OPINIONS PLEASE - Thinking of Selling Off Majority of My Collection and Blogging About It

MooseDog

Hi All -

While I am not nearly as bad off as some, due a combination of the current economic situation and some career choices that didn't quite work out, I'm in a position where I have to think about digging deep into my collection and getting some cash to pay down my bills. By no means am I in a desperate situation but it's bad enough I had to sell my car recently (I have another junker to use for transportation).
I'm not asking for sympathy, nor do I want any, I made my choices knowing the possible outcomes.

However, I had an idea I wanted to get some opinions on.

I'm interested in blogging about the experience of reaching middle age and having to part ways with parts of my past (the collection) as well as telling some stories about how sports and collecting were when I was growing up in the 1960s and 1970s. Part of the reason for doing this would be to deal with some of the conflicting emotions (growing old, for one) as well as to practice writing and storytelling skills. Also, should anyone actually be interested in reading such drivel, it might help market some of the things I'd be selling.

I will probably do this anyway, but I just wonder if any of you might actually be inclined to read something like this. Given my personality, I'll probably try to be equal parts Larry Ritter (Glory of their Times) and Brendan Boyd (Great American Flipping Trading...etc). More of the latter, I'm sure.

Thoughts?

perkdog

I think you should do what you like, it sounds pretty interesting and regardless of who reads it it should be a fun project for yourself.

Best of luck

azyankeefan

It sounds like it would be an interesting read. I say go for it.

lightningboy

I would love to read about your collecting experiences from the 60's and 70's. I began collecting the summer of 1970, 2 months before setting foot in my kindergarten class. My mom would clean out the old cardboard milk gallons, open the top all the way and in went my cards -------- except for my beloved Cubbies which always stayed nearby.

Stone193

Hiya Jerry

I'm sorry to hear this - since I have a problem parting with any part of my collection - I guess it's the "born" pack rat in me.

Tho - I did think with my wife no longer teaching and my office being hit by the "hard" times - I would have to sell stuff - in fact - I had contacted Rick and talked to some people who might be interested in some of my "unopened." Well - office is doing way better - finances stabilized and no longer need to sell anything.

On the blog? I say - why not! Even if you do it just for yourself - it'll be therapeutic and perhaps cathartic? Put a link in your sig line - I would take a gander.

Good luck - hope you do well and I sure hope you still hang around at our forum.

Foo3112

Hi,

I'm not sure but reading how your not in dire need to sell, have you maybe considered about getting a little side job just to help with your bills to help pay them off quicker. Lots of companies hiring for Christmas. Maybe Ive just read too many stories on here about people having regrets after selling there cards but once, they're gone, that's it. Sure, you can buy them again but I have an attachment to particular cards because they tell stories and memories that I may forget otherwise if I were to sell them.

Obviously you will do what you want to do but it also may sound like you just don't have the passion anymore and if that's the case, then sell them. Will I read, sure. Ive already read what you've written so far .

Best and goodluck with whatever you choose to do.
Marc

MooseDog

Thanks for the replies so far, much appreciated.

Mike - stabilize is exactly what I'm going for, I've been running a negative cash flow for most of the year but there is some signs things are looking up a bit. Glad to hear you survived that hiccup.

Marc - where I'm at is I started a small business in Feb but it's been slow going, not to break even yet or to the point I can draw much out of it. I do have one side gig and between that and the biz I've been going 60-70 hours a week and usually 7 days. I'm treading water, but need to get going in some direction and my collection has basically been my savings. I don't have a lot of cards, most of what I have is autographs and memorabilia which are somewhat less liquid in the hobby. As to passion, I enjoy the hobby and am not giving it up.

Dboneesq

Jerry ... wishing you all the best in whatever you decide. Please let us know if you end up blogging about it ... I'd be interested in seeing how you do.