My Turn: Things I Like, But You Don't

Last week, Fuji put a twist on the "Things you like, but I don't" concept, by literally twisting the I and you. So, let's rip that idea off, shall we? At least, I will.. you do what you want.

Oddball cards. In the 1980s, there weren't many insert cards, and as a kid I certainly couldn't buy enough packs to put together full sets. So the chase for me was looking for cards in odd places. I scoured the candy aisles and checkout counters for packs, scanned junk food and cereal boxes for cards, and searched through the toy section for those little box sets.

Foreign cards. These are pretty oddball, too, but there are a lot more people interested in Bazooka cards than CPBL. They are the ultimate oddball, I suppose. Unique designs and ideas (Japanese game cards, for example) and a different sort of game on the field.

Cheap cards. I have some nice cards in my collection, but many of my collecting interests can be satisfied with cheaper cards. So while everyone on Twitter and Reddit are showing off their big buck autographs, I'm happy here with my base cards.

Lower condition. As a budget collector in many cases, I'm happy to take softer corners or even creases to save some money or finish off a set.

1989 Topps. A giant script name with a color border. A very simple, almost boring design. Very few action shots. It's not a great set, and perhaps just a tiny step up from 1988. But it is the first set I remember collecting, so it has a sentimental place in my heart.

Non-Sport cards. Movies, television shows, and music are a big part of my life, so collecting entertainment cardboard makes a lot of sense.

Themes. I love finding themes to collect around; I have several low-fuss player collections but I like to look for other collections to make.

Online singles shopping. People love to complain about sites like eBay, Sportlots, and COMC, but living in Japan, I have no other choice. I've learned which site is best for my interests and budget for particular purchases, and with no reliable card show or shop to pick up US singles from, I've had to rely on them. I miss dime boxes, but I can get some decent values online.

Price guides. They are nothing but a guide, but used properly, they can be very helpful. They serve as good checklists and research tools; I love my old SCM guide and the Japanese card guides I have. And they also serve their purpose as a guide for card prices; card values change, and Beckett isn't the bible of card value, but it is a decent reference if you know how to use it.

Fuji says people are people. I say:

I agree with Fuji, though. When you collect what you're interested in, it's more fun. If it's not fun, it's not a hobby. It's a chore.

Until next time...