Posted By:
Al C.risafulliJim, I feel my question was polite and respectful and not at all out of line, particcularly given the number of times you have come on message boards and stated that half grades were bad. I'm not sure what it has to do with our friendship.
Many collectors of graded cards - myself included - look to you for guidance and insight, which you often provide on these message boards. You have a large collection of high-grade cards, and are very visible on the message boards. Based on that, many other collectors of graded cards - particularly PSA-graded ones - look to you for clues on the future of this hobby.
For years, collectors have read and heard statements from you that half-grades at PSA would be bad for collectors and a poor move by PSA. You've also made statements that going to half-grades is an indicator of poor customer relations.
Today, you are making an entirely different statement. And I'm sure you didn't mean it to read this way, but your response to my question almost appears as if you're not concerned with the impact that half-grades will have on the hobby, only the impact that they'll have on your pocketbook. I'm sure that you didn't mean this to read that way; sometimes we inadvertantly sacrifice clarity for the sake of brevity.
So can you please help me to understand why half-grades at PSA were bad for collectors, but today registry folks are smiling? I mean, in the past, you've said you'd cross your collection if PSA switched to half grades. You never added the caveat "Unless I get a good deal." It's always been unequivocal. So I'm really misunderstanding you, I think.
And again - please - don't take this as a personal affront on our friendship. I'm just really confused, and trying to understand.
-Al
Edited once again for clarity.