When to consider yourself a Supercollector?

[WoundedDuck]

Let's add some age (physical age that is...) to the discussion. What exactly is the definition of a Supercollector? Is there a set of policies and/or procedures to go by to ultimately strive for and to aquire such a title? Without a definition it's all subjective or just our varied opinions of what the term means.

Ok, I like collecting Brooks Robinson (the white Robinson; also like the black one too!). I like his vintage cards, but don't even have all of his regular issue cards ('57-'78); would this exclude me from the exclusive and/or elusive list/group of being a "Supercollector"? I guess that would exclude me, huh?!?

Who cares. It's all semantics. Collect what you want and call yourself what you want. Are you collecting because you enjoy the cards you obtain or to gain some meaningless arbitrary title bestowed by those with no qualifications or right to do so? Sorry if that came across wrong. Not really a jab at the poster but rather the elitist attitude that anyone has a right to bestow such a title or allow someone to be called or call themselves such a term.

 

[Mark70Z]

You can jab away; I take no offense. You may have missed my point though. There is "no" definition of a "Supercollector", so you're correct, it's all subjective, opinions, or as you have stated semantics. I was saying even though I collect Brooks, and have for some years now, I wouldn't be considered a "super" collector by a group/s of individuals on a forum, but does it really matter? No... I personally collect him due to him being my favorite player growing up and following the O's; I collect for the enjoyment, not the quantity of items I aquire. I am a collector though...just not "super" .

 

[Russ S.]

I am a collector though...just not "super" .

You are super in my books Mark.

 

[Mark70Z]

Russ,

Appreciate it! Stick with them Birds...maybe, hopefully, prayfully, they'll be back on top "some day" (hopefully in my lifetime...)

Mark

 

[Fandruw25]

You can jab away; I take no offense. You may have missed my point though. There is "no" definition of a "Supercollector", so you're correct, it's all subjective, opinions, or as you have stated semantics. I was saying even though I collect Brooks, and have for some years now, I wouldn't be considered a "super" collector by a group/s of individuals on a forum, but does it really matter? No... I personally collect him due to him being my favorite player growing up and following the O's; I collect for the enjoyment, not the quantity of items I aquire. I am a collector though...just not "super" .

You're a brooks robinson super collector!



Not sure why you care so damn much about a title but I have to ask, do you feel better now?

 

[Mark70Z]

Does anyone actually read my posts...or maybe it's just me not cooresponding clearly or correctly (probably me...). I could care a less about what people refer to me personally in regard to collecting. I'm responding to the original post..."When to consider yourself a Supercollector?" When there is no defined definition of what a "supercollector" is, then everything is subjective, speculation or just a matter of everyones opinion. I was just trying to be funny that I was just a collector, just not "super"...wink, wink, nudge...nudge...

 

[predatorkj]

Mark...I would say that a super collector is somebody that brings to the table something others either can't or don't. Like I said, there can definitely be more than one per player because not everyone can have everything. Brooks has new cards too so there are hard to track down items and autos etc. But if all you have is his base topps cards from his playing years...I'd have to say no. Because everybody can have that and there are probably many who do. There is nothing unique or rare in that unless of course you had a PSA 10 for every card or something like that.

Now, I'm not sure why people get ticked about the title. Chances are, if the title bothers you, you are too sensitive. In reality, it doesn't matter if you have a super collection or not. I don't do your job nor stake any claim to the money you make. I'm not going to tell you what to buy. So as long as you are happy when and how you spend your money, and you can look at your collection and enjoy it, that is all that really matters. I don't personally try to go around harshly judging someone's collection as good or bad. Nor do I consider a collection bad or inferior if it's not what I'd term super. Super to me is unique and rare. It doesn't equate good or bad. There are plenty of great cards to own that are neither unqiue or rare. And any of those cards make for a great collection. To me, it's like, okay that guy has a collection, but this guy over here has a unique one. One you don't see every day. That's all.

I don't know how many actively strive for it. Some are content to collect what they do and never even think about it. I try to emulate uniqueness and rareness but not to obtain a title. I like my player enough to want to have the nicest collection IMO that I can. I'm not really concerned if anyone else likes it. But if you did come by and say it was unique, rare, or super...or maybe even that it sucked ass, I'd collect and keep collecting regardless.

 

[uniquebaseballcards]

Is a new collector who buys or inherits someone else's player collection of 4,000 different cards a supercollector?

 

[pujols5hof]

[quote="miguelcabrera":1o724on2][quote="Mozzie22":1o724on2][quote="miguelcabrera":1o724on2]zambrano38 is probably the only true supercollector of a certain player that i know of, but there are a ton of nice player collections on this site for sure

You need to pay more attention then. There are many collections on this board that would fit the supercollector definition.

Sure I agree there are a ton of nice collections, but zambrano38's is in my opinion the only true supercollector and his is far better than any others I have ever seen.

I agree that his collection is fantastic but for someone that has almost 10,000 posts you haven't paid much attention to the player collections. Have you seen the Grace, Clark, Brunell, Schilling, Ripken, Gwynn, Henderson, McGwire, etc........ collections on here? Come on man! You need to open your eyes a bit. Zambrano38's collection is fantastic but what makes him the only "true supercollector" in your opinion? There are others with more game used equipment, more cards, decades longer time spent collecting, more value, etc... So what is it?

Out of those collections, all of which are great, I still feel zambrano38's tops them all. He has the total package of game used equipment, 1/1's, total cards, ticket stubs etc of his guy that I just don't see in those other collections. That is what makes him the only true supercollector.

By that description I am also a super collector. I have a game used jersey and bat. I have ticket stubs from his debut and first start. I have 2 1/1s and 80% completion on base. Also a 11x14So that would mean there are 2 Super collectors here right?


I do not plan on putting the Super collector status in my signature just saying[/quote:1o724on2]


dude, give it up, you are a super descalso collector
he is a super zambrano collector
he is a super vizquel collector
blah blah freakin blah
collect what gives you enjoyment, iconic titles mean nothing

worrying about how others define your collection makes you the spectator too (think about it)
it can also make you broke, divorced, impotent, homeless, and suicidal. ask some of the self-proclaimed supercollectors themselves. they will tell you the truth, trust me :twisted:[/quote:1o724on2]
As I said though I could care less about that Super collector title. I could care less if I have the greatest Descalso collection, is it nice yes do I care no, is it expensive yes. I did this thread to spark discussion and it worked. It is a rather fake title Im just saying if he is going to call one person with a certain criteria a Supercollector he should include them all.[/quote:1o724on2]

quoting yourself makes you a superquotationator! early cuyler said that in the "lean green touchdown makifyin machine" episode i believe. sumpin like dat

i am going to do an official count of my pujols cards this week. i should be at 1000 give or take 1 or 3, i'll let y'all know.
i had zero alberts in summer '06. i bought a mix pack thingy at wallyworld and got a bagwell patch card. i got on topps boards and found out i was a *******. i bought one collection from a guy in maine named joel beach and i sorted and collated those 50,000 cards over 3 months. in a year and a couple months i had over 800 alberts with over 400 trades and only like 20-30 ebay purchases. old ladies can kill you over these things. i quit and picked up a few here and there over a couple years until now. long story longer ... i am not interested in titles, i am interested in having MY collection, how i want MY collection, and when i want MY collection, screw titles. and i am STILL trading from that collection that i bought in 06 :lol:

 

[predatorkj]

quoting yourself makes you a superquotationator! early cuyler said that in the "lean green touchdown makifyin machine" episode i believe. sumpin like dat

i am going to do an official count of my pujols cards this week. i should be at 1000 give or take 1 or 3, i'll let y'all know.
i had zero alberts in summer '06. i bought a mix pack thingy at wallyworld and got a bagwell patch card. i got on topps boards and found out i was a *******. i bought one collection from a guy in maine named joel beach and i sorted and collated those 50,000 cards over 3 months. in a year and a couple months i had over 800 alberts with over 400 trades and only like 20-30 ebay purchases. old ladies can kill you over these things. i quit and picked up a few here and there over a couple years until now. long story longer ... i am not interested in titles, i am interested in having MY collection, how i want MY collection, and when i want MY collection, screw titles. and i am STILL trading from that collection that i bought in 06 :lol:

Yeah, but there is absolutely no harm whatsoever in someone labeling you a supercollector. You're gonna do your thing anyways right? Someone labeling you that is an honor. Most of the time, throughout life, you do things because it's what you yourself would do anyways. When people recognize you for what you do, you do what you do anyways. You be yourself. Someone calling you a super anything is just their way of appreciating you for you and what you personally bring to the table.

 

[predatorkj]

Is a new collector who buys or inherits someone else's player collection of 4,000 different cards a supercollector?

Are you asking that for real or just for discussion's sake? If the guy isn't going to keep up the collection...I'd say no. They have put no effort into it and without thecontinuance, ... it's still somebody else's project. It's about personal effort.


I think from some of the responses on this board, it's abundantly clear the battle lines are drawn and sides are chosen as to who and who doesn't recognize people as super collectors. I'm all about giving people their respect. You earn it, you deserve it. I would like to think you aren't "trying" to earn it, but IMO, I'll give it where it's warranted. If you were trying, I'd have to question your personal security and self esteem. It's not something you try to earn. It's something you try to do based on your love for collecting and the player. The rest just comes with time. Not sure why people don't understand that.

 

[WoundedDuck]

Mark70Z - I actually got what you were saying. I was really just using your post to express my thoughts on the subject. The 'you' wasn't really directed at you specifically, but kind of anyone. That's why I posted the disclaimer so as not to seem offensive.

predatorkj - no offense, but I disagree. I really don't think you or I can put a definition on what a supercollector is. What really gives us the right to define an arbitrary term? Should we snicker at the 12 year old kid who collects Braun because that's his favorite player, but really doesn't have much of his guy? If he wants to call himself a supercollector, fine. What about the guy who spent the most on his collection of one guy, but only has a dozen key cards? or the guy who has the most from one specific year? What about me? I haven't spent the most on my guy and I'm sure someone has more cards of Upton that I do. Can I not call myself a supercollector even if I'm trying to get all I can, but I don't meet the criteria with a modest budget....or am I not worthy because I don't have as much disposable card cash as someone else? Maybe if I make more and/or spend more then I can get the title? I'm being a bit facetions. Honestly I don't care and won't lose sleep if I am or am not a "supercollector." It's a meaningless title in my opinion that's not worthy of pursuit. However, I'm not going to tell someone else they aren't one if that's what they want to be.

Some people have said there can only be one supercollector of a player. Others have said that based on different criteria, there can be more than one "supercollector". Still, how does anyone get to determine what all the different criteria are? I collect what I want and it makes me happy . As I said to Mark though, I'm really not trying to be argumentative, but just expressing my thoughts on the subject. To me "supercollector" isn't an exclusive term, but rather an inclusive one to distinguish someone who is actively collecting something with a focus. It's pretty vague, but honestly, who am I to decide as well? It's not something I'm worried about though, but it's an interesting topic sense it comes up frequently and is used differently by different people. I just get annoyed when the term is used to pat each other on the back for joining the elusive club, to tell each other you're cooler than other people because your collections is nicer, blah, blah, blah. Who gives a shat if you can spend more on cards? If your focus is base topps from the 80s of one guy or team or whatever because that's what you like or that's what your budget dictates, and you want to call yourself a supercollector because of that, then I'm fine with that, even if a million other people have all the same stuff. Collect what you want and enjoy what you collect.

Until the card collecting authorities (whoever they would be) gather in Nicaea to determine the exact criteria that must be met to be a "supercollector" then we're just making this shat up.

Last disclaimer....my post wasn't meant to be argumentative if I came across like a jerk. Just wanted to say what I thought about the "supercollector" stuff. Pred I realize you weren't really saying the total opposite of what I was expressing, but your post was kind of the jumping off point for what I had to say. In all honesty I agreed with much of what you've said. I also wrote this late at night and half way delirously so hopefully there was some sense made in all the rambling.

 

[uniquebaseballcards]

Is a new collector who buys or inherits someone else's player collection of 4,000 different cards a supercollector?

Are you asking that for real or just for discussion's sake? If the guy isn't going to keep up the collection...I'd say no. They have put no effort into it and without thecontinuance, ... it's still somebody else's project. It's about personal effort.

I think from some of the responses on this board, it's abundantly clear the battle lines are drawn and sides are chosen as to who and who doesn't recognize people as super collectors. I'm all about giving people their respect. You earn it, you deserve it. I would like to think you aren't "trying" to earn it, but IMO, I'll give it where it's warranted. If you were trying, I'd have to question your personal security and self esteem. It's not something you try to earn. It's something you try to do based on your love for collecting and the player. The rest just comes with time. Not sure why people don't understand that.

Its necessary to ask in order to provide a certain focus - as someone having a bunch of cards doesn't mean that person understands anything about them or anything about the hobby.

But I couldn't agree more with what you said...one needs to earn it by collecting (as we're talking 'superCOLLECTOR' here) long enough to understand how the hobby works and to gain highly specific knowledge about the cards being collected. Being a supercollector doesn't make someone knowledgeable about every kind of card (there's too many) but to whatever that collector has shown a specialty in.

Whatever one's definition, its nice to honor someone for their knowledge, experience, time and effort put into collecting and its a way to encourage others to become better collectors.

 

[pujols5hof]

btw - i started collecting in 1969 when i was 5 years old. i did every set of every sport topps did (meaning the big four plus wackys) until 1979. 11 years of cards in perfect condition and i found chix, partying, and music, you know what i did? i sold out (nunya bines what i got 4 em) and started jammin.
my player collections at the time: roberto clemente, cesar cedeno, jack lambert, jack ham, artis gilmore, bob love, stan mikita, bobby hull, and mean joe greene. i had all IP autos of those dudes plus most cubs on card and white sox too.
when i moved to missouri in 1975 i became a cardinals fan for life.
1974, my aunt was a cheerleader for the st. charles fighting saints and the chicago bears came out to do a charity BASKETBALL game at the hs. i was 9 yrs old, in the bears locker room and got an autographed bears pennant IP.
in 1975 i sold it for $200.
the bears kicked our hs bkb teams a$$. who wants to go down the lane against butkus lol

 

[MOFNY]

I say we let the FCB admins decide! We should have little symbols like at the Bench that declare our supercollector status.

 

[tramers]

just wait IRS will put a value and tax you :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: .
btw i have 30,000 plus Pittsburgh Pirares cards but don't know how many are different .

 

[Fandruw25]

I say we let the FCB admins decide! We should have little symbols like at the Bench that declare our supercollector status.

Then it becomes a popularity contest....if you don't believe me go back and look at the results from the last 'player collection contest'....many great collections didn't enter and those that did, well good for them. I have one of those badges on the bench and it's a nightmare, people expect me to pay more because of it.

 

[TNP777]

I have one of those badges on the bench and it's a nightmare, people expect me to pay more because of it.

I've got the badge, too - I'd be stoked if someone would contact me with something I needed, though!

 

[WoundedDuck]

I have one of those badges on the bench and it's a nightmare, people expect me to pay more because of it.

I've got the badge, too - I'd be stoked if someone would contact me with something I needed, though!

Haha, your want list is going to be pretty tough to hit. None of my Butlers would do you any good.

 

[MOFNY]

I say we let the FCB admins decide! We should have little symbols like at the Bench that declare our supercollector status.

Then it becomes a popularity contest....if you don't believe me go back and look at the results from the last 'player collection contest'....many great collections didn't enter and those that did, well good for them. I have one of those badges on the bench and it's a nightmare, people expect me to pay more because of it.

I had no idea.