[Dub24rollin]

A LOT of good points here. The trades are there if you seek them out. There are a lot of people that are passively active on the site now. They might not be actively seeking deals or posting on the boards, but if you send them offers, they will respond and are willing to make deals.

Is it the same as it was? No, obviously it's not. But if you're willing to put in the "work" they're there. Like with anything, you get out of it what you put into it.

I feel that a lot of the guys on this site that have been around for more than 5 years could be great ambassadors of the hobby and excellent resources for new/returning collectors that stumble in.

But instead they focus on what's wrong with the website, what's wrong with the hobby, how bad Topps is, etc., etc., etc.

It's not going to go back to how it was - it's not going to be free again, it's likely not going to be sifting through page after page of trade offers and the boards aren't going to be overflowing all the time. The sooner everyone accepts that, the better.

Having said all of that, I do think it can shift back that way by doing some small things:

- Post some positive things from time to time. Not every negative thought that crosses your mind has to be shared. Why would anyone want to join or rejoin such a negative place?

- Be helpful to new members. Welcome them, answer or offer to answer any questions for them, offer suggestions for products without adding a negative statement to it (i.e. Topps sucks, but this is the least sucky of the bunch).

- Keep the drama off the boards ... if possible. If someone screws you over on a trade, by all means put it up for public consumption. If someone annoys you, send them a PM. (I'm guilty of this and also need to work on it.)

Sorry for the tangent, but these are all small things that are within our control to improve the boards and trading.

Fin.

I'd say that I have to agree here. I have been a member for 1 year and the negative comments/posts are slightly overwhelming. There is so much crap talking on Topps and everyone else. How can people complain when they are buying something that is unknown. Cards are like buying lottery tickets and complaining that you aren't getting your value because you bought a loser. THAT'S HOW THE GAME WORKS! To me that's what makes it fun. I know any pack could hold my favorite players 1/1.

Also, on the trade topic, I have zero problems completing any and all trades that I want. Almost every time I send a few offers for some cards that I want (base - high end) I get a response and finalize a trade. I'd say 80% of the time.

All in all, stop posting negative posts. I know it's driving me away from the forums personally but I'm still very active on the site. I suspect this may be the case with many members.