Grading Technical vs. Overall Appeal

[perezfan]

Originally Posted by CobbSpikedMe

Edited to add: I'm not a graded card guy just for the record, I just like the discussion we are having. And, I am a "true collector", whatever that means.

Sorry... there are all types of collectors, and no right or wrong when it comes to peoples' preferences.

What I meant by "true collector" is someone who collects the card for what it is. Not a number collector that lives/dies by a machine-generated slab. I guess I should've said "traditional" collector instead of "true" collector.... I apologize!

[CobbSpikedMe]

Originally Posted by perezfan

Yup, it's a good discussion and I respect your opinion....just a healthy disagreement. You will win the argument since history and money are both on your side, so I know that I fight a losing battle...

That said, regarding the part in bold...

1. I think you meant to say "why can't we just look at the card..."

2. My answer is that we can (and do). But doesn't that pretty much render the entire concept of grading to be obsolete and/or useless? I think that most collectors (if we were to start over from scratch) would prefer a grading system that accurately reflects the true condition and appeal of the card. Otherwise, what's the point?

1. Correct, I meant can't instead of can.
2. Not going to argue on this point. I think we can both agree that grading is a sh!itshow these days no matter how you look at it. I just didn't agree originally with the idea that grading was meant to make prices standard. Or something like that. I just really think we as collectors set the market based on how we feel a card is graded when we look at it, not based on the number. Although these days the number seems to mean quite a bit to the investors.

Originally Posted by perezfan

Sorry... there are all types of collectors, and no right or wrong when it comes to peoples' preferences.

What I meant by "true collector" is someone who collects the card for what it is. Not a number collector that lives/dies by a machine-generated slab. I guess I should've said "traditional" collector instead of "true" collector.... I apologize!

No worries, I knew what you meant, just wanted say I think I am a "traditional" collector like you meant.