Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Some random cards to go along with some random thoughts (blog-bat-around?)

I have had a couple of different blog related things on my mind lately, and I've got some random cards that were pulled from the 25-cent boxes at last month's card show, hmmm... what to do? I know, let's combine the two and make a super long post that most people will probably won't end up reading all the way through. Sounds like a plan!

2003 Bowman Heritage Black Facsimile Signature #142
Some of you might not be aware of this, but there's been a blog-bat-around making the rounds. Having not participated in one before, I kind of wanted to give this one a go, but probably won't, if only because... I'm slightly confused by the question, or at least I became so, after I started reading the posts of others.

So far I've seen three different interpretations of this topic -- there's been the "What I'm currently working on (card wise)", "What I collect (card wise)", and "What I collect (cards and non-card stuff) -- so, which is it? If it's one of the first two, then I don't really understand it's purpose, and by that I mean, if somebody wanted to know what I collected and/or what I'm currently working on (card wise), they could just scroll up to my want lists and see what's what, which would then make a blog post on the subject sort of unnecessary, right?

Now if it's supposed to be about what I collect in the broader sense...

2018 Topps 1983 Topps Design #83-89
... then that's a little different, and normally I'd be all about doing such a post, but right now is probably the worst possible time for me try that kind of post, at least with pictures and all (without pictures it would really be boring). You see, the bulk of my stuff is still in boxes (toys, statues, coins, stamps, etc.).

I've mentioned it before, but when I moved to Tennessee a couple of years ago, I had to leave my super awesome ginormous display case behind, as it would've never survived a cross-country journey. I have only just recently acquired two display cases (the two combined still aren't as big as my old one), both need some repairs, which I've waiting until the weather warmed up to do, which it has, but I just haven't started working on them yet. So for the moment, everything gets to stay in boxes.

I'm also not sure that Night Owl had that kind of post in mind, and judging by the lack of views on my non-card posts as of late...

2007 SP Legendary Cuts Legendary Americana #LA-64
... I'm not sure that's what kind of post that reader's had in mind either. And besides, I don't think that I could even fit everything that I collect into one post. Not to mention, what about all the stuff I have that other people might consider a collection, but I don't? I mean I probably have close to a thousand (maybe more) movies on multiple formats, does that count as a collection? Some people would say yes just because of amount that I have, I on the other hand, don't consider them as a collection, I would just say that I might be a bit of a film fanatic that's all (and normally all those are out on shelves, but I had to take everything down and move it to other rooms for the upcoming painting of the living room... see bad timing all around)

I have quite a few records (vinyl) as well, so is that a collection? Again, I don't consider it to be, I just like music, so I have a lot of it. And what about all the stuff that I've bought over years that I only did so...

2017 Topps Archives 1959 Bazooka #59B-14
... because I thought that if I didn't, it would end up getting broken or thrown away. Case in point, I have a handful (maybe more) of different 100+ year old demitasse saucers that have been bought over the years. Is that a collection? I don't think it is, in my mind I was merely trying to save them from a world that no longer cares about such things. And that's just one example, I have quite few things that fall into that category. So you see, even if want to, how am I suppose to participate in this kind of blog-bat-around? Especially when I don't even know what the parameters are.

1994-95 NBA Hoops Big Numbers - Rainbow #BN11
I realize too that this blog-bat-around might also be kind of a "getting to know you better" sort of thing, but I feel like I already know what everyone collects (card wise), so it doesn't really do much for me. If we're all trying to get to know each other better, I'd much rather see people make lists of their all-time favorite movies, songs, television shows, etc. And not like the "this songs reminds of this card" type of thing, just straight up lists. I probably don't have enough pull to influence others to follow suit, but I will most likely do a number of just such lists at some point in the next couple of months, and not because I think anyone will care to read them, no, it'll be just because it sounds like it would be fun thing to do.

1997 Score The Franchise #3
I mentioned the lack of interest/views on my non-card posts, but that's only half the story, as interest/views seem to be down in general as of late. I don't know if it's a cyclical thing, or if it's because of all the non-card posts, or if folks have just gotten tired of my schtick. Some bloggers might try and fix such a problem by finding out what the readers like, and then doing more of it... at this point though , I can definitely say that I am not one of those bloggers.

In fact, since my readership seems to be dropping off, I'm probably going to start doubling down on the non-card posts, as they tend to be the only posts that I actually enjoy putting together. And it's not because I'm losing any interest in cards, on the contrary, I've had more fun with cards in the last couple of months than I have in the last few years. It's just that every card post I try to add words to lately just feels like a grind, actually it feels like something more than a grind, but I just can't think of another more suitable analogy at the moment. So I guess I could say, that if you want to know more about what I collect, stick around, as I've only begun to scratch the surface.

And I still enjoy reading other people's card posts, in fact, blog posts and comic books, are for time being, pretty much the extent of my reading material.

2015 Topps Allen & Ginter's Buyback Framed Mini's 10th Anniversary Issue
After hitting the publish button on the last post, I noticed that it was #299, meaning of course, that this one is #300. That may not seem like a big deal to the folks that crank out a post every single day, but I don't, so it is... especially if you consider that during my bout with depression last summer, I was for all intensive purposes, done with the blog. But the depression went away, and I came back.

Speaking of depression, I have felt it trying to get another foothold for the last couple of months, I've been able to keep it at bay thus far, but it's only a matter of time before I can no longer do so. People that have experience with depression probably know what I'm taking about. I don't think it will cause me to stop posting this time, but if my posts become more negative in tone, at least you'll know why. Drugs don't work for me, so really I just have to wait, and let it run it's course, but it will... it always does.

Back to 300th post, I should probably be holding a contest of some sort, but only being aware of this impending (now) mini milestone since two days ago, I didn't have much time to plan anything, much less acquire something interesting to give away. Besides, after the disaster that was my last contest, I'm a little down on holding contests right now. I never mentioned it, but neither winner claimed their prizes from my COMC Black Friday contest, well actually the first place winner did try to claim $15 credit to use during the Black Friday sale, the only problem was... that they waited until February to do so, yep... February. So in the end, all I did was waste a bunch of people's time entering a contest that would end up having no winners. Needless to say, I probably won't be trying that kind of contest again.

[Spoiler alert: I will most likely still do a contest in September when the blogs third anniversary comes around]

1995-96 SP NBA All-Stars Die-Cut #AS27
About a month ago now, I started dipping my toe into the YouTube waters. I've made a couple of videos so far, really terrible videos, so bad in fact, that I won't be directing anyone to my channel on there until I get a little bit better and/or more comfortable making them. I bring this up because sometime in the next few months, I might start doing more card related videos that would be sort of like companion pieces to what I'm doing here on the blog.

Also, if I do get more comfortable talking (literally) to a larger audience, I'm probably going to start doing the card show recaps in video form, as they seem to be taking longer and longer for me to do, I mean I'm still doing this post with cards from last months show in it. The year end COMC stockpile would likely end up being shown in a couple of videos as well, at least then I'd actually get around to showing it all, instead of just the small percentage of it that I usually do.

1994 Score Select Salute #SS2
I guess I really should try to talk about at least a few of these cards: The Clara Barton Legendary Americana was a fun find, but I don't think Nick has to worry about me duplicating his feat anytime soon though. It's hard to believe that after twenty+ years, I'm still trying to find all the rainbow combinations of the Hoops Big Numbers parallel. The A&G framed mini buyback is the first one of those that I've seen in person, I can see why some people would have hated them, but I think their kind of neat. The SP die-cut all-stars are one of my favorite 90's basketball insert sets, with the addition of Rasheed, I think I now have around 2/3 of the set.

How about that Select Salute Dave Winfield? I had never seen one before, apparently it was just a two-card insert set to honor some recent achievements from Dave and Cal Ripken Jr. According to BaseballCardPedia, the odds of pulling that card were 1:360! And you can't really tell from the picture, but it's got that cool creeping shine effect when the card is moved back in forth.

1998 SPx Finite Radiance #253 (error)
And finally we've got a card that Billy might find interesting, an error! As far as errors go, I normally only chase blank backs, but that doesn't mean that I won't pass up any other non blank back errors that I come across. I noticed that something was amiss with this Eric Davis right away, but it took me a second to figure out exactly what it was.

As you can see, there is a cardboard bit (which I've never seen by the way) still covering the medallion in the middle, obviously this card escaped the machine that was supposed to pop it out. For anyone who might not be familiar with the SPx Finite set, here's a side by side to show you what's what:

Pretty cool, huh? It just seems so strange to be able to see the impression of the medallion on the back, but not be able to see it on the front. I wonder how many people would just go ahead and pull the tab off the front? I certainly won't, but I bet that some people would.

My apologies for yet another long and rambling post, it may not seem like it, but I'm really trying not to make these a habit.


Thanks for taking a moment (or two) to look at my page.

30 comments:

  1. I would categorize all you mentioned as collections. I read all your non card posts. I may not comment as much on them. Basically because of my lack of knowledge on the subject. But still very informative. Keep on grinding

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    1. Even if your not commenting, I know that your usually going to be around at least in spirit, and am always grateful for that :)

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  2. I'm not a baseball guy but that Select Salute is magnificent.
    Favorite movies: Shawshank Redemption, Miracle, Raiders Of The Lost Ark, Escape From Alcatraz.
    Favorite TV: 24, X-Files, All In The Family, American Ninja Warrior.
    Favorite Songs: Too many to list but, anything from Pink Floyd or Pearl Jam is a great start.

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    1. Not a baseball guy? Wow, you're quite the anomaly, aren't you? You've got me kind of curious then as to what your sport(s) of choice is?

      Raiders of the Lost Ark, X-files, and Pink Floyd... you sound like my kind of people :)

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    2. I'm a huge hockey fan. Hockey cards are what I'm most into these days. That's not to say that I don't have baseball cards or other sports cards. I just don't actively collect those anymore. 1980 changed my life forever (USA over USSR). With that being said, I enjoy reading trading card blogs. Even those where I know it's only going to be baseball cards. That's why your blog is an enjoyable read. You have lots of variety in your posts. Keep up the outstanding writing!

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    3. Well, I really appreciate your coming around here then, especially since I think I've only done 4-5 hockey posts in the last 2 1/2 years. And thank you for the nice compliment :)

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  3. I think you should start a new blog bat around and ask ourselves those questions.

    Can't believe nobody claimed their prizes for those. I know I would have haha

    But I also get people who don't claim theirs as well. My last winner didn't so that prize will be in tomorrow contest

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    1. Like I said, I don't think I have enough clout to start a bat around, but I know a certain someone who might...

      I just don't understand why someone would enter a contest if they aren't going to be interested in winning the prize.

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  4. I can relate to a lot of what you're saying here. Depression chases me away from blogs at times, and I'm always writing long rambling posts that most likely keep the view/comment counts low. But I hope you keep writing what you like, whether it's about sports cards or not.

    That is a neat Eric Davis error. And I've never seen Score Franchise inserts from '97. Interesting.

    I didn't do the Blog Bat Around, either. I'm too busy with the Sports Card Tour. Maybe next time. Congrats on your 300th post!

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    1. Yeah, I knew that you would be able to relate to some of what I was trying to say.

      I have no attachment to that Cal, so just say the word and I'll put it with the other stuff that I have for you.

      If it's a choice between the bat around or your Sports Card Tour, I would much rather see you working on the Tour posts, as it's a really great series!

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    2. Alright then, add the Cal! Though I feel bad you've already got more stuff for me..I haven't even been able to return fire from your last batch (or have I?)

      I'm so glad you enjoy the SCT series. I know they're really long posts, but there is a reason for that (besides the fact that I dont know how to stop!)

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    3. The Cal has been added. It almost sounds like you're not so subtly hinting at something :)

      Your SCT posts are the good kind of long, they actually have direction (unlike my long posts), and besides they wouldn't be very good if you were just like "here's a couple of cards from the teams in this town... the end". The amount of work that you're putting into them is really impressive, and it seems like a lot of other people are enjoying them as well.

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  5. I may not always have something worth saying but I enjoy your noncard posts quite a bit. I've noticed that the posts I put the most effort into rarely get many comments. I can and have spent 7 hours on a post and got two comments, not very rewarding but since I do it for me, it doesn't stop me.

    And yes, I do like that error!

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    1. I think your dedication to blogging is far greater than mine. I wish I could say that I do this for me, but I can't. My primary reason for blogging is the interaction with others, so when no one ends up commenting on something, I tend to get a little down, which inevitably then makes me wonder if it's worth it for me continue or not.

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  6. My Legendary Americana set was really the only concrete project I had going (the Barton was one of the first I acquired in my long quest to complete that set), and since I've finished that, I don't know that I'm working on any specific goals with my collection right now. Like you, I chase a little of everything and collect (literally) hundreds of different things, which doesn't seem to make an entry in this Blog Bat Around feasible.

    In my blogging life, I certainly have gotten the impression that readership can be cyclical at times. I'll write throwaway posts that get a good amount of views, than write ones with much more time/effort that get mostly crickets. My blog reading schedule has been screwy lately -- I often don't get to read any posts at all on days I have work since I don't get home till almost 11 at night. I do my best to catch up/comment on what I can, though.

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    1. With the way you collect, I don't think it would be humanly possible for you to participate in this bat around.

      I know people are often busy with family, work, etc., I guess I need to try and remember that when the views aren't there, it's just a little hard to do when those things don't tend to occupy a lot of my time.

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  7. Depression sucks. And from my experience there's no simple solution, since one thing will help one time... and it does nothing the next time. Although the last time I was feeling real down, I binge watched The Office and it made me feel a little better.

    As for your blog... write the way you want to write. Sometimes the best posts are the ones where people ramble.

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    1. It does suck! It's hard for me to imagine someone like yourself ever feeling down, especially since it seems like you always have so much great stuff going on in your life, but I guess even someone with a happy life isn't immune to depression... which is kind of depressing to think about.

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  8. Hey Jon, I don't get around to reading everyone's blogs as much as I used to, but Yours is one of the few that I always click on when I'm in that reading mood. Long and rambling? What the heck else is a blog for, if not that?
    I can't wait to check out the upcoming lists posts, and then riffing off them later on ATBATT. Keep up the good work!

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    1. Oscar, that's very nice of you to say, and I'm honored to know that you feel like my ramblings are worth reading on a (semi) regular basis.

      I can't imagine that too many people will end up caring what my favorite things are, but I'm expecting to have some fun making the lists anyway.

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  9. I wouldn't even pay attention to view count. Blogging should be fun and a nice distraction from the normal day to day activities. Sometimes I get bored with Pirate cards so I talk about WVU, beer and travel.

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    1. I try not to pay too much attention to the views, but it's kind of hard not to when you start seeing them dropping off consistently with each new post. I wish I could blog about traveling, but that's just not in the cards (pun?) for me.

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  10. If blogging was supposed to be limited to short posts, it would be Twitter.

    I'm not on Twitter. Keep writing whatever comes to mind. We'll read. :)

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    1. Thanks for the kind words, they mean more to me than you could probably imagine!

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  11. Jon, I hope you know I'm a fan of your blog. Whether you're showing off telephones or baseball cards, I'm reading. I have other collections too: vinyl, books, a few funkos and hot wheels but add baseball cards deliberately. Write what you love!

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    1. I might have to call you the biggest fan of this blog, if only because you remembered the telephones from like six months ago (that means a lot by the way)!

      And I don't know if you've ever considered doing it or not, but I wouldn't mind seeing you do a post or two (or more) featuring some of your other collections :)

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    2. I have considered sharing some of these things, esp books and have some pictures ready too. Perhaps that day will come. Thank you for the encouragement! We gotta lift each other up! :)

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    3. I would love to see you do a post about your books, I would imagine that you read more intellectual stuff than I do, so there's a good chance that I wouldn't be familiar with anything... but I'd still like to see the post(s) anyway.

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  12. Its dumb how all-encompassing depression can be. Makes fun stuff crappy and not so fun stuff crappier. I'll be rooting for your blog to make it through. I look forward to your videos. Don't feel down about the contest you ran either. Sometimes they end up that way. I know I have had ones I wonder why I bother with after. Keep blogging man.

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  13. "Makes fun stuff crappy and not so fun stuff crappier"... I don't know if a more apt description of depression has ever been written! Thank you for the support :)

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