Posted By:
HankronWhether or not the 'tables' of physical qualities will be included depends on a variety of factors, including:
1) Level of participation. If few offer information on the cards they have, this section would be omitted. Even collectors who only own a few cards, can submit. This is because, in order to get accurate data, the infomation will have to come from a variety of sources.
2) Can one get accurate/useful information this way-- via email.
I also have to decide what qualites are most useful. So far I can think of 1) thickness, 2) weight(maybe/maybe not), 3) gloss (subjectivity problem) and 4) general observations. General observations can include, "1973 OPCs usually have very rough edges" or "Some 1956 Topps can have different color cardstock" or "1915 Sporting News are super glossy on front but matte on back." There definitely will be room for experts/specialists like Jay Miller and many others on this board to offer lengthy opinions and observations on particular issues.
Most people, especially beginners, will likely start by refering to these tables, so the information will have to, above all, be useful for the normal collector.
At this point I am thinking about how gathering and using this data should be approached and likely will have a plan next week (Packers V Seahawks tommorow, so I must be given some slack).
Lastly but not leastly, I reiterate that everyone's avid participation is the only way these tables will work and be included in the guide. I am certain that those who submit information and observations for the table on one issue will be regularly be refering to the table on other issues. I am also confident that many reading this very sentence wish there was such a table already.
Again, any opinions on this matter or others are welcome.