American Greed John Rogers Episode

[irv]

Originally Posted by Hankphenom

Brian's a great guy, I had the privilege of talking to him at some length once. But I'm not sure I understand the dig at the hobby you're so much a part of. We all know about the many rotten apples that have been exposed, and no doubt there are more to come, but you and I could both name so many people that have proven themselves worthy of our trust over decades in the business. So exactly why aren't they worthy of protection from the fraudsters? Maybe I'm taking this too personally, but I think I'm worthy, and I certainly think you're worthy. How many other people on this forum and in this hobby are worthy?

Originally Posted by Aquarian Sports Cards

Have to admit I kinda felt the same way about that last line. I'm a big Jeff Lichtman fan, and I hope it was just hyperbole getting the better of him.

You guys are misinterpreting what Jeff is saying. Basically, or in other words, Jeff is saying our hobby has no place in it for people like of him. At least that is how I am reading it.

[commishbob]

Originally Posted by irv

You guys are misinterpreting what Jeff is saying. Basically, or in other words, Jeff is saying our hobby has no place in it for people like of him. At least that is how I am reading it.

^^^^^this

[rhettyeakley]

Originally Posted by irv

You guys are misinterpreting what Jeff is saying. Basically, or in other words, Jeff is saying our hobby has no place in it for people like of him. At least that is how I am reading it.

I think they are interpreting Jeff correctly. I think Jeff feels that we allowed Mastro to do what he did without anybody really doing anything (and even sticking up for him) and we continue to allow people with blatant fraudulent pasts to be the lead at many of the major auction houses and some of the biggest dealers. Some of the principle owners of auction houses have done time in jail/prison, others have a checkered past ripping off people through print/tv, others were even part of the Mastro shenanigans only to be re-hired by other companies to do the same job they had a hard time doing ethically in the past.

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

I asked Jeff if he'd hop back in instead of us all trying to interpret his meaning.

[Hankphenom]

Originally Posted by rhettyeakley

I think they are interpreting Jeff correctly. I think Jeff feels that we allowed Mastro to do what he did without anybody really doing anything (and even sticking up for him) and we continue to allow people with blatant fraudulent pasts to be the lead at many of the major auction houses and some of the biggest dealers. Some of the principle owners of auction houses have done time in jail/prison, others have a checkered past ripping off people through print/tv, others were even part of the Mastro shenanigans only to be re-hired by other companies to do the same job they had a hard time doing ethically in the past.

So the hobby is so dirty and corrupt that it's beyond redemption and doesn't deserve the protection of the legal system, is that it? A cesspool of criminal activity with the collusion and consent of most of the big players? What would you estimate the % of the dirty part to the good part? And if I could get personal for a second, if it's this bad, why are you involved in it? For that matter, why is Jeff? After 40 years in the hobby, I honestly had no idea it was like that, now you've got me rethinking everything.

[rhettyeakley]

Originally Posted by Hankphenom

So the hobby is so dirty and corrupt that it's beyond redemption and doesn't deserve the protection of the legal system, is that it? A cesspool of criminal activity with the collusion and consent of most of the big players? What would you estimate the % of the dirty part to the good part? And if I could get personal for a second, if it's this bad, why are you involved in it? For that matter, why is Jeff? After 40 years in the hobby, I honestly had no idea it was like that, now you've got me rethinking everything.

That is not what I was saying, the hobby is full of awesome people in my opinion. There are some bad apples in it (as we all know) and it is the belief of some that that concentration is too high and that we will condone bad behavior as long as they continue to "deliver the goods" and offer items we "need to have." I feel Jeff has been pretty outspoken about his stance in this regard.

Hank, no need to rethink anything, you are good for the hobby and we need more people that are in it for the love of the hobby. There have always been shady people and there probably always will be, I was pointing out what I thought Jeff was referring to in his post.

[Hankphenom]

Originally Posted by rhettyeakley

That is not what I was saying, the hobby is full of awesome people in my opinion. There are some bad apples in it (as we all know) and it is the belief of some that that concentration is too high and that we will condone bad behavior as long as they continue to "deliver the goods" and offer items we "need to have." I feel Jeff has been pretty outspoken about his stance in this regard.

Hank, no need to rethink anything, you are good for the hobby and we need more people that are in it for the love of the hobby. There have always been shady people and there probably always will be, I was pointing out what I thought Jeff was referring to in his post.

Thanks for clarifying, I like this description of the state of the hobby much better than your original, which paints a pretty bleak picture. I bridled at Jeff's suggestion that things were so bad that the FBI's efforts were like pearls before swine, so to speak, and hope that they, he, and all the other good people involved see enough value in the hobby to continue the work trying to keep it clean.