Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian Van Horn
No, guys this is not a boy who cried wolf post. I have been collecting since September 1972 and almost exclusively pre-WWII since 1989. I don't know if it is because I am getting a little older or that I have seen just about every kind of card-except a few in Olbermann's collection-but the high has dulled a little. I also just don't like the way the hobby is going. A newer, smaller in number generation is coming in and although I do not have anything against new blood which is essential for this hobby, it is the smaller number that concerns me. Fame is fleeting would be the best analogy.
It also just the prices are out of alignment with reality. I include myself in this observation. If you look at eBay, the same cards are constantly on there, but every now and then a card will pique my interest. Of course, it also piques the interest of auction groups who then sell it in there auctions plus buyer's premium of anywhere from 12.5% to 20+%. Not whining, but even if you beat the auction groups in the bid, you pay an inflated value.
Part of collecting is enjoying what you have and part of it, frankly is investing. The investing part for me is overshadowing the collecting and I am a collector and I have always known that if it got to that point, it may be time to get out.
Admittedly, I haven't decided, but the excitement has waned.
|
I've been where you are now off and on for a year or two. Not yet ready to jump ship though my card mojo is low. Stopped setting up at shows two or three years ago because that stopped being fun. I no longer get warm and fuzzy while looking at material that we see over and over again. Showcases at shows just blend into one another. I know haven't seen it all, but I feel like I have.
Net54 isn't nearly as fun or interesting to me as it used to be though I still peruse it out of habit. Don't know if the membership has changed or I have, Probably some of both. Used to love BST, now it irritates me, seems more like hustler haven now. I certainly skip over anything demanding paypal f/f payment.
Still debating whether to attend the National or not. Maybe that would snap me out of it. Would be nice to hang out with some old collector friends over food and drink. Ironically I am now one card short of "completing" my collection. Just can't summon the juice to acquire it.
Improved cashflow and a fatter checkbook just seem more attractive now.