Posted By:
davidcyclebackQuestion: is collecting better than non-collecting?
A lot collectors overpay for crap they know little about. A lot of dealers (Lipset, Lifson, Sloate) are the hobby experts who the collectors turn to for info. Any 'true collector' who references Lipset's Encyclopedia of Baseball Cards is depending on information provided and produced by a dealer. And, without the loathsome sellers, I'm curious to know how the true collectors would obtain their cards.
I have nothing against buying without selling. I admire those who do it and do agree the practice's supporters that it has a kind of purity to it. However, I don't find inferior someone selling dupes or reselling to raise funds for another purchase inferior or holding an honest auction of authentic material. In fact, my opinion is that honest and learned dealers and auctioneers are the most valuable to the hobby, as they are the ones disseminating the material to the collectors. And it is the dishonest sellers who do the most harm.