Hey everyone

Our friends at SportsCollectors Daily (found in the news section of game used universe) interviewed Michael O'Keeffe, author of "The Card" the book that traces the history of a PSA T206 Honus Wagner card.

As an aside, I just bought the book and cannot wait to read it. I am spoiled to read O'Keeffe's investigative sports reporting on a regular basis for the Daily News here in New York. From what I have heard, there is great stuff in the book regarding issues we discuss here- restoration and manipulation of the item.

Anyway, I thought O'Keeffe's response to one of the questions was interesting.
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SPORTS COLLECTORS DAILY: What’s the #1 problem with the sports card and memorabilia hobby right now?

O'KEEFFE: The authentication system for game-used memorabilia is a joke. Some of these guys write so many letters of authenticity, they can’t possibly spend more than a few seconds on each item. I think a lot of authenticators don’t know what they are talking about. And I think it is amazing that authenticators are allowed to write letters for items they own and have consigned to auctions. How the hell is that objective or independent?

Shill bidding is also a huge problem.
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The entire piece can be found here
http://www.sportscollectorsdaily.com...-the-card.html
Eric