[ClementeFanOh]

Ryan- I too have seen the term "pumper" tossed around in various threads.
It got to the point that, for me within net54 anyway, there was the threat of
it becoming like the word "nice" in everyday language- almost meaningless.

My recollections of the term reveal that two sorts of folks use it on very
opposite ends of the spectrum. The first is the guy like 1911, who uses the
term about people who have more cash than him to spend on cards. Plenty
of folks on these boards have more disposable income than I do, but I've
yet to have the inclination to spew my envy by calling them "pumpers". 1911
loves to take it to extremes too, insinuating (if not bluntly stating) that
people with cash are one step away from forfeiting their bank accounts and
their futures because of cards. He gives no one credit for hobby knowledge
or financial prudence, instead lumping them into a category called
"pumpers". You're right, 1911 is a special kind of dolt. If the truth was a
snake he'd get bitten almost every time, and there is no reasoning with him.

The second sort who "pump" are the guys who like to flaunt their investment
"knowledge" by insisting repeatedly that collectors should focus only on
highly specific players. "Buy Ruth, Cobb, Mantle, and Robinson in high
grade". These folks think this comment is some sort of revelation, which it
isn't. They also think other collectors should mindlessly follow their advice
because- drum roll, please- it's their advice! Lots of people on these boards
have great knowledge and it's a pleasure to gain it. "Pumpers" feel like they
need to flaunt the advice and, I suspect, are really just hoping they are
right in the end because that's the path they chose.

Just my observations, nothing more or less.

Trent King