Back in July, just before The National, my friend and fellow Hobby News Daily contributor Mike Sommer wrote a piece titled after a Taylor Swift song. Hi, It’s Me, I’m the Problem, It’s Me is a fantastic piece that poses the question, “Are you happy with your collection”. Mike then goes on to give you his perspective and shares a few thoughts on why we as a hobby tend to derail our collections before we really even get started. He then goes on to share a few thoughts to help get you back on track. Honestly, I would expect nothing less from Mr. Sommer.
I’ve known Mike for the better part of a decade. I first met him when he sat down on the Fat Packs set during the 2017 National. What blossomed from that conversation is a friendship that I cherish. We don’t talk everyday, or text, or even hang out all that often. In fact, if I’m being completely honest, we see each other once or twice every other year. However, that hour or so lunch we get to spend together is typically the highlight of The National for me. Mike is the type of friend I can confide in and seek advice from. Which I have done on more than one occasion. It’s the kind of friendship that one can trust, a meaningful one, and I love him for that.
His piece on being content has been out for four months today. I go back to it from time to time as a reminder of what this hobby is supposed to be about. It’s a centering piece if you will.
Now, for those of you who don’t know, I’ve worked in the hobby for 10 years on the corporate level. Admittedly, that has jaded my view when it comes to hobby trends and talking points. So, with that in mind, I wanted to point a few those out, and hopefully bring them back to center from Mr. Sommer’s perspective.
Hi, it’s me, I’m also the problem, it’s me.
The Rip Card
We’re all chasing clout on some level. However, in my opinion there is nothing more clout chasing than the rip card post. They are stale and all look and read the same. Typically like “Just pulled this (insert brand) rip card, what should I do?”.
Really? What should you do? I don’t know. Maybe rip it……..
That’s what jaded point of view Eric wants to say, but what good would that do?
Now, from a more sensible point of view. We get it. You’re excited about the rip card. However, before you run to the closest social media feed, why don’t you ask yourself what you want to do first? Would it make you happy to know what’s inside? If yes, by all means, tear that thing open and share it with the rest of the collecting world. If not, no big deal either. List it, store it away, or gift it to another collector. Seriously, either way is fine.
We all know that it's more than likely going to be opened in the first place. So why not do that first instead of asking for a bunch of opinions you don’t really want in the first place.
Grading
I cut my teeth in this hobby at one of the largest third party graders in the industry. I was never a grader, I took the test and did well, however, ultimately, I decided it wasn’t for me. Being a grader can be a thankless job. If you need proof of that, just check out any grading post in a Facebook group for the countless opinions of why a card should have graded differently.
We have all watched this hobby move toward investment pieces and is now falling back down to earth. So, when I see a “Should I get this graded” post I cringe.
In all honesty, just like everything else in this hobby, it comes down to what you would like to do with your card.
If you think the opinion of a dude with a loupe at PSA, BGS, SGC, or Billy Bob Joe Frank’s Grading Services is going to help, then make it happen. If not, then move on. While the opinions gathered on these kinds of posts may be a little more helpful than the rip card ones, it’s still really up to you. If it is going to make you content with your collection, then have the card graded.
Is this Jordan Rookie Real
Earlier I said, in my opinion, there was no bigger clout chasing post than that of the rip card. However, I would like to take this time to correct myself and present to you the Jordan Rookie Post. My views on these posts are well documented. In short, I think they are the worst posts in the hobby. I especially loath the ones with dudes in cargo shorts and their bare feet in the pics.
With that being said, there seems to be endless sources of information that would point you in the right direction. A simple Google search might even suffice. However, in these situations, I would indeed point you to a reputable third party grader. For one of the most counterfeited cards on the planet, you should have it authenticated for your collection. Facebook comments do not equate authenticity.
So, of course knowing without a doubt if your Jordan rookie is authentic is going to make you content with your collection. Let’s just do it the right way.
……….but I digress.
Hi, it’s me, I’m still the problem, it’s me.
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