Meeley Man

That was my first thought as well. Classic Uncanny Xmen and "budget" don't belong in the same sentence. What if this is the sentence, though: "When buying classic Uncanny X-Men art, you'd best have an unlimited budget to do so."

Wouldn't make any difference, since they'd quote a different price to the next person inquiring. Or sometimes even to the same person inquiring.

This right here. Best advice you can get, when wanting to buy from the Donnelly Scammers... I mean, Brothers.

Well, you can always do business with reps who don't do such things, and are currently holding a Christmas sale on many pieces of original art, like myself. But don't take my word for it, see for yourself: http://www.comicartfans.com/GalleryDetail.asp?GCat=3287 I think all reps should limit themselves to a few hundred pages and a handful of creators. It makes inventory updating a breeze for them and it makes my browsing experience as quick and easy as possible. Seeing the work of almost 80 artists and tens of thousands of pieces of artwork on one site is like a trek through the desert in comparison. Oh, I quite agree with all you said. It's why I'll never work with more than 10 to 12 artists, at most. It just becomes to unwieldy to handle more than that, especially if you are a one-man operation (as I am). Keep enough artists to have regular updates, but not so many that you can't keep up with them. Pretty easy rule of thumb, IMO. . Of course it's not much of a test of that theory until you have a chance to rep someone like Romita Jr., or Perez, or Finch and you turn them down because it would be "unwieldy". It's like having a hard and fast rule to not date more than one supermodel at a time. It only really comes into play if you've got a shot at one supermodel in the first place. Is this a backhanded slight at the artists I work with now? It certainly is feeling like it. And if I was at my 10-12 artists limit, I wouldn't care who the artist was. I don't take on more than I can handle. That does a disservice to the artist, to the buyer, and to myself. I know it might be hard to believe that there are still people in this hobby with scruples, ethics, and standards, but we do exist. I'm one of them. Of course not. It's more of a shot at you attempting to elevate your stature at the expense of Spencer's, in a thread that has nothing to do with you or your business. Oh, so you mean "doing what businesses do." Oh, okay, thanks for the clarification.

Well, you can always do business with reps who don't do such things, and are currently holding a Christmas sale on many pieces of original art, like myself. But don't take my word for it, see for yourself: http://www.comicartfans.com/GalleryDetail.asp?GCat=3287 I think all reps should limit themselves to a few hundred pages and a handful of creators. It makes inventory updating a breeze for them and it makes my browsing experience as quick and easy as possible. Seeing the work of almost 80 artists and tens of thousands of pieces of artwork on one site is like a trek through the desert in comparison. Oh, I quite agree with all you said. It's why I'll never work with more than 10 to 12 artists, at most. It just becomes to unwieldy to handle more than that, especially if you are a one-man operation (as I am). Keep enough artists to have regular updates, but not so many that you can't keep up with them. Pretty easy rule of thumb, IMO. . Of course it's not much of a test of that theory until you have a chance to rep someone like Romita Jr., or Perez, or Finch and you turn them down because it would be "unwieldy". It's like having a hard and fast rule to not date more than one supermodel at a time. It only really comes into play if you've got a shot at one supermodel in the first place. Is this a backhanded slight at the artists I work with now? It certainly is feeling like it. And if I was at my 10-12 artists limit, I wouldn't care who the artist was. I don't take on more than I can handle. That does a disservice to the artist, to the buyer, and to myself. I know it might be hard to believe that there are still people in this hobby with scruples, ethics, and standards, but we do exist. I'm one of them.

Well, you can always do business with reps who don't do such things, and are currently holding a Christmas sale on many pieces of original art, like myself. But don't take my word for it, see for yourself: http://www.comicartfans.com/GalleryDetail.asp?GCat=3287 I think all reps should limit themselves to a few hundred pages and a handful of creators. It makes inventory updating a breeze for them and it makes my browsing experience as quick and easy as possible. Seeing the work of almost 80 artists and tens of thousands of pieces of artwork on one site is like a trek through the desert in comparison. Oh, I quite agree with all you said. It's why I'll never work with more than 10 to 12 artists, at most. It just becomes to unwieldy to handle more than that, especially if you are a one-man operation (as I am). Keep enough artists to have regular updates, but not so many that you can't keep up with them. Pretty easy rule of thumb, IMO. Also, never post art you don't have yet, nor leave up art you no longer do. I know buyers hate to inquire about something, only to be told it is no longer available or not quite so yet.

Well, you can always do business with reps who don't do such things, and are currently holding a Christmas sale on many pieces of original art, like myself. But don't take my word for it, see for yourself: http://www.comicartfans.com/GalleryDetail.asp?GCat=3287

There's also Sequential Treasures: Comic Art Sales, who exclusively represent for artists Richard Moore, Bill Maus, Mike Harris, Bob Smith, Terry Shoemaker, Gerry Acerno, Mike Vosburg, Bud LaRosa, Dan Lawlis and now Marc Sandroni. All artists with very diverse styles, art from the Copper Age to the present, so there is a little something for everyone. The service is top-shelf, as well. Everyone should give us a looksee!

I have a sale that's going on right now and ends on Dec. 18th, so you can always go there for some great deals, too. Read the header for the details of the sale: http://www.comicartfans.com/GalleryDetail.asp?GCat=3287

I have a couple of DC Comics pages on eBay right now, for less than $100.00 starting bids: http://www.ebay.com/sch/m.html?item=191225202282&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&_sop=1&rmvSB=true&hash=item2c85e9066a&afsrc=1&_ssn=whatwhatwhat06 [Note: Users without a US address or viewing from some mobile devices, will not be able to see these auctions. Sorry.]

Just posted a fun page from the 90's Guardians of the Galaxy series. If you love sci-fi and classic humor, you'll like this. And if you don't, well, I'm sure Bill C will still enjoy it. Check it out: http://www.comicartfans.com/gallerypiece.asp?piece=1356302

Doesn't matter, it won't break whatever the reserve on it will be, anyway.

Currently have some fixed price eBay auctions, most of which are under 100 each. And they all have a "best offer" option, meaning you can get them for even less: http://www.ebay.com/sch/m.html?item=191225202282&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&_sop=1&rmvSB=true&hash=item2c85e9066a&afsrc=1&_ssn=whatwhatwhat06

I agree with this and the attitude or opinion that the artist is neither obligated nor anything owed to the person requesting the commission. At the point of agreement, it should be seen as a list, and the deadline is open ended, and even to the fact that it's a creative process, that list may or may not even be done sequentially if the artist isn't in the creative mood to render specific subject matter. In my experiences, and I've been on many artists "lists" without paying them anything in advance, I'm just appreciative I'm on the list and if it happens and the art is completed, I'm elated, but if it's not done ever, I'm mildly disappointed, but not at all angry nor upset. I take the stance that I've not paid anything, so am in theory not owed anything and have understanding compassion towards the situation if the art is never done. You hit upon many of the reasons I worked it out with them to do it this way. It just takes a lot of pressure off both sides. And, in the end, I think, it will allow the artist to produce a better piece, without the stress or hassle of feeling that they "owe someone" or are "owned" by them, because they got paid already. AS I said, "life happens," which is where many artists who take payment upfront get into trouble. Our way takes that out of the equation. If they can knock it out in several weeks, that's great! If it takes several months, no big deal. It just makes for a better experience for everyone this way, I believe.

Stories like this are why the artists who run their commissions through me never take payment upfront (unless the requesting subject matter is extremely specialized or obscure). This way, those making the commission request don't have to sweat their money if the wait is long. And the artists doesn't have to sweat feeling like they are "owned" if life happens (as it often does) and they can't finish the commission in eight weeks or less. Works out better for everyone this way, I've found. It's why I'm surprised more people don't grab up the commission slots when they are announced as available. Ah well, c'est la vie!

Several pages here, from Marvel and DC series, for $100.00 or less. Good stuff. http://www.comicartfans.com/galleryroom.asp?gsub=178209

You can check out my current eBay listings, which end tomorrow night. There are lots of pieces for $100 or less to be found there: http://www.ebay.com/sch/m.html?item=191225202282&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&_sop=1&rmvSB=true&hash=item2c85e9066a&afsrc=1&_ssn=whatwhatwhat06 [Note: I do not sell internationally through eBay, so if you live outside the US you will not be able to see the auctions. Sorry. Also, those trying to view through a smaller mobile device might also not be able to see them. Just wanted people to know. Thank you.]

Just added a great new page by Gene Ha. The amount of details in this one have to be seen to be believed (and even then you still might not). And make sure to read the description, too.

According to Darren, that simply isn't true. I don't buy that, as I stated. Glad to see you agree with that. You wanted "reasonability" in a hobby that is largely based on nostalgia? Then you are in the wrong hobby. And again, you say the scenario will never play out, but how many people can say they got a piece from a collector, who had claimed they "will never sell this piece"? I can name a few I know about. I'm sure you can, too. Hell, you might even have a piece in your collection that fits that criteria. And I bet you paid way more than it was worth, too, just as all those who have such stories have. The price wasn't "reasonable," in any conventional way. It was just the price you (or whoever) were willing to pay, despite how "unreasonable" is was. And again, it was from a collector/collection that, had they been completely in the dark, even that possibility would not have happened. Thus, the only true "black hole collector/collection," is one that is never seen publicly. Which has been my point the entire time.

"revolving door collector" "ADHD collector" "Short attention span syndrome collector" "If I can double it then Imma flip it collector" I think the first one is the best title and gets my vote.

No, we are talking about what makes a "black hole collector/collection." Not "what is a reasonable offer and what isn't." We've already established that no chance at resale is a key component of a "black hole collection." And the only way that resale is not possible, under any conditions or circumstances, is if the person who owns it, keeps it completely out of public view. That piece is now in a "black hole" because there is no way to reach it. Not with a reasonable offer, not with a "crazy money offer." That is what makes it a "black hole collection/collector." The reasonability of what it would take to obtain it, if it is publicly viewable, is ultimately irrelevant. Most might never offer what it might actually take (due to lack of resources to accomplish it, or just not being of the mind to make such offers at all), but not matter how remote the possibility is, if it possible, then it's not a "black hole collection/collector."

I thought we already had a term for them. It's called a "flipper." Has that changed? Is the term no longer valid for those types?

This is a rather broad statement. Sorry, but just because you can see it, doesn't mean that for the right price, it can be obtained. Actually, it does. Whether you are willing or able to MEET the price it would take, well, that a whole other kettle of fish. Again, sorry, no. Maybe that might seem like a good theory but it doesn't reflect reality. I can think of a bunch of collectors with varying levels of collections (smaller collections up to BSDs), and they each have pieces that are "unobtainable" at ANY price (often because they are tied to strong nostalgic feelings). Even in my own collection, there are pieces that literally no amount of money could make me part with them. It has nothing to do with their value and everything to do with factors like nostalgia, the years of effort it took to obtain a piece and/or the years of regret I'd have if I ever let the piece go. If the offer was outrageous enough, they will sell. Again, it may be a price that no sane person would think could ever be made. To obtain the piece, would require meeting a ridiculous amount few people even had access to, much less would actually offer. But it could be done. It may be IMPROBABLE, but not IMPOSSIBLE. But with a "black hole collector," whom you don't even know who they are or what they have, even that remote improbability becomes impossible. No, no, no, no, no, a thousand times no. No matter how outrageous the offer, it's not improbable, it's impossible. I recall a conversation at dinner at last year's NYCC where someone at the table said that he would never sell a particular cover (worth about $25k) since it was the cover to the first comic he could recall reading and that got him hooked on comics. And when asked if he received an offer of $1million on it, he replied in seriousness he still would not sell, no matter how much money was offered. Sorry, such people and views do in fact exist. For the benefit of readers and my own sanity, this is my last post to you on this point. Sorry, man, you'll never make me believe it. All that tells me is that $1 Million wasn't his price. Maybe it was $10M, or $20M. But he has one. I've seen and heard too many tales from people who got a piece from some who "absolutely will never sell this." They met their "price." However ridiculous it is. People say all kinds of things they might think they mean in the moment. I believe that YOU believe those people, who say "I'll absolutely never sell this at ANY price." But that is only because they don't believe anyone would be crazy enough to offer the price it would take to get them to relent. And 99.99% of the time, they will be correct. But that .01% can and does happen once in a great while. I've seen it. I've heard about it. So, you'll never get me to believe as you choose to. And it just gets away from my point that only in a "black hole collection," where you don't know who they are and what they have, does even that highly remote possibility become an impossibility. And that is how you define a "black hole collection/collector." If you can see the art, a possibility exists, no matter how remote, that you can obtain it (minus my "museum exception"). Only in a true "black hole collection," is that impossible.

This is a rather broad statement. Sorry, but just because you can see it, doesn't mean that for the right price, it can be obtained. Actually, it does. Whether you are willing or able to MEET the price it would take, well, that a whole other kettle of fish. Again, sorry, no. Maybe that might seem like a good theory but it doesn't reflect reality. I can think of a bunch of collectors with varying levels of collections (smaller collections up to BSDs), and they each have pieces that are "unobtainable" at ANY price (often because they are tied to strong nostalgic feelings). Even in my own collection, there are pieces that literally no amount of money could make me part with them. It has nothing to do with their value and everything to do with factors like nostalgia, the years of effort it took to obtain a piece and/or the years of regret I'd have if I ever let the piece go. If the offer was outrageous enough, they will sell. Again, it may be a price that no sane person would think could ever be made. To obtain the piece, would require meeting a ridiculous amount few people even had access to, much less would actually offer. But it could be done. It may be IMPROBABLE, but not IMPOSSIBLE. But with a "black hole collector," whom you don't even know who they are or what they have, even that remote improbability becomes impossible.

This is a rather broad statement. Sorry, but just because you can see it, doesn't mean that for the right price, it can be obtained. Actually, it does. Whether you are willing or able to MEET the price it would take, well, that a whole other kettle of fish.