When to consider yourself a Supercollector?

[PujolsCollector]

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 .

I think we can all agree they are "Supercollectors" lol.
BTW the whole badge thing/people knowing about your collection makes it more expensive. I had a guy contact me with a Descalso Marquee card and he asks for 30 dollars knowing they are selling for 12-15.

 

[onionring9]

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.

Yeah it's pretty ridiculous. I had one guy on visit my site that had a common card I never bothered getting (maybe a $1 - $2 card). He said "since you don't have the card I'm assuming it's really rare so I'll offer it to you for $50".

Another good one was when I was missing two of the Mark N' History /70 parallels. A seller contacted me with links to the ones I needed on ebay saying he had them for sale. At the time I needed I think #14 and #8. Here were his auctions:

#1, #3, #4, #6, #11, #13, #18 - $20 each
#8 - $65
#14 - $65

 

[ASTROBURN]

^ That seller is a total ******. Cant believe crap like that happens.

 

[AK11]

Well, the idea of being a super collector of so and so player can have benefits. Yes, people offer cards to you for stupid money, but the idea is for collectors that come around every once and awhile with the rare cards that you can't just hop on ebay and buy easily. I have a player collection in hockey that is not near the quantity that the baseball collectors here have and I do not buy every card released either as I stay away from base and most inserts, but I made the hockey beckett a year ago as a super collector with less than a 100 cards to show at the time. I put my email in the article and it did help locate some rare cards that I never would have probably found. It would be neat maybe to have a section for super collectors for each sport and of course the mods or voting determines if you fit in or not, similar to what Sports Card Forum does and you can get a little subtitle under your username. I definitely know FCB has a lot of determined player and/or team collectors here in all the sports, so it would make a nice super collector gallery. Just a thought.

 

[ASTROBURN]

By now I'm sure most people can figure out we are supercollectors of certain players just based on our signatures. I have received offers based simply off of that, and have sent offers to others as well.

 

[Mark70Z]

Since there is no definition of "supercollector", just many differing opinions, why aren't you just a collector of any given player or team? Why is it necessary to call it being "super"? Just seems to me it coveys some type of self-importance and/or arrogance to me (just my opinion).

 

[predatorkj]

Couple of real quick thoughts...

Yes you can get screwed on prices if people know you are a collector of any given player. Happens to me all the time. It's why all I have in my sig is a few pics, and my card count. I'm not interested in a title. I just want others to understand when it comes to Bagwell, I'm not f'ing around.

Most people who are what I'd personally term a super collector, don't, and never would bestow the title upon themselves. Just like with any other aspect of life, only a-holes go around beating their chest because they feel superior.

I don't think the definition is as hard to put a finger on as people tend to think. Yes we all have varying opinions. I get that. But I'd like someone here to tell me with a straight face the Chavez collector or the Galus collector or any of the Big Hurt collectors or Nostebor, or any of these other guys who've spent years building these awesome collections very few people can put together, aren't in fact supercollectors.

I still believe every collection is great as long as the collector appreciates it. Some collections are going to be seen as better than others. It's just opinions but it's heavily agreed upon I'm sure. I mean...if I went out and purchased 10 random base Juan Gonzalez or Troy Glaus cards and called myself a supercollector of one of those guys, you might smile and nod but inside your head, you're not smiling and nodding. And it's okay for it to be that way. No one means disrespect. It is what it is.

 

[Mark70Z]

"I don't think the definition is as hard to put a finger on as people tend to think. Yes we all have varying opinions. I get that."

There really isn't any definition for "supercollector" because it's a made up term; this is why there are so many varying opinions. I do understand what you are saying, I just don't see the need to have an elevated term for a collector. As I said, it just seems like an arrogant term, even if the person does not call themselves a "supercollector". You're correct, there are going to be varied levels of a collection, big, small, amazing, dismal, etc., but if they collect, then they are a collector (or hoarder... ).

Here's just a couple of instances in regard to my relatively small (compared to some) Brooks collection. There are a couple of rare examples of his cards, '61 Dice Game, '68 Topps 3D and the '67 and '68 Topps discs. As an example, his '61 Dice game card went for 19K+ in a recent auction; the last '68 Topps 3D went for around 20K in, I believe, 2000; there's another example in the Huggins & Scott auction (we'll see what this card goes for). Guarentee the individuals who did purchase and/or who will eventually purchase these rare cards will not be as devout a Brooksie collector, but will have far more money to spend on cardboard than I do, and I'm really fine with that, but does that make these purchasers "super"?

By the way...just a sidenote; I think Bagwell was a GREAT player and a great pic for a player collection!

 

[ASTROBURN]

By the way...just a sidenote; I think Bagwell was a GREAT player and a great pic for a player collection!

i agree

 

[predatorkj]

"I don't think the definition is as hard to put a finger on as people tend to think. Yes we all have varying opinions. I get that."

There really isn't any definition for "supercollector" because it's a made up term; this is why there are so many varying opinions. I do understand what you are saying, I just don't see the need to have an elevated term for a collector. As I said, it just seems like an arrogant term, even if the person does not call themselves a "supercollector". You're correct, there are going to be varied levels of a collection, big, small, amazing, dismal, etc., but if they collect, then they are a collector (or hoarder... ).

Here's just a couple of instances in regard to my relatively small (compared to some) Brooks collection. There are a couple of rare examples of his cards, '61 Dice Game, '68 Topps 3D and the '67 and '68 Topps discs. As an example, his '61 Dice game card went for 19K+ in a recent auction; the last '68 Topps 3D went for around 20K in, I believe, 2000; there's another example in the Huggins & Scott auction (we'll see what this card goes for). Guarentee the individuals who did purchase and/or who will eventually purchase these rare cards will not be as devout a Brooksie collector, but will have far more money to spend on cardboard than I do, and I'm really fine with that, but does that make these purchasers "super"?

By the way...just a sidenote; I think Bagwell was a GREAT player and a great pic for a player collection!

This is why I don't think money can be a major factor either. It does contribute. But it is not the end all be all. Case in point, I have several cards a lot of Bagwell collectors don't. I'm not even close to sniffing being rich. But...I've put in the work. Am I super collector? Not IMO. I think, even from an outsiders point of view, I'd have to acquire several more cards and a lot more key cards to be able to get into that realm. IMO, I have three categories I normally at a quick glance, seperate collectors into. One would be the causual collector. A guy going out once a month or so and buying a few cards. Second you have the average collector. A guy who goes out, spends what he can when he can, and keeps up with his player or collection on a relatively constant basis. Then you have the super collector. These guys don't mess around. They may not be able to necessarily outspend you, but they'll make damn sure you never get an easy deal. And they constantly day after day look for cards and they own a lot of rare and unique stuff due to hard work and finding deals wherever they can. Be it through pawn shops, flea markets, friends, acquaintances, networking with other collectors, BM, ebay, checkoutmycards, sportlots, sportsbuy, etc.

To me, and it's just my opinion, your money only carries you as far as your effort. A guy with ten key Bagwell cards has 10 key Bagwell cards. Nothing more and nothing less. A guy with 5,000 different Bagwell cards IMO, is closer to that super collector status. It's not an ego thing. It's like seeing a great white shark. They are serious business. They are what they are. You look at them, and you know they are diehard and down for the cause. Just like a guy with the kind of dedication to collect a player so much and long without stopping that they end up with damn near more ccards of the guy than most of the world's population has. I guess to me, it's just a really good definition for somebody who is dedicated and defintely not f'ing around. Couldn't we all agree on that to a degree?

 

[PujolsCollector]

Doesn't the whole not f'ing around thing go back to money though? I mean I do not have much money I usually make a few dollars here and there doing stuff for my parents if I had a job I would own every descalso card that I don't already have.

 

[Mark70Z]

predatorjk has assigned a definition, in his mind, of what a "supercollector" is; so when he thinks of the term that's what he assigns to the word. To me the problem is everyone will come up with a different definition of what the term means, to them, and it may be totally opposite; kinda like the fellow who thinks there should only be "one supercollector" per player/team. I'd assume that "one supercollector" would be the one with the most expensive and/or largest collection. Again, I just don't really like the term (just my opinion).

I don't think the "whole" thing comes down to money, but it definitely has a large part in it. As I gave you my example previously, I don't think there are any Bagwell, or Decalso, or any relately recent player who's rare cards are 19K+ 20K+ cards...I may be incorrect, but I don't think so. Therefore, when you have someone who owns these cards they aren't going to offer it to me personally, they are going to one of the big auction houses and get top dollar for their card (who can blame them). Therefore, I don't have a chance to obtain these type cards due to the cost constraints. I've come to the realization that I'll never own of of these rare issues personally.

Just one more item, kinda off the subject a little bit, but really a question for you PC's. Personally I don't pick up cards that I don't like for my PC, i.e. don't like the design, picture, etc. Do you guys pick them up anyway, just so you have more of so and so in your collection?

 

[PujolsCollector]

I get every descalso card I can even if I hate them.

 

[VizquelCollector.com]

...Again, I just don't really like the term (just my opinion)....

...I don't think the "whole" thing comes down to money, but it definitely has a large part in it...

...Just one more item, kinda off the subject a little bit, but really a question for you PC's. Personally I don't pick up cards that I don't like for my PC, i.e. don't like the design, picture, etc. Do you guys pick them up anyway, just so you have more of so and so in your collection?

I also think the term is goofy. Again, I'll say that IMO it's WHY you're using the term. If you think that your hot sh!t b/c you've got 320 Jeter cards, you're not a supoercollector... you're a nob. If you're truly dedicated, passionate about the hobby, and have some element of insanity chasing the cards, then you probably have joined the ranks. For the most part I think it's how people view you as a collector, not how you want to be recognized.

Unfortunately money usually plays a part in it. It's tough (but not impossible) to build up a notable collection without spending some cash.

I buy any/every card of Vizquel. There are dozens of cards in my collection that look like complete crap. For example the Prime Patches cards in my sig have some really great pieces in them, but Omar is smaller than a dime. And most of the "real estate" of the card is plain white. I love collecting different versions of them, but the design IMO is pathetic.

 

[Krom]

I just don't see the need to have an elevated term for a collector. As I said, it just seems like an arrogant term, even if the person does not call themselves a "supercollector".

Thats why i had a hard time with the World's Greatest Longo collection. Are you buying cards to impress people or because you enjoy them.

Most collectors have varied interest which helps make defining a "supercollector" or judging a collection to be the "best" difficult. In the Longo case i am a rc and set collector - not a player collector. I would rather have Brouthercard's Longos than Bportjoey's but that is my opinion and not everyone's. I would never say anything bad about the Bport's collection (its amazing :shock: ) but because i didn't agree with his (and others opinions) people thought i was a hater.

Why can't we all just enjoy what we have w/o trying to be better than someone (or everyone) else collection wise.

 

[predatorkj]

Okay...to be honest, I'm only going on and on because I must be doing a bad job of explaining my thoughts. I'm content if others don't agree. But to clarify the money issue:

It does take money to build a collection that could be thought of as super. Dude...it takes money to eat at taco bell too. But just like it's cheap to eat at taco bell, no matter the player, cheap cards can be had. The way that something cheap like taco bell and cards go hand in hand is that every now and again, the guy who only drops $0.99 at taco bell will save his money for a week and go eat at Burger King or McDonald's. Just like even the brokest collector will eventually save up and land something nice. Now, if they have 50 base cards and one $50 card, it may seem small. I started out just like that. But you go on year after year and it starts falling into place. I do not buy cards for Bagwell like I used to because frankly, as I've told astroburn(he ought to enjoy it while he can btw), the cheap stuff I still need is running thin and all that is starting to be left is stuff $10 and up. So even though I don't always spend a ton on Bagwell, occasionally I'll pick up a handful of nice stuff. Expensive stuff. And it accumulates. That is why I don't think money becomes the issue.

Now yeah, $19,000 cards...uhmm...I'd personally, and this is just me, either do one of two things. Choose a cheaper player to collect, or just collect the player knowing the collection would never be complete. I went over this in my head time and again when picking my player. I wanted it to be somebody I really loved watching but also somebody who was going to be realistic to buy. I love Griffey and Frank Thomas and Biggio and a slew of others. I also love Nolan Ryan. But I started figuring out that if I ever wanted to try to go the distance, these guys were not in my budget. It would take me double or triple the amount of time and money to do with them what I have done with Bagwell. Do I ever plan on really owning every Bagwell card? No. I'm not insane. I don't even think money would be a factor there. Just availability. But can I get damn close? Yes.

This isn't a race, it's a marathon, and in some cases, a slow walk. If you take any player, you can whittle down your needs and then start saving for the big money cards. In your case, you could start saving to own his most expensive cards. Eventually you'd land them, and then what? Is money really the issue if you were that set on obtaining them? If so, think about all the money we all piss away every year on ice cream, beer, smokes, eating out, etc. You may feel that money is well spent. And it might be. But if you save up, you can always obtain insane stuff. You keep at it, the sky is the limit. In fact, like I said, the only limit is availability. And everything eventually becomes available. You'll lose some and win some. In the end, if you're not f'ing around, and you stay at it(which would imply you aren't a lightweight), you reach that plateau.


And one other thing, I wish people would understand that it's not about ego. Everytime I see a new response in this thread, it seems someone is still thinking it's about trying to belittle someone else. Hey...everyone has to start somewhere. Nobody needs to be crapped on. And I do not think by telling someone you feel they have reached a nice lofty area of player collecting, that you are crapping on anyone else. You have to realize that there are always bigger fish out there than you(I know of at least two for Bags) and accept it. It shouldn't bother you. But if it does, or if the praise one collector gives to another bothers you, you might want to rethink why you are in this hobby. Do your thing, and let other people think what they will. You don't worry about it. Just keep up with your own goals. None of this discussion should even be in your thoughts when it comes to your own goals. If it is, you are collecting for someone else instead of yourself. You really want to do that?

 

[Mozzie22]

Okay...to be honest, I'm only going on and on because I must be doing a bad job of explaining my thoughts. I'm content if others don't agree. But to clarify the money issue:

It does take money to build a collection that could be thought of as super. Dude...it takes money to eat at taco bell too. But just like it's cheap to eat at taco bell, no matter the player, cheap cards can be had. The way that something cheap like taco bell and cards go hand in hand is that every now and again, the guy who only drops $0.99 at taco bell will save his money for a week and go eat at Burger King or McDonald's. Just like even the brokest collector will eventually save up and land something nice. Now, if they have 50 base cards and one $50 card, it may seem small. I started out just like that. But you go on year after year and it starts falling into place. I do not buy cards for Bagwell like I used to because frankly, as I've told astroburn(he ought to enjoy it while he can btw), the cheap stuff I still need is running thin and all that is starting to be left is stuff $10 and up. So even though I don't always spend a ton on Bagwell, occasionally I'll pick up a handful of nice stuff. Expensive stuff. And it accumulates. That is why I don't think money becomes the issue.

Now yeah, $19,000 cards...uhmm...I'd personally, and this is just me, either do one of two things. Choose a cheaper player to collect, or just collect the player knowing the collection would never be complete. I went over this in my head time and again when picking my player. I wanted it to be somebody I really loved watching but also somebody who was going to be realistic to buy. I love Griffey and Frank Thomas and Biggio and a slew of others. I also love Nolan Ryan. But I started figuring out that if I ever wanted to try to go the distance, these guys were not in my budget. It would take me double or triple the amount of time and money to do with them what I have done with Bagwell. Do I ever plan on really owning every Bagwell card? No. I'm not insane. I don't even think money would be a factor there. Just availability. But can I get damn close? Yes.

This isn't a race, it's a marathon, and in some cases, a slow walk. If you take any player, you can whittle down your needs and then start saving for the big money cards. In your case, you could start saving to own his most expensive cards. Eventually you'd land them, and then what? Is money really the issue if you were that set on obtaining them? If so, think about all the money we all piss away every year on ice cream, beer, smokes, eating out, etc. You may feel that money is well spent. And it might be. But if you save up, you can always obtain insane stuff. You keep at it, the sky is the limit. In fact, like I said, the only limit is availability. And everything eventually becomes available. You'll lose some and win some. In the end, if you're not f'ing around, and you stay at it(which would imply you aren't a lightweight), you reach that plateau.


And one other thing, I wish people would understand that it's not about ego. Everytime I see a new response in this thread, it seems someone is still thinking it's about trying to belittle someone else. Hey...everyone has to start somewhere. Nobody needs to be crapped on. And I do not think by telling someone you feel they have reached a nice lofty area of player collecting, that you are crapping on anyone else. You have to realize that there are always bigger fish out there than you(I know of at least two for Bags) and accept it. It shouldn't bother you. But if it does, or if the praise one collector gives to another bothers you, you might want to rethink why you are in this hobby. Do your thing, and let other people think what they will. You don't worry about it. Just keep up with your own goals. None of this discussion should even be in your thoughts when it comes to your own goals. If it is, you are collecting for someone else instead of yourself. You really want to do that?

Please don't take this the wrong way because I very much like hearing your point of view on all topics but you have got to learn to summarize your thoughts down to under 50,000 words. Seriously.

 

[Gwynn545]

Okay...to be honest, I'm only going on and on because I must be doing a bad job of explaining my thoughts. I'm content if others don't agree. But to clarify the money issue:

It does take money to build a collection that could be thought of as super. Dude...it takes money to eat at taco bell too. But just like it's cheap to eat at taco bell, no matter the player, cheap cards can be had. The way that something cheap like taco bell and cards go hand in hand is that every now and again, the guy who only drops $0.99 at taco bell will save his money for a week and go eat at Burger King or McDonald's. Just like even the brokest collector will eventually save up and land something nice. Now, if they have 50 base cards and one $50 card, it may seem small. I started out just like that. But you go on year after year and it starts falling into place. I do not buy cards for Bagwell like I used to because frankly, as I've told astroburn(he ought to enjoy it while he can btw), the cheap stuff I still need is running thin and all that is starting to be left is stuff $10 and up. So even though I don't always spend a ton on Bagwell, occasionally I'll pick up a handful of nice stuff. Expensive stuff. And it accumulates. That is why I don't think money becomes the issue.

Now yeah, $19,000 cards...uhmm...I'd personally, and this is just me, either do one of two things. Choose a cheaper player to collect, or just collect the player knowing the collection would never be complete. I went over this in my head time and again when picking my player. I wanted it to be somebody I really loved watching but also somebody who was going to be realistic to buy. I love Griffey and Frank Thomas and Biggio and a slew of others. I also love Nolan Ryan. But I started figuring out that if I ever wanted to try to go the distance, these guys were not in my budget. It would take me double or triple the amount of time and money to do with them what I have done with Bagwell. Do I ever plan on really owning every Bagwell card? No. I'm not insane. I don't even think money would be a factor there. Just availability. But can I get damn close? Yes.

This isn't a race, it's a marathon, and in some cases, a slow walk. If you take any player, you can whittle down your needs and then start saving for the big money cards. In your case, you could start saving to own his most expensive cards. Eventually you'd land them, and then what? Is money really the issue if you were that set on obtaining them? If so, think about all the money we all piss away every year on ice cream, beer, smokes, eating out, etc. You may feel that money is well spent. And it might be. But if you save up, you can always obtain insane stuff. You keep at it, the sky is the limit. In fact, like I said, the only limit is availability. And everything eventually becomes available. You'll lose some and win some. In the end, if you're not f'ing around, and you stay at it(which would imply you aren't a lightweight), you reach that plateau.


And one other thing, I wish people would understand that it's not about ego. Everytime I see a new response in this thread, it seems someone is still thinking it's about trying to belittle someone else. Hey...everyone has to start somewhere. Nobody needs to be crapped on. And I do not think by telling someone you feel they have reached a nice lofty area of player collecting, that you are crapping on anyone else. You have to realize that there are always bigger fish out there than you(I know of at least two for Bags) and accept it. It shouldn't bother you. But if it does, or if the praise one collector gives to another bothers you, you might want to rethink why you are in this hobby. Do your thing, and let other people think what they will. You don't worry about it. Just keep up with your own goals. None of this discussion should even be in your thoughts when it comes to your own goals. If it is, you are collecting for someone else instead of yourself. You really want to do that?

Please don't take this the wrong way because I very much like hearing your point of view on all topics but you have got to learn to summarize your thoughts down to under 50,000 words. Seriously.

No! Don't change, Pred! I like downloading the Mp3 versions of your posts and listening to them on long card trips!

 

[tpeichel]

Okay...to be honest, I'm only going on and on because I must be doing a bad job of explaining my thoughts. I'm content if others don't agree. But to clarify the money issue:

It does take money to build a collection that could be thought of as super. Dude...it takes money to eat at taco bell too. But just like it's cheap to eat at taco bell, no matter the player, cheap cards can be had. The way that something cheap like taco bell and cards go hand in hand is that every now and again, the guy who only drops $0.99 at taco bell will save his money for a week and go eat at Burger King or McDonald's. Just like even the brokest collector will eventually save up and land something nice. Now, if they have 50 base cards and one $50 card, it may seem small. I started out just like that. But you go on year after year and it starts falling into place. I do not buy cards for Bagwell like I used to because frankly, as I've told astroburn(he ought to enjoy it while he can btw), the cheap stuff I still need is running thin and all that is starting to be left is stuff $10 and up. So even though I don't always spend a ton on Bagwell, occasionally I'll pick up a handful of nice stuff. Expensive stuff. And it accumulates. That is why I don't think money becomes the issue.

Now yeah, $19,000 cards...uhmm...I'd personally, and this is just me, either do one of two things. Choose a cheaper player to collect, or just collect the player knowing the collection would never be complete. I went over this in my head time and again when picking my player. I wanted it to be somebody I really loved watching but also somebody who was going to be realistic to buy. I love Griffey and Frank Thomas and Biggio and a slew of others. I also love Nolan Ryan. But I started figuring out that if I ever wanted to try to go the distance, these guys were not in my budget. It would take me double or triple the amount of time and money to do with them what I have done with Bagwell. Do I ever plan on really owning every Bagwell card? No. I'm not insane. I don't even think money would be a factor there. Just availability. But can I get damn close? Yes.

This isn't a race, it's a marathon, and in some cases, a slow walk. If you take any player, you can whittle down your needs and then start saving for the big money cards. In your case, you could start saving to own his most expensive cards. Eventually you'd land them, and then what? Is money really the issue if you were that set on obtaining them? If so, think about all the money we all piss away every year on ice cream, beer, smokes, eating out, etc. You may feel that money is well spent. And it might be. But if you save up, you can always obtain insane stuff. You keep at it, the sky is the limit. In fact, like I said, the only limit is availability. And everything eventually becomes available. You'll lose some and win some. In the end, if you're not f'ing around, and you stay at it(which would imply you aren't a lightweight), you reach that plateau.


And one other thing, I wish people would understand that it's not about ego. Everytime I see a new response in this thread, it seems someone is still thinking it's about trying to belittle someone else. Hey...everyone has to start somewhere. Nobody needs to be crapped on. And I do not think by telling someone you feel they have reached a nice lofty area of player collecting, that you are crapping on anyone else. You have to realize that there are always bigger fish out there than you(I know of at least two for Bags) and accept it. It shouldn't bother you. But if it does, or if the praise one collector gives to another bothers you, you might want to rethink why you are in this hobby. Do your thing, and let other people think what they will. You don't worry about it. Just keep up with your own goals. None of this discussion should even be in your thoughts when it comes to your own goals. If it is, you are collecting for someone else instead of yourself. You really want to do that?

Please don't take this the wrong way because I very much like hearing your point of view on all topics but you have got to learn to summarize your thoughts down to under 50,000 words. Seriously.

Predator inspired me to take a speed reading course. Thanks, bud!

 

[TNP777]

because of predator, I was able to make full use of my Hooked on Phonics course.