new member introduction

[Peter_Spaeth]

Jeff did you change your mind overnight? Previously you said "Of course, I agree with the criticism that's been laid out here."

To your point that something is worth what someone is willing to pay for it, philosophically I would like to agree with that free market view, but as Glyn's story illustrates, in some instances it just doesn't comport with reality or take into account just how easy it is to take advantage of vulnerable and uninformed people. I think what SAH did is well over the line ethically.

[barrysloate]

Jeff didn't change his mind Peter, he just likes to rag on me.

[calvindog]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

Jeff did you change your mind overnight? Previously you said "Of course, I agree with the criticism that's been laid out here."

Peter, no, didn't change my mind at all -- I do agree with the criticism, the videos are ridiculous. But I'm just surprised at the venom on this thread compared to how Mastro and Doug Allen (and others) were dealt with who either have been indicted for fraud or whose empirical auction results are patently, consistently absurd.

And Barry, you need to relax, maybe you're working too hard.

[barrysloate]

delete

[calvindog]

Less potty mouth, more work will improve your disposition.

[hammer]

If you are all happy with Hucksters in this hobby do not complain if you get burned by them. A Carnival atmosphere is not what I was hopeing this hobby would turn out to be. With that said when you sweep up the floor and put the dirt under the rug pretty soon you will have to throw it out after so much dirt.

[barrysloate]

delete

[calvindog]

Barry, I didn't jump on you at all on this thread -- until you accused me of purposely 'ragging' on you after I made a valid point. You're thin-skinned. As for how you conduct your life, I don't give a damn. I'm surely paying for it but I still don't give a damn. Have a good day doing...nothing.

[travrosty]

it was more than puffery, the cat was already out of the bag that the new stuff was way overproduced and collectors were leaving the market, and new collectors werent coming in and that the market was way oversaturated.


The people who didnt know this - the casual non-collector or weekend investor, got taken in.

The question that people need to ask is "did ken know it?", yes i believe he did, and did he sell it anyway pumping it up as the investment of the century.
"yes"

[barrysloate]

Calvindog is now on my ignore list. I no longer have to read his posts. Didn't have much worthwhile to say at that.

[calvindog]

Originally Posted by barrysloate

Calvindog is now on my ignore list. I know longer have to read his posts. Didn't have much worthwhile to say at that.

Enjoy your retirement or whatever it is.

[Peter_Spaeth]

People are forgiving of people who admit their mistakes. If Ken had come on and said, yes, I was wrong, I really regret what I did back then, I accept responsibility and I have changed, I think most of us would accept that.

But his initial posts hyping his new venture didn't say anything at all about past issues (did he think people would not remember SAH?), and when he realized he had to address it, his initial comment was to use the Clintonesque passive voice: "That's how it was done."

What's more, his pitch for why we should trust him was that he realizes he is under scrutiny and couldn't get away with anything, and values his life too much to try. Is that supposed to instill confidence?

[calvindog]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

People are forgiving of people who admit their mistakes. If Ken had come on and said, yes, I was wrong, I really regret what I did back then, I accept responsibility and I have changed, I think most of us would accept that.

But his initial posts hyping his new venture didn't say anything at all about past issues (did he think people would not remember SAH?), and when he realized he had to address it, his initial comment was to use the Clintonesque passive voice: "That's how it was done."

What's more, his pitch for why we should trust him was that he realizes he is under scrutiny and couldn't get away with anything, and values his life too much to try. Is that supposed to instill confidence?

Peter, that's all fair. But you forget the hobby we're in.

[HRBAKER]

It all comes down to whether he can get quality consignments in an already crowded field. If he can history has shown that in this hobby his past will have little bearing on whether people will bid.

[Matthew H]

Over-hyped and puffery? You mean like high grade commons in TPG holders? Or are you referring to values based on shilled or house bid auctions?

I think Jeff is 100% correct here. You've got people slinging mud from every angle. Go look at the first threads on the mastro fiasco. Pretty much everyone but jeff was blaming the reporter who broke the story.

I know, the stories of grandma's buying from ken are really sad. My dad bought some stuff for me... All very very sad.

What about the fact that the much hobby is over hyped? Caused by a mixture of TPG and Auction shilling?

Hasn't everyone read the interview where Dick Towel stated that he's worked on 15,000-18,000 cards? Many Many Many Mantle rookies? He also said that there are many other people who are good at certain aspects of what he does: Removing stains, removing wrinkles or creases for $30 per card!!?

All this info out there and you still have people discussing that PSA 5 with a wrinkle... Don't worry, that wrinkle will be gone over time.

But forget all that. Lets make sure we don't bid on auctions by those hilarious guys who used to sell that crap on tv.