[Rob D.]

Yeah, how stupid. Imagine someone who doesn't collect sports memorabilia going to a charity auction and buying an item about which she's not an expert. Yeah, imagine her being naive to think that a charity would not sell a bogus item.

And the gall of her to seek an expert's opinion with the expectation that her letter wouldn't be posted on a public message board to be ridiculed.

Some people. Geesh.

Edited to add: I realize this person made obvious mistakes during the course of her story. She doesn't realize that if the auction house sent the ball to be authenticated, being contacted three weeks later isn't all that unusual. And we all know she shouldn't have taken such a leap of faith by buying such an item at a charity auction.

But not a week goes by on this board (both on the card and memorabilia sides) during which a collector -- who obviously has more expertise in our hobby than does this person -- either posts about getting scammed on eBay or Craig's List or bemoans being sold a fake card. Or posts an item he bought with the question, "Is this real?"

So if it's OK for people who supposedly have knowledge about the hobby seek help, then why does this woman deserve such criticism?