A Sad day for my My last Post O/T

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Posted By: <b>joe brennan</b><p>In the last few days I have been sadden by events that have led me to this decision. I no long want to be associated with Pre War collectors and the cards themselves. If you click on my link you will find about 120 Graded T206's that are for sale. This is not a fire sale as money is not the reason I am leaving the hobby. I understand this should be posted in the B/S/T thread and if Leon is kind enough to let this run for a few days becasue I am here to post the reasons.<br /><br />Integrity is a very important part of life and if you have lost faith in the people around you, there is no reason to associate with them any longer. <br />I truly believe that there are some fine people in the hobby but with all the shady dealings , scammers and inability or willingness to out obviously shady auction, I find my self disappointed in people that I trusted would do the right thing. <br /><br />Therefore, I will pursure other avenues that hopefully have a strong moral integrity and a hobby that has less contriversy around every corner and people that have the same moral values that I think I possess. <br /><br />Thank you for listening and I hope everyone here reads between the lines. Please don't e-mail me for details at this time, but in some future thread, (which I will not be posting anymore) I may pop my head in and let members decide if a certain group of people didn't do the right thing. <br /><br />PLease take a look at my cards, it's a wonderful collection that took me many years to assemble and was assemble for eye appeal, not what some $7.50 grader on crack thought. <br /><br />It's been a great ride. I've enjoyed many people here and had many laughs, expecially the Seinfeld threads, the "WE" threads and Jays bluntly honest opinions. Have had many deal go very right and I thank you all. Joe<br /><br />Edited to add: All the NON portriat cards will be sold first. Good luck.<br />Edited for spelling mistakes, fat fingers and just plan poor posting...sorry.<br /><br /> <a href="http://s101.photobucket.com/albums/m80/2dueces/T206%20COLLECTION/" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://s101.photobucket.com/albums/m80/2dueces/T206%20COLLECTION/</a> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />In Rememberance of James W. Brennan Sr. 1924-1982. Dad, thanks for everything you did for me.

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Posted By: <b>E, Daniel</b><p>Strangely enough I've been thinking the same myself recently (selling up the collection), though for completely different reasons.....there's a piece of lake front property I know my kids and wife would get a whole lot more joy out of than the cards - so I'm kind of vacillating..<br /><br />All the very best with your collecting as it never really leaves the blood, just takes different forms <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>!<br /><br />Daniel

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Posted By: <b>peter chao</b><p>Of course, it would be better for Net54 if you both stayed. However, Daniel's reason for leaving is more understandable because you would like to do more for your family, that makes sense.<br /><br />Joe,<br /><br />Think twice about your reasons though. If you believe the hobby is becoming more corrupt, I couldn't agree with you more, however if every hobbyist with integrity decided that they didn't want to deal with it...the hobby would go down the tube faster. <br /><br />Even if you decide not to post, don't give up on the hobby, that is the only way prewar vintage is going to rebound.<br /><br />Best of luck.<br /><br />Peter C.

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Posted By: <b>Bob</b><p>Joe- My suggestion is to just take a 6 month breather from here and collecting in general. If you still feel the same, sell your cards. I took a breather a couple of years ago when a couple of miscreants (neither of them posts here regularly or at all anymore) took pot shots at me. I took a deep breath, realized how short life was, and got back in the saddle. I am glad I didn't dispose of my collection and you might feel the same way too. <br />I look at these cards as history and I love history, especially the history of America in the early 20th century. It's more than slabs, who has the prettiest cards, what the investment potential is, it's about history and also about the many friends I have made while collecting.<br />Give it some time....<br />Tbob

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Posted By: <b>Alan</b><p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P14BZVmbaEY" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P14BZVmbaEY</a>

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Posted By: <b>T206Collector</b><p>"Therefore, I will pursure other avenues that hopefully have a strong moral integrity and a hobby that has less contriversy around every corner and people that have the same moral values that I think I possess."<br /><br />You will have to go where there is no money involved, and even there you are likely to run into people with character flaws. But the more that you involve a monetary value in your hobby, the greater the incentive will be to take advantage of people. PSA and SGC were founded upon, and reap the rewards of, the underbelly of the card industry. <br /><br />I left the hobby because of this in the 1980's; but returned with my confidence in PSA and now SGC. I now only make big purchases if SGC holders the card; not only do I like the holders and their grading consistency, but they have a buyback guarantee. Everything else is the Wild West to me, and out there you take your chances, without expecting too much from people.<br /><br />There is a real sentiment on this Board to clean up the hobby and it is certainly an honorable goal. But let us not forget that we are dealing with money and real people, with incentives that can bring out the worst in people -- many different kinds of people, from all walks of life today, and over the course of the past 100 years, since these little cardboard treasures were created.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />

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Posted By: <b>Dave Hornish</b><p>Joe-never got to really know you here but good luck. I have always been touched by the tribute to your dad at the end of all your posts.

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Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>Hi Joe- I think all of the regular posters on the board have gone through what you are going through at one time or another, and I echo Bob's words that it's always good to take a breather. You may decide sometime down the road you will want to come back again. You always posted intelligently and I felt you were one of the good guys.<br /><br />But if you really go ahead and sell your collection, you may regret it one day and it will be difficult to replace.<br /><br />Hope you do come back again sometime soon. Regards, Barry

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Posted By: <b>David</b><p>Sad to hear the hobby is losing a good guy. I honestly get feed up with all the problems with card collecting but I have a love for baseball that I pursue through cards. The hobby does have a good amount of crooks in it but it has more great people. Someone is more likely to tell of a bad experience than a good one. Although the scammers are talked about a lot, all the good people and forthright deals get left unspoken. I truly hope you find another avenue that you enjoy, but there will be the bad people there too. One thing that lead me deeper into collecting and sticking around the board was the Painted Turtle charity auction the board participated in last year. Although the hobby does have its problems, there is a lot of good out there. Good luck to you Joe on whatever you pursue.

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Posted By: <b>Dan Bretta</b><p>Joe, if it's not about money and you have already said that it isn't then I concur with Bob. Just put them out of site for a while and I guarantee you that you will come back invigorated. If you sell them you may regret it. what's the harm in waiting a few months or however long it takes?

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Posted By: <b>Anonymous</b><p>Ditto what T206 wrote. Unless your new hobby is something akin to taking strolls in the park or reading a good book (nothing wrong w/either, by the way) you're bound to run into shady people.<br /><br />Good luck in your new pursuit(s).<br /><br />Howard

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Posted By: <b>Bob</b><p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ns49XmuNQ4I" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ns49XmuNQ4I</a>

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Posted By: <b>Bob Pomilla</b><p>Joe,<br /><br />Can't reinforce the "take a deep breath" advice, strongly enough. We all have our dark moments, but must allow time for the clouds to clear. Don't mean to sound trite, but there is validity to the saying "act in haste, repent at leisure". You come across as one of the good guys, Joe and I wish you the best, whatever your ultimate decision.<br /><br />Be Well,<br />Bob

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Posted By: <b>Dave F</b><p>Definately sad to hear Joe. Your for sure one of the few good guys around. Also one of the very few that would knowingly not bid on something I was bidding on....good luck whichever route you go.

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Posted By: <b>Dan Bretta</b><p>Dave, there are more than a few good guys right here in this chatroom. I know...I've dealt with LOTS of them and have never had a bad deal...well except for my first one and that guy doesn't post here anymore and I'm not sure if he ever posted here much at all. I can not tell you how many people email me and let me know they saw something on ebay or at the National. I have had guys send me stuff for free out of the blue and I have paid it forward. This group of guys and gals (Hi Joann) are the best in the hobby bar none.

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Posted By: <b>bruce Dorskind</b><p><br />We see things quite differently. <br /><br />Whilst the "Hobby" has a number of participants who , "lack integrity," <br />there is not a single institution in the United States that is<br /> not plagued with a lack of integrity.<br /><br />Few institutions in the world face as many moral and integrity issues<br />as the Catholic Church. The very foundation of its leadership committed<br />thousands of immoral acts against the most helpless element of our<br />society...yet those who attend Chuch have not abandoned it...they are<br />working to make it better.<br /><br />No Presidency in the history of our great country has escaped without<br />some notable instance of corruption...yet fewer Americans give up their<br />citizenship to move to another country than any other large country in<br />the world.<br /><br />Baseball Cards has never been a sleepy, low key hobby. We have collected ultra<br />high grade cards for three decades and we witnessed slicing and dicing<br />of key cards in 1976.. it is only the web and society's enhanced communications<br />systems that brings the issues to the front page.<br /><br />If you express an opinion, the attack machine will always be there...you can<br />be running for President of the US, Dog Keeper or promoting the virtures<br />of PSA, it does not matter.<br /><br />The world is cut throat...it is kill or be killed...in politics, in war, on Wall Street<br />and in collecting rare baseball cards.<br /><br />If one does not have the courage to take the heat, then go off quietly into the sunset.<br /><br />Bruce Dorskind<br />America's Toughest Want List<br /><br />

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Posted By: <b>John</b><p>Joe,<br /><br />I agree with Tbob (smart guy) take a breather, you will be even more bummed knowing you sold off years of hard work and fun, because of a couple of “jabrones” getting under your skin.<br /><br /><br />I don’t know what went down. But if it would make you fell any better I can always do a Photoshop pic of these guys in a compromising position….sort of like a Photoshop gun for hire. Perhaps I should take out a banner ad for my services????<br /><br />Good luck with your choice.<br />

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Posted By: <b>Dan Bretta</b><p>Except for the last sentence that was well put Bruce. As long as I've been collecting there have been shysters in the hobby. I remember when you had to worry about a resealed wax pack....you couldn't buy a rack pack that wasn't searched and someone was counterfeiting 1984 Fleer Update cards of Kirby Puckett.

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Posted By: <b>John</b><p>Bruce, when you typed that did you have the giant flag from the movie Patton behind you??

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Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>While baseball card collecting is competitive, I haven't seen anyone killed yet over a nice T206.

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Posted By: <b>jeffdrum</b><p>Unfortunately what Bruce says is true. I was waiting for ..........."was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?".....................

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Posted By: <b>John</b><p>How nice a T206 are we talking here??<br /><br />Don't push me Sloate! <img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/piojohn3/smileys/-45.gif">

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Posted By: <b>Dan Bretta</b><p>Thanks a lot Barry...not all of us are finished reading "The Marinoli Treasure".<br /><br /><br /><img src="/images/wink.gif" height=14 width=14>

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Posted By: <b>peter chao</b><p>John,<br /><br />That's a great rendition of a boxing match between you and Barry. It makes my day. <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14><br /><br />Peter C.

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Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>I met John and he's twice my size...I concede! <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>

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Posted By: <b>John</b><p>Thanks, Peter sadly I think Sloate would take me he looks like a scrapper!

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Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>You wouldn't hit a 55 year old who wears glasses??

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Posted By: <b>jay behrens</b><p>it's the kick below the belt that you have to worry about <img src="/images/wink.gif" height=14 width=14><br /><br />Jay<br><br>The richest person is not the one who has the most, but the one who needs the least.

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Posted By: <b>Jimmy</b><p>I understand your concerns and I wish you the best, there are ups and downs to everything in life even a hobby. The fact is you are right in some ways, but you should not let people turn you off on a hobby that is fun and exciting. If I was able to find all that I wanted in this hobby, I would quit. The number one thing that keeps me going is finding items for my collection and helping dealers and collectors. I would never let a few bad apples get the best of me on something such as collecting, the same thing happens with coins, stamps and antiques. <br /><br />Take Care<br /><br />Jimmy

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Posted By: <b>Joseph</b><p>Congratulations, Joe. You have had, what they call in one trade, a breakthrough...in another, a revelation. I often wish I could get there too, but collecting is so deeply in my blood. If it ain't fun, why bother. I wish you good luck.<br /><br />

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Posted By: <b>Gilbert Maines</b><p>"If one does not have the courage to take the heat, then go off quietly into the sunset".<br /><br />Bruce Dorskind<br />Too Stupid to be One Person<br />

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Posted By: <b>John J. Grillo</b><p>IMO, if your are gonna leave, just leave, spare the drama...it's only a hobby, lighten up and have fun with it.

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Posted By: <b>Cobby33</b><p>"The world is cut throat...it is kill or be killed...in politics, in war, on Wall Street<br />and in collecting rare baseball cards."<br /><br />Plenty of us do just fine minding our own business.<br /><br />

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Posted By: <b>Brian Collie</b><p>I consider myself a passionate collector of baseball cards and have enjoyed the hobby for many years. As I am sure some of you can relate, I got the bug in the 80s, drifted away during college, only to come back now that I have more money to spare. I am currently working on a T202 PSA 5 and above set as well as collecting all T206 HOF PSA 5 and above (minus the big ones of course) and am having a lot of fun.<br /><br />I frequent this board often and very much enjoy reading about people's collections and learning more about a great past-time - a great two minute break during the course of the workday.<br /><br />However, after reading some of the recent posts I feel compelled to offer my two cents, and then I'll fade back and listen....<br /><br />1. This board is not about life or death, we're talking about baseball cards. People should lighten up and stop being so overly dramatic. I remember a few months back when a post was made by someone who wanted to announce he was not going to post anymore - my first thought, who cares. Now I see another frequent poster has announced his departure - great, thanks for filling me in. Bottom line, if you want to post, then great, if not so be it. This board isn't about any one person, it is about a collective enjoyment of a hobby.<br /><br />2. The level of arrogance and snide remarks on this board is ridiculous - reading the messages posted is like peaking in on a junior high class where the popular crowd try to make themselves feel better by knocking on people not deemed worthy of their association (and I think it would be a safe bet to say that most people on this board weren't "lucky" enough to associate with the popular crowd back in their day). Why the hell do people need to be so damn mean - and I'm not talking about good natured ribbing - some of you just come across like arrogant *******s. If someone makes a remark that is inaccurate, then point that out - don't attack the person though. Be more mature than that.<br /><br />3. Yes, there are bad people in the hobby and we should all be on the lookout for such dishonest people. One of things I like most about this board is learning of what to be on the lookout for - a great value. However, there are dishonest people in all walks of life and running away from the problem solves nothing - it simply means they won. Stay involved, yet just be more selective with who you deal with.<br /><br />4. And, to my fourth and most important point, I need a T206 Lajoie Throwing, Griffith Portrait, and Crawford Throwing in PSA 5 - anyone able to help?<br /><br />Thanks for allowing me to pontificate.<br /><br />Brian

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Posted By: <b>Frank Wakefield</b><p>The Germans didn't bomb Pearl Harbor.<br /><br />

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Posted By: <b>John</b><p>"Germans?"<br /><br />"Forget it, he's rolling."<br />

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Posted By: <b>jeffdrum</b><p>As a history major I know that the Germans didn't bomb Pearl Harbor. It was a poor attempt at humor on a long Friday afternoon. As was pointed out, it was a classic line uttered by John Belushi in "Animal House."

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Posted By: <b>Frank Wakefield</b><p>Ahhh....<br /><br /><br />And that reminds me that I've been wanting to watch 1941 again. Apologies.

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Posted By: <b>peter chao</b><p>Jeff,<br /><br />You shouldn't kid about Pearl Harbor. Right now Bruce is telling everybody the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor.<br /><br />Brian,<br /><br />You made good points, don't fade into the background. This is one stubborn group of guys, we need people that are willing to keep us on our toes. <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14><br /><br />Peter C.

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Posted By: <b>boxingcardman</b><p>if it bit you in your pampered Upper East Side butt. <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14><br /><br />Lighten up, Francis!

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Posted By: <b>Alan</b><p>I have a feeling this thread is going to turn into a 300 posts thread. This message board is great entertainment !!!<br /><br />As Tom Cruise once said, "Sometimes you just gotta say, ...."

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Posted By: <b>Ed Ivey</b><p>"He was wearing my TIE. My Harvard tie. Like, oh sure, HE went to Harvard.."<br /><br />-Akroyd. Trading Places.

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Posted By: <b>Jeff Lichtman</b><p>Whatever happens in this thread, the quotes from Stripes and Animal House have made it stellar.

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Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>My favorite is still John Candy's: "My psychiatrist says I swallow a lot of aggression...and a lot of pizza too."

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Posted By: <b>John</b><p>"Show, Dick (Bruce) some respect!" LOL<br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/piojohn3/junkforumimages/juddnelson.jpg">

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Posted By: <b>P</b><p>D-Day: War's over, man. Wormer dropped the big one.<br /><br />Bluto: Over? Did you say "over"? Nothing is over until we decide it is! Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no!<br /><br />Otter: Germans?<br /><br />Boon: Forget it, he's rolling.<br /><br />Bluto: And it ain't over now. 'Cause when the goin' gets tough...<br /><br />[thinks hard]<br /><br />Bluto: the tough get goin'! Who's with me? Let's go!<br /><br />[runs out, alone; then returns]<br /><br />Bluto: What the (CENSORED) happened to the Delta I used to know? Where's the spirit? Where's the guts, huh? "Ooh, we're afraid to go with you Bluto, we might get in trouble." Well just kiss my (CENSORED)from now on! Not me! I'm not gonna take this. Wormer, he's a dead man! Marmalard, dead! Niedermeyer...<br /><br />Otter: Dead! Bluto's right. Psychotic, but absolutely right. We gotta take these bastards. Now we could do it with conventional weapons that could take years and cost millions of lives. No, I think we have to go all out. I think that this situation absolutely requires a really futile and stupid gesture be done on somebody's part.<br /><br />Bluto: We're just the guys to do it.<br /><br />D-Day: Let's do it.<br /><br />Bluto: LET'S DO IT! <br /><br />

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Posted By: <b>Jim Dale</b><p>First let me say that I learned a little about collecting vintage cards just a few years ago and never looked twice at them before that. Someone else mentioned this above after your post in that anything you find involving money is going to have some of the same troubles. <br /><br />I found "vintage" because the modern cards I enjoyed the most had the exact same problems you are bothered about here. I quit (am glad I did) collecting a modern card that has an emphasis of online trading (etopps) after spending nearly 10k there over 3 years. Once I quit it became fun to study the posts here, at the PSA and Beckett boards on several different sets I like. I try to collect them, but I can see some of the same problems revolving around them. Its sad....but as it was stated it is going to exist in anything you want to collect. <br /><br />FYI...you think we have it bad try fine art.

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Posted By: <b>Dan Bretta</b><p><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/K92OVFeGgIE"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/K92OVFeGgIE" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br /><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/jTUruCv4Qi4"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/jTUruCv4Qi4" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br /><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ViiB_dE3Lhs"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ViiB_dE3Lhs" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>

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Posted By: <b>Rich Klein</b><p> Mr. Dorskind:<br /><br /> Please remember that although this is a hobby for many people; for many others it becomes more than a hobby, it becomes a real passion. And when that passion is diluted, because no one is a perfect saint or a total sinner (although I have met some dealers who have come close to this definition), and a person vocalizes his complaint he deserves respect. Instead, you chose to pile on with some unneeded venom to a collector who made a heartfelt post about why he felt he needed to leave the hobby emotionally.<br /><br /> That collector who posted deserved our respect, for every time we lose a collector, there could very well be a ripple effect of losing even more collectors who see posts like yours and forget a valuable lesson I learned from Frank Barning years ago. Mr. Barning was asked why he called his paper "Baseball Hobby News" and the answer was, "95% of the collectors who read my newspaper read it at home at the end of a day and don't want more bad news; they want to read about collectors and their successes. Remember each time a collector departs, there is not 10 collectors ready to take their place as there were in the 1980's and early 1990's.<br /><br /> Earl Warren, a Supreme Court justice said basically the same thing when asked why the first part of the paper he read each morning was the Sports section. His answer, and I'm paraphrasing here -- "I want to read about the accomplishment of people, not the bad things"<br /><br /> Bruce, YOU have a wealth of knowledge. YOU could contribute even more than you do to the hobby by adding to the works of Krause and Beckett (although I'm no longer there, I guarantee you that their Baseball editor would add your verified information about big-ticket items into the data base). YOU could work and train with younger collectors on how to spot nice items and why are some of the items on your want list so special.<br /><br /> Instead, you choose to take aggressive steps to distance yourself from collectors whom you feel are inferior to you. Dude, YOU like the rest of us, will not be able to take those items with you when you go. So how about making plans for the rest of us to visit those items.<br /><br /> So, I will leave you with these lyrics from one of my favorite singles of the early 1980's<br /><br />"Nobody's Changed, Nobody's been saved, ... I guess I'm lucky; Sometimes I wish for more than I got" <br /><br />What About Me, Moving Pictures 1982<br /><br /> And Bruce, I AM lucky, for I have made a living in the sports memorabilia business since 1986 AND even more importantly have made many friends in said business. In that way, I guarantee you I'm far richer than you are. While I don't have many of the items I once had, let me assure you, that as William DeVaughn once sang, "Be Thankful for what you got" and I'm thankful for what I got and what I've owned and even more importantly for the friends I've made in nearly 30 years in the card hobby.<br /><br /> Rich Klein<br /> Columbia College '81<br /><br />P.S. While I was posting this, a lady I know who used to come to my sports trivia games on AOL IM'd me she had just been diagnosed with breast cancer. While they believe they caught the insidious disease early -- please tell me, now who has the bigger issue, the person who needs to step back from vintage cards or the lady who is now in for the fight of her life.<br /><br />Edited to add P.S.<br />Second edit to fix a couple of minor typos<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />

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Posted By: <b>Tim Newcomb</b><p>Well said-- the Dorskinds of the world are not what I want to think of when I think of baseball cards. Thanks for a great comment--<br /><br />Tim<br /><br />PS: I'm class of '81 (Davidson College) too

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Posted By: <b>Mark L</b><p>Venom? what venom?

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Posted By: <b>James Feagin</b><p>I collect for myself and no one else. While I like a certain aspect of the hobby community, I have often felt I have very little in common with those who collect vintage baseball cards, particularly on this board. That's not to say I try to be inaccessable, hardly the case. The point is, if someone wants to drop out of the hobby in a public or private forum, fine, more power to them. These ARE STILL ONLY BASEBALL CARDS. When you die in a few short years, someone else will have them anyway. We can't be so absorbed with these cardboard trinkets that we take them for more than what they really are.

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Posted By: <b>Cobby33</b><p>Rich-<br />Good job.<br /><br />Cobby33<br />UCSB '91- Go Gauchos!

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Posted By: <b>Anonymous</b><p>I don't see any venom in Mr. Dorskind's post either. It is certainly more benign than dozens of posts I've read on this forum in the past. In fact, a couple of posters agreed with him and a couple others basically told Mr. Brennan to cut out the drama and leave. <br /><br />Also, I'm sorry to hear about the lady with cancer but I don't see how it relates to Mr. Dorskind's post.<br /><br />

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Posted By: <b>CN</b><p> It seems lately that when a person decides to stop posting they have to anounce it. What is the purpose of this, I can,t think of any. Nothing personal but if you don't want to post anymore just don't. This is a fun hobby and one less collector will not change much in the scheme of things. CN

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Posted By: <b>P</b><p>Well I have disagreed with a lot of Bruce's posts but I think all he is saying here is that the baseball card hobby is subject to its bad side like so many other things in life and that it's better to stay and fight than to quit. That seems a pretty benign point of view. It seems to me the negative reaction he is getting may be to some of his other posts?

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Posted By: <b>John</b><p>I won’t be making any announcements when I decide to quit posting or collecting. I’ve decided on a made for TV movie. <br /><br /><br />Still tossing between Jim J. Bullock and Richard Kline to play the role of Wonka...<br /><br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/piojohn3/junkforumimages/jim-j-bullock.jpg"> <img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/piojohn3/junkforumimages/kline2.jpg"><br /><br /><br /><br />Danny DeVito has confirmed the role of Leon.<br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/piojohn3/junkforumimages/danny.jpg"><br /><br /><br />This just in Jim Backus to play Bruce Dorskind....<br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/piojohn3/junkforumimages/1981_5130_1_1.jpg">

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Posted By: <b>boxingcardman</b><p>Phyllis Diller? <br /><br />

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Posted By: <b>Tim Newcomb</b><p>Maybe they aren't actually venomous, but you guys who are now leaping on the bandwagon to defend Bruce might want to ponder these words, from the oracle himself, about Joe's post:<br /><br />"The world is cut throat...it is kill or be killed...in politics, in war, on Wall Street<br />and in collecting rare baseball cards.<br /><br />If one does not have the courage to take the heat, then go off quietly into the sunset."<br /><br />For most of us, this is a HOBBY, right???

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Posted By: <b>John</b><p>Adam, that would be hot!

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Posted By: <b>peter chao</b><p>Tim,<br /><br />You quoted the section of Bruce's post that got me livid. He draws an analogy between politics, war, Wall Street, and the Hobby. For me at least, the Hobby allows me to get away from politics, war, and Wall Street. Now Bruce points out this ridiculous analogy...and I feel like choking all of the Dorskinds. At least those that belong to the "we" that he always refers to. <br /><br />Peter C.

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Posted By: <b>Corey R. Shanus</b><p>I agree with those posters who say that perhaps you should wait a bit before selling your cards. If in fact several months down the road you still feel the same way, you can always sell them then. But should you have a change of heart (as happened to a number of posters when they experienced similar fellings), then you'll regret having made the sales.<br /><br />In regard to Bruce, while I agree that he could have expressed his views more sympathetically and less provocatively, the gist of his post I happen to agree with. Don't let the unscrupulous players chase you out. Instead stick around and fight for change and chase them out. All businesses have their share of bad apples, but there are many more good apples in a bunch than bad ones, and those good ones can lead to very satisfying transactions and, more importantly, friendships. Also, and I say this from experience because I collect in areas other than baseball: there are unscrupulous players throughout all areas of collectibles and I do not believe baseball is any worse than the others.<br /><br />Finally, what has allowed me to maintain my passion for collecting is 1) putting it in its proper perspective (I do it to relax and escape from life's pressures, not to get me mad at the world) and in regard to the shaddy dealing that exists within the hobby, making a conscious effort to "look at the bagel, not the hole" and 2) acquiring my own expertise in those areas I collect, thereby making me less dependent on the knowledge of others (including authentication companies, whose opinions are just that, opinions) and therefore more immune from much of the shaddy dealing.

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Posted By: <b>Perry Eaves</b><p>All this fuss over a relatively small group of low grade t206 cards?

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Posted By: <b>Jeff Lichtman</b><p>I don't think Bruce meant any harm with his post. He tends to go overboard in his use of language to make a point. While he may be inartful when using hyperbole he is informative and, at least in my mind, appreciated. It's not like he championed the Virginia Tech shooter as 'noble' or compared what the shooter did to what George Bush did in Iraq, right Peter? I bet that would really make you livid if someone did that. You might even want to 'choke' all of the people who said something as idiotic as that.

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Posted By: <b>John S</b><p>Joe,<br /><br />I would have posted much sooner...but it is back to school for me and my time on the board becomes limited. I hope that you read through these posts and take some of the advice. For the last five years I have been a full-time collector, checking eBay and the board like a stock broker checks daily prices. Before that it was very sporadic, a few months on, a few months off based on various circumstances. I have been selling a lot recently both on the board and eBay. 90% of my transactions on this board have very positive but the cash that our little pieces of musty cardboard generate can attract the greedy element. An individual purchased a group of cards from me recently, negotiated heavily stating that these were pieces desperately needed for his personal collection. We came to an agreement and less than a week later the cards were being sold on eBay. At that point what am I to say, the cards are his, we agreed to a price, do what you want with them. I am sure that just about every board member can relate stories like this one. But as I said, for every transaction like this one I have had nine positive interactions.<br /><br />And what about your vintage football pursuit? Our numbers are already very thin. Hope that you reconsider. Whatever you decide thanks for your contributions.<br /><br />John

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Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>While Bruce made some good points, and some over the top ones, he always distances himself from the board and has no interest in making friends with anybody around here. And he knows very well when he posts that he will make many people angry, and he doesn't care a lick. He might even enjoy it. He always gives the impression that he is talking down to everyone and nobody likes that.<br /><br />And this notion that the hobby is like a fight to the death is preposterous. 95% of the people who collect cards do so to get away from life's daily pressures. And for the other 5% who are very competitive, most are still friendly with the people they compete against to get the best cards. Even a lot of the set registry people compete because to them competition is good fun, not a deadly fight.

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Posted By: <b>Rich Klein</b><p>1) The venom line referred to the last line of his post<br /><br /> "If one does not have the courage to take the heat, then go off quietly into the sunset."<br /><br /> As I said earlier, making a decision to give up a hobby AND more importantly, leave a message board (or a group of friends, which to many of us this board is) can be an emotional decision. A post like the one which began this thread is not always a goodbye but it can feel like that to the poster, and thus he (or she) needs to have an appropriate venue to bid everyone a fond adieu before heading off into the sunset. <br /><br /><br />2) Bruce and myself will always disagree on various topics about the hobby. I do understand that and it's not a problem for me. However, Mr. Sloate nailed the real issue, which is, the more one distances themselves from potential friends and allies, the less likely someone will help them when the time comes to acquire items on "American's Toughest Want List". Bruce, try a little honey some time, it might get you even more items on your list.<br /><br />Regards<br />Rich <br /><br /><br /><br />

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Posted By: <b>Alan</b><p>I agree with Barry 100 percent. I attended the PSA luncheon at the National and it is evident that it is really just friendly competition among the registry collectors.

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Posted By: <b>PC</b><p>The only thing I learned on this thread is that Bruce is an anti-Catholic bigot.<br /><br />Why is this tolerated here? Worse, why is Bruce being extolled by some for his so-called good points? That post should be deleted, as per the board rules.<br /><br />

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Posted By: <b>jay behrens</b><p>Perry, that's the second post of your that I've seen like that. Are looking to join Bruce in the Pompous, Arrogant, Collector Club?<br /><br />Jay<br><br>The richest person is not the one who has the most, but the one who needs the least.

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Posted By: <b>bruce Dorskind</b><p><br /><br />We wonder what element in our post was Anti-Catholic and/or<br />what line supported any form of bigotry?<br /><br />Is the poster denying that there were thousands of victims across<br />America and around the world? Does he support the concept<br />that members of the clergy, regardless of religion, should not<br />be removed when they are convicted of unspeakable acts<br />against minors? <br /><br />Perhaps the poster should print out the quote he references and<br />bring it to his place of worship. Ask the clergy member<br />who leads his congregation what he or she thinks.<br /><br />We anxiously await the response.<br /><br /><br />Bruce Dorskind<br />America's Toughest Want List

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Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>Posts about religion are frowned upon on the board. Maybe we could steer this back to baseball cards.

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Posted By: <b>PC</b><p>It's amusing that you now add "regardless of religion" references, and ask questions that any normal person would answer "yes" too. You digress, but only because you were called out.<br /><br />I come to this board to read about old baseball cards, not to field pot shots at my religion.

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Posted By: <b>Rich Klein</b><p> He certainly did not show any religious bias in his post. He pointed out, and without any sign of prejudice, that the Catholic Church has had problems in recent years and many people who believe in that Church are doing their best to fix said problem. Let's not read more into the post than that.<br /><br /> Now, let's go back to discussing cards -- a much happier subejct<br /><br />Rich

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Posted By: <b>PAS</b><p>Who's better PSA or SGC? <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>

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Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>Now those are fighting words!

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Posted By: <b>PC</b><p>Rich -- I disagree. Non sequiturs are very revealing. And a ridiculous, inflammatory analogy between fraud in this hobby and Catholicism should be condemned, not excused.<br /><br />I've seen this group get a lot more exercised by far less.<br /><br />Anyway, it isn't worth getting too upset about Dorskind Group musings.

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Posted By: <b>Brad</b><p><b>Vote Brad For President</b> <img src="/images/wink.gif" height=14 width=14><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/GlbMHbgUuL8"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/GlbMHbgUuL8" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>

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Posted By: <b>peter chao</b><p>Brad,<br /><br />You have my vote...let's put it this way you are better than the current group of politicians running for President. We're approaching the end of the month...it's time to let out a little bit of steam. <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14><br /><br />Peter C.

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Posted By: <b>Cobby33</b><p>So we've gone from calling pro-choice advocates "baby killers," to wildly speculating that there have been "thousands" of victims of wrongdoings of agents of the Catholic church. What next? On second, thought- don't answer that.<br /><br />I actually didn't disagree with the spirit of Dorskind's first post, "yet those who attend Chuch have not abandoned it...they are<br />working to make it better." However, the added "explanation" made it absurd and vile.

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Posted By: <b>robert a</b><p>Perry Eaves,<br /><br />Ok, you don't collect lowgrade cards. We get it.<br /><br />Who cares?<br /><br /><br />Joe, <br /><br />Best of luck to you with your collection.<br />Take care.<br /><br /><br />Robert

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Posted By: <b>David Davis</b><p>"Perhaps the poster should print out the quote he references and<br />bring it to his place of worship. Ask the clergy member<br />who leads his congregation what he or she thinks."<br /><br />Perhaps the follow-up poster should print out all of his posts and take it to a team of world-class psychiatrists. Either he has a mouse in his pocket, hence the repeated use of "we", or he is channeling Sybil, and "we" is accurate, but not necessarily healthy. <br /><br />

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Posted By: <b>Anonymous</b><p>"Thousands" of victims is no "wild speculation". The John Jay Report, commissioned and endorsed by the Catholic Church itself, found over 10,000 plausible reports of sexual abuse of children by over 4,000 priests between 1950 and 2002. Surely some of those priests are innocent but since this is a notoriously under reported crime we can be sure there have been more cases than the 10,000 or so cited in the report. In addition there have been a large number of priests, bishops, etc., who did not molest children but participated in cover-ups. <br /><br />Howard<br /><br />

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Posted By: <b>PAS</b><p>Is this sort of discussion really necessary here?

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Posted By: <b>Jason L</b><p>Joe,<br />You seem to be writing about a specific transaction that went poorly? I don't know what you are talking about, but if there is any value to be added to the folks here by sharing the experience as a "What to look out for" type of thing, please post.<br />Otherwise, best of luck to you finding another hobby where everyone has integrity and is worth placing your faith in...I doubt it exists, but I am a cynic, so when you find it, please post that too! <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14><br /><br />And to the Board in general, I just wanted you all to know (particularly since I suspect you have all been waiting for my post on this thread), that when I decide to take a break from the hobby, I will be announcing it as well. -And I expect that post to create much fanfare and possibly huba-baloo. I will probably request Wonka's articstic abillities in delivering the message.<br />Furthermore, I will also be posting semi-regular announcements from here forward, to reiterate my continued participation in the hobby, just to calm any periodic fears that I have somehow exited The Show,...-until you see the previously aforementioned and above-referenced exit statement.<br /><br /><img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14><br />This is so much fun!<br /><br />-oh, yes, and....<img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14><br /><br />

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Posted By: <b>Cobby33</b><p>Peter is right. This is not the forum to discuss the allegations of non-sports related news items. I guess in my line of work, I am accustomed to convictions and settlements (although not always) being indictments of guilt: not inadmissible reports and yes, speculation.<br /><br />I apologize for making an issue out of mis-information publicized on the Board, which is not related to sports and sports cards, but sometimes I can't help refraining from calling out complete and/or over-exaggerated BS; or at least asking to be educated by supporting documentation of these statements.<br /><br />

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Posted By: <b>peter chao</b><p>I'm glad that you're keeping your sense of humor through all of this. Hopefully, you will not be leaving us any time soon. <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14><br /><br />Peter C.

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Posted By: <b>JK</b><p>Sorry to bring this up again, but a quick internet search would reflect that the numbers cited above are not false:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.catholicnews.com/data/abuse/abuse04.htm" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://www.catholicnews.com/data/abuse/abuse04.htm</a>

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Posted By: <b>Mike Garcia</b><p> The only people who should be allowed to use the editorial "we" or the Royal "we" are editors , kings , and people with tapeworm.

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Posted By: <b>Perry Eaves</b><p>This is not life and death folks. "all this fuss over small group of low grade t206 cards" Correct. Go for a long walk, play catch with your kids, tell your wife you love her. (OK, went too far with the last one) Deciding to sell a small group of cards and treating it like a major life move is simply absurd.

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Posted By: <b>Jeff Lichtman</b><p>Yeah, I agree with Josh -- over a billion dollars paid to the victims of sexual abuse by members of the Catholic Church ain't chump change. That being said, I hardly think the abuse reflects much on the Church. After all, there are bad people connected with every religion. When bad behavior becomes the average behavior for a religion then there is a bigger problem; clearly that is not the case with the Church.

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Posted By: <b>joe</b><p>Just curious, has anyone on this board ever met Bruce? Does anyone even know him?<br /><br />Joe<br><br>Ty Cobb, Spikes flying!

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Posted By: <b>Ed Ivey</b><p>I thought it was a "them".

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Posted By: <b>Alan</b><p>We wanted to meet him to say hello at the National, but we never saw him.

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Posted By: <b>PAS</b><p>I repeat: why do we need to be having a discussion about this? Is it relevant to something? We get into some pretty o/t stuff here but this seems to be pushing the envelope. EDITED TO ADD JK, respectfully, if you are sorry to bring it up again, why did you?

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Posted By: <b>Andrew Parks</b><p>I met Bruce once.

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Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>I've known Bruce for 20 years and have gotten together with him numerous times.<br /><br />He really does have a nice collection with some really superb pieces. But as I have told him many times, he could find a kinder and gentler way to communicate on the board.

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Posted By: <b>Anonymous</b><p>Barry,<br />Can you tell if he said why he does not do that?

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Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>David- I just do not know why. I know some board members have asked Bruce some of these questions, but he has not responded.<br /><br />In the end, it's his call. I just can't speak for him.

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Posted By: <b>John</b><p>A sad day Perry is that you feel the need to take a jab at a guy’s collection as he rolls out of the hobby, regardless of his reasons.<br /><br />I agree I don’t think we need an announcement, but we also don’t need your snide elitist remarks discussing your views of the current quality of the mans collection. <br /><br />“This is not life and death folks. "all this fuss over small group of low grade t206 cards" Correct.”<br /><br />The truly sad part is what a total lack of class you display with the above comment.<br /><br /><br />So what grade cards warrant an announcement and a sad day Perry? <br />

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Posted By: <b>PAS</b><p>I don't know Bruce but it seems the "we," the "whilst," and the refusal to answer questions or engage in dialogue are all part of his schtick. Whatever.

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Posted By: <b>Perry Eaves</b><p>I have decided to sell my collection of 1988 donruss cards. It is nearly a complete set (only missing the elusive ron gant rookie and a couple of puzzle pieces.)The Dale Murphy diamond king is a psa 3mc which will be thrown in for no extra charge. It isn't about the money. I have debated over the matter for several weeks and after some soul searching think it is the best move. I have even consulted the local priest. It is through a heavy stream of tears that I am typing this message.

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Posted By: <b>Bob Pomilla</b><p>Bruce has some competition.

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Posted By: <b>Tom Nieves</b><p>Perry Eaves: high roller or obnoxious newbie?<br /><br />You decide -- <a href="http://feedback.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback2&userid=jimmythejimmy&ftab=AllFeedback" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://feedback.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback2&userid=jimmythejimmy&ftab=AllFeedback</a><br /><br />Tom

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Posted By: <b>John</b><p>all better now???

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Posted By: <b>Chris Mc</b><p>Ut Oh, here comes another flock of wah wahs, wah wah wah. <br /> Joe Walsh <br /><br />Edited to add that this thread is weak, start to finish, including my post.

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Posted By: <b>Perry Eaves</b><p>I never claimed to be a high roller. The point is that this is not life or death and treating a collection of low grade t206 (that just happens to be what the collection is, nothing personal)like it is a life changing move is silly. Read the original post again. It is hilarious when taken for what it is. I will not respond any further and sincerely wish you all the best in life.

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Posted By: <b>John</b><p>Yet you took the time to read it and the time to post your 2 cents huh? <br /><br />Well glad to see you didn’t waste any of your time with this weak stuff, we should take a page from your book.<br />

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Posted By: <b>John</b><p>Perry, I agree with you that cards are cards nothing more. <br /><br />But to some folks it can mean much more. What gets under our skin is the fact you keep referring to people’s lower grade cards as “junk” etc. Surely even you can understand how insulting that can be to someone who perhaps can’t afford much more???<br /><br />Would you tell someone their kid painted like a retard, if they were proud parents displaying their child’s artwork? I agree you don’t need to open the kid a gallery or buy a few paintings for the house, but a little that’s nice and leave it at that isn’t so hard is it?<br />

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Posted By: <b>PC</b><p>John -- you know, I'm trying to be angry with the le moderne Know Nothings that appear (frighteningly so) on this board, but your "Jim Backus as BD" photoshop image above just takes the indignation right out of a guy.<br /><br />That's funny stuff.

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Posted By: <b>Chris Mc</b><p>Hey John, I just want my ten minutes back. The thread should have been in the B/S/T I.M.O.<br /> Regards, Chris

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Posted By: <b>peter chao</b><p>Let's forget about "armpit collector." Let's call Joe, Leon, and others the backbone of the hobby instead. It is a more fitting label. <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14><br /><br />Peter C.

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Posted By: <b>leon</b><p>Not sure any "one" is the backbone...I would never be...I just want to be a collector like the next guy...every now and then most everyone needs a break...some come back some don't....we'll leave the light on.....regards