What to do??

[vintagebaseballcardguy]

Originally Posted by brian1961

I have rarely pursued a complete set as an adult. Too expensive. Also, there's so many of the gum sets that I like. Granted, some collectors, and perhaps you're one of them, feel compelled to complete a set. The proverbial "set guy", and naturally, there is nothing at all wrong with doing so. Whatever gives you the most satisfaction, that's the way for you. However, you must learn what provides you with the best satisfaction, contentment, fulfillment, reasonable challenge, and whatever else you wish to add.

Try not to factor in what your fellow hobbyists will think, per se, because chances are they will never see your collection.

For a number of reasons, I chose to only collect the players I wanted. An early superstar and star collector, twas I. In so doing I got a taste of each year. You do not have to listen to those who say that this kind of collecting is just a bunch of clutter. Some of them saying this are dealers, who only wish to buy sets because they are easily sold. Unless, of course, you have some high grade superstars that have always had "the ability" to stand alone.

Get a big book of Topps (and a magnifying glass), which has images of all their cards, or at least through 1973, when they ceased to market them by series. As you study the card photos, you might consider choosing those that move you the most, as an art collector would. It IS one and the same motivation, isn't it?

Critics would cry that a potpourri is just clutter and will not attain great value. Look, what happens when you complete a set and wish to sell it? Most buyers will ridicule what's not so hot and try to get you to come down anyway. Why not enjoy a hearty sampling from each set, FOR YOUR SAKE, AND ITS OWN MERIT? You set the number. You decide whether to procure raw or graded.

What you love is what you love. Baseball cards are very, very emotional to us. They carry all sorts of attachments and associated memories. Life is short, and the selecting of 25 (or whatever) from any given year of those that move you the most would keep you busy for quite some time. If you are very concerned about resale, definitely buy graded.

Lionel Carter believed if you couldn't get them all, why collect any at all? Dear Lionel got in on the ground floor, and was a prime mover to boot. His connections were well-established, etc. By 13 I was a widow's son, so my aspirations collecting-wise had to be adjusted considerably. But by the grace of God, I made out OK.

If you still say you must collect a set, or nothing, fine. Again, just make certain you know yourself as a collector-warrior before you make any major decisions, not just factoring in the money, but time.

Wishing you the very, very best.

Your collecting bro, Brian Powell

Brian, I hear you loud and clear. I am a collector 100%. I prefer ungraded cards, but I am not opposed to graded cards if they aren't overpriced due to the slab they are in.