I've stopped reading various blogs lately. There is a lot of negativity these days with sports cards products in general.
Having collected for 30 years, I think I have an opinion which matters even though I may not be one of the big-wigs in the blogosphere. It's rare that I hear how great a product is. More often than not, it's people complaining of a lack of value or poor design or lack of imagination. I like most products, maybe I'm an easy sell.
If you're not enjoying yourself then I think it's time to re-evaluate why you're in the hobby.
I'm in the hobby for fun. It's a great way to pass the time. I read the stats and the backs of cards. I do have a personal collection of some value but cards are in my personal collection due to the card or the player and not the value. I have a Duane Sutter autograph card which means as much to me (and possibly more) than my Mario Lemieux autograph card.
To me, pulling a great card is a bonus... not an expectation. An expensive box is an adventure... not an investment.
I would like to get rid of patch forging and sticker autographs and event-used memorabilia... but I do think that people prospecting for big dollars are just as bad.
8 comments:
I can't wait for Score Hockey which brings us back to a simplier time
Maybe we can get some retro Eric Lindros cards and rookies with mullets!
Couldn't agree more on all of these points. Well said.
The great thing about collecting hockey cards is, if you don't like any of the current products, you can take your money and buy stuff from 10, 20, 30 years ago. There is always something to collect.
I have read through your post and I agree with most of your points. I will return in the future. Where did you get your theme? I found this information useful.
Great point, Sal.
Sometimes it's fun to re-visit the old stuff... like buying low-grade 1960's cards on eBay.
Or bust that early 2000's stuff and check out all the billion potential parallels. The prices are often quite reasonable for a box. Always great to reminisce.
As much as I get disappointed with some sets (UD MVP, for example), every year there seems to be one that takes my breath away and is the prettiest of all time (say, Artifacts).
I try to praise more than I complain, but I agree with you that it's probably a bummer for others to read those posts.
Thanks for your insight!
I'm glad you wrote this article. It's a good reminder for some of us.
I think the beauty of our hobby is that there's a little bit of everything for everybody. In the general scheme of things, I try to be as positive as I can. However, I'm not perfect. I'm sure I've been negative here and there on my blog.
Like I ask my students, there's already enough hate, anger, and negativity in the world... do we really need to add to it?
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