I'm the newest member in OBC.
Joining OBC required a leap of faith. It sounded like a good idea but are the returns worth it? I took the leap. I've seen a wide variety of cards already, mostly around Vg condition (some better, some worse), hall of famers, commons, oddball hits, you name it. So many that it is difficult to keep up.
Many dupes that I own have gained new relevance as others now need them. I suppose it may slow down a little but from what I can see, I believe it will have some staying power for a long time.
What I've noticed with the OBC members are the diversity of their collections and their devotion to the philosophy RAOK (Random acts of kindness). The collectors in OBC have some serious collections. They have been very welcoming to me, both in spirit and in what they send. Cards that I discounted as being too difficult to pursue have suddenly made my wantlist. Do I expect to get those from anybody? I don't expect anything. But it sure is a nice surprise finding stuff every day in your mailbox.
Also, there is a reward in finding someone needing three or four to complete a set that they have worked for years on and sending them what they need. There is a reward in trading with others for something you don't have. There is a reward looking for a great lot knowing that you may be able to help someone else. I can't tell you how great a reward it is to come home every day with a card or two in your mailbox and seeing your wantlist shrink. All of these have their rewards. The hobby is not rewarding in only one way. The devotion to the hobby of the OBC members and their constant flurry of activity keeps the hobby alive. I've noticed quite a few on here.
I can say this. If you collect for the joy of the hobby, this club captures that spirit. It's taken me back to when I used to flip cards or gave a friend of mine the 1975 Steve Garvey he needed to complete his favorite team set. Its taken me back to giving free packs of 1990 Topps wax away to kids at shows. Its about the fun parts of the hobby, not the business side. This club is not built on price guides. Its built on generosity, the hobby itself and the joy of belonging to a group of collectors who are simply "just nice guys".
Though I've yet to meet any of my fellow traders, I expect to.
I'm glad I took the leap of faith! I should have done it years ago.
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