SCD - Prewar card freelancers

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Posted By: Bruce Dorskind

Our hobby has changed precipitously during the past 10 years.

It is clear that the proliferation of "important auctions"
along with the accelerated growth of E Bay has reshaped
the entire dimensions of the market.

Few items of real interest are sold between collectors
or by dealers to collectors.

Card shows, whilst ideal for networking, rarely present one
with an opportunity to add a significant item to one's collection.

Accordingly, it is dfficult for a print publication with a
relatively long editiorial deadline, limited resources
and few advertisers who are actually selling anything to
remain as "a must read."

The organizations who are consistent SCD advertisers are
primarily interested in building their brand. They want to
remindcollectors to consider their organization if and when
a collection is going to be sold.

The role of SCD, like that of most trade and specialized print
publications, has changed. Just look at the recent redesign of
the Wall Street Journal. SCD, to remain vital, must provide
information that we can not otherwise obtain and/or produce
high quality feature stories.

Whilst there has been some attempt to do so, in our view
the publication has fallen short. We, for example, no
longer advertise "America's Toughest Want List."

That said, we still believe SCD does offer some potential
value, and is, from time to time, a valuable information
source.

While we do not have a business relationship with a number
of advertisers, we would never consider cancelling our
subsription because we don't care for a particular advertiser.

We don't see anyone deciding not to watch their favorite
TV show because the sponsors are not in sync with the
viewers' position on a wide range of issues.

This country is built on free expression. Each dealer has
every right to tell his story in any manner he sees fit.
Cancelling a subscription to protest the fact that one does
not like a particular advertiser is, in our view rather short-sighted.

Bruce Dorskind
America's Toughest Want List