What Happened to Card Collecting That I Knew?

[Exhibitman]

Some stuff I agree with; some not.

I liked the gum in packs.

I agree that the modern production of cards has gotten away from the principles that we all fell in love with as kids. Like commons that count for something. Breaks my heart at a show to see kids crack packs and leave the base cards behind with the wrappers. Some of my lack of interest in modern cards also has to do with my lack of interest in the present day game. The drug scandals, outrageous costs of attendance, spoiled brat douchebag owners, whiny child millionaire players, and for us Los Angeles residents the lack of an actual MLB team in our city, all contribute to my disinterest.

You can still collect just as you used to; just focus. I have started trading in my high grade slabbed cards for presentable midgrade cards and find that my enjoyment of owning the cards has returned. I store them in albums, don't fret over a dinged corner, and don't worry about my investment in them. I just enjoy sitting down with an album and getting lost for a while. In short, they have returned to their rightful place as a pleasant diversion for me.