Am I a Happy Collector?

I was browsing my page on Facebook a bit ago and saw a link that COMC.com posted.  It was called 10 Keys To Being A Happy Collector.  Since I had a few minutes, I decided to read it.  If you have the time, you should too.

I'm not going to go over everything they discuss, but I wanted to mention a few things and how they pertain to me.

The first key they listed was STOP TRYING TO COLLECT EVERYTHING!  This one is pretty easy for me, I don't have an intention to collect every set every year, or every card of certain players.  Sure I want as many Greg Maddux and Johnny Damon cards as I can find cheap, and I may go to build a set once in a while, but I also realize my limitations and know I have been lucky to get the cards I have for fairly cheap.  I'm a self-admitted cheapskate and don't think I could ever see myself spending over $20 for a card (earlier this year I balked at a chance to get a George Brett rookie for $17).  I don't think I could ever spend $100 total on an entire trading card transaction.  I have spent close to $50 a couple times but have got a lot for my money.  I'm not going to stress over something I never thought I could attain without a lot of cash.

I think that's a bit excessive

Another key is buy what you like, not what you feel like you have to.  This one is a little tough for me, but again, for the most part, this is easy for me.  I am lucky to have many Maddux rookies, Jeter rookies, Chipper Jones rookies, and so on.  However, I'm not sure if I have the Griffey Upper Deck rookie.  I'm not too worried about collecting Mike Trout or Yasiel Puig cards.  I don't need to complete vintage sets because everyone else is.  If they feel compelled to, that's great.  I'm not going to lie, I would like more vintage cards, but not because everyone else does.  However, there are a few cards that I'm not sure I want because I truly want them or because they are conversation pieces or ones "true collectors" seem to have.  The big one I'm not sure about is the Billy Ripken **** Face card.  I've always heard stories about it and its semi easy to obtain, but I've never held one, much less own it.  At this point, I'm just happy looking up the card every so often and seeing it, if I owned it, it would be in a binder and I would just look at it every so often, so there isn't much difference.

WHAT DID YOU CALL ME?

One key they list that I need to work on is Trade.  I loved trading cards when I was a kid, even if I didn't fully realize how many bad trades I made.  Times have changed and I don't know too many collectors in my area anymore, so face to face interactions are tough.  Online trading seems to be the way to go, but I have trust issues with trading online (no offense to anyone reading this).  A few years back I made a trade with someone for a CD.  I sent one to them, and never got one in return.  That left a sour taste in my mouth, that sometimes I am still bitter about.  Since then I have had much success with ebay, but even this week, I am having trouble with trades on Listia.  I have learned who to buy from on there and who not to, but it still leaves me upset.

Another problem with trading through the mail is I'm not a big fan of mailing things.  I know its not that hard, but I just don't like packing items and sending things.  Though as I am writing this, I have been setting cards aside and plan to start trading communications with fellow bloggers soon.  Maybe I just need to start doing it and all my worries will go away.

Hello, Newman!

I won't list the rest because I think you should read it yourself.  I just wanted to list a couple and mention it was a good read.  I had another idea for a post, but I can save it for another day.  At least I'm not out of ideas right now.

Before I go I want to thank everyone who has been reading my blog and has even followed me.  Last night I was going over some blogs and found a new ones I started to follow.  If anyone has some good suggestions on which ones I should follow let me know.  I can't promise I will follow them all, but I will at least give them a look.  This even gives you a chance to promote your blog on here too if I don't already follow it.  Again thank you for reading and have a great weekend.

I might pass on blogs not written by humans.