First of all, let's not get all sacrosanct about the cards and prices here. We live in a free market, I think everyone is aware of price and is unafraid to discuss what things are worth. Now, whether we would choose to do that with folks outside the collecting community, it could be distasteful without being asked. I've debated whether to tell people even when asked, but inside the hobby is a different story. Everyone here is spending cash on cards - let's face it.
Adrian, did he overpay? It is a matter of opinion, really. Probably, yes. But not dramatically, and he generally bought classic cards. PSA 5 Wright, it last sold for $3850, there were two other people out there willing to pay in that range, he is not alone then. If PSA set registry guys start to jump all over the set, the price could explode, they don't care if the image is faded or whatever. Anything is possible.
Yeah, Adrian has been impulsive, but he has got the cash to burn. When I had cash, I tore through it, I was even worse than Adrian, I mean, I bought two blockbuster cards in the span of three months. Granted, I purchased them at auction, it's a little different (or a lot different), but the point being that it's easy to burn through money when you've got it.
I also smoked through $5750 buying a Whitney with Dog card. Hall of Famer? No. Rare pose? Nyet. But I love the card, so who's to really say? Adrian obviously didn't want to follow my advice and wait for the auctions, it's his prerogative. Doesn't sound like he did too badly on the Mick, that must be a hot card right now if he's gotten two offers already.
Point being, he's one of us. He's a collector, he's got his ways, there are maybe more savvy collectors out there, but we've all seen worse, and even if his style is a bit manic, he belongs on the board, he is one of us. The hobby needs new collectors, it is the only way it can grow. So welcome, Adrian, and again, congrats on the pickups. Enjoy.
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