Changing collecting habits or thinking about getting out altogether?

[jchcollins]

Compared to most on this board, I would imagine I'm pretty small-time, and mostly postwar. The cards I do have slabbed (only a couple dozen probably) are mostly PSA 3 - 6 range cards for 1950's and 60's - and I have serious doubts that anything was trimmed or otherwise altered. If so, I'll just say that someone has way too much time on their hands for cards that are generally considered to be worth somewhere between $50 and $500 apiece on the open market.

I plan to continue to plug along, mainly because for me it's more about the history of the game and nostalgia evoked by the cards than it is condition, but I can tell you that I will certainly give more consideration to raw and SGC graded cards now above PSA as a first choice. I do still like the idea of buying some form of graded off of eBay to ensure that an "EX" card doesn't have a big fat hidden crease, but if you buy from reputable sources with good return policies, I think raw is again an option as well.

[WhenItWasAHobby]

Got out of buying PSA graded cards 11 years ago when it was obvious and confirmed that PSA could not detect altered cards.

[aconte]

Originally Posted by WhenItWasAHobby

Got out of buying PSA graded cards 11 years ago when it was obvious and confirmed that PSA could not detect altered cards.

And that's the sad part, when the hobby loses a true collector. Dan was
a passionate and knowledgeable collector. No need to wonder what happens
to the graded set collector when grading companies can't get the job done.
Most younger collectors already don't do sets. Now those running the hobby
can't even keep the hardcore people.

[WhenItWasAHobby]

Hey Tony! Great hearing from you! I trust all is well!

As you mentioned, it was a tragic thing to bail out of the hobby - but given the circumstances I had no choice. The sight of a PSA holder actually made me sick to my stomach.

[bnorth]