Meeley Man

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In honor of today, I've posted up several pages from Punisher War Zone #11, full of action and excitement. This art is by artist Mike Harris, who is an Army veteran. The prices have been lowered from the ones on the art gallery (although, it's never lower enough for the cheapskates around here, I'm sure). So, here's your chance to something revolutionary: Think of someone other than yourselves and show some thankfulness to someone who has fought for your freedoms, which you are getting to indulge in on this very day, when we celebrate such. Head on over and bid: https://www.ebay.com/sch/m.html?item=191225202282&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&_sop=1&rmvSB=true&hash=item2c85e9066a&afsrc=1&_ssn=whatwhatwhat06

I offered you something, but I never heard anything from you.

Cool. Well, there are also some other pages featuring Warlock from that issue, even a couple of him in action.

Well, if it is, don't hold off too long, or you might miss out. But to help, let me tempt you more.

Just updated almost two dozen new pages for sale. These are from Strange Tales #17 (featuring Cloak and Dagger) and Doctor Strange: Sorcerer Supreme #36 (an Infinity Gauntlet tie-in). All art is by artist Dan Lawlis. Great Copper Age work, including several nice splash pages. These aren't being offered at "fire sale" prices, so I know many here will whine "you are overpriced" (never mind the fact, that if they had these pages, they'd likely be asking for way more than we are, the hypocrites). But price can be negotiated (if you are fair-minded yourself). Head over and check out the new stuff. Then, place an order. Or don't. I'm good either way. http://www.comicartshop.com/ComicArtShopsByCat.asp?GCat=3287

So, have up almost a dozen pieces on eBay right now. Pages from Marvel and DC titles from the 80's and 90's, plus original art from The Tick. All at significantly lowered prices, making them very affordable (at least to anyone who isn't a tightwad cheapskate, which leave quite a few of you here out, doesn't it?). And for the slow of wit, remember that if you have an International address, or view through some mobile devices, you won't see them. I'd think this was common knowledge by now. Oh, and they end in less than four hours. So, no time to dilly-dally. Yeah, I could have said something sooner but, well, this is enough effort for this place. http://www.ebay.com/sch/m.html?item=191225202282&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&_sop=1&rmvSB=true&hash=item2c85e9066a&afsrc=1&_ssn=whatwhatwhat06

eBay auctions: 90's Spider-Man pages! So, in honor of the upcoming new Spider-Man movie, I've put up some Spider-Man pages from 1997 on eBay. These are from the one-shot "Spider-Man: Dead Man's Hand" and are done by artist Dan Lawlis (his only time drawing the character, in fact). As with the last batch of eBay auctions, these are priced significantly lower from their listed prices on the art gallery (although, I know no price this side of "free" is cheap enough for the skin flints around here). Go look and bid, or don't, whatever: http://www.ebay.com/sch/m.html?item=191225202282&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&_sop=1&rmvSB=true&hash=item2c85e9066a&afsrc=1&_ssn=whatwhatwhat06 Oh, and don't forget dum-dums, if you don't have a US address or are using certain mobile devices, you won't be able to see the auctions. You'll just have to go to the art gallery and deal with me direct (it's a lot more difficult to talk business, than to talk the trash you do around here, but such is life, as we were never promised a rose garden).

And yet here you are still replying. Proving me correct. So, thanks for that!

As I stated already, the "tone" is what seems to work here. No one to blame for that, but yourselves. As to the use of "buffoon," well, I needed a word that fit, which wouldn't be blocked by the filters here. It seems to get the point across, didn't it? And how can mere words hurt people who've claimed they'll "deal with the devil?" Seems to run counter to what you want to claim. No, those who don't do business with me are likely because I don't have art from an artist they want. But the minute I do, all of this will mean nothing. It's already been proven by increased traction on the eBay auctions and sales in general. But your last line is more true that you realize. Not just because of the realities I stated above, but by replying to this, you prove that negativity is what people support here, way more than positivity. And what can make you look more that way than your own words and actions?

No, I just don't have art from an artist you want badly enough. But every dog has their day. I'm sure some day I will have such and then you will want to buy, regardless of my "tone" here. But if you don't, it is completely YOUR loss. Just ask those who have bought from me. If you have the courage to face seeing your assumptions shattered, that is.

You are absolutely correct. The "harshness" is on purpose. I've found that posting here in a positive manner is largely ignore by the people here (the many, many posts where I've done so is a testament to that). But they do respond to negativity. So, that's what I give them here (they are also pretty adept at inspiring it, too, which has helped me to understand why so many other reps and dealers come off as so "prickly"). Other places I do it much differently, given that they will respond to positivity. It really says something about the mentality of many who come here, that such is the case. Even moreso, in that I've seen more traction on the eBay auctions (and sales in general) since taking that tact here. Interestingly enough, I notice no one ever wants to talk with those who've actually done business with me. To see just what the transaction was like. Bill C and Hal Turner, two well known posters here, recently did so. I can only guess that people don't make those inquiries, because they know it would probably ruin the (as you so nicely put it) "expected harshness" they want to associate me with. After all, the last thing ideologues ever want, is facts that contradict their assumptions. So, I have adapted my tactics when posting here, to fit what people "expect" and what they seem to respond to. But I always do a square deal with anyone who buys, as anyone who has done so can attest. If that isn't enough for some people, then that is their loss. They can continue to do business with the more unsavory and less ethical-minded people who permeate this hobby (as I'm sure they already do, since I've been told by those here, more than once, they'll "deal with the devil" to get what they want). Funny thing, though, that they'd deal with someone who actually did things to screw over buyers, yet will not do business with someone over mere "harsh words." Kind of gives you a glimpse of why this hobby is as it is, with so many people holding such "priorities" as that.

eBay auctions: Copper Age X-men related pages! Okay, tightwads, you wanted the artists to lower there prices, you got it. Here's a batch of Copper Age X-Factor pages from the Mutant Massacre and the Evolutionary War storylines, all discounted from their listed. You got no more excuses now. Time for you to put up or shut up (I'm betting you haven't got the guts for the former, though). Fail on this and you prove everything I've ever said about this "community" is true. So, what's it gonna be? http://www.ebay.com/sch/m.html?item=191225202282&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&_sop=1&rmvSB=true&hash=item2c85e9066a&afsrc=1&_ssn=whatwhatwhat06 {NOTE: And remember, buffoons , if you have an international address, you won't see the auctions, as I don't sell internationally though eBay. You will have to contact me direct at the art gallery to buy. Yeah, I know, opening your mouths to talk business, rather than trash, is a big hardship for you, but them is the breaks! Deal with it!}

For Sale: Late 80's Marvel pages! 20 new pages of late 80's Marvel art has just been updated for sale. Pages from Avengers Spotlight #34 (featuring U.S. Agent) and from Strange Tales Vol. 2 #12, 15, and 16 (featuring Cloak & Dagger and Doctor Strange). All of it reasonably price (although I know that nothing short of "free" is reasonable enough for the tightwads around here). See what's new: http://www.comicartshop.com/ComicArtShopsByCat.asp?GCat=3287

eBay auctions for cheapskates: Round 3 - Pin Up Pulchritude Well, it's another round of super-cheap eBay auctions (although nothing is ever cheap enough for this crowd). It's all pretty much pin ups this time around, from some very notable artists. Many of them in color, too. Head on over to bid. Or don't and keep proving me correct about this "community." I'm good either way. http://www.ebay.com/sch/m.html?item=191225202282&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&_sop=1&rmvSB=true&hash=item2c85e9066a&afsrc=1&_ssn=whatwhatwhat06

For Sale: Late 80's Marvel pages! Just posted up some new 80's Marvel art fresh to market. 14 pages from Cloak and Dagger #2 and several pages from Avengers Spotlight #33 (featuring U.S Agent). Very reasonably priced, too (although I know it's never cheap enough for the skin flints around here). You can view the art and place your order here: http://www.comicartshop.com/ComicArtShopsByCat.asp?GCat=3287

eBay auctions for cheapskates: Round 2! Some new super-cheap eBay auctions are up, although I know they can never be cheap enough to the skinflints around here. Go bid. Or don't. Maybe they can go to some worthwhile people. http://www.ebay.com/sch/m.html?item=191225202282&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&_sop=1&rmvSB=true&hash=item2c85e9066a&afsrc=1&_ssn=whatwhatwhat06

Calling all cheapskates! Okay, you want cheap auctions, you got them. 80's and 90's published DC and Marvel pages. Time for you loser to put up or shut up. Go to the link below and bid. Or don't. Just know, that either way, I win! http://www.ebay.com/sch/m.html?item=191225202282&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&_sop=1&rmvSB=true&hash=item2c85e9066a&afsrc=1&_ssn=whatwhatwhat06

"You're a businessman representing artists, and you need to solve this basic problem. Since you can't change your inventory you can only adjust your pricing. That's it. There are no other levers to pull. If you're unwilling to drop prices to sell pages or induce offers you'll fail to move pages." I'm not going to drop prices to levels that are ridiculous (like the one guy who said 30 cents on the dollar or less), to entice flippers or people who truly have no interest in order to get them buy them. That isn't what I'm here for. That isn't what the artists are working with me for. They want a fair price. I'm willing to discuss prices, to find a compromise with people who are interested in the stuff. I'm not going to "fire sale" stuff, just to get a sale at any cost. The artist can do that themselves. They don't need me for that. "bottom line, the value of any page is the price it sells for. Your pages aren't selling so you value them too high." Funny, but I have sold some of these pages for the asking prices. The Cloak and Dagger stuff, that one clown called "low quality," I sold three pages from that. For the full asking price. The buyer didn't even ask to negotiate the price. They didn't see it as "unreasonable." The person on this very thread, who asked me about Iron Fist pages, told me in a PM we had, that while he wasn't interested in the pages I had, they thought the prices on them were something that should easily be gotten on eBay. So, are the prices unreasonable? Or are just some buyers, with little or no interest, just wanting to get them super-cheap and calling that "reasonable?" "Directly above your post is a guy who buys quite a bit but doesn't love your inventory and considers your prices much too high. So high that he doesn't see the chance of making a deal at a reasonable price and believes you'd be insulted by what he considers a reasonable offer." And he stated that he'd make such an offer, because he has no real interest in those pages. It's not that my prices are "unreasonable." Nor that I'm unwilling to negotiate on prices. But his lack of interest, means he'll only buy if it's a "fire sale price." It wouldn't matter what the page was truly worth. And I'm not going to fire sale ANYTHING. EVER. And I'm sure the artists won't, either. And if that is what a buyer expects, they are the unreasonable one. He wasn't expecting that and knew to offer it would be unreasonable and I'm glad he understood that. I appreciate that he didn't do that. I have respect for him and hope I someday have something that DOES interest him. "don't continue to make this an emotional issue and instead understand the problem, evaluate the comments in this thread, and come up with a logical solution." The logical solution(s) is this: If the only sticking point is prices, that can be addressed with discussion between the buyer and myself. I've made it PAINFULLY clear, I'm willing to do that. But the buyer must engage or nothing can be changed. If the sticking point is lack of interest, I can do nothing about that. And I and the artists will not "fire sale" the inventory to entice those types to buy it. It isn't fair to us and it will never happen. And if that is what they expect, they are the unreasonable ones. If the sticking point is spite (because, while I don't think that is true of EVERY collector, I'm sure there are at least a few for who it is), there's nothing I can do about that. If they want to deny themselves stuff they are interested in, just because it's me who's selling it, that's up to them. I, however, will find them denying themselves good stuff they would like to have the height of hilarity. That's the logical solutions.

Well, a troll like you certainly is no help in that. That is the only sure thing I can say.

Well, Felix is part of the "old boys network." He's been involved in this stuff for a very long time. Long before he was a rep. Jason, I know much less about, so I can't speak on him. And I never heard of the others you mentioned. As to the rest, you are right that it would be insulting to offer 30 cents (or less) on the dollar. That would not be accepted by the artists or myself. So, it sounds like you fall into the category of "no real interest in the art at all." And that's fine. But there is nothing I can do about that. And I will not "fire sale" the artists stuff in a vain effort to "foster interest." That isn't fair to them or me. Because if that is what they wanted to do, they wouldn't really need me to do that, would they? They could do that on their own. But if you do find something of interest I have, and the sticking point is price, just know that I am always willing to work with a buyer on that. I can't promise you'll get the price you want, but I will do all within my power to give as square and fair a deal as I can, to all involved.

"'Went after artists' Sure, guys have made C level type comments. I can understand that you may like the artists work and the artists themselves but you're representing artists that aren't A list in popularity and that's what the comments are reflecting. " Call their work "low quality" and "sub-par" isn't just some "C level comment." It's inferring they are hacks. Because what kind of artist wouldn't care about the quality of their work, as if they were just churning out sausages? A hack. They may have said it to stick it to me, but what does it say about them that they would insult others to get at someone else. "Well meaning collectors" is certainly not what they are. "'Open to discussion on price' But you're not getting any interest. That tells me that buyers perceive your prices to be too high to bother with a discussion and/or the art isn't interesting enough to motivate buyers to open discussion." If they only want art from the "A-list superstars," there's nothing I can do about that. If they only want covers, I can't do anything about that. But if the price is the issue, I can do something about that (on most things). And the only way to do that, is to discuss it with me. I can't read minds. So, if the issue is the price, that can be worked on. If the issue is one of the other things I mentioned, I can't do anything about that. "Exactly, they don't like the prices, and they don't want to negotiate. As a seller you have to find a price that moves the art. The buyers will just move on to art they like better or that is cheaper." But if they are interested in the piece and price is the only issue, why NOT negotiate? How can a price to move it be found, if people aren't willing to discuss it? Again, the artists and I aren't just going to unilaterally deeply drop prices. That will never happen. If you are interested in something, but the price doesn't work for you, you talk it over. Not all sellers are the same. Some might not be willing to do so. I've made it VERY clear I am. "If buyers think my prices are a bit too high they'll hopefully make an offer, if they think I'm way too high they'll just walk away. You're buyers are unfortunately walking away. And if I have a book priced at $100 and three guys near me have similar books priced at $10 I'm not gonna get any offers and I'm not gonna sell anything." They only walk away, if they aren't really interested. If that's the case, there's nothing I can do about that. But then, if that's the case, price isn't really the issue, is it? And since all this is one-of-a-kind stuff, your "someone has the exact same thing for $10" example doesn't work here. There is no one with the exact same stuff I'm offering. "Sad to say but yes, some people will make a deal with the devil for art, but that's generally for A list art or possibly a page from a book they loved many years ago and they're willing to pay up for the memory." I have a lot of stuff that is "down memory lane." Pages that are over 20, 25, 30 years old, or more. As for A-list artists, again, nothing I can do if they just want to suck off the "superstars" only. "That you're ethical is wonderful but if you're prices aren't in line with other sellers you'll be an ethical seller without sales." But didn't you, or someone else here, say that pricing along the lines with other dealers is wrong, because their stuff just sits on their sites and has forever? That doing that means the stuff would be overpriced? So, which is it? Follow other dealers lead or not? "You keep coming back to I'm open to offers. Buyers don't see in value in making an offer." Really? Odd, considering how many collectors on CAF have stuff for sale saying "make me an offer." Or all the many tales people have told here, about haggling on the price to get a good deal with someone else. Buyers see no value in discussing a price? Then how does anything ever sell, unless it's being given away? Which, again, is not something my artists and I will ever do. "What you and the artists value the art at is unfortunately not lining up with what the market is valuing the art at." Well, since there is no "price guide" for this stuff, that leave it up to people to DISCUSS THE PRICES. If you don't do that, then nothing can change. You can't get a "better price," if you don't discuss it with the seller. We are not mind readers. "The 3 obvious reasons you're not selling are, low demand product, high prices, bad seller. If we consider you a good seller that leaves low demand product and/or high prices. The solution to this problem is competitive prices and/or better product." I can do nothing about "low demand." I can't make someone interested in something they are not. But, again, for the millionth time, if price is the issue, that can be negotiated. People have done it before. I've stated I'm open to it. There's not much more to it, than that. "It isn't personal." Perhaps not of all of them. But some of them, I'm pretty sure it is. "The other side isn't clamming up." If I have art they are interested in, but would like a "better" price, then they say nothing to discuss the possibility for that, that is most definitely "clamming up." "They just don't want what you have to sell at the price you're trying to sell it for." And what you say here, indicates it is a price issue. They don't want it AT THAT PRICE. That can be discuss and negotiated on. I've stated I'm open to that. Now, if it's "they don't want it AT ANY PRICE," then that isn't a pricing issue. That's an interest issue and I can do nothing about that. So, as everyone here, including you, has been saying price is the problem, then all that needs to be done, is to talk it over with me. Perhaps it can be worked out. If they won't do that, that leaves only two possibilities: 1) They have no interest in the art at all, which I can do nothing about. or 2) They have an interest, but they won't discuss it out of spite, because I'M the one selling it and were it anyone else, they would discuss the price, as many have done millions of times in this hobby. And in both cases, the price really isn't the problem. "There are thousands of original art buyers and they're a very diverse group with different backgrounds and different budgets and interests." Yes, that is true. Which is why being open to negotiate on prices is important. Which I am. But I can't make someone have interest. And the artists and I are not going to "fire sale" so flippers can grab this stuff on the cheap, in some vain effort to "foster interest." If someone has interest, but does not like the price, they can talk to me about it and we can try to reach a price we all can be satisfied with. I can do nothing more.