Posted By:
JoannNot about banner advertising, but I think there are two legitimate sides here on the ego thing.
Re Jim: I just read the article in SCD or whatever the PSA magazine is, about Jim Crandell and his collection. I was very impressed - not just with the quality of the collection, but with the passion and dedication it took to put it together. It genuinely changed my views about collecting graded cards, collecting high grade cards in particular, and the occasional accusation that these collectors are in it for the money. Clearly, Jim knows a lot about cards and has great knowledge and love for both the hobby and the underlying sport. The article raised several questions that I have been meaning to email Jim about sometime - like what is your favorite pre-1915 set? Which card was most satisfying to get?
Re Jay: I think Jay is one of the very valuable posters on this board. He has experience beyond his years, and can comment accurately and intelligently on everything from obscure type cards to Indian Chief cards to mainstream tobacco and caramel issues. His goal to have one card of every pre-war MLB player that had a card drives him to the far corners of the hobby, and he relays the knowledge gained there to the rest of us. I, for one, learn a lot from Jay. As to style, I understand why some find it abrasive, but also think that his posts often reflect what others think on both sides. I do admire the courage. It really bugs me when people resort to commenting on income or grammar/spelling in dissing Jay. Clearly he is intelligent. If you watch his posts, you can see that he can instantly throw the switch on grammar and spelling and write perfect posts (as he usually does when someone challenges his intelligence based on job title). As a too-fast typer myself, I don't draw many firm conclusions from minor typos in posts - it's the content that counts.
Point? Well, I'm working on it. Maybe it's that the two have more in common than in opposition. The knowledge and dedication to this hobby in both outweigh the differences in approaches or income. But since this board is about knoweldge and dedication to the hobby, differences that would probably be trivial in another setting or forum are magnified, because the commonalities fade to background.
OK. I'm done. lol. Said my piece.
Joann