Baseball Cards - Goodbye Cruel World!

Well, this is it. I've decided to stop collecting cards as a serious hobby, no tears shed here though. There will be no more purchases, but I am willing to trade away most of what I have to get cards of my favourite players only. I won't be actively pursuing this goal, but if you have any cards for me, I'll see what I have for you. There will be no cash changing hands. Card collecting has lost its fun. I will maintain my lists and my card page for the time being, however. Those who were using the links from my card page will be able to continue doing so, the former page is still here, below my letter. It's now more of a chore for me than anything. Here are the reasons why: greedy card companies increasing card/pack prices 1/10 inserts (and their like) too many cards and sets issued each year (how many baseball sets does Score/Donruss/Leaf have now?) no time - school is keeping me busy, as well as my other projects. I started collecting many years ago, then about 5 years ago, the 'net became my primary source for cards. Those who have dealt with me over the past year or two: thanks for your patience and understanding with my sometimes slow response times. Slow response times are unfair to the other party. damn postal strikes! No mail moves when there is a postal strike (duh!) few card stores in this part of town I know of only two within a half hour's bus ride. I'm not willing to go across town for the few card stores (no car, our public transportation system is terrible: 1+ hours to get across town, then another hour back) When I first started collecting, there were at least 5 or 6 around here. exchange between Canadian/US dollars money orders cost too much + weak Canadian dollar (poor exchange rate) scam artists on the 'net where I did most of my trading (there aren't many actually, but enough to pollute the pool) Thanks to all who I have dealt with on the 'net over the last five years. Card collecting was a way to keep me busy doing something productive and I actually liked during my spare time while following the sports I collected. Don't let me discourage you from collecting, if you enjoy it, keep going! But for me, the hobby has lost its appeal and that is why I am leaving. There are lots of reputable dealers out there in stores and on the Internet. If you are unsure, be sure to ask for references. Don't take any chances! I was ripped off for a small sum only once over five years, despite hundreds of deals which involved thousands of cards, and probably thousands of dollars. Making deals over the Internet is safe if you take the necessary precautions. Bad traders should be launched into space with the rest of the junk out there. Happy collecting to the rest of you! Derek Tam BTW, I actually wrote this just before Christmas '97, and as I was writing this message, I was given a message that one of two remaining card stores in this part of town has recently closed. That leaves just the one satellite store, its flagship being in the west end.