Hobby in Trouble, Part XXXVII

Thanks, MIFA. That was a thoughtful and informative response.

"MIFA23" wrote in message
...
Check out Beckett.com's newsgroups, they are BIGGER than this group ever
was.

While your suggestions are good, they can't be totally executed for
several
factors.

I have spoken to top card company execs (in person ) over the few recent
years
and have learned their stance on certain issues, such as game used cards
and
inserts:
But
now the problem has become too many sets, too many parallels, too many
inserts, too much game-used
The first thing MOST collectors and all dealers look for when an order
form or
sell sheet comes in is "how many game used are in a box"? You cannot sell
a
high end product withiout game used cards. Parallels and inserts are also
needed because they add value in a product. Proof of that can be seen in
this
years Leaf Baseball.

One manufacturer needs
to say enough! and have the guts and self-discipline to print onlyTHREE

It is NOT up to the companies to decide how many sets they make per year.
They have a "minimum" they have to produce in order to meet the sports and
leagues requirements.
Theres only one way your idea can happen and that's if the leagues
DRAMATICALLY cut their fees and as stated by Gene Upshaw, "that aint going
to
happen".

An 750-card set similar to the pre-1995 Topps sets. The set should focus
on the 25-man roster players, and have very few "special" cards. The
cards
should be released in 3 series,
You should be able to buy a pack of 10 for one dollar. This set
should be generously produced.

They make this set already, its called Topps Total. The only difference is
that
there is only one series. The reason for that is because collectors and
dealers
alike have expressed their dislike of multi series issues.
While I too like the Total issues, Topps recently told us that the line is
in
trouble due to the lack of support from collectors.



"Support your local card store and ENJOY the greatest hobby in the
world"
Mike
Member of 2 good dealers groups
(TIC) and CDN#99