We'll it seems that the masses are becoming more and more disillusioned with the state of the hobby.....all the fake jerseys, auction house corruption, authenticators coa's, etc...

Just curious to find out what people think about where the hobby is now, and where it is going?....next year?, 5 years from now?, etc...


-Splinters

The hobby is GREAT! I've been collecting for almost 25 years and the hobby is better today than it ever was. Ebay has made pricing competitive and brought many "relics" out of the woodwork! Collectors are far more educated than before, because of the internet and message boards like this one.
You will never be "ripped off', if you do your homework, do your own research, ask your own questions and never spend outside of your budget!

"LOAs sell for two and a half cents at Kinko's..."

http://www.both-teams-played-hard.com

I would agree with BTPH, there are more resources and information and available quality product out there than ever before. It's a fun time to collect.

The flip side, is that because of those same auction houses and "authenticators" such as SCDA, you really do need to educate yourself and accumilate as much knowldge as you can, as there are many out there who would take advantage of the market and take advantage of buyers.

So I would say use common sense and caution just as you would in any other financial endeavor, but continue to enjoy the hobby.

If the collectors that value the authenticating kings of SCD continue to subscribe to there practices, I see the hobby going right down the PIPEHOLE. You know the one I speak of!!.

-IBS