Quote:
Originally Posted by thecatspajamas
Scott, I fully agree that the "no opinion = fake or worthless" mindset is all too prevalent among novice collectors, and have had to take returns as well because of it. I don't blame PSA for the collector's ignorance though, or want them to start guessing on authentication of ambiguous photos just to keep their "No Opinion" count down. Maybe add a note of explanation for why an opinion was not rendered (Is that already done? I don't have an example of a No Opinion letter on hand to verify), but not go out on limbs with their written opinions.
Basically, the collector's ignorance regarding what they are collecting and/or why a TYPE was not assigned is the problem, not the absence of a rendered opinion.
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I didn't suggest that they should start guessing, or that a collectors' ignorance would be PSA's fault - on the contrary, I think the Type system helps educate novices by having defined guidelines.
But PSA is making money authenticating photos, partly because novices want the service - it has created a new collector market. So I do think they owe the collectors more than 'no opinion'. But like you, I haven't seen the 'no opinion' letter. Perhaps it says that the print looks fine, but because they can't get under the mount, they can't render an official opinion.
I guess another way to look at it is that if you are a novice collector, and don't feel comfortable with 'no opinion' items, then just avoid them - I'm thinking it's a fraction of what PSA authenticates, so it shouldn't be a big deal.