Posted By:
edacraOh man I have a funny feeling this particular thread was inspired by a post I made.
I hope I can word this carefully since I'm posting somewhat anonymously here.
I personally never saw many minty white vintage cards in the 80's... but if that's accurate, then why weren't the longtime dealers who are truly qualified to make that observation saying it instead? I just remember EX+ cards being passed as Mint. Then I remember Becket or one of those coming out with the Mint+ designation and trying to "invest" in these extra Minty Mint cards - and I still couldn't find them (unless they were in the cases of a few certain dealers selling cards at untouchable prices). 15 years later I come back to the hobby, and they're everywhere! What'd I miss !?
That said It's nobodies duty to run around being a whistle blower, and there's probably better ways to do it then writing a trade publication article, or taking on the liability of naming them in an internet forum anyway. I hate to think any one person take the brunt of these posts.
The thing is, the backroom gossip really isn't a great solution to the problem, and it seems there are a lot of good ethical people making a living through a hobby which operates with shakey ethics, that tries to put as much burden on the collector as possible. If I get swindled the first reaction towards me is that I'm an uneducated sucker - and I don't think I have to explain the economics of how such a problematic attitude that can be. When a dealer across the aisle is swindling customers, it effects your own business, and the hobby as a whole.
People are frusterated. Hopefully something healthy and positive will come from these rants.