and experiences.

The internet has certainly made it easier to "get together" with them.

I have some good friends throughout the country that I never would have "met" 30 years ago, and some of them I have actually met in person as a result, and others that I just haven't met in person yet.

[thegashousegang]

Good thread. I agree with all the points above - especially about prices now being more reflective on the card's actual condition, instead of the dealer's 'expert opinion'.

[Bosox Blair]

Originally Posted by 3-2-count

Hi Blair. I agree with everything on your list, but would like to add one.

5. The appreciation of friends and acquaintances I've met in the hobby the last 15 years. Between N54 and a couple other forums I'm part of
it's hands down the one most important thing I treasure most and am thankful for.

Regards, Tony Andrea

Great addition, Tony...very true.

Thanks for your responses guys!

Cheers,
Blair

[Writehooks]

All salient points, gentlemen. I'd just like to add that forums like Net54 have also, I believe, spurred a greater interest in and appreciation of sports history through the pursuit of cards and memorabilia. The relationship between the artifacts we collect and the history they represent has always been special to me. It keeps the passion stoked.

[Rich Klein]

If there is ONE passable show each year in the DFW area; that is a good accomplishment

Rich

[Jim VB]

Rich,


Is there even one? I've lived here close to 5 years and have never gone to a show locally.

There aren't even many non-passable shows around here.

[drc]

I think most people in the hobby, big to small timers, are honest and ethical.

I think people are more knoweldgeable than the used to be, and I've learned a lot from others on this board. I've learned a lot about game used from the posters at gameuseduniverse, though that's an area I had little knowledge about.

[jbsports33]

I think we are all blessed that so many of us are active in the hobby, the collector has so many avenues now and it’s only growing. There are disappointing stories we all hear about shows, auction companies and individuals that take advantage of this hobby. In truth there has never better a time I can remember that the hobby has benefited with strong communities, resources like this site and many others. We all learn and take care of each other and want to help everyone enjoy collecting, so other generations can continue what we and our past collectors have started.

Jimmy

[Rich Klein]

Originally Posted by Jim VB

Rich,


Is there even one? I've lived here close to 5 years and have never gone to a show locally.

There aren't even many non-passable shows around here.

http://www.autographshow.com/ARLshow1004.html

This will be held Friday April 23-Sunday April 25 at the Arlington Convention Center. Expect about 50-75 dealer tables. I think the best vintage dealers who will be there are Roger Neufeuldt and Paul Sjolin.

So, mark this in your calendar. Last time I went; Friday was free admission because no one was signing and I had a blast and bought a few things. And Paul Sjolin related to me verbatim the 2009 National thread I had started a few days earlier.

Regards
Rich