VERY VERY disgusted with PSA--you won't believe it!!

[Al C.risafulli]

Barry, I understand your point about the number system and the competition for higher grade point averages and such. But I'm not about to criticize those who choose to collect that way - everyone approaches the hobby in a different way, and for some, that's the way they like to collect. To me, it's no different than those who are willing to buy a tough card at a low price because it's been hacked in half and written on, just to fill a hole in their collection. Not the way I choose to collect, but no better or worse, either.

I do collect one graded set where condition is important to me - 1938 Goudey. I'm very particular about the cards, and I only look at certain grades. I'm really not interested in competing with anyone for the highest GPA, but that's just not my nature - I compete all day long in business, I compete for fun in sports, but not in collecting. It's just not enjoyable for me to collect that way. But in that set, I am very picky, which is why I've been working on it for 5 years and still need 6 easy cards for completion. I've bought cards I needed and re-sold them because I didn't like them - leaving a hole in my set.

But to me, trying to get an entire set complete in 8 is no different than trying to get a complete run of a certain player, or to complete a difficult type set. It's just one more way to collect in a hobby that has plenty of room for everyone. I don't consider it bad or good - it just is.

-Al