Foolkiller

Nice to see you back Ian.

Bought from Metropolis. I've really enjoyed going and meeting with Vinny and picking through their incredible stock. I've been digging out HG Mystery in Spaces, and it is a real challenge to get 8.0-9.0 copies of many of them.

The last of my recent faves: Showcase 22 1st GL

Another fave of mine... from the collection of Murphy Anderson -- sweet 8.5 and a copy held by a legendary artist.

Recently, I've found joy in buying 10 cent DCs and books that are a little bit more... well... fun and rare for me. I've lost the hang up on grade alone, and enjoyed the books for what they are. I've been buying up many books lately, but here's three of my faves: Superman 76, 1st Superman/Batman team up.

And as a follow up Mark, I will let this go now. You can have the last word -- (except on any GPA points)... I think my point is clear and there's no sense in beating a dead horse.

Brian, I made one generic comment in response. It was not defensive. It was a statement, plain and simple. Indeed, it was posed with a question for Bob to explain what he was talking about, which of course he didn't. In fact, he chose to respond to the question I directed at Josh rather than those directed specifically at him. You are the only one continuing the discussion on this aspect of Bob's comment. Since we agree it is irrelevant, we can move back to discussing why Bob was so hostile to GPA and providing it sales data especially in light of the fact he uses it to promote his books. Oh please. Of course it was defensive. It was not just a "simple statement". It would have made more sense to make your point about GPA and not bother with responding to anything Bob said that you now deem "irrelevant". I am continuing the discussion because you are characterizing Bob's comments as "misdirection" when you are a master of misdirection (I mean, we are lawyers so I guess we all do it at some point), and I'm just asking you to be fair. I'm also continuing it because you enjoy pointing out the problems with other people's arguments, and all I want you to do is recognize what your comments really are, and not allow you to just make indignant responses when they are really an accurate characterization (to some extent -- I'm sure you have had both successes and failures in comics). Look, it's double talk from you. You're saying it's irrelevant, and that I'm belaboring the point, but look how much time you've spent responding to me, and I'm the one agreeing with you it's irrelevant. People shouldn't comment on about your statements regarding things, but you should make comments about things you think are "irrelevant" and "you don't need to defend yourself about". That doesn't make sense. It's inconsisent. Bob has addressed your points many times. And I think his point concerning GPA has been made many, many times. I don't think it's "venom towards GPA" as you grossy mischaracterize it, but rather, it's a disagreement from customers saying, GPA is gospel. Why should Bob (or Koop, or Metropolis, or Gary Platt or Harley Yee or anyone else) feel that they "have" to provide data to GPA? They don't. If they want to consider it as a source, but use their own sales data first, who really cares? You as the buyer can always debate with them the price, and Bob has said he will consider GPA data as a source. I'm not sure how that's venom towards GPA.

And your problem with that is what exactly? I am very good at promoting the businesses I am involved in, whether that be comics or law. I don't shy away from that. Sorry you have a problem with it. But then again I share all my market data with GPA and yet it doesn't negatively impact my bottom line. Mark, although I wouldn't say that your post "bothered me" and I was a buyer of a couple of Hollywood Hills books -- Be fair, and don't go with the hyperbole about promoting businesses. The thread with the carnival barker intro got such a negative publicity that you basically stopped posting in it once the cover was blown (not by me) that the books were all on SoCal's website. So that thread was kind of a dismal failure by most boardies. In the end -- it really doesn't matter whether people liked or hated the thread -- but c'mon -- be fair about characterizing the success, because I think when you make statements like this, it's when people are like, was he reading the same thread everyone else was? Brian, I am honestly not clear on what issue you are trying to address. That one particular thread definitely wasn't the success I intended it to be, and I learned my lesson to avoid that type of format again on these boards. But the sales for the Hollywood Hills collection have been excellent. I have no complaints at all. In fact, we sold many books to Forumites such as yourself, as well as to dealers. The promotions through Scoop, GPA and our own websites also significantly contributed. In any event, I wasn't referring to that one specific thread as an illustration of my successful promotions. That was just one Bob referenced. Yes I know. But you're saying "I'm a successful promoter" of comics. The sales of Hollywood Hills have been successful, but not obviously not because of the style employed on the boards. Anyway, if you say "I'm successful" in response to the point Bob makes of the thread you posted here with the "carnival barker" I would think that a logical response to illustrate YOUR point is to post the examples where you were successful to rebut Bob's statement. Not just say "I'm successful". The books sold well by virtue of the fact that they were high grade. You could have put them anywhere, and frankly, they probably would have sold (especially the ones I've seen marked sold). If you have high grade, they will find you it seems like. Brian, what I am saying is that I do not follow what issue we are now discussing or debating. My sales demonstrate I am successful, at least on a level that I am totally comfortable with. Is that due to promotions I run or just because of the books themselves and people stumbling across them? I suppose we could debate this if anyone really wanted, but it has nothing to do with the discussion we were having about GPA. Bob was the one who raised, in his usual tone, the deflective comment about my self-promotion in response to a post that was not even directed at him. It was directed at Josh and I hope he answers it. But it had nothing to do with the topic at hand. I do not feel any need to defend whether I am a successful self-promoter or not. That is really irrelevant, don't you think? Yes, I agree it's irrelevant, so why respond at all then? If you don't feel the need to defend, then don't. As to GPA -- I love it as a tool, but it's just that: one tool. If dealers want to report their sales data great. And if not, fine too. From my side of the table, I just look at the book, look at Overstreet, look at GPA, think about what I've seen the book sell for, and then decide if I want it.

And your problem with that is what exactly? I am very good at promoting the businesses I am involved in, whether that be comics or law. I don't shy away from that. Sorry you have a problem with it. But then again I share all my market data with GPA and yet it doesn't negatively impact my bottom line. Mark, although I wouldn't say that your post "bothered me" and I was a buyer of a couple of Hollywood Hills books -- Be fair, and don't go with the hyperbole about promoting businesses. The thread with the carnival barker intro got such a negative publicity that you basically stopped posting in it once the cover was blown (not by me) that the books were all on SoCal's website. So that thread was kind of a dismal failure by most boardies. In the end -- it really doesn't matter whether people liked or hated the thread -- but c'mon -- be fair about characterizing the success, because I think when you make statements like this, it's when people are like, was he reading the same thread everyone else was? Brian, I am honestly not clear on what issue you are trying to address. That one particular thread definitely wasn't the success I intended it to be, and I learned my lesson to avoid that type of format again on these boards. But the sales for the Hollywood Hills collection have been excellent. I have no complaints at all. In fact, we sold many books to Forumites such as yourself, as well as to dealers. The promotions through Scoop, GPA and our own websites also significantly contributed. In any event, I wasn't referring to that one specific thread as an illustration of my successful promotions. That was just one Bob referenced. Yes I know. But you're saying "I'm a successful promoter" of comics. The sales of Hollywood Hills have been successful, but not obviously not because of the style employed on the boards. Anyway, if you say "I'm successful" in response to the point Bob makes of the thread you posted here with the "carnival barker" I would think that a logical response to illustrate YOUR point is to post the examples where you were successful to rebut Bob's statement. Not just say "I'm successful". The books sold well by virtue of the fact that they were high grade. You could have put them anywhere, and frankly, they probably would have sold (especially the ones I've seen marked sold). If you have high grade, they will find you it seems like.

And your problem with that is what exactly? I am very good at promoting the businesses I am involved in, whether that be comics or law. I don't shy away from that. Sorry you have a problem with it. But then again I share all my market data with GPA and yet it doesn't negatively impact my bottom line. Mark, although I wouldn't say that your post "bothered me" and I was a buyer of a couple of Hollywood Hills books -- Be fair, and don't go with the hyperbole about promoting businesses. The thread with the carnival barker intro got such a negative publicity that you basically stopped posting in it once the cover was blown (not by me) that the books were all on SoCal's website. So that thread was kind of a dismal failure by most boardies. In the end -- it really doesn't matter whether people liked or hated the thread -- but c'mon -- be fair about characterizing the success, because I think when you make statements like this, it's when people are like, was he reading the same thread everyone else was?

example! Paid OVER $1500 for a JIM #89 in 8.5. Foolkiller picked it up for me from Harry last year at the Javitts when last GP was about $600+ Sorry. make that 2.5 times GPA. OK, close enough to 3 times GPA. R. and you want one in 9.0 or better good example. I dont think anyone is talking about a J.I.M. 89 or a Hulk 1. they are talking about the common stuff. Books that routinely sell for 50-60.00 on Ebay that are priced at 125.00. The JIM 89 is a prime example of what someone is willing to pay for a specific book that is rare and thats where sites like comiclink,Pedigree, Highgrade and Metro come into play. No one complains about that. You know you are going to pay more for those books. Now if that JIM 89 was on Ebay he may have paid less because as I recall the next highest bid was several hundred lower than Roys. The next highest bid at the Javitz show? I barely outbid the underbidder on behalf of Roy.

Thank God.

Nice haul. Especially that WBN 32 and GL 76.

funny thing is, I think I've touched your 9.6, your 9.4 and now own your 9.2! Are we the only people buying Cap 110s!?!

I have your Boston 9.2 copy. Likewise I had your Pac Coast 110. They all come back to Nik eventually.

Thanks fellas The 113 has no where near the copies graded as the surrounding issues. Seems to be a little tougher to get in HG. Plus the centering on this one is primo. Looks familiar. Kinda like most of the Caps in my collection! That Cap 113 was a real beauty... and you're right, for wahtever reason -- it doesn't pop up as much in HG.

Thanks fellas The 113 has no where near the copies graded as the surrounding issues. Seems to be a little tougher to get in HG. Plus the centering on this one is primo. Looks familiar.

ped Thors....

hnnnnh.... they look familiar. Sweet! Glad the GL 76 came back as predicted...

Good luck with that hunt Nik. I'll be nipping at those heels if one pops up.

Usually delinquent in the Kudos but... Kudos to: October and Frederic for first class service from a guy who can be demanding in his shipping requests. Also -- not on the boards, but big Kudos to A-1 comics (Brian Peets) awesome customer service and sweet books. There have been some tremendous deals lately on ebay.

kudos to svndst1030, ronm3, nikos and every single person who's bidding in my auctions... and who already bid on them.... I hope you all enjoy the books and be sure to look at the ones coming -- each round I hope to have nice ones and bargains... KUDOS to you all!

As I told jimjum, I almost made the switch and bought the ASM 7 because I thought it was just an amazing book... so awesome... but those two were so nice... I didn't want to make a switch, but Harry's books, in person, are truly some of the best you will see...

No, I wouldn't meet with the defendant, but rather the defense attorney. If it was a defense attorney I knew and trusted, and the defendant's record and crime were not egregious, I would make the appropriate recommendation. I would not take one from the defendant directly. This, of course, is not a criminal situation. And really all it did was say to me that this situation needs to come to an end... and Doug deserves a second chance to prove that he would not do something like this again, or hang himself by his own actions. Either way, I'm willing to move forward. But -- I will note that should an unethical action ever be discovered and proven, I will not be recommending a third chance.

I am starting another thread on Schmell not to rip or rehash a lot of the issues yet again, but really to hopefully offer some sort of closure to the situation. My concern is that there's been a lot of talk (from myself included -- see the later portion of this post) and I think some damage that my very myopic view of the situation has caused. A few days ago I decided to email Doug because I had heard that he was upset that some of his friends in the hobby had taken the time to simply email him and hear what he had to say. Although I would not say Doug and I knew each other super well, we had eaten dinner and lunch together a few times, I have bought a few books off of him, and generally always enjoyed his company. Everyone reading this post is well familiar what has happened in recent days, so there's no need for me to recap. After speaking to Doug I found the following: 1) I found Doug to be very contrite for what happened in the past with regard to the disbarment. These events took place in 1999. Doug by his own admission states he did a poor job managing the client's money, and that there is no excuse for his actions. He says he is a different person now. It was in fact, about 6 1/2 years ago. 2) Doug emphatically restated that he has never, nor would he ever, intentionally manipulate a book on his site in the line of trimming or color touch. Does he press? Yes, from time to time. I believe this is the case, and I believe that the grounds for that is that Doug, no matter how badly you believe the disbarment situation was, has always been passionate about comic books and loves them. For him to damage some priceless treasure like a Pacific Coast book to make a sale seems unfathomable when you factor it in with his personality overall. 3) I asked him about the counseling to avoid child payments and his explanation did make sense to me in that he was asked to cash checks for his clients who did not have bank accounts. Those clients were seeking to avoid child support payments. He did not ask (perhaps imho he should have) what the rationale was behind the cashing, and made a remark during his deposition on what the situation was regarding the cashed checks. This was his explanation, and I suppose I'd say that I feel it is plausible. 4) There is no doubt to me that Doug was careless as a lawyer, but because of his passion for comics and his past mistakes, has been much better at accounting for funds in his PedigreeComics business. Some of the conduct was intentional and willful. I have no doubt Doug did know what he was doing in the manipulation of the money -- but I do not believe that it is going on right now, and frankly, JIM 92 notwithstanding, I don't see evidence or a story where someone did have a problem with Doug since the inception of PedigreeComics. Let me be clear: I maintain this is a black and white issue. There is no grey when it comes to the actual disbarment proceedings. However, I offer the following analogy. A defendant committs a theft in 1999, goes to trial and is convicted. Before his sentencing, he bench warrants (flees). In 2006, the defendant is picked on the bench warrant, comes before the court, and is ready now to be sentenced. In the last 6 1/2 years, he hasn't gotten arrested, cited, not so much as a traffic ticket. He gets married, has a family, maintains a job, is a model worker. What should be done? This scenario presented itself at least once a month while I was a DA. And in most instances, I asked that the defendant be judged on the totality of his behavior but with a recognition and restitution for the crime he committed because he cannot evade responsibilities. Second chances are necessary and given out. Those chances are not immediate or given without some thought. Doug has been a good dealer, honest in the ways in which I can see since being a dealer, so while this was a severe question of character, punishing him over and over again in the court of public opinion likewise seems unfair. While I won't withdraw what I said, I will admit that I was probably too quick to judge what should happen with Doug going forward. And I believe that my language was overly strong. Each of us must decide whether or not this will still affect our perception of Doug. And I guess what I'd say is that Doug deserves a genuine second chance to show that what happened in 1999 was an abberation and that he has changed. And by genuine I mean, not throwing it back in his face every time we have the chance. By not constantly bringing it up, by trusting him the same way we would have anyway. If Doug proves me wrong, and I am made to look foolish by posting this, then I will be rather upset. But I will choose to believe him, to trust him again, even in light of everything that has happened. I know I may not have a lot of influence here, and that what I say may not matter here to any of you, but I am hopeful that we (the boards) can all put this behind us, treat Doug and deal with Doug as we always would, and if there is a question about his business dealings, then we will all remember what happened. We shouldn't entirely forget. But in order to get past this, I think we genuinely have to say, Doug, what you did was wrong, but I'm not going to keep saying it over and over again. My conversation with Doug was productive, I believe the conduct to be an egregious, but isolated (during part of the time he was a lawyer), incident, and that he was contrite. I believe Doug himself will appear here to offer more information. I have encouraged him to do so. I'm hopeful that after reading what I've said and what Doug has said, we will all be able to move on. And not to be a DQ, I will just add that a lot of older board members and others outside have mentioned the overwhelmingly negative tones the boards have taken on recently. I agree. But that's from all sides -- when people that I like and am friends with like Brad (Redhook) feel like they are attacked, but then in kind attack with strong language against people like Mark (esquire) who I'm also friends with, I wonder if we're on a comics chatboard or debating world peace. I'd be the first to admit, since Ewert, my increasingly vocal voice has been a shining example of chatter without substance. Although I believe my positions on both Ewert and Doug are morally correct, I have certainly contributed to the "beat the dead horse" negativity that has now become full of scandal and conspiracy. I believe there are deep and severe problems in our hobby as well as significant corruption. But there are positive ways to address these concerns and move the hobby forward. I haven't been part of that solution. I've been talking a great deal and not being part of finding out what kind of action can be taken to formulate a solution. What am I trying to achieve? Where is this going? What improvements in comics can and should be enacted? What can I do to help? The comics hobby is unregulated and unsupervised and dealers have enjoyed the luxury of those business practices. But it is then incumbent upon the consumer to self regulate by exposing those dealers who are dishonest. They may not like it, and it is tricky to figure it out. But it has to be a collective public effort. I'm not going anywhere. Not going to make some dramatic exit. But -- I do feel like I've been talking the talk without walking the walk. I like to judge others by their actions and what they do. In the future, of course we should speak out when there is fraudulent activity, but for me, I want to be contributing positively to the hobby, to make things better, safer for the consumer, and that is where my energy should go. Hopefully, we will all as a community be able to move in that direction.