Quote:
Originally Posted by sycks22
My question to you is: Name 1 show that isn't in the decline outside of the national? I would say that many of them aren't staying in business. I know a lot of old timers that set up at shows to make a couple bucks, but more to just talk about cards.
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The Chantilly show, in its 15th year, is bigger and better than its ever been, just booming, really. Marco's Edison show last June attracted a big crowd and I had a great show, I think it will be even bigger and better this time since the Hunt VF cancelled. And VF, although badly mishandled in the transition, is still quite viable for a lot of dealers and collectors, IMO, and might even come to its glory days eventually. I've been doing shows for 15 years, going to them for 20, and for me just about every year has been better than the last, and I'm doing so much better now than in the so-called heyday. Shows are expensive to do, so no dealers stay in business long without selling their stuff, although it does seem that some dealers find it painful to think about parting with any of their precious inventory at a reasonable price. But I guarantee they're selling something to somebody, or they wouldn't be there. Having said all this, I have no argument with your general proposition that the number of shows is diminished and a lot of show action has moved to the net and auctions. I just don't see them going away any time soon, for all the reasons Leon pointed out, and if future generations want to pass on them entirely, I guess maybe they'll be gone about the time I will, too. That's fine with me, I could care less what younger folk, or those of any age who find shows a waste of time today, choose to do. I just think the reports and claims of the demise of shows are quite premature, I don't like to see them disparaged unnecessarily, and I will do them and go to them as long as I can walk.
Hank Thomas