It's Halloween, and threads are disappearing!

[Forever Young]

Originally Posted by brooklynbaseball

I for one have experienced the backlash with "outing" a forger. Without getting into too many specifics, I posted on here a short narrative w/ examples of what I believed to be forged items on ebay which were believed to be attached to a long time "questionable" autograph seller. To make a very long story short, I was, in short order subjected to a prolonged email, internet, and phone attack that stretched to unbelievable depths. My young children and my wife were also viciously attacked verbally. I have family both in law enforcement and the legal community, but it still took quite a bit of time and aggravation to ease the abuse. I do not know Mr Simon personally, but when I contacted him for help, while he was unable to provide any, he listened to my story, made suggestions, and checked back with me at a later time. I also have contacted him privately with requests for advice, have purchased a couple of items from him, and have always been met with nothing but professionalism and courtesy. To attack a man who seems so passionate about helping others in the hobby is both childish and idiotic.

To be fair... there has been verbal attacking from both sides as I read through the thread. And just as I thought everyone had slept on it, they continued the next morning and it was not from the other party. I have never met either of these guys but have read countless posts by both. Each seem more knowledgeable that the "average Joe" and both also seem to know it … and make sure we all know it. Which, I really can't blame them for that I guess. Your story is a good one and Richard should be commended. But to be fair, I asked David for help via message(opinion on ironically a mantle signature) and below was his replay earlier this year. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Hi, Ben. You've certainly got some beautiful photos!
Thant Mantle looks good to me. (Great price for the seller, too!)
Best,
David “
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This doesn't seem like a man wallowing in his “own self doubt, sadness and bitterness” to me. He didn't need to respond. For what it is worth, I bought the item and it passed psa.

This bickering back and forth does nothing for either side nor the greater good of the hobby. Anyone can look for shortcomings in others(we all have them), tear them down and improve their position. It is the weakest form of advancement in my opinion. Most of us have done it at least once in our lives. I believe most would agree it rarely works long term. Hell, I have done it more than once and I can tell you it doesn’t.
I think that most everyone would also agree that both of these guys are passionate about the hobby and would help the “ Average Joe”. So let’s all just get along and focus on strengthening the hobby. Let’s think happy thoughts fellas!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4fWA1b5Trs