B/S/T: a lament

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Posted By: Gilbert Maines

It was a cacophony at one time where collectors inputted lists of cards for sale. By and large, the prices asked were designed to be attractive to potential respondents.

This was under the former (Elliott, et. al. regime).

Now it is highly organized, catagorized (fully replete with expansion requests), and devoid of the comraderie which once existed. Now what we have is entrepreneurs, opportunists preying on the inexperience of others, and other aspiring wheelers more interested in maximizing their buck per transaction ratio than joining the team. And they stand along almost proudly with those of us who do not share in their dream of a dollar (or more).

There is no response requested, this is a lament.

Gil

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Posted By: Matt

Are you suggesting a connection between the orderliness and the shift to people trying to make money?

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Posted By: Dan Bretta

I have had many good deals through B/S/T in the last year, even some nice trades...a few dealers bought my wares, but for the most part it has been all collectors. Doesn't matter to me anyway as long as I'm moving something out in order to make room for something else...and I didn't have to give ebay a dime for doing it.

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Posted By: Dave Hornish

I have gotten some great cards on BST. I have another one coming in a day or too as well and I probably get as many T206's from there as I do on Evilbay.

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Posted By: Jeff Lichtman

Gill, I think everyone knows who the pigs are on the B/S/T board. As for the change in direction, I'm guessing it's because of the ad banners.

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Posted By: Steve Murray

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Posted By: Ed Ivey

Camaraderie exists on this side of the board. Let's face it, on B/S/T, when money changes hands, there may indeed be mutual respect... but camaraderie?

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Posted By: leon

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Posted By: Jeff Lichtman

Leon, that pig is way too handsome to be a baseball card collector.

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Posted By: Mark Holt

I'm not sure what you expect. Do you mean prices are higher and guys used to trade more? I think the B/S/T is still an excellent area to find 19th century product and don't expect someone who has some for sale to go below market. With ebay, countless high profile auctions, and the various price tracking services it's easier than it's ever been to have an idea what a N172 or N28 or Nwhatever is worth and it's nice to have a shot at buying outside of some kind of auction.

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Posted By: Max Weder

Jeff

Isn't the old adage: pigs get fed, hogs get slaughtered?

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Posted By: Jeff Lichtman

I think it's "Pigs get fat, hogs get slaughtered?"

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Posted By: Brad

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Posted By: Bruce MacPherson

The B/S/T is fine as it is now and in fact I added a card on my wantlist this morning. I like the fact that it is divided into categories so I can just check the areas of my interest. As alluded to earlier, most of us know the flippers, entrepreneurs, and (with all due respect to Leon's favorite pet) pigs on the site and can easily avoid them if we choose.

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Posted By: David R

I've only been on the board for several months and I don't know anything about how it used to be, but I have found the B/S/T board to be very good. I have done a number of trades, sales and purchases from/with about a dozen board members. I have found everyone to be fair, honest and easy to deal with. I hope to meet some of my new cyberfriends in real time at some point. I think the prices and deals have been fair based on what similar items sell for on eBay and in auctions, and I don't have to go through the often-frustrating auction process.

I also don't know anything about Leon's predecessor but I have been very impressed with Leon's integrity, demeanor and, most of all, patience in dealing with a lot of what I view as unfair and sometimes petty bickering and criticism (I would not be nearly so patient or tolerant).

It's not perfect (nothing is), but I think it's pretty darn good and, in the grand scheme of things, there are plenty of more important things in my life to worry/fret/lament about.

Happy collecting!

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Posted By: RC

I have been here for just short of a year I guess and feel that the BST has been a positive experience. Much better than ebay I believe for deals if you are selective, which I tend to be.

There are some good people here even with some of the "antics" at times. Like any place in society there are "questionable" characters.

RC

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Posted By: Jim VB

Hey Gil,

Are you turning into one of those little, old, blue haired, ladies who walk around the department store talking to themselves saying "This isn't the same store it used to be"?

<LOL>

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Posted By: Jim VB

From Jeff L. - <<I'm guessing it's because of the ad banners.>>


From me - Jeff, I'll bet you liked to raise hell in school, didn't you?

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Posted By: Iggy

JimVB hit it out of the park with his comment about the little old lady.

Hey Gil, get over it!!! The B/S/T hasn't change one bit (no one was ever giving cards away over there...), it has just evolved; just like NET54. The majority (which includes me) would say for the better!

Our skipper takes alot of shots, and this one is certainly uncalled for.

-Lovely Day, Iggy...

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Posted By: Mike

I love the BST. Compared to ebay where you have to wait until the last second. The BST is much easier and I've gotten cards on it that I never thought I'd get. Like my Chase General Baking, which I've been looking for, for years. By the way thanks Toby.
Mike Gray

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Posted By: Lee Behrens

Damn it Gil, when are you going to start evolving? I once was an old dinosaur, but I have evolved and decided to only answer or start threads that have no real knowledge or meaning. I am more loved by the "group" now and I myself feel like a much happier person. When is the picnic so we can all get our Kool-Aid.

By the way I do think the BST is the one truly great thing left on this board.

Lee

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Posted By: Matt E.

I have enjoyed the BST over the years as a 24 hour a day electronic card show where you build relationships while building a great collection. It still comes down to Economics 101, everything will sell at a certain price.

He who has not flipped.....