Do you ever wonder/think, why do I collect cards?

[Hawaiian BamBam]

Hey guys, do you ever wonder or think why do i collect cards? I ask because as im listing my entire card collection on ebay, i found a box full of cards to list. in the boxes were some autographs that i either dont remember buying or dont remember i had. when i saw them i said to myself, these cards have been in boxes for years and i never looked at them, so why even have them? i remember that there were even some cards i bought on ebay put them in albums and never looked at them for years so i began thinking, what sense does it make to buy cards that we put into albums and boxes and never look at? as i get older im thinking, man if i kept every dollar i spent on cards, i would be so much richer! debt free, have a new car, have nicer things, etc. does anyone else ever feel this way. your thoughts please.

 

[Beachbum]

I actually enjoy perusing my collection and reading the backs of the cards, I do this about twice a month, always pulling something different out. This year I really got into IP autos and I think it was because the hits to my wantlist are so few these days so it made my player collections that much more interesting to me since I'm not tinkering with them as much. Sorry if I went a different direction with this than your question posed.

 

[Camsue]

Collecting has always been an outlet for me a bad day on the job or just need a pick me up I can open a binder and remember were I got that card or remember the game I was at when he hit a home run or threw the winning touchdown pass as far as the money spent I guess I figure it was always better than spending it on something I would have enjoyed for only a brief time the cards are something I can cherish for a lifetime and pass it down to my nieces and nephews maybe pay for some college in the future. And it turned out to be a hobby both my wife and I have enjoyed for many years

 

[Jaybo374]

Hey guys, do you ever wonder or think why do i collect cards? I ask because as im listing my entire card collection on ebay, i found a box full of cards to list. in the boxes were some autographs that i either dont remember buying or dont remember i had. when i saw them i said to myself, these cards have been in boxes for years and i never looked at them, so why even have them? i remember that there were even some cards i bought on ebay put them in albums and never looked at them for years so i began thinking, what sense does it make to buy cards that we put into albums and boxes and never look at? as i get older im thinking, man if i kept every dollar i spent on cards, i would be so much richer! debt free, have a new car, have nicer things, etc. does anyone else ever feel this way. your thoughts please.

I have found asking myself this same question over the previous few years. As a set builder, I love the challenge of piecing together sets card by card. However, once I complete a set, I rarely look at the cards again. I have definitely slowed my trading and purchasing and have considered abandoning the hobby altogether. However, I always go back to it.

 

[togaman]

I think it has to do with some type of obsessive compulsive gene along with a need for order and completion in many of us who enjoy the challenge of building a set.

 

[mm1sub]

People ask me how much my collection is worth and if I would ever sell my cards. The answer is no. I have been collecting since 1980 and will never stop. I look through some of my cards but the thrill of the chase has always been exciting for me. Could I sell and pay off bills and stuff? Of course. But I would always regret that decision. And my family would probably feel bad that I made that decision also. I think. Some people ask me how much my collection is worth. To me it is priceless.

 

[Jaybo374]

People ask me how much my collection is worth and if I would ever sell my cards. The answer is no. I have been collecting since 1980 and will never stop. I look through some of my cards but the thrill of the chase has always been exciting for me. Could I sell and pay off bills and stuff? Of course. But I would always regret that decision. And my family would probably feel bad that I made that decision also. I think. Some people ask me how much my collection is worth. To me it is priceless.

Well said.

 

[t.rooster]

I have been collecting since the mid-'70s, twice I lost my collection & both times I rebuilt them. The sets I have from that time are a piece of my life, a part of my childhood. Recently I started ttms of those cards and that adds an entirely new dimension because I look at these cards & the signatures bring them to life for me.
There have been times when I've looked at the time suck this endeavor becomes and the money in postage and acquiring cards that it has taken away from other things, but in the end I still get real satisfaction from doing and having them and that's what counts.....