LEW LIPSET - BLOCKED BIDDER

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Posted By: <b>Mark</b><p>I just tried to bid on one of Lew's items on eBay and<br />to my surprise - I have been placed on a block bidder<br />status by Lew.<br /><br />Funny thing, all items I have bid on and won - have been paid for<br />in full and timely.<br /><br />Has anyone dealt with this **** from Lew before?<br /><br />I sent him and e-mail and I am awaiting his repsonse.<br /><br />Mark<br />mrios@hotmail.com

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Posted By: <b>Bill</b><p>but it is possible that it was an innocent mistake on his part. I'm sure he deals with more than his fair share of people and in running across a bad bidder, when going back may have mixed up ID's. It's possible.<br><br>Change your socks, drink water, and drive on.

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Posted By: <b>Mark</b><p>Update: He responded with an e-mail that said, in its entirety: <br /><br />"Chicago WSox yearbook."<br /><br />I have no clue about this yearbook - but will call him and confront him tomorrow, should be entertaining.

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Posted By: <b>Jason L</b><p>can't you tell from that small snipet of information?<br />I love it when people don't communicate with even one full sentence.<br />There's so much open to interpretation, it almost becomes a game!<br /><br />Your correct response to that, was of course, "Boston game-used uniform pants."

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Posted By: <b>Chuck</b><p>I have the honor of being the returner of "one of the most absurd unreasonable returns" he'd ever had. I still have his note and for some reason have always felt honored to have been put in that category. You'd have to hear the whole story though.<br /><br />That was about 10 years ago though........ maybe your gall has surpassed mine.

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Posted By: <b>Mike</b><p>It has been a few years, but I called him once to ask a question on an item he had for sale. he was very unfriendly, kind of grunted, gave me a two or three word answer to my question. Then hung up. even though I have wanted many of his items since that time, I have never forgotten the poor customer service I received that day. And I have bought nothing from him since. Poor customer service is one thing I can't stand. From any type of business. Car salesmen, retail etc. etc.<br /><br />

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Posted By: <b>Steve M.</b><p>This man is a legend in the hobby. Eccentric? maybe. Knowledable? without a doubt.<br /><br />I've had dealings with Lew for over 20 years, from Centereach to Carefree and never a bad experience. But I guess I'm used to his "one liners" and for me its just a small chuckle.<br /><br />My continued interest in this hobby has been fueled by the likes of Lew.

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Posted By: <b>andy becker</b><p>lew has a quick trigger with blocking ebayers from his auctions. i, too, was blocked.......i had just spent 10-15k on his catalog auction when i tried bidding on an ebay item of his. <br />blocked bidder, i laughed and called him. <br />he said 'i sometimes have "thin skin"'.<br />the blocked bidder was removed the next day.<br />lew is a hobby icon (obviously) and i wouldn't worry too much about it.<br />some of my most prized items have come from lew.

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Posted By: <b>Jason L</b><p>he has earned respect in the hobby, but he may have trouble reciprocating for his clients, based on these anecdotes. Life is too short to get too upset...find who and what works for you and concentrate on those...let us know what the yearbook comment meant!

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Posted By: <b>Joe Pelaez</b><p>Glad to see some of the thicker skin on this board.<br /><br />Over the years, I got my Doyle, Demmitt, Ohara and other memorabilia from Lew.<br /><br />I've read, learned and still have his worn out three encyclopedias.<br /><br />What I've learned is mostly due to Lew, Heitmann and the experience of earnest research digging and handling of cards.<br />Learned from my mistakes.<br />Making a mistake is not a crime, repeating it is.<br /><br />I'm indebted to Lew and Bill.<br />They are collectors, from the old school of collecting.<br />Before the phoney portfolio pop reports.<br />They are from the period when people had fun with baseball cardboards.<br />If you think the 1929 crash was bad, wait till the "Poppies" find out that the game was carelessly played. <br /><br />Back to the Real Deal -- Lew and Bill, will be around longer than the Poppies.<br /><br />The top of the day to you Mr Lew and Bill, and thanks for your sharing.<br /><br />Joe P.<br /><br />

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Posted By: <b>Kevin Cummings</b><p>Some of my nicest Old Judges came from Lew's personal collection years ago. I got them simply by writing him an email and giving him my want list.<br /><br />Not answering emails is one of my pet peeves. For a hobby icon to answer every time is astounding. I have never met the man personally and he doesn't know me from Adam either, but he has answered every email I have ever sent him. If you expect a lengthy, detailed response, you'll be disappointed. If you simply want your question answered, that you'll get. <br /><br />I agree with Steve and Andy. It's just Lew being Lew.<br /><br />

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Posted By: <b>Frank Wakefield</b><p>Well Mike, it is your loss if you chose to not deal with Mr. Lipset.<br /><br />He can be a man of few words. The words are well chosen, though. I treasure my dealings with him. Maybe more than the cards I've bought from him.<br /><br />I share Joe P's views about Mr. Lipset. And it seems I share Joe P's views of the card collecting hobby in general, too. I did meet Mr. Lipset once. It was in Arizona, at a Diamondbacks game. Memorable for me in many ways. My wife and kids were with me, we'd driven down from Las Vegas. Flew there, rented a one way car to Phoenix. My parents had driven up from Tucson. We'd visit with my folks, then fly back to Kentucky. To the ever so slight surprise to our wives, my Dad and I had arranged meeting in Phoenix when the Diamondbacks were in town, and our Cardinals, of all teams, just happened to be playing. Randy Johnson pitched brilliantly for AZ, yielding only 1 run in the top of the 9th. Jose Jiminez pitched a no-hitter. AND, before the game, I went down to the box seat area behind the home dugout, and found Mr. Lipset in his seat. We talked cards and baseball for a few minutes during batting practice. What a night... met Mr. Lipset, saw a game with wife, kids, and parents, and it was a no hitter. AND the Cards won.<br /><br />Frank.

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Posted By: <b>Mike</b><p>he is certainly due much respect. There are few if any, who know more than he does, or who has contributed more to this hobby. maybe my message was a bit harsh. For that I apologize. maybe he was having a bad day. maybe I was having a bad day. Who knows....I have his books, and have learned much from them. I do salivate many times as I stare at his inventory. You've convinced me, let by gones be by gones....but still, my question was simple, and hanging up on me, was a bit rash. Oh well....I guess there will be one more contestant in Lew's next auction. <br /><br />

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Posted By: <b>Joe Pelaez</b><p>We don't need one more contestant.<br /><br />Go back to your former thoughts! <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14><br /><br />Joe P.

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Posted By: <b>Alan</b><p>Lew is one of the true icons in this hobby !!!<br /><br />Maybe he was just having a bad day<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIcFgl6zf3A" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIcFgl6zf3A</a>

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Posted By: <b>Mike</b><p>How could anyone have a bad day, with that young lady in that video !!! Very Hot....Anyway, from the time my son was about 6 or 7, up to about 15 or so, I would always buy him a vintage baseball item, on his birthday. (along with a regular birthday present) There was much variety. One year I bought him an old judge, and it came from from lew. That was my son's baseball present that year. He still has them all. Actually they are hanging in my office along with all my things. The old judge was probably a grade 4 or 5. There weren't slabs in those days. He has 10 or 11 very nice vintage items. A babe ruth underwear box, etc. etc. So lew has helped me in the past. Much thanks.

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Posted By: <b>Mark</b><p>So here's the enlightenment:<br /><br />In the late 90's, Lew had an auction item up for a minimum bid of $600:<br />a '13 Reds Yearbook. Being a collector of Armando Marsans, an early Cuban ball player, I automatically had an interest. I requested a scan of the Marsans page. To which, good ol' Lew repsonded: "The yearbook is too fragile."<br /><br />End of conversation.<br /><br />Fast forward to '07, on Lew's newly revamped webpage, there it was again,<br />the same yearbook but now for an out-right sale price of $2K. I again requested a scan of the Marsans page and a couple of days later, I actually received it. WOW, I thought.<br /><br />Anyways, besides having a deal fall through that would allow me to pony up the cash, I still did not think the yearbook was worth the $2K, so I passed.<br />Besides, if I was going to lay out $2K, I should be able to at least see what I am buying, no? I do not think that is much of a stretch.<br /><br />Then comes yesterday's attempt to bid on one of Lew's items - BLOCKED.<br /><br />So I call the ol' geezer today and before discussing why I was blocked,<br />he wanted to know why I posted this thread on him; seems he likes to read the Net54. He then claimed that I never had any intention of buying the yearbook and that was why I was blocked from his eBay auctions. Soon there after, before hanging up on me, he did wish me to: "have a good life." -<br />That was thoughtful.<br /><br />I tried to call him back - but he did not answer, he might be working on Vol. 4.<br /><br />Now, I know Mr. Lipset is a hobby icon, his encyclopedias, knowledge, etc. etc. etc. but because of this - he should no get an automatic pass to threat people like ****, at least not me.<br /><br />And with all his knowledge it is such a waste.<br /><br />As an aside, I find it funny how brave people are over the telephone or on the computer. I wish I was a bit older and lived out west.<br /><br />Just another aspect of this hobby, that keeps me ever closer to jumping ship.<br /><br />Not a contestant & Movin' on <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14><br /><br />Mark<br /><br /><br /><br />

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Posted By: <b>Brian</b><p>no soup for you.

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Posted By: <b>Jason L</b><p>that I don't understand Mr. Lipset's animosity towards you, to hear the story the way you tell it above....and where in this was the Whitesox yearbook?<br />So you decided not to buy something some time ago, you asked about it 10 years later, so he didn't believe you would actually buy it?<br /><br />that's weird.<br /><br />Oh well,...Happy Friday everyone!<br />

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Posted By: <b>Wesley</b><p>Lipset may have written a few books and he might know a lot about baseball cards, but his customer service is about as bad as it gets. One of my worst transactions is with Lew, and I would never puchase anything from Lew again.

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Posted By: <b>PC</b><p>Mark: try not to take it personally -- for those of us who have left the hobby before, the behavior of full-time card dealers is probably the number one reason (perhaps the only reason). Hopefully you can find what you like or need from another, more agreeable, source.<br /><br />Ebay and graded cards is the reason a lot of us have come back.<br /><br />That's not to say that all dealers behave that way. All the sellers that I have dealt with on this forum, and most on ebay, have been great. But the behavior you described brings back some bad memories. Reminds me of why I haven't been to a show since '91.

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Posted By: <b>Jay</b><p>Lew has been and will always be one of my favorite people in the hobby. He has made more of a contribution to the hobby than virtually anyone else in the hobby's history. Maybe you should lose the "old geezer" references and treat him with more respect and you might have more success.

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Posted By: <b>Joe Pelaez</b><p>And we've heard one side.<br /><br />A 1913 Reds year book - with Marsans in it - for $600.00 bucks -from Lew.<br />Had I known about it, I would have grabbed it. ... sight unseen.<br /><br />This is beginning to bore me.<br />Mark go out and buy yourself some thicker skin.<br /><br />Now let me get out to the Chantilly show.

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Posted By: <b>Brian</b><p>nevermind...

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Posted By: <b>jfreund</b><p>Mark-With all respect your writing shows why you were blocked. You asked for a scan of an item which you never really wanted to buy--You said all along that you thought 2K was too much for the yearbook. Why would you want a scan of an item which you never intended to purchase? <br /><br />I can understand why Lew would be irritated. He went through the trouble to make a difficult scan for you when all along you never wanted to buy it. That would be irritating.

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Posted By: <b>George</b><p>About 20 years ago, I had what turned out to be a bunch of Orange Border cards, including Cobb, Wagner, Plank and both teams, although at the time I did not know what they were. So I xeroxed them and mailed a note to The Icon, asking him if he knew what they were. The Icon sent me back a postcard on which was written, "strip cards....worth $5 each."<br /><br />I own the The Icon's 3 volume set, but I will not buy anything from him.

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Posted By: <b>Corey R. Shanus</b><p>Let me give the other side of Lew. He gives it to you straight, which to me when I'm asking about things in his auctions is really important. There have been a number of occasions when his refusal to misleadingly puff his descriptions eliminated any potential interest I might have had in an item. Other times, knowing what and how I collect, he candidly told me he didn't think I'd be satisfied with an item. All this I find refreshing, and I much appreciate. From time to time when I have an opportunity to acquire something and wish to get another opinion, due his knowledge and straightforwardedness, I would seek Lew out.

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Posted By: <b>Patrick McMenemy</b><p>When I first started in the hobby...before ebay...before auction houses...and before the damn grading companies were around...my fondest memories were of receiving Lew Lipset's Four Base Hits Catalogs. <br /><br />Some of my most cherished cards came from Lew. My only regret is that I didn't buy more of the items. I remember a Chief Meyers T215 with a Red Cross back, and an Ira Thomas Diamond Gum pin...each for $300.00. Regrets, I have a few.<br /><br />Looking through the Four Base Hits Catalogs was as much of an education as reading Lew's books on Tobacco and Candy cards. <br /><br />Thanks Lew for those wonderful memories, and for sharing your knowledge with others!<br /><br />Here's my favorite purchase from Lew's Four Base Hit Catalog.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.network54.com/Realm/tmp/1174063414.JPG"> <br /><br />Patrick McMenemy

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Posted By: <b>Mark</b><p>For Jay: Respect for Lew? For what? My references to him as an ol'geezer was placed today; after all of this. Be a little more mindful of what is written and what you infer.<br /><br />For Joe P: Kind of surprised by your remark on the "thicker skin";<br />don't need it and more importantly it is not the point. Lew just needs to but put in his place. He should treat people that way he would like to be treated himself - ever heard that one before?<br /><br />Also, the $600 was a min. bid not an out right buy price. Besides, a scan is not necessarily the most difficult thing to do.<br /><br />For jfreund: "my writing shows why I was blocked and I was not going to buy it" how the hell did you figure that out by what was written?<br /><br />Can I ask for a scan?<br />And I realized that $2K was too much after seeing the scan of the Marsans page. Is that clear enough?<br /><br />Man, this hobby's people are something.....<br /><br />Mark<br />mrios@hotmail.com<br />

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Posted By: <b>Bob C</b><p>Lew has banned me for life, TWICE! I will refrain from being banned a third time. If anyone cares drop me an email.<br />

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Posted By: <b>Jason L</b><p>your last post itemizes all of the other comments that I did not understand or think rational.<br />Ditto on the hobby person comments...sometimes all it takes is one or two bad experiences to sour your collecting enthusiasm.<br /><br />Lew sounds like you either love him or hate him, judging from all these posts.<br />I withhold judgement, not having ever met or dealt with him before, but hopefully you can find other folks to deal with and not leave the hobby again.

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Posted By: <b>Frank Wakefield</b><p>This post has bits and pieces of one side of a situation, with a few folks that agree, and a few that have praise and respect for Mr. Lipset.<br /><br />My enjoyment of baseball, and of the hobby of collecting baseball cards, would be enhanced with more folks like Mr. Lipset, and with fewer of those that are fussing about him. The gentleman is retired. He did great work in researching and writing about baseball cards. Work that thousands of slab collectors benefit from every day. Please give the man some rest. And some respect.

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Posted By: <b>davidcycleback</b><p>Whether or not one thinks he's crabby, his encyclopedia is one of the mostly commonly recommended and praised books in the vintage baseball card hobby. Besides, be careful what you say as he can mail you a diamond back (in his catalog he mentioned almost stepping on one in his Arizona yard).

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Posted By: <b>Cat</b><p>Why was Mark banned if the belief was that he was not going to buy his stuff? The Venn diagram doesn't seem to overlap.

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Posted By: <b>Mark</b><p>Mark<br /><br />It doesnt seem like youre doing very well.<br />Matter of fact, it seems prettty positive for me. <br /><br />As long as you email I thought I might straighten out a few facts. I don't post on the Net 54, but Ill send a copy of this to the board moderator in case he would like to see it and I suggest he make note of the name calling in your email. He has my permission to reprint any parts of it he wants to. I also dont make a habit of reading Net 54 (another of your false assertions) but I do scan for my name once in a while. Also, others advise me of some things that are of interest.<br /><br />The Reds yearbook was offered by me in 1998. It was consigned by Richard Merkin and it went for $2,000. It was bought by a Seattle Psychologist named Steve Cummings who had a world class baseball publications collection. I could not have have given you a scan in 1998 because I did not own own a scanner. My auctions were done by SCD and they made scans based on color photos I sent them. This was until about 2001. Steve Madson of SCD should be able to confirm this. <br /> <br />While I dont have any recollection of you asking for a "scan", I have no doubt I would have declined since it was not my book and as you indicated it was fragile. Im sure you were as obvious to your intent then as you were when my sale list was listed two months ago.<br /><br />Steve Cummings chose to sell his publications collection and it was sold through Sloate-Smolin and the better items through Mastro or Lifson. Im sure Barry Sloate or Jerry Smolin will have memory of this. I bought the Reds book back for $1,000 I believe and have had it since.<br /><br />Now as to correcting your recollections. You asked for a scan of the Marsans and Luque when my sale page came out. If anyone wanted to see a sample page of the book, that would be fair enough, but you wanted to see Marsans AND Luque. You said you were considering buying the book. It seemed very transparent but I still sent you one. Then you asked for the other one citing it was "alot of money to spend". I sent that also knowing full well there was no chance of you buying the book. I contacted him a week later and you emailed that you weren't interest. Noteworthy, is I never received a thank you from you for either scan. One would have to be an absolute moron to think that you had any intention, ever, to buy that book. As I told you by email, if you emailed and asked for copies because you collected Cuban Players, I might have given you the scans or digital pictures, but you chose to lie and pretend.<br /><br />Finally you said " And I realized that $2K was too much after seeing the scan of the Marsans page. Is that clear enough?". I dont remember which one I sent you first, but the first one was an accurate rendtion of the pages". If you knew that after seeing the first one, why did you ask for the second one.<br /><br />You were banned from bidding on my ebay auctions. I went to ban you from my regular auctions, but you weren't on my mailing list.<br /><br />When you found out you were blocked from bidding on my ebay auction, you emailed me and without even waiting for a reply, you posted it on 54. Two posts later you said "but will call him and confront him tomorrow, should be entertaining." Then later on you said " As an aside, I find it funny how brave people are over the telephone or on the computer. I wish I was a bit older and lived out west.". That would seem to be a threat and I note that you also are one of "brave people using the telephone and the computer", as is everyone on Net 54. Consider me chimed in.<br /><br />Lew Lipset<br />

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Posted By: <b>Mark</b><p>OK - Louie, <br /><br />Actually, I have do have a bit of a cold - taking Dayquil though - but thanks for being so concerned. <br /><br />As for contacting Leon - tell my man I said "hello". I just picked up a beater D304 Kelly from him - that I just love. For that matter, you can post this in its entirety on the Net54 thread or send a copy to your mother - I could give a **** either way. What are they now going to ban me from Net54 too? Oh, woe is me. Louie don't do it......please, have mercy! <br /><br />As for the entire history of the yearbook - that was neither necessary nor the point. Many years ago you balked at sending a scan and years later you did send them with the assumption that I was not going to buy the yearbook. If I felt, after seeing the scans, that I was not interested in spending the $2K for it, what would be a crime? According to you - I guess so. <br /><br />And since you are some kind of prophet in knowing that I was not going to buy the yearbook from the very beinning - then why waste your precious time in sending the scans? Oh, that must be your unrivaled customer service at work, right. <br /><br />Also, I asked for a second scan because in my original e-mail the request was for Marsans AND Almeida. But of course you only sent Marsans - in "Old Judge" fashion. <br /><br />And a "thank you" for the scans? I would have but after the - "Well at least you got your scans" condescending response from you, I did not think it was needed. <br /><br />My statement of " $2K being alot of money to spend" was and still is exactly my sentiment. Maybe capitalist pigs like yourself have two grand to spend on a daily basis, but I do not. <br /><br />It is a shame that you choose to comport yourself so poorly, esp. being <br />so knowledgeable about the hobby. But as they say, you can't teach an old dog new tricks, right? <br /><br />By the way, just for the record, it was Armando Marsans and Rafael D'Almeida not Adolfo Luque - he started for Cin. in '18. <br /><br />As for your auctions on eBay or from your website, I could easily find someone to bid and purchase items for me - not a problem. So keep an eye out, prophet. <br /><br />As for me posting on Net54, before receiving your response - I figured this all had to do with the Reds yearbook - keeping in mind your egocentric self. Besides what would the thread matter if your bent mind thought I was completely wrong and lacked substance? Maybe it could provide some insight on a small public forum into the ass that you really are - as others have so keenly attested to. <br /><br />You mentioned the whole threat thing - no..............................never....not me <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14> <br /><br />Funny, what a p**** you are for being a New Yorker. <br /><br />What goes around comes back around - sooner or later. <br /><br />Take care of yourself - this really is too much bull**** about nothing. <br /><br />Mark<br />

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Posted By: <b>Dave</b><p>Hey Mark....I'm in your camp on this one. My only experience with Lipset back in the 90's was not a good one. I'll just say I came away with the impression he was a surly old man. <br /> I think you might as well realize that nothing you say will chamge the minds of some of the brown nosers on this forum or in this hobby. I laugh at Lipsets reply....what the hell difference does it make anyway why someone is interested in buying anything you are selling. I could care less why people buy things from my stores....just that they buy them. Kind of childish actually the way your blocking was explained. Sounds like he would block you from any auctions anywhere in the world if he had the power...LOL.<br /> Lipset has done a lot of great research to further the collecting educations of many baseball card enthusiasts, but I'm afraid that doesn't quite make him "king" in my book.

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Posted By: <b>Frank Wakefield</b><p>Mr. Lipset, I apologize for him. He won't.<br /><br />I trust that the few collectors who share Mark's feelings will stay clear of your auctions. Their loss. They won't understand, but then there's much they don't understand.<br /><br />With kind regards,<br /><br />Frank.<br /><br />

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Posted By: <b>Cobby33</b><p>For what it's worth, I think the above response to Mr. Lipset's stream of consciousness was a little harsh. I always have someone in my office read my "FU" letters before I send them out, so I don't end up looking like a bigger ass (speaking generally, not saying anyone on here looks like one).<br /><br />As for the P.R. blitz, I don't think anybody is questioning Mr. Lipset's knowledge, contributions, etc. I also don't think anybody is questioning that he has treated some people with respect. But it is certainly within the somebody's right (although not my style) to tell stories of bad customer service, especially when they have so much support. <br /><br />Everyone knows that Mr. Lipset is well-respected and apparently respcts other(s). So what's with the repetitive praise (and for that matter, the repetitive smears)? Can't we agree to disagree? Can't we all just get along?

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Posted By: <b>Wesley</b><p>The hobby may owe Lipset gratitude for writing his baseball card books, but that gives nobody the right to be an ass to anyone.<br /><br />If you would take the time to do a search of old threads, you will see that that are other incidents where Lipset's customers were unhappy with the way in which he dealt with problems.

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Posted By: <b>Rob Dewolf</b><p>"the ass that you really are"<br /><br />"capitalist pigs like yourself"<br /><br />"what a p**** you are for being a New Yorker."<br /><br />Mark, you've got issues far more serious than being blocked from bidding in an eBay auction.

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Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>I've intentionally stayed off this thread but since my name was cited I thought I would just add a few thoughts.<br /><br />I went back to my June 2000 auction catalog and we did sell a 1913 Reds yearbook, if that's the one being discussed here. It does look quite fragile from the picture- it's got a bit of cover chipping- so I think I too might have been hesitant to provide color photocopies of the interior pages. However, this is not a thread about photocopies, it is one about courteous dealing with customers.<br /><br />Mr. Lipset and I were once close friends, but we have not spoken for years. There is no need for me to chime in what I think about all this because it has all been said already. Clearly there are some people who get along with Mr. Lipset, and some who don't. He knows who he likes, and he knows who he doesn't like. That has always been crystal clear. <br /><br />But I do think this thread has probably gone far enough. He has made great contributions to the hobby, primarily through the Old Judge and his Encyclopedia. He has not always been as successful dealing with the general public, and I can not answer why that is (nor do I care to).

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Posted By: <b>Mark</b><p>I just wanted to take a second to apologize for wasting people's time on all this; it is after about baseball cards and the like.<br /><br />Need a break for all this,<br /><br /><br />Mark<br />mrios@hotmail.com

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Posted By: <b>Cobby33</b><p>I don't think an apology is necessary, but I accept!

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Posted By: <b>James Feagin</b><p>What's so bizarre is that some people are so personally entrenched in this hobby that the thought of somebody publishing some encyclopedia's about baseball cards negates them of any responsibility of their words or actions. Let's think about this, publishing books about baseball cards isn't exactly pushing humanity forward.

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Posted By: <b>Jim Clarke</b><p>One think I like about Lew is that he is upfront with you, good or bad. You will always know where you stand with him. Consistency is much better than someone who changes personalities every month or so. I would guess that 80% people on this board have been banned or do not do business with certain dealers/auction companies. I'm banned from Nick pavletic and Al Rosen. Life's too short to worry about spilt milk. Accept people for how they are.. If you do not like the way they are.. Just move on... JC

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Posted By: <b>Cobby33</b><p>Jim- Good point about moving on. However, anybody who is consistently an ass isn't any better than someone who is "moody."

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Posted By: <b>Steve M.</b><p>"Accept people for how they are.. If you do not like the way they are.. Just move on... JC"<br /><br />Well said.<br /><br />/s/ One of the "brown nosers".

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Posted By: <b>Judge Dred (Fred)</b><p>Well, there - someone said the "B" word - Brown Noser....<br /><br />What's the difference between Brown Nosing and Kissing A$$?<br /><br />Scroll down.....<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />DEPTH PERCEPTION<br />

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Posted By: <b>Chris Mc</b><p>I had one large deal with Lew about a year ago. We spoke on the phone and I found him to be a wealth of knowledge and quite pleasant. He may be very to the point but at no time in our ten minute + conversation did I find him to be rude or short with me.

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Posted By: <b>BOB</b><p>I am relatively new to this forum and I must say I am very surprised with the strong feelings towards Mr. Lipset.<br /><br />My first experiences with vintage dealers (Mid 1990's)were with Lew and Mark Macrae and I consider myself VERY LUCKY to have had my initial dealings with these individuals. I was very much down on Baseball after the strike in 1994 and vintage collecting helped me regain my passion for Baseball.<br /><br />I still fondly remember Lew patiently reading a list of approx 80 W514's he had recently logged and were to appear in his next catalog. He certainly did not need to take up his time with a "nickle and dime" collector like myself. Lew was a great help in allowing me to complete this set.<br /><br />Although my collecting is somewhat specialized, I can tell you I still look forward to each and every one of his auctions.<br /><br />Bob<br /><br /><br /><br />

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Posted By: <b>ramram</b><p>I didn't want to touch this one but I've been laughing out loud during the whole read and thinking about how those that have been banned (the George and Elaine's of Net54) are infuriated over their treatment and everybody else is sliding along the wall looking straight forward (the Seinfelds of Net54) and trying not to upset the Soup Nazi for fear of not getting any crab bisque soup (vintage cards).<br /><br />Brian was right - "no soup for you!"<br /><br />Rob M.<br /><br />P.S. Now I hope Lew has a sense of humor or I might be looking for that armoir that has his collecting recipes in it! <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>

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Posted By: <b>Eric B</b><p>I'm actually glad to see this thread. I have had only 1 transaction with Mr Lipset and it was extremely disappointing. The EX and better cards (non-sports) were stained and some had paper loss chips on the sides. Corners were horrible. I assumed that an "old-timer" who was well respected in the hobby would know how to grade.<br /><br />It was my decision not to pursue a refund. I figure it was a lesson learned and an extra payment for my enjoyment of his books. Plus I just assumed that I would be scolded for questioning a legend. I don't need to worry about being banned as I will not be bidding in any more of his auctions.

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Posted By: <b>Richard L.</b><p>I had a very similar transaction with LL about 12 years ago, as I also purchased some non-sport cards from him. It wasn't the overgrading that bothered me, but the note he sent in replying to what I told him the cards value was. He sent a photocopy of the price guide stating my oppinion was "bull****" and here's the proof.Every price guide I've ever seen always made some mention that the "prices" are only to be used as a "guide". I've been collecting nonsport for a long time and have a good handle on values. The funny thing is I bought those cards from someone else 5 years later, at what I thought they were worth and were advertised as "ex" in condition, and "ex" in my book is what I got! I too, don't intend on ever bidding in his auctions again!

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Posted By: <b>Frank Wakefield</b><p>Hey Jim,<br /><br />What do I have to do to get banned from Al Rosen's stuff????<br /><br /><br />FW

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Posted By: <b>Chuck Ross</b><p>Hey fellas, come over to the nonsports board....the stuff in this thread (from both sides) is why I got out of baseball cards a long time ago. Are you having fun yet?

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Posted By: <b>Alan</b><p>This is one of those threads whereas Barry will turn the computer off now & then turn it on in the morning & ask, "What did I miss ?"

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Posted By: <b>Trevor Hocking</b><p>Ok I might be a little biassed here seance I was manly collecting 19th century at the time but when I was first starting out buying more expensive Old Judges Lew was a wealth of knowledge when others did not know or did not want to give that knowledge up. I was a snot noised kid (still am today) and he KNEW I was not going to be buying much from him but he took the time to answer all my questions throughly even ones about cards he was not selling and others where. Lew has always been kind to me and is a great family man. You do have to remember before the age of the internet a instant knowledge Lew was one of the guys that was giving out great knowledge and calling it like it was when a lot of dealers where ripping people off. He is still one of the good guys in my book. No brown noisen here just calling it as I have seen it. I am glad you do not read this board Lew at times it can really make you not want to be in this hobby anymore. I do love to read the posts but come on guys give some people a break ounce in awhile!<br /><br />My 2¢<br />Trevor Hocking

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Posted By: <b>joe</b><p>Ok, a lot of Lew Lipset bashing, but!!!! Lew set up at many shows and has been very helpful to collectors in the 80's and 90s. At a show in Plymouth, Michigan I asked about some cards I bought from an antique dealer , he replied gruffly they are fakes. I was kind of afraid to approach him at that time. They were fakes and I was able to return them. Listen, Lew is not the easiest person to talk to ,but I have seen worse on this board. I think the "Newbies" in collecting should take a step back and appreciate what some of the oldtimers have done with this hobby. I don't know the age of most NET54 lurkers or posters, but I would bet most are under 40 years old. Some of the posts sound like they came from 2 year olds though. I'm not sure what happened with the yearbook, but Lew is right, there were no scanners in those days and every email I send him I get an answer, about cards or about his treks or vacations across the United states every year.<br />joe<br><br>Ty Cobb, Spikes flying!

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Posted By: <b>Scott Elkins</b><p>To make a long story short, Lew always bragged about his auctions ending early - before 11:00 PM EST, if I remember correctly. Well, the LAST auction I bid in of his I had won a lot according to his website when I went to bed at 3:00 AM EST for two bids lower than my max. The next morning I awoke all eager to receive my invoice for the lot of Wilson Franks cards and get the money out. To my amazement, the invoice was for my MAX bid - TWO BIDS ABOVE WHAT LEW'S WEBSITE TOLD ME I WON THE LOT FOR EARLIER THAT MORNING!<br /><br />To finish the story as quickly as possible, I decided (after speaking with some Hobby friends about the situation) NOT to pay for the lot after being blatantly SHILLED by Lew. I received threatening e-mails from him telling me he was going to tell Rob Lifson and others in the Hobby that I was a non-paying bidder. I told him to go ahead b/c I won lots in Major Auctions ALL THE TIME and paid extremely quick, but I was not going to pay for something that I was blatantly SHILLED on! I have not dealt with him since nor would I ever. He called the house a few times during this ordeal and even got smart with and threatened my fiance'! <br /><br />ALSO, THE LOT OF WILSON FRANKS CARDS I DID NOT PAY FOR WAS INCLUDED IN HIS VERY NEXT AUCTION. I FOLLOWED THIS LOT CLOSELY AND IT WENT FOR EXACTLY TWO BIDS BELOW MY PREVIOUS MAX BID (WHAT I HAD ORIGINALLY WON THE LOT FOR!).<br /><br />Lew has done a lot for the Hobby, but he didn't do it for free and is no Hobby Saint nor God. He knows a lot, but treats people like crap. Knowledge is great, but you need to remember the Golden Rule. ALSO, SHILLING IS THE SAME AS STEALING OR TRYING TO STEAL WITH ME - just not an honest thing to be doing, I don't care who does it!<br /><br />Scott

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Posted By: <b>Frank Wakefield</b><p>Seems like insufficient information to be claiming shilling.

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Posted By: <b>joe</b><p>Scott, I really doubt your story.<br /><br />Joe<br><br>Ty Cobb, Spikes flying!

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Posted By: <b>Scott Elkins</b><p>If it is not shilling, I don't know what to call it. If this were someone besides Lipset, I am certain we would all be calling it shilling. I have seen this board call out eBay sellers for shilling based on low feedback bidders bidding the card or items up. When someone goes to bed at 3:00 AM and the lot is two bids below his max bid and gets an invoice later in the day at his max bid, I really don't know what to call this other than shilling. I wish I had my old computer and files, as I had proof to all this on the computer. The proof I have now is Heather's word as well, since she answered the calls from Lew while I was out. She had to hang up on him the last time because of his rudeness!<br /><br />I cannot speak for Jay. However, this is one reason I started another forum with Jay Behrens - to expose people, no matter who they are or how high they rank in the Hobby. There are always some on this board who seem to take the sides of major players in the Hobby or major auction houses when they do wrong. These people usually are the first to bash an eBay seller making an honest mistake or having zero feedback bidders bidding on their items. Going back to Mark's remarks about Lew's rudeness (which Heather and I experienced first hand), if this had been Joe Blow on eBay, there would be almost 100% agreement here that the person is a SOB and should not treat customers that way. Since it was Lipset, some simply believe Mark deserved it for not buying the item he requested scans of. Hell, I have sent SEVERAL scans to people over the years and they have not bought the items from me. Did I ban them from my auctions or be rude - NO! I even thank them for letting me know, so I can move on and sell to someone else (I did this tonight to a person inquiring about an SGC 80 T206 Powers I have for sale on the B/S/T thread).<br /><br />I had several great dealings with Lew before this incident. I even acquired the T207 Red Cross Blackburne from him in a private deal. Stupid me even took his side when people bashed him for being hateful before this. I am simply telling what happened. I don't lie, nor am I starting to lie now with telling about this incident. It has been a few years since this happened. However, some members of this board have seen the e-mails Lipset sent me then with his threats of telling Rob Lifson and others if I didn't pay for this lot and not even responding to my questions asking how the lot went up two bids after the auction had ended. These members tried to get me to post about this incident then, but I did not b/c fearing there would be remarks like this not wanting to believe what had happened. <br /><br />So, believe it or not, this DID happen - I swear to it. My physical proof is long gone with my old PC. All I have now are the words of my better half and myself.

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Posted By: <b>Joe Pelaez</b><p>"There are eight million stories in our Naked City, and this has been one of them."

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Posted By: <b>bruce Dorskind</b><p><br />We have been active collectors of rare and unusual material since 1975.<br /><br />Our experiences with Lew Lipset have always been positive.<br /><br />He has been knowledgable, honest, too the point and most importantly<br />his sales and auctions have contained hundreds of examples of rare<br />and important material.<br /><br />We wonder about the level of expectation between "collectors" and dealers.<br />Whilst it is more appealing to have a nice conversation and small talk<br />about the latest baseball or political news, we wonder if you are looking<br />to acquire an item, learn more about a card or card set, or feel like<br />you have a phone buddy in Centerreach or Carefree.<br /><br />Lew, like very other dealers in the hobby, had days when he was more<br />engaging than others. He has and had opinions, and he had people<br />who appreciated his style and people who were offended by it.<br /><br />When those who have "been offended" share a story about an unplesant<br />experience, we wonder how many are not guilty of their own difficult<br />hobby moment.<br /><br />We remember card shows in the early 70's where certain big time dealers<br />would not talk to one another, and even a few of the great guys would<br />bash others behind their backs. <br /><br />With Lew, you know where you stand. <br /><br />He may not make you feel warm and fuzzy, but you will be smarter and<br />have a greater appreciaton for the history or rarity of an item after<br />listening to him.<br /><br />We established a long-time friendship with Sir Edward Wharton-Tigar- the<br />person who once owned the world's premeiere n and t collections. Wharton<br />Tigar always told us that Lew was the most knowledgable collector<br />in America. Don MacPherson, another hobby legend, felt the same way.<br /><br />In a hobby where dealers compete, where some big players are rather petty,<br />where well liked players remain smallplayers because their favorite sport is<br />complaining how aggressive their competitors are, one must conclude<br />that the Old Judge has played an invalubale role in educating the hobby<br />and adding to many collections.<br /><br />One wonders, however, about the plethora of "old ladies" who enjoy sharing their<br />worst experiences.<br /><br />Bruce Dorskind<br />America's Toughest Want List

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Posted By: <b>RC McKenzie</b><p>I've bought rare cards from Mark and Lew and I think they are both great guys. Probably just a misunderstanding between hardcore collectors. Regards.

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Posted By: <b>davidcycleback</b><p>To me, this all seems like a big tadoo over nothing (or little). So someone put someone on a blocked bidder's list. It's the seller's prerogative. I'm surprised that someone would start a thread about being on someone's block list.<br /><br />I've never bid on or bought anything from Lipset.

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Posted By: <b>Brian</b><p>I just had to chime in here after Lipset got on and tooted his own horn.<br />He is the biggest jerk I have ever dealt with.<br /><br />I bid in one auction and will never do so again. He was rude, disrespectful, and a complete jackass.<br />I emailed several members at the time, asking for advice. If anyone is interested in details, they can email me. <br /><br />I don't know if I am banned, and personally I don't give a damn. Personally, I hope that I am banned now, so I don't get his asinine emails about his going golfing with his family, etc. He is the worst person I have ever dealt with in this hobby, and the worst experience I have ever had.<br /><br />I agree with others: being a so-called 'legend'or 'icon' does not give the curmudgeon license to be disrespectful.<br /><br />Hopefully banned,<br />Brian

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Posted By: <b>leon</b><p>I have been away from all computers (at a computer show) for the last 3 1/2 days. Actually I didn't read the board on purpose as I thought it would be good to get away for a few days. My days were completely filled until about 10pm too... I posted about 20 minutes ago and didn't even read this thread first. I am only going to say that all of my dealings with Mr.Lipset have been fine. If I see something he has for sale I will certainly try to win/buy it..."This is America, to each their own". regards

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Posted By: <b>Cobby33</b><p>"Rare and unusual." Reminds me of one of the best lines in movie history:<br /><br />"Chicks dig me because I rarely wear underwear, but when I do it's something unusual."

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Posted By: <b>Anonymous</b><p>I had to chime in. Lipset is a very miserable man who hates young guys getting involved in the old cards (his territory). All the aggravation and the meaness that he has done to collectors will someday comeback to haunt him in a bad way afterlife (through Karma). One day he will get a piece of his own medicine. I know of several people that will never help lipset if he needed help in a life crises. That's sad.

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Posted By: <b>leon</b><p>YOU can NOT remain anonymous in this thread. If you don't have your full name, or email address on your post, then you need to send me your email/contact info. It's only fair....but if you have your name and/or email address then so be it.....This is one of "those" threads where I need to invoke the "no anonymity" clause...thanks for understanding...If you don't send me contact info and/or full name, or it's not posted here ,then I will end up deleting your post (which I would hate to do, but will), as per the forum rules.... .....best regards

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Posted By: <b>jay horowitz</b><p>Here is the information you needed

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Posted By: <b>leon</b><p>Thanks....as you know it's definitely not personal....but is only fair. take care...

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Posted By: <b>Joe Pelaez</b><p>And the tables were reversed in time.<br /><br />The current brain picking timid investment flower children, in the place where a digger was.<br /><br />This forum would be discussing topics, with half the knowledge that it has now.<br /><br />Even baby mouth Truman Capote, had his way to express himself strongly.<br /><br />I like Baby Mouth's work, but I prefer John Steinbeck more, and so did the DIGGER that never was.<br /><br />Joe P.

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Posted By: <b>Frank Wakefield</b><p>Well there are a few of us who would help him...<br /><br />And he'd probably help a few of us, too.

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Posted By: <b>Anonymous</b><p>From my sources. He was a former stamp dealer who had a nervous breakdown and has been on anti-depressants. Alan Rosen use to work for him in the early 1980's years ago, (i bet not many knew that) and Mr. Lipsetlikes to take out his depression and frustration on people who contact him on a down day. He just can't interact with other human's.

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Posted By: <b>Dan Bretta</b><p>Okay, this thread is starting to go beyond the pale of what should be acceptable for this board. Nobody should be discussing anyone's personal life here.

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Posted By: <b>Anonymous</b><p>That will be the end of my two sense. I thought i chime in. Bye Mr. Lipset.

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Posted By: <b>leon</b><p>I won't prevent you from saying stuff but I do wish you would edit your above post. I agree with Dan that there is no need dispelling some things about our personal lives....true or not (I have no idea)....I think we might have crossed a boundary. Everyone should try to be nice to everyone else....it's so much easier than being mean...I have found that 100% of the time when I take the high road I feel better. Even if someone messes with me I usually try to take the high road. There is a reason for that..best regards

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Posted By: <b>Al C.risafulli</b><p>Uncool.<br /><br />-Al

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Posted By: <b>Steve M.</b><p>Actually it is Jay Horowitz. I think everyone should know who he he is even though he continues to sign in as Anonymous.<br /><br />I suggest we <img src="http://www.network54.com/Realm/tmp/1174340412.GIF">

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Posted By: <b>Dan Bretta</b><p>Not only would I suggest locking the thread, but that last comment by Mr Horowitz should be deleted if he is not man enough to do it himself....I believe even though he identified himself in this thread that making comments of a personal nature like that should not be allowed. Especially since Lew does not post to this board.

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Posted By: <b>Joe Pelaez</b><p>Master Jay Horowitz, is too immature to understand what you're saying.<br /><br />Why do you think that he prefers the cloak of anonymity?<br />He's not comfortable with his growing pains. <br /><br />

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Posted By: <b>Steve f</b><p>Someone got blocked. Is it such a blow to your ego that a salesman outed you? There are plenty of kind Dealers around. <br /><br />Jason, We should only deal with those that have passed psychiatric screening?.. Good luck finding any. This guy Lew may have an emotional disorder, I ask you this... Who the heck doesn't nowadays? <br /><br />I vote to lock this thread of tears

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Posted By: <b>Joe Pelaez</b><p>It reminds me of Madam La Farge, from "A Tale of Two Cities" <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14><br /><br />"Off with his head"<br />"Off with his head"