[saltire]

OBC is certainly a unique group in the world of card collecting. The "What goes round comes round" concept would definitely be tricky for some to get their head round, and as has already been stated its not for everybody. However, the satisfaction of helping out a fellow collector often outweighs the monetary "value" of a trade. Its easy to underestimate the feel good factor.

The cameraderie aspect of OBC is another big big plus factor. Whether its welcoming fellow members into your home, getting together at a game, meeting up for a bite to eat, or bombarding members who are in need of a good "pick-me-up" with cards in their time of need ("the healing power of cardboard"), OBC and its members always step up to the mark and never fail to amaze me.

As you can imagine, my own experience in OBC has been hugely positive. I've been a member since 1997, and the amount that I've learned about the hobby, the experiences I've had, the people I've met, and the encouragement they've given me to start new sets all add up to make me feel a part of the OBC "family".

There is no doubt in my mind that I have had more from OBC than I've managed to give back. I should add that right throughout my OBC life, I've lived in Scotland. My inability to "re-stock" regularly due to my location and ever rising postal and import tax costs has meant that I've not been able to return fire to my fellow members in recent years nearly as much as I would like. This is a real cause of embarrassment to me, and makes me appreciate the occasional envelope that drops through my mailbox even more. Despite my rather remote location, I've had the opportunity to meet dozens of OBCers over the years. I always seek them out when I visit the States, and they look for me when they head my way (I think I've met about 12-15 guys and their families right here in Scotland!). We've golfed, shared a dram or two, ate pizza, told stories (some taller than others!), BBQed, cajoled, supported, argued (of course that happens!!), comisserated, and even swapped a card or two along the way.

OBC is an amazing group. Not for everybody but, if you can adjust your card collecting/trading philosophy appropriately, it has the potential to really enhance your hobby experience.

Glenn
Glasgow, Scotland