T206: Thoughts on Direction

[T206Collector]

Originally Posted by ethicsprof

At first the Monster calls---it woos and encourages you to come on board for the taming. Then it discourages you, drops all sorts of impediments in your pathway, and wants you to quit. Then it offers a mix of encouraging and discouraging, often in the same day--sometimes in the same moment. Don't listen to it. And then you're well on your way.

I've gone through some long periods where the Monster completely stopped calling me. Where I doubted that I ever even wanted to collect it. These were the "impediments" described here. The Monster does want you to quit. It is tantalizing in its ease of access. T206 cards are all over ebay and the B/S/T on this very website. But that is only like a mirage in the desert. As you continue to walk closer towards it, it vanishes as quick as that Pink Hal Chase on ebay. The closer you get to completion the further the end seems. This is no 25 card E95 set. You repeatedly get half as close to the end but it is a mathematical truth that you will never get there. The Wagner and Doyle Gods will be waiting at the end to laugh at you. For many Plank, Magie and even O'Hara, Demmitt will be laughing at you, too.

But there is joy and satisfaction in reaching completion, minus even the Big 6 (not Christy, of course). It is an experience well worth having, worth the wait, the patience, the agony and the frustration and the PayPal fees. The key is to never put the set down completely. Always keep an eye on the available options. Move at your own, comfortable pace. The Monster will encourage you to sprint -- but this will only prematurely zap you of your energy. There is only one way to eat an elephant -- 1 bite at a time. How do I collect the T206 set? 1 card at a time.

[Northviewcats]

I can identify with Card Target. I started collecting the monster a few years ago, and the rate of accumulation has really slowed down. I'm about half way there. When you start buying quality, quanity will always suffer. I don't want to quit, but I'm starting to wonder if I will ever complete the set. One thing that I do know is that I'm happier when I pick up one sharp looking card than whole bunch of beaters.

I've also found myself drifting into other prewar cards. Cubans, e102s and even a Cracker Jack. I guess that you would call that cheat'n. I think I'm still hooked, because I'm willing to sell the other cards if the price is right, but I don't want to sell my T206s unless I pick up a double.

Best wishes on your collection,

Joe