Would not go back even if begged to come unless had a full written apology from the pres and 3-4 people who had nothing to add and attacked me all the time(including you) were thrown off.
If you would like to know the ownership structure of LTS just e-mail me and I will tell you if you promise to keep it confidential. I may check with Steve or Mike first to see if they care if I tell anyone.
The person who was "sure" that the financial backers were getting impatient likely has no idea who the financiall backers are and surely no idea of what the profit picture is.
Unfortunately, Mike and/or Steve cannot get on here and respond to unsubstantiated attacks.
Jim- Being objective here, I really can't see how the words in this thread in regard to GAI can be construed as an "attack". By all accounts Mike Baker is regarded as a gentlemen and a skilled grader. I see the remarks as commentary on a company that seems to be floundering. You mentioned that GAI was initially geared toward dealers or something to that affect. I would assume many GAI cards in dealers inventory (Wayne Varner comes immediately to mind) were once lower graded PSA examples. To cater to dealers at the inception may have been a good strategy but it has become glaringly apparent that collectors are being turned off, if for no other reason that not having any place to "put" the cards....like a thriving registry. I'm sure it's no secret by now that PSA is making a "killing" off the registry and the subsequent grading of commons that feeds the machine. GAI may have a "niche" in grading packs but can it be enough to sustain the company long term? This doesn't take into account the documented incidents of serious problems with GAI by "real people" with real names and identities, people you seem to hold in high esteem from the words you have imparted to them in this forum. What gives? Is there some kind of secret plan in the works that will propel GAI to the forefront or even a plan that will shower investors in the company with dividends. For an investment return, SGC seems to have the greatest growth potential.
Certainly nothing you said was an attack--you have well thought out arguments and I agree with many of them. I certainly agree that GAI is floundering a bit. They have lost cards, been slow to deliver on promises and suffer at the very least from a perception problem that they are too close to dealers.
You are also certainly correct that most of the 8.5s they have used to be in psa 8 holders.
However, the view that they will give friendly dealers bumps on their cards because they are their friends is misplaced. I gave them a SBC 96 1953 Bowman Color Pee Wee Reese and told them I was looking for a 9 on it. They know I could potentially switch 23,000 cards from psa to gai so if they would do anyone a favor it would be me. But they didn't.
I would consider the comments by 1420 Sports to be an attack on a good friend of mine who is unable to defend himself.
"I think the folks at GAI are gonna slab anything nowadays" "He "works for a sinking ship" "I am sure their financial backing is growing impatient" "the half points were only bumps given with a wink as if to say we'll take care of you."
While it is arguable that his constant barbs against me are an attack it never stops and I'm sick of it. Here is a guy who never has anything constructive to add in the hobby, attacks people who can't respond, and makes flat out misstatements. What a guy.
I tell him its simple--just do not to respond to me--and he seems to get it--but then he can't seem to help himself.
Let's return to the starting point of this thread. Eight GAI 9 Mint 1955 Bowman cards, likely of Moser origin, are all found to be trimmed. How does GAI reverse this? I buy a fair amount of high grade 1950's stuff. When I go through auction catalogs I now pass right by the GAI cards. I'm sure I'm not alone. How does GAI undo this?
Is it your opinion that since GAI says they are legit and PSA says that they are trimmed that there is no doubt they are trimmed?
I think its questionable--two legit graders are disagreeing.
Certainly GAI will reslab these as well.
I do think that GAI has a perception problem because of what they did to you and some other instances and how they can overcome this is a good question.
I sense it will be bus as usual--depending on there long-time loyal dealer friends who will sell to the portion of the public who does not read the LTS or PSA message boards.
I think if all you read was Network 54, you would say how can PSA ever recover from this--seriously, do a search on psa. Yet here and on LTS they are highly regarded.
In my view, all three grading companies will survive and probably prosper and this will not turn out to be serious for GAI--but I could be wrong.
davalilo, why must you always bring me back into this ... I never brought your name into it.
I would consider the comments by 1420 Sports to be an attack on a good friend of mine who is unable to defend himself.
when did I attack Baker? I said he was a good guy who I met once.
"I think the folks at GAI are gonna slab anything nowadays" "He "works for a sinking ship" "I am sure their financial backing is growing impatient" "the half points were only bumps given with a wink as if to say we'll take care of you."
I posted what many have posted before. Stop bringing me into your posts ... then this one:
Here is a guy who never has anything constructive to add in the hobby, attacks people who can't respond, and makes flat out misstatements. What a guy.
Huh? What are you talking about? You say I don't bring anything to the hobby? What do you bring other than your wallet? Is there a passion when you buy cards? I don't know, other people buy them for you. Do you add scans? Do you discuss what you like about a card, or dislike about others? Do you congratulate others often, even if it is adding a PSA 5 common to complete a set, or finally finishing a modern issue. Some of your minions may not care for me arguing with you, or so you say. Big deal. I never hear it from them. Why? Because I don't "attack" you, I simply disagree with your preaching. I never post on a thread about you completing another set because there is no reason to bring argument into that. It is a tremendous feat, so why knock it. Your definiton of attack, is quite different than mine.
You say I don't bring anything to the hobby? Screw you jim.
Now this is an attack .... so get the definition straight next time you call foul.
You are a pompous windbag with a knockout collection, but that's really it. You have arguably one of the finest collections ever assembled and one that will certainly be remembered as superb - but that is it. Your "supporters" should remember how you ripped PSA constantly, proclaimed GAI as the end all be all in grading, bragged about having them over for dinner and how your collection would mostly be GAI 8.5 if crossed (does anyone in their right mind think they would have said 7.5???), wanted a CU boycott and, when no one wanted you anymore and just plain got sick an tired of your crying and whining and himmin and hawin, you came back to CU ... and found a new group to brag to. But the worst thing was belittling others collections. That is where the whole mindset of davalillo came into play for many of us. Did you ever notice that when you make a post about one more set down, it is the same people patting you on the back? That is a shame - your collection is among the tops but most really do not even care anymore.
I don't bring anything to the hobby? I bring what I can, I learn alot from others, and I enjoy being involved in this hobby. Yes, I did make a post about the Pope. That is what is great about being a member of another board - a cool place that involves card collecting and topical discussion at times.
The real 1420 emerges--the one who adds nothing constructive to the hobby but attacks others--now this is more like it 1420--the real you is coming out again--it must be hard keeping your hostility in all the time. Of course none of what he says is true but there is so much jealousy and hostility wrapped up in him that he feels the need to lash out--at me and apparently at Mike Baker and GAI with unsubstantiated allegations. I have spoken to him about seeking help for his problems but either he has not taken me up on it or it is not working--sad.
You have apparently been in turmoil 1420 because of the welcoming reception I have gotten upon returning here and you just can't handle it. Let me help you grow up a little bit here--I don't care if people pat me on the back-I have tons of friends in the hobby and just want a place where I can post without your constant negative remarks and unsubstantiated attacks on me and my friends. Try just ignoring my posts and try ignoring writing about me(I know its tough).
Now for those who are new or like 1420 have faulty recall, here is what I said: 1)Most veteran dealers and hobbyists consider Baker to be the finest grader in the business. This is not changed. 2)I also was a big advocate of Dave Forman when he bought into SGC and said that he would build it on quality. Some, probably including you, made snide remarks regarding his past association with Gary Moser. 3)Like 75-100 other collectors, dealers and graders, Mike Baker has been to my house. It is not called bragging if someone comes to your house. Dave Forman and in fact his whole team have been to my house. 4)Mike told me approzimately how much of my collection would cross to GAI 8.5--again a fact. Naturally nothing would be lower as I would not cross it. 5)Belittling others collections? I say someone is a serious collector meaning they have a great collection. 5)I think PSA made some mistakes in the past. Most knowledgeable collectors did. I wasn't afraid to talk about them. Joe vthought I went over the line and removed me from the boartd. We have spoken since and buried the hatchet. I have no intention of converting my PSA cards to another company and in fact am submitting another 2,000 cards to them for grading. I think PSA grading overall has improved. 6)Although I have new friends here, most of my better friends are ones that I have known for several years--many of whom are on LTS. 7)Lastly, what do I bring to the hobby? You have got to be kidding me. Anyone who has ever met me nor been to my house (and several have written about it at length on here and LTS) have spoken at length about my passion for the hobby and my collection and I know you know this as well. I also open up my collection to any and all who want to see it and generally buy them dinner, drinks--you name it. I have also been a substantial contributor to certain collectors who have had health problems.
So please, leave me alone, stop the attacks and grow up.
I have asked all my friends who e-mailed me last night and I would ask others who are so inclined(friends and foe) to not jump in on my behalf. Hopefully he will stop the attacks and this will be the last we will see of this.
Dav, Remembering past CU threads, witnessing your LTS behavior, reading Neal's post above and your reply above, there's only one conclusion I come to - you're a nut case.
Do not know how to pm but you can e-mail me at jdc122@aol.com and I will respond tonight or give me your e-mail and I will e-mail you.
BOTR,
We are never going to like each other so I will ask you nicely one last time--please stay off my posts, please stop the constant sarcastic comments and please ignore everything that I write.
<< <i> Do you congratulate others often, even if it is adding a PSA 5 common to complete a set, or finally finishing a modern issue. >>
I can say that Jim congratulated me on these boards on my finishing a 1955 Red Man set which has a weighted GPA of only 6.5, which isn't close to the #1 set.
Comments
too bad you can't join me there ...
If you would like to know the ownership structure of LTS just e-mail me and I will tell you if you promise to keep it confidential. I may check with Steve or Mike first to see if they care if I tell anyone.
The person who was "sure" that the financial backers were getting impatient likely has no idea who the financiall backers are and surely no idea of what the profit picture is.
Unfortunately, Mike and/or Steve cannot get on here and respond to unsubstantiated attacks.
Jim(jdc122@aol.com)
You mentioned that GAI was initially geared toward dealers or something to that affect. I would assume many GAI cards in dealers inventory (Wayne Varner comes immediately to mind) were once lower graded PSA examples. To cater to dealers at the inception may have been a good strategy but it has become glaringly apparent that collectors are being turned off, if for no other reason that not having any place to "put" the cards....like a thriving registry. I'm sure it's no secret by now that PSA is making a "killing" off the registry and the subsequent grading of commons that feeds the machine.
GAI may have a "niche" in grading packs but can it be enough to sustain the company long term? This doesn't take into account the documented incidents of serious problems with GAI by "real people" with real names and identities, people you seem to hold in high esteem from the words you have imparted to them in this forum.
What gives? Is there some kind of secret plan in the works that will propel GAI to the forefront or even a plan that will shower investors in the company with dividends.
For an investment return, SGC seems to have the greatest growth potential.
M.
Certainly nothing you said was an attack--you have well thought out arguments and I agree with many of them. I certainly agree that GAI is floundering a bit. They have lost cards, been slow to deliver on promises and suffer at the very least from a perception problem that they are too close to dealers.
You are also certainly correct that most of the 8.5s they have used to be in psa 8 holders.
However, the view that they will give friendly dealers bumps on their cards because they are their friends is misplaced. I gave them a SBC 96 1953 Bowman Color Pee Wee Reese and told them I was looking for a 9 on it. They know I could potentially switch 23,000 cards from psa to gai so if they would do anyone a favor it would be me. But they didn't.
I would consider the comments by 1420 Sports to be an attack on a good friend of mine who is unable to defend himself.
"I think the folks at GAI are gonna slab anything nowadays"
"He "works for a sinking ship"
"I am sure their financial backing is growing impatient"
"the half points were only bumps given with a wink as if to say we'll take care of you."
While it is arguable that his constant barbs against me are an attack it never stops and I'm sick of it. Here is a guy who never has anything constructive to add in the hobby, attacks people who can't respond, and makes flat out misstatements. What a guy.
I tell him its simple--just do not to respond to me--and he seems to get it--but then he can't seem to help himself.
Jim
Always looking for 1957 Topps BB in PSA 9!
Is it your opinion that since GAI says they are legit and PSA says that they are trimmed that there is no doubt they are trimmed?
I think its questionable--two legit graders are disagreeing.
Certainly GAI will reslab these as well.
I do think that GAI has a perception problem because of what they did to you and some other instances and how they can overcome this is a good question.
I sense it will be bus as usual--depending on there long-time loyal dealer friends who will sell to the portion of the public who does not read the LTS or PSA message boards.
I think if all you read was Network 54, you would say how can PSA ever recover from this--seriously, do a search on psa. Yet here and on LTS they are highly regarded.
In my view, all three grading companies will survive and probably prosper and this will not turn out to be serious for GAI--but I could be wrong.
Jim
<< <i>Good--please make it permanent and spare us all your non-stop barbs and go back to talking about the Pope or whatever you talk about on LTS. >>
I would consider the comments by 1420 Sports to be an attack on a good friend of mine who is unable to defend himself.
when did I attack Baker? I said he was a good guy who I met once.
"I think the folks at GAI are gonna slab anything nowadays"
"He "works for a sinking ship"
"I am sure their financial backing is growing impatient"
"the half points were only bumps given with a wink as if to say we'll take care of you."
I posted what many have posted before. Stop bringing me into your posts ... then this one:
Here is a guy who never has anything constructive to add in the hobby, attacks people who can't respond, and makes flat out misstatements. What a guy.
Huh? What are you talking about? You say I don't bring anything to the hobby? What do you bring other than your wallet? Is there a passion when you buy cards? I don't know, other people buy them for you. Do you add scans? Do you discuss what you like about a card, or dislike about others? Do you congratulate others often, even if it is adding a PSA 5 common to complete a set, or finally finishing a modern issue. Some of your minions may not care for me arguing with you, or so you say. Big deal. I never hear it from them. Why? Because I don't "attack" you, I simply disagree with your preaching. I never post on a thread about you completing another set because there is no reason to bring argument into that. It is a tremendous feat, so why knock it. Your definiton of attack, is quite different than mine.
You say I don't bring anything to the hobby? Screw you jim.
Now this is an attack .... so get the definition straight next time you call foul.
You are a pompous windbag with a knockout collection, but that's really it. You have arguably one of the finest collections ever assembled and one that will certainly be remembered as superb - but that is it. Your "supporters" should remember how you ripped PSA constantly, proclaimed GAI as the end all be all in grading, bragged about having them over for dinner and how your collection would mostly be GAI 8.5 if crossed (does anyone in their right mind think they would have said 7.5???), wanted a CU boycott and, when no one wanted you anymore and just plain got sick an tired of your crying and whining and himmin and hawin, you came back to CU ... and found a new group to brag to. But the worst thing was belittling others collections. That is where the whole mindset of davalillo came into play for many of us. Did you ever notice that when you make a post about one more set down, it is the same people patting you on the back? That is a shame - your collection is among the tops but most really do not even care anymore.
I don't bring anything to the hobby? I bring what I can, I learn alot from others, and I enjoy being involved in this hobby. Yes, I did make a post about the Pope. That is what is great about being a member of another board - a cool place that involves card collecting and topical discussion at times.
Good luck in your quest to 100
The real 1420 emerges--the one who adds nothing constructive to the hobby but attacks others--now this is more like it 1420--the real you is coming out again--it must be hard keeping your hostility in all the time. Of course none of what he says is true but there is so much jealousy and hostility wrapped up in him that he feels the need to lash out--at me and apparently at Mike Baker and GAI with unsubstantiated allegations. I have spoken to him about seeking help for his problems but either he has not taken me up on it or it is not working--sad.
You have apparently been in turmoil 1420 because of the welcoming reception I have gotten upon returning here and you just can't handle it. Let me help you grow up a little bit here--I don't care if people pat me on the back-I have tons of friends in the hobby and just want a place where I can post without your constant negative remarks and unsubstantiated attacks on me and my friends. Try just ignoring my posts and try ignoring writing about me(I know its tough).
Now for those who are new or like 1420 have faulty recall, here is what I said:
1)Most veteran dealers and hobbyists consider Baker to be the finest grader in the business. This is not changed.
2)I also was a big advocate of Dave Forman when he bought into SGC and said that he would build it on quality. Some, probably including you, made snide remarks regarding his past association with Gary Moser.
3)Like 75-100 other collectors, dealers and graders, Mike Baker has been to my house. It is not called bragging if someone comes to your house. Dave Forman and in fact his whole team have been to my house.
4)Mike told me approzimately how much of my collection would cross to GAI 8.5--again a fact. Naturally nothing would be lower as I would not cross it.
5)Belittling others collections? I say someone is a serious collector meaning they have a great collection.
5)I think PSA made some mistakes in the past. Most knowledgeable collectors did. I wasn't afraid to talk about them. Joe vthought I went over the line and removed me from the boartd. We have spoken since and buried the hatchet. I have no intention of converting my PSA cards to another company and in fact am submitting another 2,000 cards to them for grading. I think PSA grading overall has improved.
6)Although I have new friends here, most of my better friends are ones that I have known for several years--many of whom are on LTS.
7)Lastly, what do I bring to the hobby? You have got to be kidding me. Anyone who has ever met me nor been to my house (and several have written about it at length on here and LTS) have spoken at length about my passion for the hobby and my collection and I know you know this as well. I also open up my collection to any and all who want to see it and generally buy them dinner, drinks--you name it. I have also been a substantial contributor to certain collectors who have had health problems.
So please, leave me alone, stop the attacks and grow up.
I have asked all my friends who e-mailed me last night and I would ask others who are so inclined(friends and foe) to not jump in on my behalf. Hopefully he will stop the attacks and this will be the last we will see of this.
Jim
Please send me a PM when you get a moment. Thank you.
Stay classy,
Ron
Buying Vintage, all sports.
Buying Woody Hayes, Les Horvath, Vic Janowicz, and Jesse Owens autographed items
Remembering past CU threads, witnessing your LTS behavior, reading Neal's post above and your reply above, there's only one conclusion I come to - you're a nut case.
Do not know how to pm but you can e-mail me at jdc122@aol.com and I will respond tonight or give me your e-mail and I will e-mail you.
BOTR,
We are never going to like each other so I will ask you nicely one last time--please stay off my posts, please stop the constant sarcastic comments and please ignore everything that I write.
Jim
<< <i> Do you congratulate others often, even if it is adding a PSA 5 common to complete a set, or finally finishing a modern issue. >>
I can say that Jim congratulated me on these boards on my finishing a 1955 Red Man set which has a weighted GPA of only 6.5, which isn't close to the #1 set.