Changes at Krause (F&W)

[benchod]

This is sad news as I enjoyed TS's columns

[Tony Gordon]

I find the Standard Catalog as the most valuable resource in the hobby and really appreciate Bob Lemke's efforts. If it wasn't for that book, I'd still be pulling my hair out trying to learn about the Piedmont Art Stamps I purchased at a flea market back in the late 1970s. TS O'Connell has done excellent work and I hope he continues blogging about the hobby and his experiences. As a vintage collector, I was never a fan of Tuff Stuff. As for SCD, as long as Bob Lemke is on staff, it is worth a read. I also purchased quite a few items from Collect.com and am sorry to hear of its demise. With eBay turning into a dumping ground for reprints and every common issue from 1992, I welcome every and all independent auction sites.

[blades3]

Guys,

There is no demise of Collect.com Auctions. I have launched and ran the business the entire time and I'm currently working (with others) to purchase the assets from F+W Media so there will be a seamless transition. There may be a slight name change and an address change, but that will be the only difference (besides quicker payouts for consignors). The new-and-improved version will have its next big auction from March 22 through April 7, with a consignment deadline of Feb. 12.

As for the rest of it, I'm saddened to see friends leaving the building. Having been at the company for 16+ years, it's difficult to see Tuff Stuff go and SCD continue to get thinner, but it's especially difficult to see someone like TS go. He showed me the ropes when I arrived here and has been a close friend the entire time. I don't post here much but thought I should in this case. Thanks.

Steve Bloedow
director of auctions

[Tony Gordon]

Steve,
Sorry, I didn't intend to express misinformation. I look forward to your future auctions!

[blades3]

Tony,

No problem at all. I have been wanting to communicate about what is going on, but many things were still up in the air. I'm kinda glad someone mentioned it so I could explain what was really taking place. I'm very excited about the chance to do this privately and working hard to get any kinks out which may have existed.

[bbcard1]

Anybody else remember Ernie White hawking Tuff Stuff at his various very small shows in the south...it did have a good run...Trivia question: What failed product led to White selling Tuff Stuff?

[Bob Lemke]

It looks like I, too, need to post a clarification or two.

As of now, the Standard Catalog of Baseball Cards is staus quo. The 2102 edition is scheduled as normal.

To clear up another apparent misconception, I am not now, and have not been since 2006, on the staff of SCD, or its parent company. I have allowed T.S. O'Connell to pick up material from my blog for reprinting in SCD, since much of it is pertinent to my work on the SCBC.

[judsonhamlin]

Originally Posted by bbcard1

Anybody else remember Ernie White hawking Tuff Stuff at his various very small shows in the south...it did have a good run...Trivia question: What failed product led to White selling Tuff Stuff?

I saw Ernie White a couple of years ago at a postcard show - I fondly recall snooping through his store in Richmond for Goudeys and T-cards when I was in college - although I still don't know why I bought the Topps Big Baseball cards or whatever the pre-57 sized cards were called then.
What was the failed product, anyhow?

[Leon]

Originally Posted by blades3

Guys,

There is no demise of Collect.com Auctions. I have launched and ran the business the entire time and I'm currently working (with others) to purchase the assets from F+W Media so there will be a seamless transition. There may be a slight name change and an address change, but that will be the only difference (besides quicker payouts for consignors). The new-and-improved version will have its next big auction from March 22 through April 7, with a consignment deadline of Feb. 12.

As for the rest of it, I'm saddened to see friends leaving the building. Having been at the company for 16+ years, it's difficult to see Tuff Stuff go and SCD continue to get thinner, but it's especially difficult to see someone like TS go. He showed me the ropes when I arrived here and has been a close friend the entire time. I don't post here much but thought I should in this case. Thanks.

Steve Bloedow
director of auctions

Steve,
I know we have discussed this and I wouldn't have brought it up had someone not already mentioned it. I fully support whatever you do. You are one of the good guys in the hobby and regardless of what you do, I support you in your endeavors. The hobby needs more good guys like yourself!! Good luck and Godspeed.