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Originally Posted by Exhibitman

Interesting posts, folks.

About 15 years ago I got frustrated with the escalating price of participation on the baseball side of the hobby and I more or less quit for other cards. That was stupid and smart all at once. Stupid in the sense that there is a great deal of alternative material out there and there is no reason why money should keep you from pursuing a baseball card collection. If the item you are seeking has soared past your budget, move on to something else. Maybe I can't afford a career-issued Ruth card but maybe I can afford an Exhibit or PC or team issue or premium. Or maybe I have to downgrade my expectations to a lower condition card. Just throwing up my hands in frustration because a RC had soared out of reach, as I did, was not helpful. At the same time, my sabbatical from baseball collecting was also smart in the sense that I found out that I enjoy other forms of card collecting too. When I came back to baseball cards it was with a richer appreciation of the hobby as well as a better understanding of what I enjoy and dislike about it.

Excellent post, Adam.