Well, it has been fun.

[Brian Van Horn]

Gentlemen,

I have enjoyed collecting for 44 years, but the time has come to put it aside. I just don't have the same passion and I have been struggling with this decision for two years. I will still check out the board, but I'm done.

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by Brian Van Horn

Gentlemen,

I have enjoyed collecting for 44 years, but the time has come to put it aside. I just don't have the same passion and I have been struggling with this decision for two years. I will still check out the board, but I'm done.

I understand, in my 30 years of collecting I have had to take a few brakes from just getting burned out. I wish you the best Sir!

[Leon]

Hey Brian
Many of us understand the sentiment.
Almost everyone goes through it. I sold my collection and started over. Much less stress this time.....Good luck and come on back as soon as you are ready whether that is today, tomorrow, next week or year. See ya and thanks for your great contributions and participation on the board (so far ) ..We'll leave the lights on.

[EvilKing00]

GL brian, i have taken a few breaks as well, hope to see u back one day

[Vintagecatcher]

Best of luck Brian!

I certainly understand.

As want lists get smaller and smaller, and pickups are few and far between, it's hard to be passionate about the hobby. I have been taking a bit of a break myself, and enjoying my other hobbies.

Be well,


Patrick

[Touch'EmAll]

Good luck. I hear ya - tough to be hard at it 24/7 all year...year after year. Are you selling? Or just keeping what you have and let them be?

Right now I am not chasing any safe deposit box material. However, I am collecting Pokemon cards along with my 9 yr. old son - a lot less expensive and it fills the "need".

[Orioles1954]

Although I still work in the hobby, I left the collecting end of it a couple years back. Much more happy and relaxed.

[Snapolit1]

I haven't been at this very long at all . . . only a few years . . . but wonder what the source of all the stress is you fellas are talking about. Every part of my life EXCEPT card collecting seems to be stress. If I miss a card, so what, another's coming along. I could see getting tired and needing a change of course.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

I haven't been at this very long at all . . . only a few years . . . but wonder what the source of all the stress is you fellas are talking about. Every part of my life EXCEPT card collecting seems to be stress. If I miss a card, so what, another's coming along. I could see getting tired and needing a change of course.

I had more money into my collection than I should have relative to my other assets. So that was stressful for me. I am more balanced (still off center though) now. I had a nice collection and no cash. Now I have a few nice cards and a little bit of cash and am much less stressed with that aspect. Collecting, in general, is still a ton of fun for me. It's just different.

[4815162342]

Brian, say it ain't so! But you've been picking up all those D381s!

Good luck to you, sir.

[mrvster]

just take a little hiatus

+ 1 steve n!

I am like Leon used to be.......

I am way too in love with my cards, but I'm a little different...

take a break, but keep up with the board!

[dougscats]

Hope you get re-charged
and come back some day,
or that you find a new passion.

Net54 will miss you.

[frankbmd]

44 years passes so quickly. It seems like only yesterday........

[carrigansghost]

Only 39 years here, but am done also. Good Luck to you, Sir.

Rawn

[Jobu]

This might be the biggest understatement in the history of Net54

Brian, I wish you luck in your new pursuits!

Originally Posted by mrvster

but I'm a little different...

[ls7plus]

Thanks for all your posts--they were sincerely appreciated, and hope you return to contribute more. Personally, the only stressful part of the hobby I ever endured or endure was (1) not being able to participate the way I would have liked due to about $100,000 in annual income departing the household for several years; and (2) the fact that while I have intensely loved watching, playing and collecting baseball for more than 50 years, the wife hates it, and most often resents either time or $$ expended on my passion. Somehow, though, I persevere, and doing so brings joy despite the negative.

Best of luck to you,

Larry

[Exhibitman]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

Every part of my life EXCEPT card collecting seems to be stress.

+1. As I explain to my wife when she questions my collecting, I don't drink or play golf or pursue any other of the 'manly' diversions that some of my colleagues do, I collect cards and play with them. I'm more ten year old than fifty year old.

Brian, sometimes it is just a good idea to step away for a while and explore other stuff, especially if you fall prey to focusing on the folly and negativity inherent in the hobby and its personalities. That's I go to the National every year, even when it is somewhere shitty (like AC); it reminds me of the fun of the hobby. Just don't do anything hasty with your collection while you are in a funk. It will be there if you decide to come back to it and you will be glad not to have sold it off during a period of burnout. If you are intent on getting rid of it, my suggestion is that you retain the pieces that were really, really hard to locate, because once those are gone you will have a hell of a time putting them back together if you decide to come back.

Leon, I completely understand the position you were in and hope to be closer to where you are right now. I have been in a net unwinding and repositioning mode myself for the last few years, and will be for several more. I guess I prefer to peel off the band-aid slowly rather than give it a good rip...

[ls7plus]

+1--great advice from Adam. I have a 625 horsepower, 540 cubic inch big block '72 Corvette that I have owned for 36 years, through different drivetrain configurations (the 540 motor replaced a more radical solid roller-cammed 454 with high compression requiring racing gas in 2004), and my interest with it has been up and down. Twice I had it sold, but took it for a last drive, and just couldn't do it. Good thing, since the interest has returned with significant zeal, and it would cost too much to duplicate (probably around 70 grand). Now I know to keep it around.

Regards,

Larry

[Jason Carota]

Best of luck with any new pursuits!

[MartyFromCANADA]

Who's going to start the monthly pickup thread now?

Thanks for selling me my favorite card. 1913 Voskamp Gibson.

Cheers, Marty

[FourStrikes]

best of luck, Brian...

whether temporary or or final, I completely understand - and respect - your decision, but your knowledge/contributions will be missed by some, if not many (myself included) on this particular board.

been collecting nearly 40 years, and like an old fling, I've sorta fallen out of love with some of my stuff from time to time, and recently I've been going thru a "stuff I no longer want/can live without" phase...I've made some once-upon-a-time unheard of decisions to part with some items - yet my personal love of collecting (albeit vicariously - thru some of the things I see on this board) in so many cases is still intact.

IF with the love of collecting you're metaphorically *fried*, just like the "old fling" referenced above, let 'er go - make some $$$, and IF the collecting bug bites you again, dive back in at whatever level when/if you choose to.

not that anybody needs - or solicits - my voice, here or otherwise, but I can relate to what you're presently going thru - my personal collecting passion has dwindled as I don't NEED anything anymore, but lingering/lurking keeps me somewhat involved here, as it's still a great diversion from all of the everyday bullsh!t I/we all deal with.

best of luck to you and any others who may/may not be experiencing personal/financial/final - burnout.

regards,
DS

[iwantitiwinit]

Sell the collection and with 50% of the funds buy a boat other 50% put into an account to pay for future boat expenses. So relaxing especially if u have the other 50% to pay for future expenses. Whatever u decide best of luck.

[yanksfan09]

Good luck Brian,

Sometimes a little break is good and healthy. I take mini breaks from time to time in collecting, but they don't last longer than a couple months, sometimes for lack of spending money or not seeing much that interest me, However, then I usually have more energy and interest when I return. A break can also help give you new focus and perspective.

[kkkkandp]

Sorry to hear this.

I've been back into collecting for 33 years, but have been pursuing Old Judges for only 21 of those years.

At my age I'm pretty sure my money is going to run out long before my passion and patience will, but I can't imagine getting out of the hobby completely.

Still, I feel for you. You have been around here for a long time and it won't be the same without you.

[bwbc917]

Brian,

I appreciate the chance to add some Indians from your stash. Thanks for your help and best wishes for "retirement".

[gnaz01]

Best of luck Brian, but the the Ebay alerts up.....

[Vegas-guy]

Originally Posted by iwantitiwinit

Sell the collection and with 50% of the funds buy a boat other 50% put into an account to pay for future boat expenses. So relaxing especially if u have the other 50% to pay for future expenses. Whatever u decide best of luck.

I second something like this. I did the same thing about 10yrs. ago but went the exotic car route and did some traveling. I can tell you it been much more enjoyable for my wife (could care less about the cards) but she enjoys cars.

[gabrinus]

Good luck Brian..I enjoyed dealing with you.......Jerry

[T206Collector]

Once a collector, always a collector. Worries will subside, the itch will return. If collecting is stressful - and all you're collecting is sorrow - time to diversify!

[tiger8mush]

Brian, good luck with your future endeavors. The forum was a better place with you part of it.

Rob

[Northviewcats]

Originally Posted by tiger8mush

Brian, good luck with your future endeavors. The forum was a better place with you part of it.

Rob

Couldn't have said it better. Will miss your posts.

Joe

[Stonepony]

Good luck Brian

[ullmandds]

will miss you brian...but alas...I totally understand and contemplate a similar move myself often. the hobby has changed...the board has changed...nothing stays the same forever...which is unfortunate some time!

[rjackson44]

brian all the best loved your post will miss them

[Rookiemonster]

44 years of collecting ! Wow congratulations can we see what 44 years of collecting gets you ? I'm sure you must have some gems .

[jcc6252]

Brian, I have always enjoyed checking out your pickups, offerings, and discussing a few deals. Best of luck!

[tschock]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

+1. As I explain to my wife when she questions my collecting, I don't drink or play golf or pursue any other of the 'manly' diversions that some of my colleagues do, I collect cards and play with them. I'm more ten year old than fifty year old.

This, basically. Though she tells me that. LOL

When you are 10 and act 10, it's because you don't know any different. When you are 50 and act 10, it's because you don't give a sh*t. And I should know.

[tschock]

Originally Posted by Brian Van Horn

Gentlemen,

I have enjoyed collecting for 44 years, but the time has come to put it aside. I just don't have the same passion and I have been struggling with this decision for two years. I will still check out the board, but I'm done.

Good luck, Brian. I have always appreciated your input here, and hopefully will continue to do so.

If you are going to liquidate, I would recommend finding your favorite 5 cards or some and hold onto them for the memories if nothing else.

[The Nasty Nati]

Not a bad time to take a break. Prices for pre-war and especially post WWII cards have really gone up across all grades and sets. Great time to sell, but not to buy IMO.

[the 'stache]

44 years is a good run, Brian. I know you said you'd still check in on the forum, but nonetheless, I wish you nothing but the best, and hope you're able to find another hobby that gives you the enjoyment this one used to.

[kmac32]

So Brian,

Are you selling off your collection? Best of luck to you in your future endeavors.

Kmac

[Tao_Moko]

it feels good to let it go. I miss the old days of shows and trading, flea market pickups and lew lipset mailings. It's funner to just check the threads once a month or so. Best wishes.

[itjclarke]

I always enjoyed seeing the mixed bag of stuff that your monthly . All the best moving forward and am sure you'd always be welcome here if you eventually decide to get back into the hobby.

[clydepepper]

Wow Brian !

Who will take over your duties?

Who is worthy?

I cannot say I've been collecting 44 years...at least...not consecutively.


I'm sure you did not come by this decision lightly, so I feel pretty sure you have some idea of what lies ahead.

The main obstacle I have experienced is my health...which is much improved over the last six months.

Brian - I do hope that is not your reason for 'retiring'.

Whatever the reason, I thank you for your contributions to this wonderful forum - you have always been on your toes with you Ebay alerts and have great taste in the cards you have picked up...which I know because you are usually the first to share your newbies each month.

I guess some of us will have to take the training wheels off and try to keep up your standard.

-Raymond

[Den*nis O*Brien]

Originally Posted by ullmandds

will miss you brian...but alas...I totally understand and contemplate a similar move myself often. the hobby has changed...the board has changed...nothing stays the same forever...which is unfortunate some time!

Your knowledgeable and insightful posts have been appreciated and will be missed in the future. As has been suggested, in several posts in this thread, I hope you will set aside some special items to look at on occasion. As the quote says the hobby has changed and change is not always good...especially as a person ages. The "Board" has changed...but maybe that is just called "Evolving" Good Luck To You!!
Sincerely, Dennis