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brian pI have also had the good fortune to help and be helped by many of the collectors/Obak collectors that Bob has mentioned (Jim, Tim, Doug, Joshua and Tbob himself). It truly makes the hobby more fun, and just feels good. Some of my favorite cards over the past six years or so have come from the above people and a handful of others, and quite often involve no exchange of money, or sometimes just some minimal amount.
I imagine there is a sizable chunk of 'collectors' out there who pursue aggressively and ruthlessly their desired layered cardboard, or care only how they rank on the various grading registries, but I think they will miss out on the comraderie of being connected to others who share the same passion for vintage cards. I went many years pursuing my hobby by myself, and was content, but I can tell you it has been extremely satisysfing to foster this collecting connection.
Brian