key collector comics, what happenned?? 3 3

[Key Collector Comics]

On ‎10‎/‎31‎/‎2017 at 12:14 AM, Gotham Kid said:

Got the app. Like it. Plus it's free.

Better than a sharp stick to the eye...

Hey isn't that an old EC cover?

Edited November 3, 2017 by Key Collector Comics

[MustEatBrains]

9 minutes ago, Key Collector Comics said:

I think 4 got taken down and I got 3 warnings so I'm sure this is my farewell tour.

Honestly think it's a shame if anyone gave you a hard time.  Here's someone that did something for the good of collectors old and more importantly new ones interested in the hobby.  So us old timers may miss out on something here or there in a garage or estate sale, BFD.   Thanks for being selfless and creating this cool tool.

[Key Collector Comics]

On ‎10‎/‎31‎/‎2017 at 2:17 PM, jcjames said:

 

He said he manually reviewed past 6-months of sales on ebay of raws... damn, that's a lot of books and data!

It's a nice clean app and I like it, but I wonder about the amount of work it'll take to keep the updates (and sort through the ebay-grades).

 

It was manual to get pricing in and out but we're implementing and testing accurate automations that seem to be performing well

On ‎10‎/‎31‎/‎2017 at 3:46 PM, Shawnismaximus said:

Thanks to this app I recognized Superman Adventures 5 (first appearance of Livewire) and was able to buy it on the cheap from some guy. I came to look at a comic collection. This guy had no idea what he had, he got them in the will when his cousin died and had no interest in reading them. He lives a half hour away and wouldn't give me an estimate of what price range he was selling them for or give me any photos so I went into this thing blind. I get there and they were 90s-early 2000s comics that weren't bagged and boarded and they were stored in old wine boxes. Most were in decent shape though. While I was looking through them the seller mentioned that someone had already came, picked out a box of stuff from him and bought it. Sure enough it was pretty picked over. I told him he shouldn't do that as people will just pick out the best comics and leave him with the drek. I gave the guy what I would consider to be a pretty good offer for the collection, to which he seemed offended. He wouldn't tell me how much he wanted, just that it was much higher then what I offered. He then offered I fill up a box and then we can talk price on that box (even though I had just told him how people take advantage in that situation).

An important detail here: this guy was an total jerk. He kept yelling at his kids who were just playing and got angry at his wife when she told him to rinse the dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. He also watched over me like a hawk the whole time.  It was awkward. I wasn't using the key collector app but I recognized Superman Adventures 5 from seeing it in the app before.  So I decided screw it, I'm going to take the couple valuable comics I noticed, throw in some comics I want to read, and see what he prices it out at.  So I throw in Superman Adventures #5, Runaways #1, along with some early X-Force, Books of Magic, some Star Wars Comics and a Hulk TPB. All in all I had about 75 comics. I offered the guy 40 bucks to which he again looks offended. He says he wants 70. I offer that he can take out some comics and bring it down to 40. He takes out the 10 Books of Magic comics and Hulk TPB.  Which was fine with me, as both of those I just sort of threw in on a whim. 

Man that story is longwinded, sorry about that. My point is that the app is great, it helped me recognize a valuable comic and made the half hour drive to this guys house worth it.  Well it would have been worth it just for Runaways #1, but it made it extra worth it. 

Shawn I liked your story...not long-winded at all.  And Runaway's 1?  Heck yeah

[Key Collector Comics]

Just now, MustEatBrains said:

Honestly think it's a shame if anyone gave you a hard time.  Here's someone that did something for the good of collectors old and more importantly new ones interested in the hobby.  So us old timers may miss out on something here or there in a garage or estate sale, BFD.   Thanks for being selfless and creating this cool tool.

Yeah, hey look I don't want to miss out on anything either but I really don't think that's going to be the case with this. Who knows.  All I know is newer collectors are excited finding the lower level keys because they found something they can define now instead of walking out of a store with nothing.  sure it might be the first appearance of TAR PIT! but if I found that when I was 15  and it was a buck? I'd be pretty thrilled.  But I was a bit of a spaz back then...and still one now.

[grebal]

8 minutes ago, Key Collector Comics said:

On ‎10‎/‎30‎/‎2017 at 8:27 PM, grebal said:

You didn't hear it from me, but I think the Stasi disappeared his 'did I do something wrong' thread but the others are probably still around.  A lot of folks liked the ap (if not the disingenuous method of self-promotion), and I think the dude was rightfully proud of the results of all his hard work.

Its not disingenuous self-promotion.  Im not promoting myself and because I presented a pretty mild question that people decided to debate about doesn't make it disingenuous. But thank you for how you ended the reply.  You softened me up man.

Please forgive me for the crack, my skepticism led me to read the click-bait line "did I do something wrong?" as attention seeking and not genuine.  Sorry for the err.

[Key Collector Comics]

On ‎11‎/‎1‎/‎2017 at 10:15 AM, ygogolak said:

I think this is exactly why some people didn't like the idea of the app.
I really don't care one way or the other, unless you were the guy before me using the app. to hawk some books I would have already known about. But I suspect that will rarely happen on a local basis.

That's what I'm saying...but hey, if it was found/purchased before you got there...how could you get upset? Haha... I know what you were saying was rhetorical.  We all have the same fears.  With the comprehensiveness of the data which is added to every week...you're going to find stuff you wouldn't normally find.  I can tell you stories my friend....many tales.  Wisconsin isn't far from Canada. Let's go ice fishing.

By the way if you notice any missing keys please let me know.  That goes for everyone.  I always authenticate submissions and get them in usually 24 hours

[Key Collector Comics]

3 minutes ago, grebal said:

Please forgive me for the crack, my skepticism led me to read the click-bait line "did I do something wrong?" as attention seeking and not genuine.  Sorry for the err.

No it was pretty much exactly that but it was not for disingenuous SELF promotion.  It was genuine app promotion. I felt it was overt enough to be transparent.  Seemed like everyone enjoyed themselves though.

[Key Collector Comics]

On ‎10‎/‎31‎/‎2017 at 2:10 PM, FN-2199 said:

He's responsive to PMs. At least one of my suggestions to improve the database has been implemented already.

And that's exactly what I hoped for by presenting it to the boards...seriously...like "hey you're missing this or that."  That's why its designed so I can make immediate changes.  High five!

[1950's war comics]

@Key Collector Comics New people are driven away with regularity on these boards, there is a sense of entitlement among many of the long standing posters around here , some ride solo and others have formed cliques and anyone who dares burst in on this CGC scene is often subject to group harassment ,,, at least you have not ventured into the Water Cooler  where the very worst offenders often reside

Edited November 4, 2017 by 1950's war comics

[Key Collector Comics]

14 minutes ago, 1950's war comics said:

@Key Collector Comics New people are driven away with regularity on these boards, there is a sense of entitlement among many of the long standing posters around here , some ride solo and others have formed cliques and anyone who dares burst in on this CGC scene is often subject to group harassment ,,, at least you have not ventured into the Water Cooler  where the very worst offenders often reside

I think that’ll be my next stop! 

Kidding.  Thanks for the heads up 

[Bookery]

This whole topic is pretty much deja vu for me.  In 2001, a few months before publication, word got out that I was working on a pulps price and data guide.  You'd have thought the world had ended.  The pulp community "old guard" was aghast that someone they didn't know had done this work in the first place  I was attacked on pulp boards (similar to this type of board) before anyone had ever seen the book.  Secondly, there was a fear that knowledge of which issues were "key" would drive up prices akin to the comic book market, and that book-searchers would no longer be able to find bargains.  It was bad enough that when I attended a PulpCon to debut the actual publication, Jim Steranko walked up to me and teased me about all the controversy I was causing (he actually thought the book was a good idea).  When I got to the my table, I discovered it was in the back corner and the only one turned facing the wall.  Most people were afraid to be seen buying the book at the show, but I was deluged with mail orders the week after.  In the end, it turned out to be much ado about nothing.  My pricing wasn't inflated... in fact, was rather conservative.  That was the year pulp sales on eBay exploded, so my pricing was already behind the curve almost immediately, and certainly had nothing to do with escalating prices.  Eventually the book was accepted as a staple of the collecting market (it's still being used by Heritage Auctions for every pulp they list).  But yes... anytime something new appears, it will generally cause a certain amount of short-term anxiety.  If the item is useful, it will ultimately be accepted.  And if not, it will be forgotten.  Either way, it will eventually cease to be controversial.

[Key Collector Comics]

5 hours ago, ThinkAgain said:

Let me give you another heads up. 50sWar is a troll who has earned all the grief he's received. He himself is the cause of new people leaving this board. He contributes nothing but negative comments in the threads he shows up in, and he attacks anyone who doesn't agree with him. Heaven help you if you slab Moderns, he will rip you a new one. He's the last person I'd take advice from on this board.

Haha.  There are certainly some interesting dynamics that occur on the CGC boards.  

[Key Collector Comics]

That’s an interesting scenario that I hope doesn’t go that far.  I launched at the NYCC and fortunately didn’t have that experience.   For the most part, there is a lot of encouragement and I’m happy to make adjustments as the collector community continues to provide feedback. Thank you for writing about your experience.  It’s definirely an interesting and fun journey to experience the reactions to what I’ve put out there.  I hope people realize I’m genuinely trying to contribute in a positive way to the hobby and to these discussions.  I think it’s pretty obvious who the instigators are and who is negative out of jealousy or boredom.  Again thanks for sharing your story.   

[Key Collector Comics]

If anyone has any marketing or advertising ideas I’d really appreciate the advice. The goal of course is exposure. Please PM me or email me directly through the app.  Of course you can reply on the thread if you can handle the scrutiny.  

[Sandflea]

22 hours ago, Key Collector Comics said:

This might answer your question.  I can't even post about a comic book question without getting reported and shut down by "Fine Collector".  I have three warnings.   I didn't even mention my app in this post. 

 

There's no reason why they  got removed except for the fact that some people don't want this to be seen.   I'm not making any money on this  I spent 2 years working on the database.  I'm not saying here and there. I mean, I gave up a lot of personal stuff to do this.  I didn't release it to make money or I would've charged for it.  I don't have a business model set up for it.  Honestly, if anyone does have an idea of how I can at least make my money back on it, I'd love to hear it.  But I'm not going to start charging for it or put ads up.  I want everyone to have access to it and not for a pat on the back or pride like some have suggested but because I wanted it myself and would've done it anyway.  I thought it could be a nice contribution back to the comic book world that I've received so much enjoyment from since 1989 when I started collecting. 

Some people don't feel the same way.  They want it all for themselves.  There are a lot of comics out there in the world and regardless of either possessing a vast breadth of knowledge or having an app to lend a hand, you still need to have the passion for the hobby, seeking out collections, hitting the same stores in hopes something pops up, scouring craigslist etc.  No one is putting that effort in unless they love the way it makes them feel to look at a cover of something finite in a brand new Mylar bag, safe where it belongs in their care. And who knows where the S.A. #5 would’ve wound up if Shawn hadn’t rescued it. I'm happy he was able to take that home from a guy who didn't give a damn about the book.  What did I get out of that? See what Key Collector Comics mobile app can do for you!

Oh was that a plug? Sure!  Why not?!  Its a comic book forum! Its a free app that is directly related to what the forum is directly related to.  Its a good thing.  I'll tell you what (whoever is reading) I haven't had one negative comment anywhere but on the CGC boards and all because I spammed without knowing I was even doing it to such a degree that it would take over the conversation.  I've reached out in personal emails to people I shot back at and apologized to the ones who were upset by my posting. 

And really...how much did I post?  BUZZETTA DIDNT EVEN KNOW WHAT WE WERE TALKNG ABOUT AND HE HAS OVER 20,000 POSTS...I'm pretty sure he's on the board with enough frequency to catch wind someone was a real pest. 

But I even apologized to Fine COllector and the guy didn't even reply.  He wants to ambush something because he has an opinion. His opinion. He doesn't like the app because people with less knowledge can now have the same opportunity as him to find a book in the wild...A comic app.  Yet another thing he doesn't want other people to have because he has it all in his head.  Well some people don't have that kind of memory.  I mean, doesn't everyone see how selfish it is?  Yet I'm being called a disingenuous self-promoter?  How am I promoting myself? I'm promoting something that people have been really happy to have and I don't need credit for it.  I'm the messenger to deliver it, nothing more.  Think what you want.

Anstettoman, I wish your sentiment was true but the post that got removed had over 3,000 views and I can tell you, by and large, the comic community is not supporting this.  I wish you all would.  If I came off bad in earlier threads its because I'm passionate about this.  Im not in the business of mobile app development.  I'm not in the comic industry.  I have a good job that I enjoy but this was supposed to be fun and not just for me.  Luckily there are a lot of collectors who are enjoying it even though this guy is trying to shut it down.  I just don't get it man.  You live in Gatineau Canada?!  How can this effect you that much in Gatineau? If you're worried about the retailer? I can send you 10 comments from retailers and their customers who are using this as a marketing tool and its bringing them NEW BUSINESS.  That's the truth.  Go on my facebook or instagram and look around.  Its open to the public, just like the app.  

With your knowledge, with everyone's...we can actually contribute to making it a pretty nice resource for people.   Build on the spark of interest that the movies are creating and imbed it into sustaining the comic book collecting hobby.  Look I know most of you don't want to hear from me.  And you don't have to.  Just pass on to the next thread.  But hey, I love you all...even Dr. Doom.     

 Edit: I'm still trying to get the answer to that Shuma-Gorath question...

I've downloaded your app when you posted the link in your starting thread; damn good app!   Still finding & cataloging those "keys" that I didn't know were "keys" in the first place.  I, for one, much appreciate your "creation" 

[Key Collector Comics]

1 minute ago, Sandflea said:

I've downloaded your app when you posted the link in your starting thread; damn good app!   Still finding & cataloging those "keys" that I didn't know were "keys" in the first place.  I, for one, much appreciate your "creation" 

That’s so good to hear.  Let me know if you notice anything missing and I’ll get it into the database ASAP.    I’m glad you’re enjoying it. 

[SteppinRazor]

On 11/3/2017 at 5:44 PM, MustEatBrains said:

Honestly think it's a shame if anyone gave you a hard time.  Here's someone that did something for the good of collectors old and more importantly new ones interested in the hobby.  So us old timers may miss out on something here or there in a garage or estate sale, BFD.   Thanks for being selfless and creating this cool tool.

Agree.  If one is mad that it's harder to sucker someone now, well that says a lot about one's character.

[Aman619]

I'm wondering where the list of keys was put together from. Is it from Overstreet? Some online database? I'm assuming it wasn't just cribbed from one source.  But when comparing its entries to Overstreet I see many many notable books not listed in the app.

  Not the biggest keys of course.  I'm talking about $30 books in runs where nearest issues are 3-6 bucks.  These are books worth pulling or looking for too and including if the goal is to leave no valuable book behind.

[Key Collector Comics]

15 hours ago, SteppinRazor said:

Agree.  If one is mad that it's harder to sucker someone now, well that says a lot about one's character.

That’s a damn good point.  Thanks for sharing 

[Key Collector Comics]

9 hours ago, Aman619 said:

I'm wondering where the list of keys was put together from. Is it from Overstreet? Some online database? I'm assuming it wasn't just cribbed from one source.  But when comparing its entries to Overstreet I see many many notable books not listed in the app.

  Not the biggest keys of course.  I'm talking about $30 books in runs where nearest issues are 3-6 bucks.  These are books worth pulling or looking for too and including if the goal is to leave no valuable book behind.

I absolutely agree. I captured much of what is of value after the Silver age.  If you’re talking about some of the golden age and silver age stuff I got a lot of that but don’t want the database to be so dense with issues that are valuable just because they’re old and potentially in high grade condition.  So I stuck with books that have certain instances like World War II cover art, 1st and early appearances. 

Im not sure how you were searching but there are a lot of books in there that don’t have a character assigned yet.  And when vetting prices i don’t go buy Overstreet. Thr majority of my research comes from plugging data into eBay, analyzing sold info and manually entering an issue. There is A LOT of pricing out there in different sources that don’t even come close to reality which is why I used eBay as a watermark and supplemented other parts of the database through 30+ resources.

You’re right though.  The goal is no book left behind and for the first month it seems I’m off to a good start judging by the feedback. I’ve received a lot of key issue submissions through my email and honestlyba majority of what I’ve gotten was already in the database. If you could pass along anything in particular that you noticed missing I’d be truly grateful.  Could you PM me anything that sticks out please? Thanks Aman

-Nick