An Open Letter to the Forum - Re: Bruce Dorskin (suspended)

[Buythatcard]

I hate to sound like I am out of touch but who is Bruce?

[Kawika]

Originally Posted by botn

Does it really get any better than this? http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/ite....html#comments

"a fan of bachelorhood who inexplicably refers to himself in the plural"
Who da guy?

[yazfan08]

Exhibitman's response in the other thread made me think of this truth:

"When humans find themselves surrounded by nothing but objects, the response is always one of loneliness." -- Brian Swimme

[slidekellyslide]

Originally Posted by botn

Does it really get any better than this? http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/ite....html#comments

Heh! I've only gotten two "death wishes" from Bruce, but my first one made the New York Daily News Blog and will sit there in Google to embarrass the Dorskind Group for eternity.

[Browncow75]

I AM poor white trash, and yet I feel more culturally refined than some "rich" idiot sitting behind a computer making idle threats in cyberspace, knowing full well that he would much rather hide behind a wall of lawyers before getting his habds dirty (and ass kicked) backing them up, if confronted on them. Besides, people like that have no "balls" to kick Andrew.

[paul]

I've never posted about Bruce or the Bruces before, and probably never will again. But I do have one question that perhaps he or someone who knows him can answer: Why does he post here? He gets teased and attacked relentlessly (I'm not saying he should or shouldn't be attacked, but it's obvious he is attacked). What does he get in return? If I was attacked like him (whether I deserved it or not), I'd leave and find another place with people that I get along with. I just don't get it.

Like everyone else, I also don't get the "we" thing. Bruce says it is a marketing strategy that his worked well for him in other contexts. I'll take his word on that. But it's obviously not working well for him here. Why not use a marketing strategy that works here?

[bigtrain]

If you are trying to add to your "world class" collection, why insult fellow collectors who might aid in your quest? Frankly, I should think that many on this board would now be reluctant to sell an item to the Dorskind Group at any price. A good marketing strategy? Seems counterproductive to me.

[Jay Wolt]

Why not use a marketing strategy that works here?

Why use any marketing strategy?
This is a message board about vintage cards, not a Fortune 500 company.
Never could figure that dude out

[Kawika]

Originally Posted by bigtrain

If you are trying to add to your "world class" collection, why insult fellow collectors who might aid in your quest? Frankly, I should think that many on this board would now be reluctant to sell an item to the Dorskind Group at any price. A good marketing strategy? Seems counterproductive to me.

Bruce is currently off-line concluding two mega-million dollar contracts and has received six e-mails with offers of ultra high grade cards on America's Toughest Want List. Then it's lights out and . .

[T206DK]

Has anyone ever called "them" a glittering jewel of collossal ignorance ? How do you expect to work on your "world class" collection if no collectors will have anything to do with you. Personal attacks and threats should qualify you to be banned from posting if you ask me. Seriously, how many friends can you make in life acting the way "the group" does on this board. They sound quite content to pursue life's endeavours and their world class collection alone....so be it !

[RichardSimon]

Originally Posted by barrysloate

Bruce has a beautiful collection, I've seen it many times. But he is unable to get along with the people on this board. I've tried countless times to get him to tone it down, to stop sending death threats, to stop talking down to everyone, even to make a tiny concession and stop using "we." But so far I've failed miserably.

You have not failed Barry, Bruce has failed as a mensch.

[carrigansghost]

The "Dorskind Group" has sent me a few scans of "their" collection and I do appreciate the sharing of "their" collection. I do not agree with some of the posts, but take it in stride.

Andrew, I have a card that we have talked of exchanging and I decided long ago that I did not want this card to end up in your collection. This thread goes to further my belief.

Rawn

Originally Posted by carrigansghost

The "Dorskind Group" has sent me a few scans of "their" collection and I do appreciate the sharing of "their" collection. I do not agree with some of the posts, but take it in stride.

Andrew, I have a card that we have talked of exchanging and I decided long ago that I did not want this card to end up in your collection. This thread goes to further my belief.

Rawn

Wow of all the times I asked a simple I will keep it would have done. No biggie just don't see why it needed to be thrown out here like I am bad to deal with. Oh well I know you got your reasons. Nothing against you just a bit confused about it.

[carrigansghost]

This just goes to further my point.

Rawn

[tbob]

If you don't like reading Bruce's posts there is an easy way to click on the "ignore" link above and you will never see any of his posts again. If you feel he is amusing or entertaining or interesting, read away.
Bruce I also think you might be surprised to see a lot of members responding differently to your posts if you cut the condescending crap and just discuss baseball cards and the hobby.

[wonkaticket]

Short of threatening emails, hollow lawsuit threats and an ego that would choke a horse, I can safely say Bruce has never really shared that much on this board.

As for this loose term tossed around “museum quality” having a family and friends that have been involved with the Smithsonian for over 30+ years that doesn’t really mean anything. I remember being shown the American History’s display of baseball cards at the age of 14 and thinking wow my stuff is nicer than what they have. Just because it’s left to a museum doesn’t make it valuable they will take almost anything. Museums also very rarely purchase anything if they really were after this stuff on a buying level REA would be a lot tougher. Real museums aren’t after baseball cards…most museums have the same problem more stuff than they can show to the public, and stuff way more valuable than baseball cards sits in back rooms never to see the light of day.

Want to brag about a museum quality collection? Its simple guys draft a will to any museum leaving your collections they will take them. Then you too have a museum quality collection.

What he has done on here is talk about a few items he owns ad nauseum and to attend a Net 54 dinner and pull the ol’ dine and dash.

When the dust settled that evening all parties where there and offering “how much do we owe ya Leon?” Leon and Wonka said we got it…but then everyone said at the same time “anyone seen Bruce?” LOL

Anytime he gets you down just visualize him as this…works for me and it’s not too far from the truth.



P.S. Sort of like where's Waldo can you find the Vaseline container in the pic?

[Ladder7]

vaseline?

I'm still trying to figure where the mullet ends and the back hair begins, and more importantly, Why aint the kitty hiding behind the darn couch.

Welcome to the internet. The modern-day, traveling freakshow. At one time, folks paid admission... We get it FREE!

right behind his butt.

I also found a cat in that pic

Anyone see anything else??????

[Robextend]

Is that a picture of ex KC Royals first baseman Bob Hamelin?

[GrayGhost]

I belong to another board that isn't collectible related, and this stuff is a MAJOR issue over there. For me, I have basically no collection, but LOVE everyones experiences, knowledge and great items. I don't get it if someone is trying to put himself over others on here, that can't have what he does. If he is making so many negative posts/attacks (I don't search for them, so don't know all of them), maybe he should just stay off here for a while, until he can kind of behave civilly? Just a thought.

[Rob D.]

I post the following with absolutely no intent of sarcasm (hard to believe, I know).

I think the first step in trying to understand many of Bruce's posts is to understand where he's coming from. I get the feeling that to him, collecting is a very fierce competition -- and he might very well assume that others have the same mind-set.

I've lost track of how many times he has e-mailed or PM'd me with the message, and I'm paraphrasing: "You'll never be an important collector ... " or "Your pathetic attempts to become an important collector ... " or "Our contacts in the hobby dwarf yours ... " The thing is, I have no aspirations to be an "important" collector -- whatever that is -- and have never claimed to be one. Yet Bruce automatically assumes that's the goal of many, and because that's obviously his goal, most everyone else is a competitor.

I think many on this board look at the hobby in a way that's 180 degrees away from how Bruce views it. Hence, when he feels the need to virtually mark his territory, such an act is a foreign one to many within this group.

[Leon]

The other moderators and I took a vote last night about what to do with Bruce. At some point I/we have to make a decision on what is best for the board. It was 3-1 to suspend him. He will be able to come back in 30 days if he wants to. He had an infraction for insults on the board, only 2 mos. ago. That, coupled with thew new rhetoric, was all it took. While I do feel he retaliates, and that retaliation is sometimes warranted, it is just too over the top. There is no reason in the world why anyone would wish anyone's demise on the board. We don't have super heinous crimes committed against individuals. Even if someone scams or steals I don't think death threats are really warranted (though jail time would be). I hope we can get back to talking about cards now. best regards

[T206Collector]

A. We fully support the suspension.

B. Competition

Originally Posted by Rob D.

I get the feeling that to him, collecting is a very fierce competition -- and he might very well assume that others have the same mind-set.

I totally agree with this. Collecting baseball cards is not a competition -- even if the pursuit of certain cards is competitive. Obviously, you can make anything a "competition." And Set Registries were a brilliant marketing strategy designed to foster that competition.

The feeling I get is that Bruce is still fighting an imaginary battle against the neighborhood kids that had more Pete Rose rookies in the 1970s. "Oh, yeah? Well look at me now!" And if the cards he has give him a sense of pride, then more power to him.

But when that sense of pride makes him think he is a better collector than someone else -- or makes him boast that has a better collection than someone else -- he crosses the line for most people.

What he seems to never comprehend is that because of his behavior he will never have true admiration from his baseball card peers -- even if he could convince us all that he has a better collection than the rest of us.

[batsballsbases]

Leon,
I believe this is a very good thing. Bruce is one of the most self centered ,egotistical (peoples)that I have ever seen. He tends to try and prey on people when they are down offering "the most competitive prices on items" lots of capital blah,blah,blah. I believe he starts these posts as a way to try and feel out what people might have so he can contact them and try and make a deal. I remember when I sold off my cameo pepsins a few years ago Bruce was the first person to email me asking what else I had for sale. I do have many other items in my collection ,I try and share many of my items with pictures on the board but there is a private part of my collection that I just would like to keep that way (private). Im sure it is that way with may others here. Bruces sad attempt at trying to portray himself as one of the "bigboys" in the hobby is just a sad attempt to hide behind what he really is . A fool with a museum quality collection. If you let him back have a short leash because as we know you cant teach an old dog new tricks

[Exhibitman]

I agree; as the person against whom the Bruces issued their fatwa, I'd take it to the next level if he comes back and boot his sorry butt if he continues to act like a moonbat.

[ramram]

30 days in the slammer? That's an opposite field single. Leon, you need to go for the homerun with this/these Bruce guy(s).

Don't let him/them back until he/they collect(s) a complete near mint 1989 Topps set. That will be so hard on his ego that he/they would never be back.

Rob M.

[tbob]

Originally Posted by Rob D.

I think many on this board look at the hobby in a way that's 180 degrees away from how Bruce views it. Hence, when he feels the need to virtually mark his territory, such an act is a foreign one to many within this group.

Exactly. Call me naive but this is still a hobby. When the investment only guys are long gone, the guy with the E93 Pastorius in vg condition willl still treasure his card and more power to him. Most of us here wouldn't swap a great family and friends for all the T206 Wagners in existence.

[wonkaticket]

Originally Posted by tbob

Most of us here wouldn't swap a great family and friends for all the T206 Wagners in existence.

I would do it for (1) Wagner I don't even like my family that much...catch me at the right time and you can have them for G-VG t206 common.

[barrysloate]

Paul made an excellent point that Bruce is fighting an imaginary war. What he doesn't seem to grasp is that other people are not at war with him. The idea doesn't even cross their mind. To me the whole thing is silly.

[Jim VB]

Originally Posted by barrysloate

Paul made an excellent point that Bruce is fighting an imaginary war. What he doesn't seem to grasp is that other people are not at war with him. The idea doesn't even cross their mind. To me the whole thing is silly.

I think it's "silly" that even you, have begun to refer to Bruce in the plural ("their mind".)


Edited to add: Who else is shocked that there were several "Bruce threads" going on at once yesterday and I didn't play?

[autograf]

me........

Bruce is tilting at windmills........

[Cat]

I think it is simple: Bruce wants the attention.

[David Atkatz]

Originally Posted by Jim VB

Who else is shocked that there were several "Bruce threads" going on at once yesterday and I didn't play?

I didn't play, either!

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Cat

I think it is simple: Bruce wants the attention.

Bingo on this call. To me, there is no doubt in my mind, it's low self esteem and the need for attention. End of story.

[barrysloate]

Jim- "their mind" referred back to "other people" in the sentence, not to Bruce. I still refer to him in the singular.

[big-six]

Originally Posted by wonkaticket

I would do it for (1) Wagner I don't even like my family that much...catch me at the right time and you can have them for G-VG t206 common.

Sorry tbob I'm with John on this one- I'd take a Wagner in poor condition and you could have my family minus my favorite son.

Bob

[uffda51]

When will "Archive" be suspended?

[Orioles1954]

Originally Posted by Fred

Posts/threads associated with Bruce always seem to be very lengthy. Whether he starts the post or the post is about him the threads seem to take on a new life of their own.

- His charm is so contagious, vaccines we’re created for it.

- He is the only person to ever ace a Rorschach Test.

- His reputation is expanding, faster then the universe.

- He once had an akward moment, just to see how it feels.

- He lives vicariously through himself.

- If a monument was built in his honor, Mt. Rushmore would close, due to poor attendance.

- Mexico once cancelled Cinco de Mayo because he had a scheduling conflict

I don't always drink, but when I do....I prefer Dos Equis. Stay thirsty my friend!

From James (the non-alcoholic Mormon)

[botn]

Originally Posted by Leon

It was 3-1 to suspend him. He will be able to come back in 30 days if he wants to.

How humiliating for Bruce, really.

Originally Posted by Leon

There is no reason in the world why anyone would wish anyone's demise on the board.

Maybe I missed a post or two but where did he make death threats this time around? Being the recipient of the most death threats I would think I would have a vote and my vote would not be to suspend him for that. Frankly I am more offended by his ego and the lack of respect he shows virtually everyone on the board than his idle low class threats of bodily harm. But we cannot suspend someone for a lack of class. He is a nothing more than a goof ball desperate for someone to notice him and while wishing someone die is not pleasant, he is merely showing who he really is behind the facade of wealth, aristocracy and education.

[andybecker]

Originally Posted by Orioles1954

I don't always drink, but when I do....I prefer Dos Equis. Stay thirsty my friend!

From James (the non-alcoholic Mormon)

that is the first thing that came to my mind!! lmfao

[Leon]

Originally Posted by botn

How humiliating for Bruce, really.



Maybe I missed a post or two but where did he make death threats this time around? Being the recipient of the most death threats I would think I would have a vote and my vote would not be to suspend him for that. Frankly I am more offended by his ego and the lack of respect he shows virtually everyone on the board than his idle low class threats of bodily harm. But we cannot suspend someone for a lack of class. He is a nothing more than a goof ball desperate for someone to notice him and while wishing someone die is not pleasant, he is merely showing who he really is behind the facade of wealth, aristocracy and education.

I probably misspoke. It was wishing for someone's demise and not technically a death threat that I was speaking of. Regardless, the rhetoric, in it's totality, was over the top. No member will be allowed to get this out of line, have a warning 2 mos prior, and continue to play.

[kcohen]

Originally Posted by wonkaticket

Want to brag about a museum quality collection? Its simple guys draft a will to any museum leaving your collections they will take them. Then you too have a museum quality collection.

I for one do not intend to leave my collection to a museum. I have left instructions that it be bequeathed to the Human Fund.

[Robextend]

They drove us out of Bayside!!

[botn]

Originally Posted by Leon

I probably misspoke. It was wishing for someone's demise and not technically a death threat that I was speaking of.

I knew what you meant Leon. I just do not recall seeing any of that this time around. Again, maybe I missed it or the sentiments were privately emailed to members. Give him a time out for inciting disruption or being disruptive but I did not see the other infraction. Your board and as offensive as Bruce is I do not agree with suspension over something which is not happening now. That's all I'm sayin'.

[danmckee]

Bruce trashed me with one of the funniest things I have heard in awhile. I couldn't get mad as I thought it was an excellent dig. I think he called me a dumb hillbilly or something like that. Anyway, I actually enjoyed the shot even though I was the recipient of it. I can appreciate a good shot now and then. Bruce removed the comment quckly back then but I think Leon also saw it and we both chuckled. Bruce could have left it up, I didn't mind.

I will also back Barry, Bruce has an outstanding collection or at least had one at one time. I imagine he still has it. He has bought stuff over the years from my father.

You can say what you like about him, and speaking as a partnership instead of just himself is interesting, but Bruce has serious memorabilia knowledge and has been in the hobby for years.

Dan Mckee

[Jim VB]

Originally Posted by barrysloate

Jim- "their mind" referred back to "other people" in the sentence, not to Bruce. I still refer to him in the singular.

OK. I accept your explanation. It can be read the other way however!

[barrysloate]

Greg- somewhere in this long convoluted thread Bruce wished for Adam's demise. Please don't ask me to find it, but it's there. I find this kind of dialogue unacceptable, regardless of what provoked it. I've told this to Bruce by email but he just emails me back with the same horrid language. I give up. I would make greater headway banging my head against a brick wall.

[Steve D]

In a way, I feel sorry for Bruce. He could be so helpful to everyone if he'd just share some of his knowledge of cards. I mean heck, he was acknowledged by Lew Lipset in Volume 1 of Lew's Encyclopedia of Baseball Cards, for his contributions to it. How many other contributions has he made like that?

After seeing Bruce's post in the "What do you do?" thread, where he says the focus of his company is Corporate "Mergers and Acquisitions", I think back to Richard Gere's character in Pretty Woman, and his description of what he would normally do in one of his deals.....he's basically a cutthroat manipulator with blood in his eyes.

Unfortunately for Bruce, he just seems to not know when to turn it off. He doesn't know where the job ends and the hobby begins.

Very sad.

Steve

[Ladder7]

Perhaps we're taking his words out of context... Brucey may be Muslim and is simply not wanting Adam to miss out on his seventy two virgins... Before they're all gone.

[Rob D.]

In all fairness, Leon, I'm not sure it's right to leave this thread open and allow people to continually comment and take shots at Bruce when he's in a position in which he can't respond. He's been banned/suspended, so what purpose does more commentary serve?