The Weekly Rip 10.21.24 [Community]
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Community in the hobby is talked about a lot, but how often is it achieved? The art of community building can unlock a treasure trove of rare and coveted cards. It’s not community to think transactionally, to try to take advantage of others, or to try to get quick wins. True community transcends mere transactions; it's a mindset shift, a departure from the transactional mentality that often plagues the hobby.
Community building, much like collecting itself, is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s about playing the long game, connecting with others, and sharing in the passion, knowing that good things will inevitably follow. It's a mindset rooted in patience, persistence, and a genuine love for collecting. I’ve experienced the power of community first-hand with 5 different key acquisitions of Peyton Manning cards. Each card that entered my collection came from a direct deal from a member of my Peyton Manning collector inner circle.
Here are some important steps over a long period of time that led me to this point.
1. Sharing and Engaging
The foundation of any thriving community is built upon sharing and engaging. I find value in posting and sharing my cards, as this attracts like-minded individuals and sparks conversations. Engaging with others' posts is equally crucial, fostering connections and opening doors to deeper relationships. Sharing and engaging in posts around Peyton Manning’s cards has been a foundational element to building a community.
2. Creating Events
Events are the catalysts that bring community members together. I can remember the first Peyton Manning Collector Showcase as a pinnacle moment in community development. Kevin Randall (@dacaptain37) organized an Instagram Live where collectors shared their top ten favorite Manning cards. These events not only humanize participants but also break down barriers, transforming once-anonymous handles into real people.
The art of community building is a journey, and group chats are the vehicles that propel it forward. As our collector shares, their Manning group chat became a hub for sharing information, asking questions, and reminiscing about the legend himself. It's a space where connections deepen and bonds strengthen.
3. Group Chats
Group chats are the heartbeat of a thriving community, as evidenced by our collector's Manning chat, which sees new comments and posts daily. It's a space where information flows freely, questions are answered, and memories are shared, all contributing to the fortification of the community. The art of community building is a journey, and group chats are the vehicles that propel it forward. The Manning group chat became a hub for sharing information, asking questions, and reminiscing about the legend himself. It's a space where connections deepen and bonds strengthen.
4. In-Person Meetups
While digital connections are essential, there's no substitute for face-to-face interactions. There’s probably been nothing more important than the in-person meetups at events like The National over the years. These moments forge deeper understanding and trust among community members. Trust is the cornerstone of any successful community, and it's built through shared experiences and genuine connections.
5. Making Deals
The true power of community is revealed in our ability to acquire some of the rarest and most coveted Peyton Manning cards. This year I’ve acquired 5 cards specifically from members in the Manning community that I know and trust.
The cards:
2010 Finest Peyton Manning Mosaic Refractor /10 BGS 9
2011 Finest Peyton Manning Mosaic Refractor /10 BGS 9.5
2013 Select Peyton Manning Gold Refractor /10 PSA 9
1999 Skybox Premium Peyton Manning Star Rubies /30 BGS 9
2009 Bowman Chrome Peyton Manning Red Refractor /5 PSA 10
Community isn't just about acquiring cards; it's about elevating your entire collecting experience. Community can be transformational. It can be a way to really up level our collection. By embracing the art of community building, collectors can unlock a world of possibilities, taking their collections to new heights.
The journey to building a thriving community begins with finding your people. I’d encourage any collector reading this to seek out those who share our passion, connect with them, and build upon that common ground.
Ultimately, the art of community building is rooted in collaboration and relationship building. Lean into collaboration and relationship building. And when you do that, really good things will happen. It's a call to action, a reminder that true community is more than just a buzzword; it's a way of life that can transform our collecting experience.
In the world of sports card collecting, true community is not just a lofty ideal but a tangible reality that can be achieved through intentional effort and a genuine love for the hobby. By embracing the art of community building, collectors can unlock a world of rare and coveted cards while fostering lasting connections and elevating their collecting experience to new heights.
SSP Exclusive Offers For You
I’m working with the PSA team to extend more offers to my audience. We’re kicking off the promotion by giving any first time PSA submitters a $25 discount on your first order. Take advantage of the promotion by using promo code SSP25 on your first submission today.
Auctions To Follow
Each week I reserve space for members of the SSP Patreon Community to share the cards they’ve got up for auction. This week we’ve got a sick dual auto and 3 Peyton Manning bangers that are available on eBay.
2003 Ultimate Collection Gold Drew Brees LaDainian Tomlinson AUTO /25 PSA 10 GEM
A dual autograph of a HOF tandem that likely would have set even more records a piece if they would have played together longer. It’s still crazy that LaDainian Tomlinson and Drew Brees were drafted on the same team in the same draft.
PEYTON MANNING PSA 10 2013 PANINI SELECT #38 GREEN PRIZM 01/15 BRONCOS
It’s hard to top the beautiful design of the debut year of the Panini run of Select football. The borders and imagery are unmatched. The Greens /15 are the 3rd most scarce parallels of this set.
PEYTON MANNING 2014 IMMACULATE PREMIUM PATCH GAME-WORN JERSEY AUTO 31/49 BRONCOS
The one thing that is true about playing days Manning patch cards of the Panini era is that a majority of them are game worn. Immaculate Collection hosts some sick jersey pieces and this selection is no different.
PEYTON MANNING 2009 UD EXQUISITE SIGNATURE NAMEPLATES GAME-WORN PATCH AUTO 06/10
We move from Broncos patches to Colts patches. I find it remarkable the lack of attention that Exquisite Collection gets in football. It’s not often you see a game worn name piece with a signature on it. You can leave it to this era of Upper Deck.
Joining the Stacking Slabs Patreon is The Best Way to Show Your Support
Collectors are joining Stacking Slabs Patreon to consume exclusive content, connect with other collectors, and promote their cards. I’m putting out new collector focused content in the group on a daily basis and it’s the hub for all of SSP’s video content. If you’re enjoying what I’m putting out on the main feeds check out what the group has to offer. I appreciate your attention and commitment to helping grow the damn brand. Join Today
We put video versions of every conversation that we host on the main feed in the Patreon group at least 24 hours before it drops. This week I had my first conversation with Steve (@diamond_card_collector) and I couldn’t wait for it. If you follow Steve’s page you know he’s been putting some unbelievable work in at acquiring top tier Brady, WWE, and a myriad of other cards in 2024. Join the Patreon Party for more exclusive content from yours truly.
A Collector To Follow
Paul (@wardle_kombat) has been a long time buddy. In fact, he’s part of my Manning community and sold me the 2013 Select Manning Gold in January. He’s got an extremely diverse collection that consists of Peyton Manning, Kobe Bryant, Alexander Ovechkin, and many others. Give Paul a follow. You won’t regret it!
I appreciate your loyalty and support for Stacking Slabs!
Take care,
Brett
#TellADamnFriend