Conference school::sports_memorabilia

     
      John, I hope so as well. Do you think that the economy has a lot to
    do with it or is it because there is so much of this stuff available?
    I tend to think that factory sets have something to do with a little of
    it, but the economy probably has more. When times get tough, people
    will sell off their investments to survive. I would sell off the newest
    stuff and try to hang on to the old because it's harder to get. Then I
    would hope for a real short recession and better times for myself so I
    could get back in. I just hope that the trend spreads to the older
    cards as well and that I'm in a position to buy when that happens.:>)

    I hope it doesn't go down to far, because I think it will effect the
    hobby/investment aspect of it.  There is alot of good things that have
    happened because the price of cards have gone up.  Not only do we have
    more of a selection of manufacturers, but the quality is getting
    better, of the past few years.  Do you really think we would have
    companies like DR and UD around if it wasn't for the upbeat market.  Do
    you thing we would have all these card shows if all cards were selling
    for 1c a piece.  Do you think the Athletes would be out to card shows
    if card prices were where they use to be??  Because card shows are so
    popular, many of us are getting to see your old heroes in person.  If
    card prices hadn't taken off, this would have never happened.  Card 
    prices are also responsible for the reassurgance of all sporting 
    memorabilia, autographs, etc.  I am one who believes this market is
    driven by the investment potential that cards have shown over the past 
    10 years.  Listen to the dealers, HSN, etc. everything is the
    investment potential, the hobby side of it just goes with it as a
    bonus. Its the money that is driving this market, and the potential to
    buy for a $1. that unknown rookie card that may someday turn into a 
    Mickey Mantle Rookie card worth $7,500.

    I never said anything about me, myself or I.  I am generalizing the 
    card industry.  What you said is absolutely TRUE.  I don't believe a 
    word of this hype, never have, and that is why I don't purchase
    anything new, (unless it is for my childs enjoyment) and I do not
    purchase for investment sake, even though its nice to know its not
    alot of rubbish I'm collecting.  I think its great that cards and 
    memorabilia in general has risen in price.  Otherwise, no one would
    bother lugging the stuff out of storage.  
    I do think the inflation in card prices has contributed to the success
    of the hobby, and I still feel that increase prices has caused a lot
    of good in the hobby, than the opposite.  Its popularity," card
    collecting", has to be in direct relation to the increase in card prices,
    and the investors have greated the demand that has caused this market
    spike in card and memorabilia prices.  The hobby publications would not
    be out there if it wasn't for the increase in card prices, and the
    players would not be as involved if it wasn't as popular as it has
    gotten over the past 5 to 10 years.  I never heard of card shows until
    up to 4 years ago.  There everywhere now.  Why?  Money.  This is
    driving the card industry.

    I think the battered economy in the northeast should test the card
    market, and we should see prices start to fall.  If not, I see the 
    hobby really sticking around for awhile longer.  With high
    unemployment, card show attendence should start to drop off.  I know I
    haven't been to any of the local shows of late, and don't intend to go
    to any for awhile.  If prices get to high for cards, its going to choke
    off the younger collectors, which really are the future of the hobby,
    and no one is going to tell me that is not important.  The kids still
    buy up most of the cards.  I guess its a double-edge sword we are
    dealing with.  If prices go to high, its for the high rollers, and if 
    they drop to far, the investors will stay clear of it anyway, but the 
    kids get a chance to jump back in for a little fun.  Either way I 
    predict participation will level off, along with new card company
    entrants, because there is just to much stuff out there.

       Rep -1
    
     I certainly agree that there is way to much stuff out there. I was
    hoping that competition would encourage higher quality, but that
    doesn't seem to be the case. Just look at 1991 Donruss and you will
    see the attitude that card manufacturers are taking. What a garbage
    set IMO. Least they could do is cut a few cards on center.
     This weekend I had a chance to observe more of what is going on now
    and I do feel that it is very much related to the economy. You might
    liken it to the stock market that soars during good times and compare
    a card to a share of stock. During good times demand is high and
    people buy stock (cards) with extra cash. In bad times the sell
    and prices fall when people sell those stocks (cards) to survive.
    
      Like it or not we are participating in a very investment minded
    hobby.