Departing The Hobby After Ten Plus Years ... Updated With A NEW KOBE BRYANT Contest ... Winner Decla

JackWESQ · October 23, 2009 4:38PM

Wow, time really does fly. I checked my eBay account and I've been a member for over ten (10) years. It doesn't seem that long. I've purchased all kinds of stuff on eBay, but I would estimate that 90% of my purchases have been sports cards. My first purchase? I think it was a 1992 Bowman Mike Piazza PSA 9. (I think I paid $50.00 for it.) Back then and probably for first the first several hundred transactions, I paid via a money order. My, things sure have changed. I am happy to say, that to my knowledge, I was never defrauded. Or, as Joe Orlando would say, "got cheated." I feel extremely fortunate in that respect.

I've given it much thought and I've decided to depart the hobby. I have no intentions on returning, but anything can happen. Primarily, I do not have the time anymore to be surfing eBay for cards. But more importantly, I simply do not enjoy the hobby anymore. To be sure, I've been fortunate enough to "meet" a lot of great people here and have learned much about the hobby. But at the same time, the frauds, the crooks, the WIWAG incident, the trimmed Brady, Great Lakes Auction House, the "Susor Specials", resealing, trimming, the fighting with eBay and Paypal can be daunting at times. And making sure that you "never get cheated," well that can be easier said than done. But GDM67 is absolutely right ...

<< <i>it's never a good idea to buy stuff on eBay from guys who are either naked, half naked or flexing (or any combo of the three.) >>

One thing that worked well for me over the years is to take the default position that EVERY auction is fraudulent. And from there, try to find evidence to convince you otherwise. Of course, this required a certain degree of knowledge of the hobby on my part and to know what to look for. Feedback, frosting and bad scans are easy, but I had never heard about kerning until I starting reading these boards. And the age old axiom remains true, if it is too good to be true, it probably is.

CDsNuts ... one day I will make it to your restaurant because that is one great menu you have!

larryallen73 ... I will "pay up" as soon as I make it up to your neck of the woods and if don't, you can report me to the "proper authorities."

I'll visit the boards every now and then because I have to admit, sometimes the drama here is quite entertaining. To those who have my contact information, please feel free to utilize it at your pleasure. I have never been a member of the U.S. Navy, but if I had joined the armed forces, it would have been the U.S. Navy. As such, I wish everyone Fair Winds and Following Seas.

Very truly yours,

/s/ JackWESQ

TNP777 · October 23, 2009 4:44PM

Sorry to see you go; I for one have enjoyed your posts and insights. Don't be a stranger - good luck wherever your life takes you next.

storm888 · October 23, 2009 4:46PM

<< <i>Sorry to see you go; I for one have enjoyed your posts and insights. Don't be a stranger - good luck wherever your life takes you next. >>

//////////////////////////////////////////////

DITTO!!!!!!

csmtampa · October 23, 2009 4:46PM

I have never been a member of the U.S. Navy, but if I had joined the armed forces, it would have been the U.S. Navy. As such, I wish everyone Fair Winds and Following Seas"

Should of said USMC lol, but sorry to see you go. I hope you will still continue to share your knowledge on this board.

SidePocket · October 23, 2009 4:58PM

Sorry to see you go, you've had a lot of meaningful posts - plus you're here in So Cal where I am. Take care!

nightcrawler · October 23, 2009 5:40PM

Stay well Jack, hope to see your posts in the future.

GDM67 · October 23, 2009 7:19PM

I'll echo Geordi, too: don't be a stranger.

jimq112 · October 23, 2009 7:44PM

I'll also miss your great posts. If you decide for sure that cards aren't for you, and you choose a different hobby, I hope you enjoy it as much as you did cards!

Just be careful, it's not just cards. Anywhere that there is a chance to get money without working you will find the same scammers.

Estil · October 23, 2009 8:37PM

What was the WIWAG incident?

Bosox1976 · October 23, 2009 9:09PM

Awww Jack, sorry to see you go. Best to you.

DrJ · October 23, 2009 9:52PM

Jack,

Good luck. I personally took a decade plus long break from the hobby after being disgusted by how the 90s transformed the hobby. You will be back, it may not be right away but the itch will return.

alnavman · October 23, 2009 10:11PM

good luck in whatever you pursue, as others have noted you may get the "itch" again, much as I have, so start with only one or two small sets and just enjoy. al.

CDsNuts · October 23, 2009 11:40PM

Just let me know when you're stopping by and I'll buy you a beer or glass of wine. We're not quite at the level of the restaurant in your sig line, but I think you'll have a good time.

Are you selling all the stuff you bought or holding onto it all?

PoppaJ · October 23, 2009 11:47PM

Hi Jack,

I wish you the very best. Many of the reasons that you have for leaving are understandable.

If we don't hear from you during the upcoming holidays, I'd like to wish you and your family a blessed Thanksgiving and a very merry Christmas.

God bless you and your family!

Take care,
PoppaJ

MBMiller25 · October 23, 2009 11:54PM

Best of Luck to you Jack, Sorry to see you go.

Estil · October 24, 2009 5:51AM

I personally have taken a break from cards to focus on collecting NES/SNES (and possibly N64) video games. You can bet though (as this sort of thing goes in cycles) that within probably another year or two, I'll be right back into cards again. I do still have those 1974-79 sets that still need a few graded cards each to complete them.

flatfoot816 · October 24, 2009 5:58AM

take care Jack. Are you gonna sell or keep your collection?

Manny

larryallen73 · October 24, 2009 6:38AM

I at times have considered doing the same but, at least for now, am mostly sitting on my stuff. My kids may turn out to be card collectors yet! Same for you Jack... once you have kids things may change so hold on to some of your stuff! I'll be in touch. Do give me a shout if you come through Sac. Good luck.

yankeeno7 · October 24, 2009 7:42AM

Good luck to one of the good guys here on the boards. This hobby never leaves your blood so hopefully we'll see you around every now and again.

zep33 · October 24, 2009 7:55AM

Best of luck Jack.

You can always just switch to modern stuff and bust box after box and get worthless junk like I do

natetrook · October 24, 2009 8:15AM

Nice knowing you Jack,

You always seemed to cover my backside on my transactions.

Take care,

Nate Trookman

vladguerrero · October 24, 2009 9:09AM

as a relative newbie around here I can say I've always enjoyed your posts, sad to see anyone leave the hobby especially the stand up guys, best wishes, please swing by the boards and share your insight.

leathtech · October 24, 2009 9:20AM

when a hobby is no longer fun it's time to stop... best of luck whatever you decide to spend your new found time on!

thekid8 · October 24, 2009 10:52AM

Hey Jack
Our loss --- your insight and wisdom benefited all
Thanks for going to that Flyers game and picking up the Carter items
I wish you well
Mike

thenavarro · October 24, 2009 10:57AM

good luck to you Jack,

Hope you find a new hobby that you love!!

mike

Lothar52 · October 24, 2009 11:17AM

loth

ejguru · October 24, 2009 11:40AM

Thanks for all the advice over the years.....

..."There goes one of the most helpful posters on these boards..."

JackWESQ · February 17, 2010 2:01PM

Greetings Board Members,

Still, very much, enjoying life away from the hobby. I thought I had purged myself of all graded cards, but no. While cleaning, I came across a 1994 SP Alex Rodriguez SGC 88; roughly a $40.00 to $50.00 card. My initial thought was to sell it on eBay, but upon closer inspection I decided otherwise. On the right edge of the case near the top, there appears to be ... deterioration. (Not sure how that came about - maybe someone trying to crack it out.) In any case, I'm not going to sell the card and subject myself to complaints of chipped this, cracked that, I want a refund, threats of negative feedback, etc. Instead, the card will go to the winner of my contest (with free shipping). The contest consists of answering one simple question, to wit:

When does Tiger Woods come back?

Guesses (educated or otherwise) will consist of a date, e.g., April 8, 2010 (the Masters), June 17, 2010 (U.S. Open), July 15, 2010 (British Open) or August 12, 2010 (PGA Championship).

And the definition of "come back"? For Tiger Woods to "come back," he will have to play (actually hit a golf ball) in a PGA Tour Schedule event. Woods is scheduled to hold a news conference (or whatever he wants to call it) this Friday, February 19, 2010 at 11:00 a.m., Eastern Standard Time. An ANNOUNCED come back date doesn't count. The only date that counts is the date that he actually plays.

Contestants are entitled to one (1) entry/guess. Multiple entries/guesses voids that contestant's entry. Given the date and time of the news conference, entries/guesses may be made up to 9:00 a.m., Eastern Standard Time on February 19, 2010. The only valid entries (and contestants) are those responses posted to this thread.

Someone will win this contest. That is, unless, Tiger Woods never comes back. Hmmm?

Good luck.

/s/ JackWESQ

P.S. Here's the AROD, to wit:

mcholke · February 17, 2010 2:07PM

I think he will come back close to home and first play on March 25th

Mar. 25 - Mar. 28
Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard

daddymc · February 17, 2010 2:21PM

World Golf Championships - CA Championship
Mar 11 - Mar 14

Thanks

pdub1819 · February 17, 2010 2:22PM

Mar. 18 - Mar. 21 Travel Transitions Championship Innisbrook Resort & Golf Club, Palm Harbor, FL

Arnold Palmer sounds like a better bet, but either way....good luck in your future endevours. May you be blessed in all you do.

Edited because someone beat me to the one I chose.

HoofHearted · February 17, 2010 2:28PM

Hi, Jack,

Hope all is going well with you. Sounds like you're at least busy cleaning house, eh?

Thanks for thinking of everyone here with a contest. That always livens things up!

I'd like to guess that Tiger comes back Apr. 1 - Apr. 4 during the Shell Houston Open in Redstone Golf Club, Humble, TX.

What an appropriate date and place to break back into action!

Take care...

vladguerrero · February 17, 2010 2:29PM

awesome contest!

april 8th-11th masters augusta

ElToroLoco · February 17, 2010 2:30PM

March 4-7 Honda Classic-Thanks!

billwaltonsbeard · February 17, 2010 2:39PM

he'll come back in the big tourney with Judge Smails and Dr Beeper. He'll be subbed in after Al Czervick hurts his arm

Dboneesq · February 17, 2010 2:43PM

Jack ... nice to hear from you. Good luck with all your endeavors.

How a bout a little fun with what TIGER will say on Friday?

Possible Topics for Friday's Press Conference

ODDS: 1,000/1

Denial Tiger

"I did not have sexual relations with that woman ... or that one ... or that one ... or those three, and certainly not at the same time ... and ... okay, I'll have to get back to you about that one. Could take a while. Elin threw my iPhone into the Gulf of Mexico."

ODDS:1/2

Good Time Tiger

"I will be taking on Cialis as a sponsor."

ODDS:3/1

Swoosh Tiger

"You know how Nike's slogan is Just Do It? So is mine. What can I say, I'm a company man."

ODDS:10,000/1

Movie Mogul Tiger

"I will produce and play the lead role in 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Sausage'. I will star opposite Phil Mickelson. At this point I have nothing to lose."

OFF THE BOARD

Randy Tiger

"Anybody wanna have sex?"

ODDS:200/1

Recalcitrant Tiger

"After consulting Mark McGwire, I'm here to tell you all that ... I'm not here to talk about the past ... And, whatever I may have done, it did nothing to make me a better golfer."

ODDS:3/2

Comparison Tiger

"Say what you want about me, but at least I've got better taste than Steve Phillips."

ODDS:10/1

Lookalike Tiger

"I vehemently deny the National Enquirer report that I cheated in rehab. They didn't let me go to any pancake houses or Perkins, and the porn star and VIP hostess selection is very very limited in Mississippi. So I sent my stunt double."

ODDS:150/1

Español Tiger

After conferring with Sammy Sosa, I will pretend I don't understand English and let my attorney do all the talking. Also: I will wear this mask while I undergo skin-bleaching treatments. Starting ... now! -- er -- ¡ahora!

ODDS:1,000/1

Rhetorical Tiger

"What? People back into trees and fire hydrants all the time. Hell, look what Steve Phillips' mistress did!"

ODDS:4/3

Practical Tiger

"Yes, I've seen the John Wall dance. And yes, Kige Ramsey's version is fantastic. I prefer the ding-a-ling swing."

OFF THE BOARD

Obnoxious Fan Tiger

"GET IN THE HOLE!" [Knocks over lectern, walks off stage. The End.]

EVEN MONEY

Sing-Songy Tiger

[Tiger steps to the lectern, clears his throat]: ♫"You may find yourself..."♫

jeffcbay · February 17, 2010 2:56PM

Feb. 25 - Feb. 28 Waste Management Phoenix Open

Hope all is well with you!

fuj · February 17, 2010 3:08PM

Players Championship May 6-9

Even if for a brief visit, welcome back Jack! Thanks for the contest!

mlbfan2 · February 17, 2010 3:15PM

I'll say April 29.

OAKESY25 · February 17, 2010 3:40PM

Mar. 25 - Mar. 28
Tickets | Travel Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard
Bay Hill Club & Lodge, Orlando, FL

Overrated · February 17, 2010 3:40PM

The first tourney of the year! cool contest.

MBMiller25 · February 17, 2010 9:31PM

Apr. 29 - May. 2
Tickets | Travel Quail Hollow Championship
Quail Hollow Country Club, Charlotte, NC

Cool contest, Nice to see you Jack

Edit: I missed that someone selected this already

DavidPuddy · February 17, 2010 9:56PM

March 04 - 07 The Honda Classic

Edited: I guess someone already picked The Honda Classic.
Tie breaker: He will finish 3rd.

Garabaldi · February 17, 2010 10:04PM

Great contest, thanks. I will say he comes back
April 22-25
Zurich Classic of New Orleans

Clemaz · February 17, 2010 10:17PM

May. 6 - May. 9
THE PLAYERS Championship
TPC Sawgrass, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

Thanks for the contest!

1960toppsguy · February 17, 2010 10:18PM

Jack,

Are you affiliated with "The French Laundry" . . . I always wanted to ask you that. I hope you are so I will have a chance to meet you in person some day. Good Luck

Brick · February 17, 2010 11:31PM

June 3. Memorial Tournament.

Bosox1976 · February 17, 2010 11:41PM

Hi Jack.

I'll second the Judge Smails guess - How about a Fresca?

RipublicaninMass · February 18, 2010 2:25AM

dont think anyone picked this one yet

Apr. 15 - Apr. 18
Tickets | Travel Verizon Heritage

thanks!

minnesotahusker · February 18, 2010 2:50AM

He will be back for the following:

Jun. 17 - Jun. 20
U.S. Open Championship
Pebble Beach Resort, Pebble Beach, CA

PowderedH2O · February 18, 2010 2:54AM

I'll go British Open.

Departing The Hobby After Ten Plus Years ... Updated With A NEW KOBE BRYANT Contest ... Winner Decla

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