[Archive]

Posted By: warshawlaw

Re the reputation of the hobby: This is a smelly, sleazy disgusting hobby...sometimes. You need look no further than WIWAG, Operation Foul Ball and the myriad fake cards on ebay on any given day for proof. It is also a great, wholesome, fun hobby...sometimes. Which makes it no better and no worse than most human endeavors. I think the news posted in this post is critical to collectors who participate in Mastro auctions, which seems to include everyone here.

Re O'Keefe: Say what you want about the man's prior reporting but that does not hide the facts reported this time. A state official is alleging that Mastro engaged in fraudulent conduct. That allegation is newsworthy. Mastro denies it. That denial is newsworthy. Dan, your concern that O'Keefe might somehow later on show a bias in handling the story is no reason to "shoot the messenger". We have enough pre-emptive wars already.

Re Robert Edwards: Only the people involved could explain their split. As far as the Robert Edwards bidding system goes, of course he touts it--it is called "promotion". The man is trying to compete for the public's business. What do you expect him to tout as a selling point for bidders, poor service and dishonesty? The inference of a critique of Mastro implicit in the promotion is rather narrow, wouldn't you say, given how many auctioneers there are out there who could be the subjects of the promotion. Plus, duh, of course he is criticizing his competitors; how else is he supposed to convince you to use his services?

Re Mastro: I bid in their auctions and I consign to their auctions. I've never heard of anyone not getting their winnings except by loss in transit, so I don't see anything unsafe about bidding there. Just assume you will pay your highest figure and bid accordingly. It is so simple.