Trading : some random thoughts

Those three cards, I received today following auctions I won with one seller in Japan.
Those who have been following my blog for a while (yup, I've been here for a while !) should notice that, even though I don't exclusively buy BLue Jays or Knicks cards, those do not seem to fit my collection.

And you, my friends, are absolutely right.

I've come to realize that at least half of the cards I buy off ebay or comc, I'll get for fellow bloggers. I remember, a few months ago when I was reading blogs trying to understand what was out there now, I came across a blog post (I'm sorry but I don't remember whose) where the writer explained that he was at a card show and got a bunch of cards for several bloggers. It seemed impossible to me at the time to imagine someone just knowing what to get others. But now, I understand. After awhile, you just get to know other bloggers. What they like, what kind of collector they are and how to make them happy, without Oreos and a glass of milk being involved.

Like many, I started this blog in order to trade and to interact with people who share the same weird interest in cardboard depicting overpayed players in uniform. And I'm starting to understand what drives me and what makes me happy. And I particularly enjoy being happy.

1/ Blind trades

just send me whatever, and I'll send you whatever. I have a want list, but I understand how tedious it can be to look at it and check each and every card in your collection. So go ahead, just blindly send me some blue jays, it's fine. Most of the time, I need half of any random stack (unless they're mainly base cards from the 90s or recent Topps base cards), as I don't collect duplicates per se. And like they say, it's the thought that counts. If the trade is really one-sided, a natural readjustment will of course occur. It's all about trust.

2/ No hassles

of course, sometimes it's best to trade for a specific card, especially when there's some value involved. But if it means going back and forth for 40 mails, it's not my thing. If I pull a card that suits best someone else's collection (well, someone I trade with regularly, that is, I'm generous, but not THAT generous), I'll just send it to him and we'll figure out the details later.

3/ Compatibility

We don't all need to be friends, but I do like to know that we like each other. I know it sounds a little stupid, but I put a lot of thought in my trade packages (ok, not always a lot, but at least, I try to ! ), so I figure it's best for a long term relationship (I've already stated that I'm all for long term) if we share the same sense of humor, or, more importantly, views about the hobby (I'm not talking about Archives vs Heritage or who's the worst between Panini Pinnacle or Panini Donruss, but just the basic enjoyment of the hobby for what it is). Then again, the vast majority of bloggers do, so what am I blabbing about ?
Julie is always fun to talk to and I know she laughs at the same things I do, same with Junior Junkie, I'm really starting to get to know Matt and I enjoy the discussions we have, Mark has some incredible stories to share (despite being a man of few words !), it's always nice to try and surprise someone like Wes or Nick, and the list goes on and on.

I know who to send Reds, Brewers, Pirates, Red Sox, Braves, Blue Jays, Yankees, catchers and Tigers cards to, and I'm always looking to expand that list, as it's been as much fun chasing those, as chasing my own cards for my own collection. Because, as cheesy as this will sound, I know it'll come back ten fold at me. And I hope that soon, most of you guys will look at Blue Jays cards and have me in mind, alongside Robert (no hard feelings !), Richard and Al.