What does it matter if you participated or not? I can give you examples of probably hundreds of things that "we" may never have nor will participate in. Does that make our opinion of them any less "valid"?
<< <i>I agree that someone who has ben paid to grade cards should not be allowed to participate in the future. But so far, I have seen anyone who participated comment that they feel as if they were rippped off. IT sounds to me llike it was fun for all. >>
Your right Rob. I participated and don't complain about the contest. I didn't enter the competition to win (though I wouldn't reject the first prize if I did win ). I do think it was a mistake to let professional graders enter the contest but I don't feel PSA should refund the entry fees. Just correct the mistake if they run it next year.
Joe - under the time pressure, contestants were focusing much more on the technical grades and much less on looking for alterations than in normal grading. I'm really not surprised most of the alterations were missed.
Scumbi - I entered that competition. They let me choose my wrestler. I picked Stacy Keibler. I figure I'm a winner just for playing.
A lot of good comments have been made. Although the first contest seemed less than perfect, I think it's great the PSA sponsored this event to help promote interest in the hobby and perhaps help collectors strive to be more adept at grading.
I see nothing wrong with how this contest was handled. With the exception of current PSA employees, anybody should be allowed to enter. This is the World Series of Grading.
This statement above shows a glaring contradiction. How can it be the "World Series of Grading" when you ban one set of graders, but allow all others to participate? If you allow PSA graders to participate, which they should since it is the World Series of Grading, then the SGC and Beckett zealots will scream conflict of interest since it's a PSA sponsored event. So please from now on, let's correctly refer to it as the "THE WORLD, less currently employed PSA graders, SERIES OF GRADING".
The World Series of Poker is hosted by Binnion's (sp?), a casino, not a group of professional gamblers. But if you allow, lets say a show promotor to sponsor the World Series of Grading, then there are other problems such as who makes the call on which modern card is truly a "9" or a "10" and which old tobacco card is a "3" or a "4" since grading is so subjective. At least in poker there is no disputing who has the better hand.
American Idol is one of TV's highest rated shows. It's for amateurs only. What's the shame in having only amateurs compete? From what I've been told about PSA graders is that they go through six months of intensive training before they are given a free reign on grading cards. Joe Collector should get his butt kicked everytime in competition like this and his entry fee is even worse than "dead money" since in this competition everyone is dealt the same hand and the pros should and better win. In the World Series of Poker amateurs like Chris Moneymaker have won but mainly because he was dealt an amazing string of great hands during that tournament last year. To me the event shouldn't be about money. It should be more about collectors improving their grading skills. Just my two cents.
Another solution might be to have two separate competitions. One could be an "expert" category and the other would be for the casual collector. The expert grading contest could be open to everyone including ex-graders. The casual collector competition would forbid ex-graders from participating. Everyone participating in the casual competition would need to sign a form attesting to their amateur status. The form would require any cheater ex-graders to relinquish their prize money if they win. Finally the expert contest would probably have to a have a little more prize money as an incentive to stay out of the amateur contest.
Or: Anyone is allowed to enter. Only those who are "amateurs" can qualify for the Grand Prize. Many graders, dealers, etc. would still be happy to pay $50 to join this contest - it is still a matter of pride, and $50 isn't much when you're selling cards for five figures. So - the playing field is still stacked, but only non-dealers/graders can actually win the prize. I think it could work.
I am actively buying MIKE SCHMIDT gem mint baseball cards. Also looking for any 19th century cabinets of Philadephia Nationals. Please PM with additional details.
Comments
The building stuff with slabs is a great idea.
It could be just like a Lego competition,
but PSA would have to set a limit on the number of slabs contestants could bring.
A vision of Dav dangling from a crane,
as he puts the finishing touches on his life size replica of the Eiffel Tower.
Would make my life size replica of a lawn troll look pretty sad ...
"How about a little fire Scarecrow ?"
<< <i>I agree that someone who has ben paid to grade cards should not be allowed to participate in the future. But so far, I have seen anyone who participated comment that they feel as if they were rippped off. IT sounds to me llike it was fun for all. >>
Your right Rob. I participated and don't complain about the contest. I didn't enter the competition to win (though I wouldn't reject the first prize if I did win
Scumbi - I entered that competition. They let me choose my wrestler. I picked Stacy Keibler. I figure I'm a winner just for playing.
Nick
Reap the whirlwind.
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This statement above shows a glaring contradiction. How can it be the "World Series of Grading" when you ban one set of graders, but allow all others to participate? If you allow PSA graders to participate, which they should since it is the World Series of Grading, then the SGC and Beckett zealots will scream conflict of interest since it's a PSA sponsored event. So please from now on, let's correctly refer to it as the "THE WORLD, less currently employed PSA graders, SERIES OF GRADING".
The World Series of Poker is hosted by Binnion's (sp?), a casino, not a group of professional gamblers. But if you allow, lets say a show promotor to sponsor the World Series of Grading, then there are other problems such as who makes the call on which modern card is truly a "9" or a "10" and which old tobacco card is a "3" or a "4" since grading is so subjective. At least in poker there is no disputing who has the better hand.
American Idol is one of TV's highest rated shows. It's for amateurs only. What's the shame in having only amateurs compete? From what I've been told about PSA graders is that they go through six months of intensive training before they are given a free reign on grading cards. Joe Collector should get his butt kicked everytime in competition like this and his entry fee is even worse than "dead money" since in this competition everyone is dealt the same hand and the pros should and better win. In the World Series of Poker amateurs like Chris Moneymaker have won but mainly because he was dealt an amazing string of great hands during that tournament last year. To me the event shouldn't be about money. It should be more about collectors improving their grading skills. Just my two cents.
<< <i>small-time collector like John Basilone >>
Heh. Actually you're right.