The Weekly Rip 6.2.24 [Accepting Change]
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I was typing away like a maniac in the middle of a myriad of projects that ranged from creating a strategic narrative for the marketing agency that I’m supporting and something about sports cards for this platform when I short circuited. I’m pretty damn efficient at creating content. It’s what I do for fun and what I do for work. I’ve consistently put out some piece of content in the world almost every day for the last 5 years. Creating consistent content is a part of my DNA. I love writing, recording, and sometimes creating videos about topics that I’m passionate about. I just need an idea and a pot of coffee and I’ll build something new to share with you. The problem with my ambitious style of creation is that fatigue can creep in and everything shuts down. Typically, this is the moment where my brain tells me that I’m done for the day. I suck at managing my time when I’m not working or with my daughters. I go on long walks if I have nothing to do and listen to podcasts from other people talking about stuff I’m interested in like the NFL offseason, professional wrestling, and of course sports cards. The moment I realized that I was hitting the wall was the exact moment I looked down at my list of podcasts and realized I had listened to everything already. I create a shit ton of podcast episodes, but I also listen to a lot of podcast episodes, too. I got up from my desk, stretched my back, and started to walk out of my office when something from across the room stopped me in my tracks.
It was my 2 cases of cards sitting on the floor, staring me in the face, and welcoming me to escape from reality for a bit. In that moment it was the ultimate pattern interrupt for the day, but also one of the most significant moments I’ve ever had with my collection.
I’m a big believer in change. I understand that change can be a scary word to many. Humans aren’t naturally wired for change. There’s a reason why there exists disciplines like change management to help people process change and how they can begin to push forward in the new world. For me, change is the one constant. I’ve spent my entire career working in technology and everything is changing all of the time. The most important skills that I look for when I hire someone new is intelligence (can’t be taught) and adaptability. Because constant change has been a part of everything that I’ve done for work for the last 15 years it naturally bleeds over into my collecting.
When I opened up my two cases I started thinking about the existence of each card in my collection. I pushed to understand each card's story and their purpose in my collection in that moment. The more time I’ve spent collecting cards the more structure I’ve put around the areas for which I collect. Also, I’ve been pretty damn strict about the profile of cards that enter those lanes. Of course, my evolution of collecting has happened over a period of time and when I apply the new way to my existing collections some cards begin to stick out like a sore thumb. They’re the cards that just don’t fit anymore. They served their time and purpose, but unfortunately just don’t fit anymore. I started to put those cards into a pile.
Next, I started to evaluate the breadth and depth of each of my collecting lanes. This is when I started to think about existing cards that were on my list to acquire. I asked myself a simple question: If I were to trim the fat off of this collection what would it look like? I didn’t realize the impact of that question at that moment, but it would begin to set me on a course that I’m still thinking about today. I started to rank my favorite cards. I started a pile of cards that I could live without. I started to slim down a pretty robust collection into the essentials. Before I knew it I had a substantial stack of cards that were sitting outside of my collection looking in. I’m a big believer that the moment you begin to think about selling a card in your collection it’s already gone and that’s what happened.
I stepped back and looked at all of these pieces together. There were cards with stories. There were cards that had been part of my collection for multiple years. There were cards that at one point I never thought that I’d give up, but here we were. I packaged up those cards safely, put them in a box and sent them to The Wharf Sports Cards (Shout out Nic!) for consignment.
I didn’t do it because I had to pay for a card right now.
I didn’t do it because there was a card available for me to buy right now.
I think I did it because I’m obsessed with change and excited about the opportunity for what’s next.
That’s one of the best parts about collecting sports cards.
Making Decisions with a Collector First Mindset with Ryan Hoge, President at PSA
Tuesday we officially kicked off the SSP + PSA partnership with an episode with Ryan Hoge, President at PSA. There was so much that went into making this relationship official behind the scenes and thrilled to be creating content with their team for the next several months.
PSA is undeniably the industry leader in grading and authentication. PSA is who I’ve graded my cards with ever since I’ve been back in the hobby. I’m excited to bring more exciting topics to the SSP audience. I appreciate all of the feedback and ideas for future episodes. Stay tuned.
A Weekly Content Roundup
I’ve got 2 daughters and it’s really hard for me to get away on the weekends to go to shows. It’s hard for me to justify walking around aimlessly at a show instead of being with them. I do love going to shows, but I need a purpose for being there. That’s why I decided to do an episode on the process for setting up deals before shows. I’m hoping this one can help anyone going to The National or other shows this Summer.
Nic and I talked about the moment when you know you need a card, advantages of not going to The National, trends we’re spotting, and of course auctions that are catching our attention.
John (@packnicholson) joined me in the collector conversation to share the process he went through to acquire the 2012-2013 LeBron James Gold Prizm /10. It’s never easy landing big cards, but always feel like we can learn something from hearing about the process from other collectors.
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
Auctions To Follow
2003 Ultimate Collection Drew Brees & LaDainian Tomlinson Auto PSA 10 Auto 10
Last Sale: Sold for $1,170 on January 22,2023 via PWCC Weekly
2017 Panini Prizm Green Jayson Tatum Rookie PSA 10
Last Sale: Sold for $1,950 on May 23,2024 via eBay
2021 TOPPS CHROME WWE 5 TIMERS CLUB SUPERFRACTOR JOHN CENA 1/1 #5T-6 PSA 9 MINT
Last Sale: Last sold $999.99 on January 19, 2023 at a Fixed Price
A Collector To Follow
My favorite accounts to follow these days do two things for me:
Teach me something new
Bring back a heavy dose of nostalgia
I’m the first to admit that I’m no hockey guy, but have a deep appreciation for the passion of the collecting community. Bernard (@sc19cards) is a passionate Steve Yzerman collector and you see the energy come through with each of his posts. If you’re looking for a player specific hockey collector to follow, look no further!
I appreciate your attention and support for Stacking Slabs. It means the world to me and I still can’t believe that I get to spend so much time out the week creating collector focused content.
Take care,
Brett