Alteration vs. Conservation Defined

[calvindog]

Originally Posted by Kenny Cole

Given all this we get cards graded because ..... ? It can't be trust, which is what PSA purported to sell. It can't be experience -- that ship has sailed. Protection? Maybe, although I don't know why an already altered card would need much protecting - how does or can its condition get worse than already altered? That leaves ... money and ego, which was EXACTLY what was actually being sold -- my card is better than yours. I hated grading when it started, exactly for the reasons stated here, kind of bought in to it later, and am now having to rethink it again. As Jeff said, having Stevie Wonder as the grader isn't designed to inspire too much confidence.

Man, this thread is depressing (but necessary) at so many levels. I guess I'll go look at some of my graded cards and try to figure out which ones don't deserve the grade they got. Reality sucks. At this point, I imagine I'm about as competent to do that as PSA's graders. That's really a sad commentary on the existing situation.

Registry which causes resale value. PSA offers nothing else.

[Kenny Cole]

Originally Posted by calvindog

Registry which causes resale value. PSA offers nothing else.

I get it. That's my conclusion too. How disappointing.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by Kenny Cole

I get it. That's my conclusion too. How disappointing.

It's a new world my friend, just ask Brent and his fan club and apologists. Cards are now "assets." Collectors are now "investors." Your closet, or maybe safe or safe deposit box, is now a friggin' "vault." Well, at least you aren't charged sales tax.

Oh, and alteration is now "conservation." LOL.

[Kenny Cole]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

It's a new world my friend, just ask Brent and his fan club and apologists. Cards are now "assets." Collectors are now "investors." Your closet, or maybe safe or safe deposit box, is now a friggin' "vault." Well, at least you aren't charged sales tax.

Oh, and alteration is now "conservation." LOL.

Well, stuff trumps all, right? Until that mindset changes, nothing else will either. It is just that simple.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by Kenny Cole

Well, stuff trumps all, right? Until that mindset changes, nothing else will either. It is just that simple.

And the flip trumps stuff.

[Kenny Cole]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

And the flip trumps stuff.

It hurts me to agree with you. But I do.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by Kenny Cole

It hurts me to agree with you. But I do.

Note the date and time.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by calvindog

Registry which causes resale value. PSA offers nothing else.

It's not just the registry IMO. It's a brand-wide effect now, just look as one small example at Jeter rookies. I guarantee you most guys aren't buying those to register them, but the gap with the other companies has widened substantially.