Ok...so seriously, why do you collect?

[AmishDave]

I collect so my daughter will. I'm starting become comfortable with parting with some doubles of JJ, but they are for my other drug.

 

[TwinsWin]

the history, I really like to collect sets, im not in it to make money hell im not even in it to pass onto my children, I simply like looking through the sets and look at players from my childhood and remember some of the players that I remember watching. that's why I love the 90's sets, I really missed out on those sets because of financial reasons in my family. so maybe im just making up for lost time from my childhood.

 

[shayscards79]

The only thing I collect these days are Colts cards. I love football and my favorite team. Collecting that stuff makes me appreciate it a little more.

Everything else, I sell to help pay for Colts and put in the bank.

Also, to Clint's point, I loved collecting when I was younger. I got out of the hobby for 12 years. When I got back into it, it felt like I never left. Sure, the way I do it is different, but busting packs is still great to this day.

 

[predatorkj]

the history, I really like to collect sets, im not in it to make money hell im not even in it to pass onto my children, I simply like looking through the sets and look at players from my childhood and remember some of the players that I remember watching. that's why I love the 90's sets, I really missed out on those sets because of financial reasons in my family. so maybe im just making up for lost time from my childhood.

I did this more with comics than anything. When I was younger, I grew up in a ghetto part of town. Only place around to even buy comics or comic cards was the local stop-n-go. I also collected action figures but I was at the mercy of my parents and where they'd take me. I loved sports cards too but I guess comics were a bigger deal to me. Our biggest trips where I could get toys were pretty much relegated to K-Mart. We didn't go to the mall much. Plus with the average price of comics, one pack of comic cards(1993 and 1994 marvel masterpieces were all the rage when I was getting them) and the price of toys, I always went the sports card route instead. I remember my cousin coming over and always having all these cool comics or toys or card sets I had barely ever seen let alone been able to buy. He lived in a nice area that had several comic shops and he was able to get to the mall regularly. Needless to say, by the time I turned 16, I was buying all of the above every week(sometimes I'd stop in daily). I had a truck and a job. By the time I turned 18 I started making pretty good money. By the time I was 23 I was making a lot of money and I was dropping at least $250 or more just on comics alone every week. I went and purchased every Transformer, He-Man, Thundercats, and ever other 80's toy I used to want when I was little. I also delved head first into Star Wars and McFarlane figures as well as anything Marvel or DC put out. I also purchased and had damn near every Marvel set put out as well as all of the insert sets and even sketch cards and stuff like that. I was involved hardcore. And then I got tired of it. I really think I was making up for what I felt I was never able to have. But in the end, it was like I was just tired of it.

I don't feel that way with sportscards and the cards I grew up wanting that I never got, I have multiples of now. All of the sets I enjoyed as a kid or that my dad purchased packs of for me(91 fleer anybody?) I have complete sets of. That little goal took all of three months. Ever since deciding to collect Bagwell as my main focus and pick up rookies and gu and autos of other players I collect, plus sets, I've just been on cruise control. I pick and choose which sets I want to buy and I pick and choose what cards to go after. I don't feel too much pressure. Which is why questions like why I collect bother me. I've kinda and still do kinda enjoy not having a reason.

 

[notjomommasclint]

The only thing I collect these days are Colts cards. I love football and my favorite team. Collecting that stuff makes me appreciate it a little more.

Everything else, I sell to help pay for Colts and put in the bank.

Also, to Clint's point, I loved collecting when I was younger. I got out of the hobby for 12 years. When I got back into it, it felt like I never left. Sure, the way I do it is different, but busting packs is still great to this day.

I made the switch from baseball to football in 2011. I couldn't be more tickled with the change.

I'm actually a weirdo who doesn't collect my favorite all time player (Dan Marino) but a guy who I want to succeed (Leonard Hankerson) and Miami Hurricane players in nfl jerseys (topps chrome)

I really don't know what the draw was to football but it has been the correct move and I'm loving almost every minute of it!


I'm old Greg

 

[predatorkj]

So....what do you have to show what you spent on your vacations? I tee shirt that states I was here,a bunch of photos no one but you could even enjoy , memories that only you could care about in a fleeting moment. A stain on you shoes from spending a lot of money on booze and getting s-hit faced and puking. I was also like that 35 years ago until I got back into collecting cards. Save yourself call 1-800-422-2737 that's 1-800 IBY-CARDS. Phone lines are open 24hrs a day. So please call now.

I'm pretty sure that you say that tongue in cheek. But being able to have a really fun time matters a lot more to me now, especially when it's with my family, than it did when I was younger. Being able to share it with others or have others relate to it matters little.

 

[mmier118]

Because it takes me back to a time in my life where I was completely happy and had little care. I plan on passing this hobby onto my boys.

+1 to this, and I find it an enjoyable and affordable hobby.

 

[PadresFan86]

So....what do you have to show what you spent on your vacations? I tee shirt that states I was here,a bunch of photos no one but you could even enjoy , memories that only you could care about in a fleeting moment. A stain on you shoes from spending a lot of money on booze and getting s-hit faced and puking. I was also like that 35 years ago until I got back into collecting cards. Save yourself call 1-800-422-2737 that's 1-800 IBY-CARDS. Phone lines are open 24hrs a day. So please call now.

Awesome memories and pictures to prove it. Way better than cards you topload and never see again but then again maybe I'll change my tune when I'm in my 50's and beyond.

 

[pootshwan]

The interesting question is the "why" of collecting in general (could be cards, books, stamps, video games, anything that has a list that is getting checked off or added to). I think there is something inherently competitive and sort of modernly hunter/gatherer about the whole thing. I mean, when your worry in the day is making sure you know when the next big auction is coming online, your life is relatively pretty damn good. Right here and now, we don't have to compete for life's essentials, so we are chasing replacement "necessities" as part of our evolutionary path.

I know there is no right or wrong answer to this question, but I honestly think this is the psychology behind why we collect cards, whether we consciously know it or not. I really think you hit the nail on the head with that explanation.

 

[jrinne]

I could sell my whole collection in a heart beat and not have a second thought at all. I don't hunt, Im not a car guy and video games don't interest me at all. Im sure once we have another kid and they get older and into more things at school and their interest take off I'm might do away with everything beside the things I want for my basement. Right now its something for me to spend money on (and make money on) and keep me from being bored out of my mind.

 

[rickeyfanatic]

Its a great question... Why? Is it because I've been doing it since I was 11yrs old? I've had fast cars and a great motorcycle, sold them. I've got plenty of other hobbies and interests (sports, coaching, hiking/mountain climbing) I spend a lot of time with my wife and my 2 kids. I've always loved collecting Henderson items, I like piecing together a part of my past with the money I'm working hard for. I know I can part with it at any time if circumstances dictated, I sold my race car and motorcycle and they sure brought me plenty of enjoyment and adrenaline. I try to have fun with this, and not make a stressful part of my life. My son got into collecting Pedroia and Aaron Rodgers because he thinks dad's collection of Hendersons are cool. I think that right there is the real reason, my Dad bought me cards and packs, and I've done the same with him. It's a great bond, it's fun to see his excitement, and from time to time, I open a bubble mailer and feel like that kid all over again.......

 

[AmishDave]

I also find, like the OP, having more than one "hobby" or thing to collect keeps stuff fresh. I've basically burnt myself out on cards. Sure, I still like finding the occasional JJ or Northcutt, but everything else, no matter how limited it is or how many color breaks in the patch, bores me. If I didn't have my wrestling stuff, or, to a much lesser extent, my WWII stuff, I'd be in and out of this hobby with nothing else to fall back on.

 

[uniquebaseballcards]

I get where you are going with that but even as a true collector, it sure does take some work. You have to work to become knowledgeable about your hobby or to be involved in it. Obviously there are people who don't wish to get that involved and it's really more about just picking up a pack here or there. But really, without collectors, where would this hobby be? I can't count the number of times I've run into dealers who knew way less than I did about any particular release even though they've been selling long enough to have actually sold cases of said release. The hobby and the information it holds lives and dies by us. Which is another reason I said that with everything become dealer centric...it's not good for the health of the hobby. But that's another story for another thread.

I think you bring up a really key point here... at what point does a hobby become work?

Sure, a degree of research can be fun, absolutely necessary and indispensable... but after a while there's a point where its no longer enjoyable and is work for most everyone. By the same token most people generally consider selling work... although having a couple auctions could be fun here and there I suppose.

I'm personally not comfortable relying on sellers or dealers as a primary information source either - especially for higher-value/rare cards - as I generally expect their focus to try to make money. I'd rather use other collectors as primary information sources and use sellers to fine-tune that knowledge... but that's just me.

 

[DiebytheCubs]

I don't really collect high-end cards, mostly because I can't afford them. So my main focus is my PC and putting sets together. I find this form of collecting rewarding because it's a lot of fun when you get close to completing a set ( I have yet to finish one yet), knowing that you are so close to completing that goal. I usually only do one or two a year too, so it's not like I'm chasing down millions of cards. But the best part comes much later: years down the line when I go back and flip through all the players I have. It's always entertaining whenever you get that "Oh yeah, I remember when..." This is really why I do it. I do get a good amount of enjoyment out of it now, but mostly I do it so I have something to look back on when I get older.

 

[predatorkj]

I think you bring up a really key point here... at what point does a hobby become work?

Sure, a degree of research can be fun, absolutely necessary and indispensable... but after a while there's a point where its no longer enjoyable and is work for most everyone. By the same token most people generally consider selling work... although having a couple auctions could be fun here and there I suppose.

I'm personally not comfortable relying on sellers or dealers as a primary information source either - especially for higher-value/rare cards - as I generally expect their focus to try to make money. I'd rather use other collectors as primary information sources and use sellers to fine-tune that knowledge... but that's just me.

IMO, any time you decide to have a focus or keep said focus organized, it's work. Not work like you hate it. But it takes time, effort, and brain cells away from you. Plus you've spent time away from life's other pursuits whether it be family, friends, or other stuff. It's work. You're putting time in. There are those who do and those who don't. Some people eat, sleep, and breath this stuff. And that's cool. It's a passion. And the way I figure it, if that's your motivation, your goal, your love, do it. I just can't understand people questioning it like you are a fool. I've yet to run into a person I couldn't tear into about their habits or hobbies yet they question mine. And the sad thing is I'm more accepting of their interests than they are mine. Weird how that works.

But all that aside, as per your post, I have run into a few guys who work at shops that seem to at least like the hobby and know something about it and are quite happy to give you any info you ask for. But I have never run into a person even half as knowledgeable as people on this board. I doubt I will unless I fly up for one of the meets at the National.

 

[VandyDan]

Because I like baseball. And baseball cards are inexorably linked with baseball.

As to why the super high end....eh, no reason. because I like to have an excuse to buy high end, and only buy it of former VU guys. Someday there will be a Vanderbilt sports hall of fame building and I will donate all my cards and memorabilia to them.

 

[sawmillthug]

I collect because I have OCD but not for washing my hands or checking locks. Everything I have ever done in life seems all or nothing. When I first started playing golf I couldn't just be a casual player. I took lessons, played all the time, had custom clubs made, joined the country club, had a cart customized, on and on and on. I took my son to take some boxing/mma stuff in 2008. After going a couple times I joined in. 6 months later I had my first and only mma fight. Where am I going with this? In baseball cards I love to collect players that I enjoy watching. Just picking up a few cards isn't enough for me. I want as many as I can get. I don't mean random cards but as much nice stuff as I can afford. Luckily I try to limit myself to only bowman first cards and cards that are true RCs.

 

[sawmillthug]

As for what I plan on doing with my stuff. That's tricky. The bowman prospect cards I have accumulated will be sold if an when the prices are just to good to pass up. The players that actually mean something to me will be held and passed to my son at some point I guess. I would like to do that when he is old enough to truly treasure stuff. The few expensive nice cards will be kept and left to him at a later date I suppose. Or used as outhouse wallpaper after the nuclear fallout

 

[Mighty Bombjack]

Because I like baseball. And baseball cards are inexorably linked with baseball.

As to why the super high end....eh, no reason. because I like to have an excuse to buy high end, and only buy it of former VU guys. Someday there will be a Vanderbilt sports hall of fame building and I will donate all my cards and memorabilia to them.

Respect! You know I wanna go to that hall of fame!!

 

[PujolsCollector]

I collect because I like winning eBay auctions, I also like hunting down cards on the internet and finding the ones I need to finish my collection. It is just exciting (and exhausting) , without collecting I would be bored all the time. Also I have put so much time in it I kind of just feel like i should continue it.