What would you change about the hobby?

[cardinarky]

I would initiate a federal law making production of the various Topps, Fleer, Donruss, SkyBox, Leaf, etc. "Game Used Bat Cards" a Capital offense.

[G1X]

There are a number of things I would like to see changed, but I will narrow it down to a Top 3 based on personal observations:

1. More time spent by collectors researching their areas of interest and depending less on authenticating services. While there are a great number of collectors who already do this, some don't seem to do enough thorough research (there can be a lot more to it than scouring Getty's Images) . Sadly, there are a fair number who do little or no research at all(enough to keep the authenticators in demand). What I find truly fascinating is when some collectors say that they have no use for COAs, authenticating servies, etc., yet the first words out of their mouths when looking to buy an items is, "Do you have a letter on it?"

2. A return to the days where hobbyists show a little more courtesy to one another. Most folks I have met over the years are truly nice, respectful, and helpful, but over the past few years I have encountered more and more collectors who lack basic manners and common courtesy. Perhaps the most annoying trend I have seen in recent years is a huge increase in folks saying that they will buy something I have for sale, but then they never send the money or even have the common decency to let me know that they need to "back out" of the deal. I usually find out only after I follow up on the status of their payment.

3. Would like to see those collectors who tend to worry first and foremost about the resale value of every item they purchase to just sit back, relax, and enjoy the items for a little while!

Mark Hayne