In light of recent revelations are you more or less confident in TPA?

[drc]

My opinion they offer valuable and learned independent opinions, but they should be used as a second opinion not the only opinion.

[chaddurbin]

Originally Posted by drc

My opinion they offer valuable and learned independent opinions, but they should be used as a second opinion not the only opinion.

i'm new to this side of the hobby, so after the past couple months i voted less confident. i also agree with david's statement above.

as for TPG on the card side i would say i have more confidence in me doing a better job than PSA/SGC on the stuff i collect...and hopefully this will carry over to autographs and i could rely less and less on TPA.

[mschwade]

I voted "the same." I generally have a better feeling about an autograph if PSA or JSA have given an authentic opinion. It doesn't mean I don't seek other opinions or form my own opinions.

For example, last year one of my top goals was to own a Pat Collins (1927 Yankees) autograph. Some of you may recall, I had a very difficult time finding one or ended up as the underbidder at closing time of various auctions. It took me about six months to get one and when I finally did, I had seen so many Collins and studied different examples that in myself, I felt 100% confident I was getting a genuine Pat Collins signature.

Today, I am extremely happy with the one I added and feel like I could tell you if a Collins is real or not if you gave me one to look at.

[barrysloate]

Richard- in no way was I suggesting you may have been offered money to influence your opinions. I merely thought that it might have happened somewhere in the industry.

[RichardSimon]

Originally Posted by barrysloate

Richard- in no way was I suggesting you may have been offered money to influence your opinions. I merely thought that it might have happened somewhere in the industry.

Barry - I never thought that you meant me, not to worry.
I just wanted to make it clear that though pressure was put on me at times, the pressure never involved a cash payoff.
I do miss those Las Vegas trips though .
Gave me a chance to visit the Grand Canyon and take a rafting trip down the Colorado River.

[Exhibitman]

I voted for about the same. TPAs can help a collector with a specific piece. JSA caught a wife-signed piece at the National for me that saved me a bunch of $$. If I can't get it signed myself I am willing to lean on a TPA to back up my own research.

TPAs also make it easier to sell. Sorry, but even if they do make mistakes they are generally treated as reliable by the purchasing public.

What I won't do is purchase items that I cannot research myself unless they are sold strictly for the collectible value [such as a vintage photo or postcard I'd purchase anyway at the price offered]. I looked for a good long time before buying my most recent expensive [for me] autograph and was completely satisfied that the TPA [PSA/DNA in this case] absolutely nailed it before I bought the item:

[Caseyatbat]

+1