Meeley Man

Based on my experiences and observations of this "community," I'd have to say "yep, they are." Someone on one of these threads (I think it was Doc Joe) put it best, by saying that many collectors would deal with Hitler himself, to get a piece of art they wanted. That pretty much tells you what you need to know right there. And HA and Mike undoubtedly know that, too.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ He did it all for the MONEY! The MONEY! So take your worries, sonny... And stick them in your YEAH! Stick them in your YEAH! Stick them in your YEAH! Stick them in your YEAH!!!

Then I'd consider you someone I'd be wary of doing business with, especially at auction. And if you are concerned about "not getting enough respect" at auction for a piece, then solution is very simple: Don't put it up to auction. But if you want to risk your reputation, to get around the dictates of the market, then when those things are exposed, it's on you. Not the people who've exposed you. My reply. What can I say, beyond I specifically said I would not do it as a matter of routine business. That you would do it when you felt it benefited you, or to get around rules you didn't like, or because you misjudged the worth the market has on something you have, paints you as someone not to be trusted. What more can I say, beyond that if you are ethical person, you don't do these kinds of things EVER! Not just when it is convenient to not do them, or not merely as a "matter of routine business." You don't do them. EVER! Otherwise, you are not an ethical person. I'd think the reaction to Mike having done so should show you otherwise. You know who does unethical things and don't care if they are caught? Criminals. Is that what you are? You are certainly sounding like one. Your justifications to yourself, to believe you are an ethical person, even if you do this, means nothing to anyone else. This hobby/business is built largely on TRUST. And if one is not able to be trusted, then they should not be in this business. It's that simple. No, you merely think you are above certain rules in certain situations, like Mike does. Never mind if breaking those rules is unethical. You don't believe in ethics, save the ones you want to live by. As I said, all your posts say you are someone to be wary of doing business with. You are not to be trusted. You think you are above the rules when it suits or benefits you. That is all you've said here, no matter what justifications you give yourself for doing it.

Then why not just put the reserve on it to begin with, instead of playing some hinkey games, that border on unethical? Doesn't make sense to risk your reputation that way, when you know the proper way to do things, does it? Again, just making the reasons for doing as he has to make even less sense than they already do. Much greater risks, for little to no rewards if found out. And all when you have a legitimate option open to you. Then I'd consider you someone I'd be wary of doing business with, especially at auction. And if you are concerned about "not getting enough respect" at auction for a piece, then solution is very simple: Don't put it up to auction. But if you want to risk your reputation, to get around the dictates of the market, then when those things are exposed, it's on you. Not the people who've exposed you. It is non-debatable. The rules of auction are pretty clear. He had the option for a reserve. He had the option not to send something to auction, if he feared it not getting "enough respect." He chose another route. One that has now sullied his rep. That was the risk he decided to take, no one forced him to do so.

No. I know what I would pay and that's my limit. However, I'm more certain that ever that I'm likely to overpay vs. the "real" market. Actually, it just depends on who your are dealing with. Ethics and "fair play" do matter to some people still. Keep advertising that James, it's definitely valued-added in comparison. Just saying that one should never feel certain they will overpay, as that largely relies on the person/organization they are dealing with. Some people don't play such games.

No. I know what I would pay and that's my limit. However, I'm more certain that ever that I'm likely to overpay vs. the "real" market. Actually, it just depends on who your are dealing with. Ethics and "fair play" do matter to some people still.

If I had a dollar for every time someone mistook me for you and called me "Felix"...I'd have enough to buy an Extra Value Meal at Mickey D's. :doh: Assuming you mean 'in person', I think it's pretty cool you guys don't get upset re: the whole "they all look the same" rap. It's all the rage these days to get offended (and yell racist at the top of your lungs) at the drop of a hat, but sometimes people are dorks or weren't really paying attention and it's simple confusion. Anyway, I bet all whites (you don't know well) look about the same to non-whites...pretty sure I've seen some brilliant stand-up on that very theme...cannot remember who though... That's only because all comedians sound alike.

#3287 over here. First time I've ever been in the top 3% of anything. http://www.comicartfans.com/GalleryDetail.asp?GCat=3287

But you have sold pieces. And Bill and CAF saw nothing out of those deals, despite giving you the platform to be able to do so more easily. Plus, how much art have you obtained from other members? You see, "benefit" doesn't just have to be about getting oodles of cash. What if another party, who isn't the noted group, had a better opinion of you than that?

Bravo! Bravo! Encore! Author!

Yes, that's just where a business and celebrity wants to be. "In the background." Sorry, but I can't disagree more with this. Beyond the fact that he has every right to speak about anything he wishes, I also don't believe that it does much harm to most customers. Most don't care what a business person thinks about anything. Just that they provide good product and great service. Anyone who's immature enough to let a business owner's personal opinions affect them as you say, well, they are the one with the problem. You never see Anthony Snyder anywhere on the net commentarizing on things. I credit him highly for taking that position. Or just being too busy running his business to take the time! Doesn't change the fact that if he decided to do so, he has every right. And I doubt many (if any) people would care what his opinions were on anything, so long as he continued to provide the quality product and service he does. Hell, how many here refuse to name people who do bad business, and say that "if they have a piece I want at a price I like, I'll still buy from them." And that's with someone who might do them dirty in BUSINESS, not just because of an opinion they held. As I said, if an opinion a business owner has is enough to affect you doing business with them, simply because you don't agree with it, as warhorse inferred, then it is you with the problem, not the business owner.

Yes, that's just where a business and celebrity wants to be. "In the background." Sorry, but I can't disagree more with this. Beyond the fact that he has every right to speak about anything he wishes, I also don't believe that it does much harm to most customers. Most don't care what a business person thinks about anything. Just that they provide good product and great service. Anyone who's immature enough to let a business owner's personal opinions affect them as you say, well, they are the one with the problem.

Well, that certainly seems to be what you are projecting here. Despite "not having a horse in this race." Really? Let us remember this for later. And that's fine, if that's what you want to do. Others want to stop the fakers and protect others who might be new or not as well-versed in the hobby. Thus, threads like this. Both are valid approaches. One is not better than the other. Ah, now your posts begin to make sense. So, this is a vendetta for you. To strike back at those who do as that person did to you. Except, they aren't that person. And the guys they are talking about aren't you (or so you've claimed). Misplaced rage is a very destructive thing. You should address yours, before it destroys you. Again, just friendly advice you are free to ignore. Well, so much for "speaking after thinking rather than just knee-jerk-speaking." Or do you consider personal insults not a "knee-jerk" response? As I said, you really need to deal with your rage issues. All you've shown here, is that you have a grudge and chip on your shoulder, which is what inspired you to sign up here to post. And again, that doesn't say good things about you.

And your first act was to post something that belittles and insults others. Certainly a 'worthwhile" reason to get an account to post here. That says a lot about you.... none of it good. You probably should stop now, while you are behind, before you make yourself look worse than you already have. Just some friendly advice. Feel free to ignore it.

For someone with "no horse in the race," you sure seem to be acting out as heavily invested in all this. The phrase "methinks he doth protest too much" keeps springing to mind.

I always report the ones posted here. I do my part.

Just add this lovely new splash page to my collection. You'll really enjoy it if you are a big action fan, or a lover of 90's DC Comics.

Yeah, that pretty much looks like a fake to me. Sorry, man.

Just added a wonderful new commission to my collection, by artist M.C. Wyman. Really pleased with how well this turned out. I think those of you who check it out will agee. Enjoy, all!

Just added a new piece to my personal collection. It's no great shakes, but it is a nice and fun splash page. Check it out for yourself and enjoy: http://www.comicartfans.com/gallerypiece.asp?piece=1251735

Just added a nice new page which, while not a very splashy image, has a lot of charm and appeal in many other ways due to the subject matter. The fact it was also a gift to me, from artist Mike Vosburg, also added to my enjoyment of it. But don't just take my word for it, see for yourself: http://www.comicartfans.com/gallerypiece.asp?piece=1239590

Just got in a great new piece of original art. I've never heard of artist Paco Baidal before, but if this is any indication of the kind of work he can produce, I'm sure he'll be well-known in the hobby in a very short time. Check this out and tell me if you don't think so. http://www.comicartfans.com/gallerypiece.asp?piece=1228299