Comicmylars vs the late, great John Verzyl 5 5

[MikeRN]

I had been watching Comicmylars' ALL STAR COMICS #7 CGC 4.0 for over a year( at $2895) and even pointed out how the item description was incorrect just before I tried to buy it:  Comicmylars rejected offers of $2600 and $2700, and said he would only take $2795.  Days later I politely offered $2795 via an email, but he instead raised the price to $3195, and said he had another offer higher than mine-yet the book still sits there.  Once Comicmylars knew he had some interest on this book he tried to TAKE ADVANTAGE and PRICE GOUGE me.  I don't think I was asking for much:  A 3.5% price reduction on a 'Make an Offer' is $3.50 off a $100; so going $2700 out of $2895 is only 7%.  Now the late, great John Verzyl was a man who understood comic book lovers, wasn't a 'cut throat' businessman, and would make a reasonable deal-and still make a profit.  I miss seeing Mr. Verzyl at conventions, and his Comic Book Heaven Auctions:  For those who love comic books, research him.  

To the honest dealers,

     I edited my original post after some long thoughts; and I do understand there is more than one point of view:  In this case, specifically, buyer and seller.  Moreover, I get how a seller has to contend with eBay's 13% fee, among the myriad of other issues involved with running a business:  I'm sure it's very involved.  So if I offended, it was unintentional , and I apologize.  However, I felt I made fair offers, and raising the price $500 after showing interest, and after coming back willing to pay what he wanted days earlier, was very frustrating.  In addition, the higher the price the more tax added on to the final sale price.  I was just looking to get the book for a fair price.

     "One size does not fit all."  I think out of everything something good comes:  My original post led to reactions that made me re-think, and it led to others educating us on the seller's point of view.  Moreover, I think it serves a greater good:  In all things in life, one must listen to other views, and adapt their thoughts-especially if their present view is hurting them or holding them back.  Stay well.

    So, there’s something about the very nature of human being that makes us feel as if something needs to be set right. When that has been discussed historically it’s been associated with the term redemption. People are in need of redemption.  And everyone, strangely enough, has this intuition that something is wrong with the world that needs to be put right and they have a moral obligation to participate in that process.  We always have to be aware that there’s something that supersedes the domain of our knowledge.  And what might you think of people that don’t believe that? Well, they’re totalitarians because they believe that their belief is total. And we know what happens when people become totalitarian. That’s a mistake.  So, for example, if you are having a conversation with your wife or a friend, a difficult conversation, there’s a couple of ways that conversation can go. One is you can take your viewpoint and impose it upon that person. And often when people are talking that’s what they are trying to do. They’re not having a conversation. What they are doing is they are trying to impose a viewpoint they already hold dear on the person that is listening. And if they’re a tyrant or a bully they will do that and pay no attention whatsoever to the person’s response and in fact they will get irritated or violent if the person does not accept their a priori framing. Is there an alternative?  Well there is an alternative. The alternative is to pay attention and to listen on the off chance that the person you are talking to might tell you something you don’t know. But in order to listen you must be already convinced that the little theory you are using to orient yourself in the world isn’t good enough, because if it was good enough why would you bother listening. So, you have to be deeply aware of your own ignorance and that’s what humility means. Humility means to be deeply aware of your own ignorance.  It means to make the presupposition that you many have something left to learn and that this annoying person in front of you might have something to teach you if you would just listen.  So, you have a little problem and let’s say you are discussing it with your someone and they offer you their opinion. And you can brush it off and which case your little state stays in tact, it doesn’t move, it’s still made of stone, it’s pillars and you’re still a tyrant or you can listen and you can think “oh I see, there is a microcorrection that I need to make in one of the peripheral elements of my belief.” And that’s a little painful because it means you have to let something go, your presumption, and then you have to be a little chaotic as you adjust to the new information and then you have to reconstitute yourself. And what that means, interestingly enough, is that you have to make a sacrifice. And the proper sacrifice is the one you make of your microbelief when you are faced with evidence of error. And if you make those types of microsacrifices, your models of the world stay up to date.  There are things that you can do to your being that change the nature of reality. And if you do them properly you can make reality better.  For modern people it’s more like an idea. You have to sacrifice an idea that you hold dear in order to progress, because the ideas that you hold dear are exactly what are you making you suffer if you are suffering. So you have to sacrifice them and then you have to let them go and the consequence of that is that you enter into this little period of chaos and then maybe you pop out of that and that is a good thing. And so, here is an interesting observation: that process of being in a state and identifying an error and correcting it, that is a little death and rebirth. That’s like the phoenix. The phoenix dissolves itself into ashes then pops back up as a new bird.  It means that the idea that redemption itself is not the consequence of being in a state. It’s the consequence of participating in a process and the process is the willingness to continually have yourself sacrificed, chaotic, and then reborn. And that’s what keeps things alive.  And that’s not how most people live:  “I have a theory about how I want the world to be and I will enforce that theory. And I am going to be very angry if the world does not respond the way I want it to be."  It’s a narrow and totalitarian viewpoint and that’s a very bad idea.  So to be redeemed is to sacrifice what’s no longer useful and valid in yourself, and to tell the truth. The consequence of that is existence in a deep state of meaning that justifies the tragedy of being and the possibility of transforming your own life in the most beneficial positive direction while simultaneously doing that for the people around you. And that’s redemption.

Above is a modified from a J.P.P. lecture.

https://comicheaven.net/our-legacy

https://scoop.previewsworld.com/Home/4/1/73/1012?articleID=208759

https://www.cgccomics.com/news/article/6502/john-verzyl-remembered/

 

Edited October 23, 2022 by MikeRN
Made it more positive

[LDarkseid1]

I’m not a comic dealer, but this post is coming from a place of such negativity towards boardies I’m not surprised no one’s replying. Sorry man, but not sure why you’re going on a tirade against the dealer community here lol. I mean unfortunate situation for sure, and that seller is certainly notorious for overpricing imop. But I mean move on and forget the book I’d say, don’t know what to tell you 🤷‍♂️. I mean just don’t try to buy from Comicmylars again 👌.

[Gotham Kid]

Charlie Shieh aka comicmylars, notoriously overprices his books ( most are flips from past purchases )

He doesn't need money nor is he in a rush to sell anything, that's why some of his inventory sits on ebay for years. He also often shows a dipsh1t attitude towards potential buyers, as was the case with the OP yet again.

Either pay his (often ridiculous) price or better yet search for another copy somewhere else...

Edited October 19, 2022 by Gotham Kid

[MAR1979]

On 10/19/2022 at 1:35 PM, Gotham Kid said:

Charlie Shieh aka comicmylars, notoriously overprices his books ( most are flips from past purchases )

He doesn't need money nor is he in a rush to sell anything, that's why some of his inventory sits on ebay for years. He also often shows a dipsh1t attitude towards potential buyers, as was the case with the OP yet again.

Either pay his (often ridiculous) price or better yet search for another copy somewhere else...

That is some Donnally Bros level BS by comicmylars. Seems as if they are only in it for them Mind Games, best to avoid their ilk

 

Edited October 20, 2022 by MAR1979

[MikeRN]

On 10/18/2022 at 9:37 PM, LDarkseid1 said:

I’m not a comic dealer, but this post is coming from a place of such negativity towards boardies I’m not surprised no one’s replying. Sorry man, but not sure why you’re going on a tirade against the dealer community here lol. I mean unfortunate situation for sure, and that seller is certainly notorious for overpricing imop. But I mean move on and forget the book I’d say, don’t know what to tell you 🤷‍♂️. I mean just don’t try to buy from Comicmylars again 👌.

Point well taken:  You're absolutely right.

[MikeRN]

You're absolutely right:  Point well taken.

[KCOComics]

 

I would be annoyed by that situation as well. Probably best to move on.

I'll say, I've had nothing but positive interactions with the bigger dealers in the hobby, both online and in person. Reece, Dale Roberts, Bob storms, Ted at superworld.. I've always found them to be very reasonable. 

[thehumantorch]

On 10/18/2022 at 3:34 PM, MikeRN said:

I had been watching Comicmylars' ALL STAR COMICS #7 CGC 4.0 for over a year( at $2895) and even pointed out how the item description was incorrect just before I tried to buy it:  Comicmylars rejected offers of $2600 and $2700, and said he would only take $2795.  Days later I politely offered $2795 via an email, but he instead raised the price to $3195, and said he had another offer higher than mine-yet the book still sits there.  Once Comicmylars knew he had some interest on this book he tried to TAKE ADVANTAGE and PRICE GOUGE me.  Before you fellow, stereotypical comic dealers chime in, realize that a 3.5% price reduction on a 'Make an Offer' is $3.50 off a $100; so going $2700 out of $2895 is only 7%.  I've been to conventions and met your ilk:  You're not in it for the love of comics, you're in it for the money & power you think you hold; and I've even heard the boastful stories some of them have told about buying rare comics for pennies on the dollar-and then they have the audacity to act as if they're entitled to multiples over price guide values.  Now the late, great John Verzyl was a man who understood comic book lovers, wasn't a 'cut throat' businessman, and would make a reasonable deal-and still make a profit.  I miss seeing Mr. Verzyl at conventions, and his Comic Book Heaven Auctions:  For those who love comic books, research him.  

Best to move on Mike.  Do you really want to support a dealer like comicmylars after the stuff he's pulled on you?  He is clearly in it only for the money but in the end he can price a book he owns at any price he wants.  He can turn down offers below his ask and he can raise the price if he wants.

Another copy will come along.  You could start a want to buy thread here that might dig one up.  Sooner or later Heritage, mycomicshop, comicconnect or comiclink will get a copy.  

[LDarkseid1]

On 10/19/2022 at 3:51 PM, MikeRN said:

Point well taken:  You're absolutely right.

Yeah I mean sorry you had a blah situation that’s for sure.

Edited October 20, 2022 by LDarkseid1

[jimbo_7071]

On 10/18/2022 at 5:34 PM, MikeRN said:

I had been watching Comicmylars' ALL STAR COMICS #7 CGC 4.0 for over a year( at $2895) and even pointed out how the item description was incorrect just before I tried to buy it:  Comicmylars rejected offers of $2600 and $2700, and said he would only take $2795.  Days later I politely offered $2795 via an email, but he instead raised the price to $3195, and said he had another offer higher than mine-yet the book still sits there.  Once Comicmylars knew he had some interest on this book he tried to TAKE ADVANTAGE and PRICE GOUGE me.  Before you fellow, stereotypical comic dealers chime in, realize that a 3.5% price reduction on a 'Make an Offer' is $3.50 off a $100; so going $2700 out of $2895 is only 7%.  I've been to conventions and met your ilk:  You're not in it for the love of comics, you're in it for the money & power you think you hold; and I've even heard the boastful stories some of them have told about buying rare comics for pennies on the dollar-and then they have the audacity to act as if they're entitled to multiples over price guide values.  Now the late, great John Verzyl was a man who understood comic book lovers, wasn't a 'cut throat' businessman, and would make a reasonable deal-and still make a profit.  I miss seeing Mr. Verzyl at conventions, and his Comic Book Heaven Auctions:  For those who love comic books, research him.  

Take any book you can name: for every copy in the census, there are probably at least ten comparable raw copies out there. There's no reason to pay an absurd asking price for anything. Why on earth would you agree to pay $2,795 for that book? Consider yourself fortunate that he turned you down. (I've caved and payed absurd asking prices for books before, so I get it, but I'm pretty sure you would have had buyer's remorse.)

[tth2]

On 10/19/2022 at 9:37 AM, LDarkseid1 said:

I’m not a comic dealer, but this post is coming from a place of such negativity towards boardies I’m not surprised no one’s replying. Sorry man, but not sure why you’re going on a tirade against the dealer community here lol. I mean unfortunate situation for sure, and that seller is certainly notorious for overpricing imop. But I mean move on and forget the book I’d say, don’t know what to tell you 🤷‍♂️. I mean just don’t try to buy from Comicmylars again 👌.

I go into any transaction with a dealer assuming they're a total sleazebag, because most are.  But one thing I won't tolerate is them moving the goalposts on a deal.

Robert Roter tried to do that to me years ago, so I've never dealt with him since then.

[LDarkseid1]

On 10/20/2022 at 8:32 AM, tth2 said:

I go into any transaction with a dealer assuming they're a total sleazebag, because most are.  But one thing I won't tolerate is them moving the goalposts on a deal.

Robert Roter tried to do that to me years ago, so I've never dealt with him since then.

I’m sorry you feel every dealer is a sleazebag from the start. That’s a depressing place to be coming from lol.

[MAR1979]

On 10/20/2022 at 11:32 AM, tth2 said:

I go into any transaction with a dealer assuming they're a total sleazebag, because most are.  But one thing I won't tolerate is them moving the goalposts on a deal.

While I do not agree with your first sentence, I will say Truly Honest folks do not become Comic Book, Comic Book Original Art or Trading Card dealers.  Still not honoring a deal or their word represents the true worst of the worst and the mark of true 4th letter of the alphabet-bag

 

Edited October 20, 2022 by MAR1979

[blazingbob]

On 10/20/2022 at 11:32 AM, tth2 said:

I go into any transaction with a dealer assuming they're a total sleazebag, because most are.  But one thing I won't tolerate is them moving the goalposts on a deal.

Robert Roter tried to do that to me years ago, so I've never dealt with him since then.

Wow,  Not sure what to say on this post.

[Robot Man]

On 10/20/2022 at 8:32 AM, tth2 said:

I go into any transaction with a dealer assuming they're a total sleazebag, because most are.  But one thing I won't tolerate is them moving the goalposts on a deal.

Robert Roter tried to do that to me years ago, so I've never dealt with him since then.

That is a very harsh and generalized theory. True in some cases but most are just trying to make a buck in a very tough and competitive hobby. There are MANY honest dealers. Or, they aren’t around long. Many of them I don’t deal with much for a number of reasons. Maybe they don’t deal in what I want. Maybe I feel their prices are higher than what I want to pay. Probably other personal reasons as well.

I am a seasoned hobbyist. I know I can always move on and spend my money elsewhere. It’s up to me.

Are all dealers “skumbags”? Hell no. I have dealt with a lot of “skumbag” buyers from the back of the table as well. Most are reasonable or downright pleasant.

Ask your self. Where would your collection be without dealers? 

[Sweet Lou 14]

It would help this conversation a lot to recognize that Charlie Shieh is not a professional dealer.  I could not agree more with @Gotham Kid in his description of how Charlie operates ... suffice it to say he does not behave like someone who is trying to build relationships and cultivate a customer base of repeat buyers.  He couldn't care less what you think of him or his prices, his entire model is predicated on the notion that eventually, someone will be desperate enough to pay his price.

I buy an absolutely stupid number of comics each year, but I no longer buy books from him.  There are a handful of other sellers (again, not dealers!) that I consider last-resort options but will still do business with.  As for Charlie, I wouldn't give him the satisfaction and I wouldn't suggest anyone else do it either.

[MrBedrock]

On 10/20/2022 at 10:32 AM, tth2 said:

I go into any transaction with a dealer assuming they're a total sleazebag, because most are.

Me too. Heck, even when I am talking to myself I am suspicious of my motives.

[D84]

On 10/20/2022 at 4:34 PM, MrBedrock said:

Me too. Heck, even when I am talking to myself I am suspicious of my motives.

I'm suspicious of your motives when you walk around talking to yourself.

[Cobbledclam]

On 10/20/2022 at 2:43 PM, D84 said:

I'm suspicious of your motives when you walk around talking to yourself.

 

On 10/20/2022 at 11:19 AM, Robot Man said:

That is a very harsh and generalized theory. True in some cases but most are just trying to make a buck in a very tough and competitive hobby. There are MANY honest dealers. Or, they aren’t around long. Many of them I don’t deal with much for a number of reasons. Maybe they don’t deal in what I want. Maybe I feel their prices are higher than what I want to pay. Probably other personal reasons as well.

I am a seasoned hobbyist. I know I can always move on and spend my money elsewhere. It’s up to me.

Are all dealers “skumbags”? Hell no. I have dealt with a lot of “skumbag” buyers from the back of the table as well. Most are reasonable or downright pleasant.

Ask your self. Where would your collection be without dealers? 

 

On 10/20/2022 at 11:02 AM, blazingbob said:

Wow,  Not sure what to say on this post.

So now if we can get back to the positive concerning this thread. 
The late great sweetheart that exemplified comic cuddlieness…

I never had a bad experience with John. Always pleasant and it was either yay or nay on transactions. 

Edited October 20, 2022 by Cobbledclam
Typo

[RareHighGrade]

On 10/18/2022 at 2:34 PM, MikeRN said:

Now the late, great John Verzyl was a man who understood comic book lovers, wasn't a 'cut throat' businessman, and would make a reasonable deal-and still make a profit.  I miss seeing Mr. Verzyl at conventions, and his Comic Book Heaven Auctions:  For those who love comic books, research him.  

I never found that John Verzyl had "reasonable" prices, but he had an inventory of amazing books that could not be found elsewhere, and he was one of the warmest and kindest people I ever met.