Who Comprises CGC's restoration detection division? Where are Friesen & Brevard?

[esquirecomics]

This article was published in Scoop more than six months ago:

 

CCG Closes Its Doors in Comic Book Conservation

Industry News, Scoop, Friday, April 07, 2006

 

The Certified Collectibles Group, (CCG) has formally closed Paper Collectibles Services (PCS). Paper Collectibles Services was developed to meet the needs of hobbyists for reliable professional comic book conservation.

 

Because pressing can raise the grade of a book, PSC has been perceived by some collectors as being in conflict with Comics Guaranty, LLC (CGC), also a member of CCG. Paper Collectible Services (PSC), which was originally developed for reliable professional comic book conservation, performed comic book pressing treatment, which reduces certain paper wrinkles, dents and creases in the outward appearance of comic books.

 

In response to PSC closing its doors, many of its key personnel will be transitioning to CGC's restoration detection division, including Chris Friesen and Cantie Brevard. Friesen, who is among the foremost experts in comic books restoration, conservation and certification, and Brevard, also a restoration and conservation expert, will join CGC's restoration detection team.

 

Steven Eichenbaum, CEO of the Certified Collectibles Group, comments on this move: "Our primary purpose has always been to act in a protective role to the collectibles fields in which we operate. While I feel the value that PCS brings to the market has been misunderstood, we have always listened to all sides of every argument and responded to collectors and hobbyist as a fundamental component of our business development. Ultimately we did not feel that we were serving in the collectors' best interest if there was a perception of conflict between CGC and PCS."

 

"I'm extremely happy about this move," said Steven Borock, CGC's President and Primary Grader, "I was very unhappy when CGC lost Chris [Friesen] as our top restoration detection expert. I, and many others, consider him to be the best in the world at what he does. Now, not only is he back in the position I originally hired him for, but he also brings with him to CGC another top expert, Cantie Brevard. This is not only good news for CGC, but for the entire hobby as well."

 

CCG is a group of independent companies which focus on the impartial, independent and expert certification and grading of the collectible market.

 

CGC's website does not mention either Friesen or Brevard. Although there is no specific section discussing a "restoration detection division", there is a section listing the grading team.

 

WHO IS GRADING YOUR COMICS? MEET CGC'S GRADING TEAM!

 

Interestingly on this page there is specific reference to restoration. No surprise I am sure it includes bios for:

 

Steven Borock, Primary Grader, Restoration Detection Expert

 

Mark Haspel, Senior Grader, Restoration Detection Expert

 

Paul Litch, Senior Grader, Modern Age Specialist, Restoration Detection Expert

 

QUESTIONS

 

(1) Does CGC actually have a "restoration detection division"?

 

(2) If so, who are the experts that operate within this division?

 

(3) It was stated that "many of [PCS's] key personnel" were moving to CGC. How many people were employed by PCS and who were they?

 

(4) Specifically, where is Chris Friesen and what is he doing for CGC/CCG? Why all the mystery? Why is it we can't get a straight answer from anyone at CGC?

 

(5) Who is Cantie Brevard? I've asked Steve B. this before and only received a very basic answer. What is his background? What does he do now?

 

One would think given the hype that CGC/CCG provided both Friesen and Brevard through PCS and the Scoop article above that it would be touting and promoting both individuals in order to bolster its reputation.

 

So, why are their whereabouts and activities shrouded in mystery?

[Harvey Dude]

(1) Does CGC actually have a "restoration detection division"?

 

(2) If so, who are the experts that operate within this division?

 

(3) It was stated that "many of [PCS's] key personnel" were moving to CGC. How many people were employed by PCS and who were they?

 

(4) Specifically, where is Chris Friesen and what is he doing for CGC/CCG? Why all the mystery? Why is it we can't get a straight answer from anyone at CGC?

 

(5) Who is Cantie Brevard? I've asked Steve B. this before and only received a very basic answer. What is his background? What does he do now?

 

One would think given the hype that CGC/CCG provided both Friesen and Brevard through PCS and the Scoop article above that it would be touting and promoting both individuals in order to bolster its reputation.

 

All excellent and easy to answer questions.

[awe4one]

Well...this is a very good question considering the resto confusion that have come up over the last year.

 

Jim

[Crackandpresstoan11]

The new resto "expert" is listed in the Sarasota white pages. Maybe you can just call him?

[Flaming_Telepath]

(1) Does CGC actually have a "restoration detection division"?

 

(2) If so, who are the experts that operate within this division?

 

(3) It was stated that "many of [PCS's] key personnel" were moving to CGC. How many people were employed by PCS and who were they?

 

(4) Specifically, where is Chris Friesen and what is he doing for CGC/CCG? Why all the mystery? Why is it we can't get a straight answer from anyone at CGC?

 

(5) Who is Cantie Brevard? I've asked Steve B. this before and only received a very basic answer. What is his background? What does he do now?

 

One would think given the hype that CGC/CCG provided both Friesen and Brevard through PCS and the Scoop article above that it would be touting and promoting both individuals in order to bolster its reputation.

 

All excellent and easy to answer questions.

 

You're going to need more popcorn than that....

[FFB]

This article was published in Scoop more than six months ago:

 

CCG Closes Its Doors in Comic Book Conservation

Industry News, Scoop, Friday, April 07, 2006

 

The Certified Collectibles Group, (CCG) has formally closed Paper Collectibles Services (PCS). Paper Collectibles Services was developed to meet the needs of hobbyists for reliable professional comic book conservation.

 

Because pressing can raise the grade of a book, PSC has been perceived by some collectors as being in conflict with Comics Guaranty, LLC (CGC), also a member of CCG. Paper Collectible Services (PSC), which was originally developed for reliable professional comic book conservation, performed comic book pressing treatment, which reduces certain paper wrinkles, dents and creases in the outward appearance of comic books.

 

In response to PSC closing its doors, many of its key personnel will be transitioning to CGC's restoration detection division, including Chris Friesen and Cantie Brevard. Friesen, who is among the foremost experts in comic books restoration, conservation and certification, and Brevard, also a restoration and conservation expert, will join CGC's restoration detection team.

 

Steven Eichenbaum, CEO of the Certified Collectibles Group, comments on this move: "Our primary purpose has always been to act in a protective role to the collectibles fields in which we operate. While I feel the value that PCS brings to the market has been misunderstood, we have always listened to all sides of every argument and responded to collectors and hobbyist as a fundamental component of our business development. Ultimately we did not feel that we were serving in the collectors' best interest if there was a perception of conflict between CGC and PCS."

 

"I'm extremely happy about this move," said Steven Borock, CGC's President and Primary Grader, "I was very unhappy when CGC lost Chris [Friesen] as our top restoration detection expert. I, and many others, consider him to be the best in the world at what he does. Now, not only is he back in the position I originally hired him for, but he also brings with him to CGC another top expert, Cantie Brevard. This is not only good news for CGC, but for the entire hobby as well."

 

CCG is a group of independent companies which focus on the impartial, independent and expert certification and grading of the collectible market.

 

CGC's website does not mention either Friesen or Brevard. Although there is no specific section discussing a "restoration detection division", there is a section listing the grading team.

 

WHO IS GRADING YOUR COMICS? MEET CGC'S GRADING TEAM!

 

Interestingly on this page there is specific reference to restoration. No surprise I am sure it includes bios for:

 

Steven Borock, Primary Grader, Restoration Detection Expert

 

Mark Haspel, Senior Grader, Restoration Detection Expert

 

Paul Litch, Senior Grader, Modern Age Specialist, Restoration Detection Expert

 

QUESTIONS

 

(1) Does CGC actually have a "restoration detection division"?

 

(2) If so, who are the experts that operate within this division?

 

(3) It was stated that "many of [PCS's] key personnel" were moving to CGC. How many people were employed by PCS and who were they?

 

(4) Specifically, where is Chris Friesen and what is he doing for CGC/CCG? Why all the mystery? Why is it we can't get a straight answer from anyone at CGC?

 

(5) Who is Cantie Brevard? I've asked Steve B. this before and only received a very basic answer. What is his background? What does he do now?

 

One would think given the hype that CGC/CCG provided both Friesen and Brevard through PCS and the Scoop article above that it would be touting and promoting both individuals in order to bolster its reputation.

 

So, why are their whereabouts and activities shrouded in mystery?

 

Have you called CGC and asked each of these questions? Or was the "who is Cantie Brevard?" question all you asked? Did you ask follow-up questions after getting the "basic answer"? If not, why are you trying to deny everyone this information that you could easily be getting for them? Was your interest in starting this thread to get information, or to try to put CGC on the spot?

 

Do you see how phrasing a post like this can create insinuations that might not be fair?

[rodan57]

Have you called CGC and asked each of these questions? Or was the "who is Cantie Brevard?" question all you asked? Did you ask follow-up questions after getting the "basic answer"? If not, why are you trying to deny everyone this information that you could easily be getting for them? Was your interest in starting this thread to get information, or to try to put CGC on the spot?

 

Do you see how phrasing a post like this can create insinuations that might not be fair?

 

I don't see how this creates "insinuations". It's communication. If Mark wants to phone and share information with us --fine. If he wishes to pose his questions here and await Steve's response --all the better because it will be Steve's words.

[FFB]

Have you called CGC and asked each of these questions? Or was the "who is Cantie Brevard?" question all you asked? Did you ask follow-up questions after getting the "basic answer"? If not, why are you trying to deny everyone this information that you could easily be getting for them? Was your interest in starting this thread to get information, or to try to put CGC on the spot?

 

Do you see how phrasing a post like this can create insinuations that might not be fair?

 

I don't see how this creates "insinuations". It's communication. If Mark wants to phone and share information with us --fine. If he wishes to pose his questions here and await Steve's response --all the better because it will be Steve's words.

 

"Shrouded in mystery" isn't an insinuation that CGC has something to hide? Give me a break.

[Flaming_Telepath]

This article was published in Scoop more than six months ago:

 

CCG Closes Its Doors in Comic Book Conservation

Industry News, Scoop, Friday, April 07, 2006

 

The Certified Collectibles Group, (CCG) has formally closed Paper Collectibles Services (PCS). Paper Collectibles Services was developed to meet the needs of hobbyists for reliable professional comic book conservation.

 

Because pressing can raise the grade of a book, PSC has been perceived by some collectors as being in conflict with Comics Guaranty, LLC (CGC), also a member of CCG. Paper Collectible Services (PSC), which was originally developed for reliable professional comic book conservation, performed comic book pressing treatment, which reduces certain paper wrinkles, dents and creases in the outward appearance of comic books.

 

In response to PSC closing its doors, many of its key personnel will be transitioning to CGC's restoration detection division, including Chris Friesen and Cantie Brevard. Friesen, who is among the foremost experts in comic books restoration, conservation and certification, and Brevard, also a restoration and conservation expert, will join CGC's restoration detection team.

 

Steven Eichenbaum, CEO of the Certified Collectibles Group, comments on this move: "Our primary purpose has always been to act in a protective role to the collectibles fields in which we operate. While I feel the value that PCS brings to the market has been misunderstood, we have always listened to all sides of every argument and responded to collectors and hobbyist as a fundamental component of our business development. Ultimately we did not feel that we were serving in the collectors' best interest if there was a perception of conflict between CGC and PCS."

 

"I'm extremely happy about this move," said Steven Borock, CGC's President and Primary Grader, "I was very unhappy when CGC lost Chris [Friesen] as our top restoration detection expert. I, and many others, consider him to be the best in the world at what he does. Now, not only is he back in the position I originally hired him for, but he also brings with him to CGC another top expert, Cantie Brevard. This is not only good news for CGC, but for the entire hobby as well."

 

CCG is a group of independent companies which focus on the impartial, independent and expert certification and grading of the collectible market.

 

CGC's website does not mention either Friesen or Brevard. Although there is no specific section discussing a "restoration detection division", there is a section listing the grading team.

 

WHO IS GRADING YOUR COMICS? MEET CGC'S GRADING TEAM!

 

Interestingly on this page there is specific reference to restoration. No surprise I am sure it includes bios for:

 

Steven Borock, Primary Grader, Restoration Detection Expert

 

Mark Haspel, Senior Grader, Restoration Detection Expert

 

Paul Litch, Senior Grader, Modern Age Specialist, Restoration Detection Expert

 

QUESTIONS

 

(1) Does CGC actually have a "restoration detection division"?

 

(2) If so, who are the experts that operate within this division?

 

(3) It was stated that "many of [PCS's] key personnel" were moving to CGC. How many people were employed by PCS and who were they?

 

(4) Specifically, where is Chris Friesen and what is he doing for CGC/CCG? Why all the mystery? Why is it we can't get a straight answer from anyone at CGC?

 

(5) Who is Cantie Brevard? I've asked Steve B. this before and only received a very basic answer. What is his background? What does he do now?

 

One would think given the hype that CGC/CCG provided both Friesen and Brevard through PCS and the Scoop article above that it would be touting and promoting both individuals in order to bolster its reputation.

 

So, why are their whereabouts and activities shrouded in mystery?

 

Have you called CGC and asked each of these questions? Or was the "who is Cantie Brevard?" question all you asked? Did you ask follow-up questions after getting the "basic answer"? If not, why are you trying to deny everyone this information that you could easily be getting for them? Was your interest in starting this thread to get information, or to try to put CGC on the spot?

 

Do you see how phrasing a post like this can create insinuations that might not be fair?

 

When Lawyers Go Bad!

 

[Red Hook]

Instead of taking issue with the phrasing of the question, how about staying focused on the fact that the answers to these questions, though posed several times, in a variety of ways, over the past months.....have simply not been forthcoming.

 

Leading me to conclude, quite reasonably so, that CGC feels that the answers to these questions would not present them in the best light. Leading to more and more speculation.

 

If there were simple answers to these simple questions, wouldn't they have been answered already, in an attempt to short curcuit lines of inquiry like this one?

 

What is the big deal about these answers already? This is comic book grading, not the Manhattan Project.

[Red Hook]

"Shrouded in mystery" isn't an insinuation that CGC has something to hide? Give me a break.

 

I consider the whole startup, structure, operation and shutdown of PCS to have been "shrouded in mystery" from the moment it was announced. When you're asking customers to sign a non-disclosure agreement, it certainly appears you've got something you want to keep under wraps.

[Timely]

(4) Specifically, where is Chris Friesen and what is he doing for CGC/CCG? Why all the mystery? Why is it we can't get a straight answer from anyone at CGC?

 

Why all the mystery? Mark what are you talking about? If you want to talk to Chris Friesen you have CGC's number feel free to call Monday morning, he sits 3 desks down from me!

 

West

[Timely]

If there were simple answers to these simple questions, wouldn't they have been answered already, in an attempt to short curcuit lines of inquiry like this one?

 

What is the big deal about these answers already? This is comic book grading, not the Manhattan Project.

 

This thread was started after 10PM on a Friday night. CGC is closed over the weekend, certainly you cannot expect an official CGC response before Monday. As I said earlier, you all have CGC's phone number, give us a call! Crazy conspiracy threads like this does nothing for anyone.

 

West

[jkrk]

I've been involved in controversy in the past. This time I'm laying down my six shooter and cuddling up with.........

 

http://www.popcorn.org/images/photos/CheesyPopcorn.jpg

 

and

 

http://www.popcorn.org/images/photos/Popcorn_Bowl.jpg

 

and http://www.popcorn.org/images/photos/Spicy_Italian.jpg

 

All photo's from http://www.popcorn.org/about/media/photos.cfm

 

This might take awhile.

[Red Hook]

My questions regarding not only Chris' location but his duties have been asked before....

 

On Oct. 10

 

Chris?

 

On Sept. 18

 

Chris?

 

Glad to hear you guys will be open again after a four week break.

 

BTW....would someone at CGC please restore Chris' posting privileges? Would be nice to hear him address some of the concerns of the board.

 

Thanks so much.

[FFB]

Instead of taking issue with the phrasing of the question, how about staying focused on the fact that the answers to these questions, though posed several times, in a variety of ways, over the past months.....have simply not been forthcoming.

 

Leading me to conclude, quite reasonably so, that CGC feels that the answers to these questions would not present them in the best light. Leading to more and more speculation.

 

If there were simple answers to these simple questions, wouldn't they have been answered already, in an attempt to short curcuit lines of inquiry like this one?

 

What is the big deal about these answers already? This is comic book grading, not the Manhattan Project.

 

Really? Who has asked CGC these questions directly and not gotten answers? I don't mean posting a random question here and there on a message board where CGC may or may not answer it. I mean picking up the phone and calling to ask a question like a rational adult. Has Steve or anyone at CGC ever refused to answer a question that anyone has called up and asked him? No, but because he doesn't answer every question thrown out on a message board, he's got something to hide? Maybe the problem isn't that CGC doesn't answer questions -- maybe the problem is that you guys are too lazy to pick up a phone and call during business hours. Or maybe you've got some other reason for not doing it. Who knows? All I know is that Steve has said "call me with questions" a million times, yet none of you ever does it. Every time I've done it (and I've called Steve with questions like these dozens of times), I've gotten an immediate answer -- an answer that I was free to post on the boards, which I did, instead of writing posts to create the impression that CGC is refusing to answer these questions at all.

[rodan57]

There seems to be a few posters who dislike seeing the boards being used to post certain questions, especially if the questions contain, in their opinion, controversial language. They would prefer that these questions be posed by telephone rather than by post. Everyone is, of course, fully entitled to their preference. I am not sure though, if this entitles one to be upset if other people think differently.

 

p.s.

It would take one massive conference call to match the level of dissemination achieved through the boards.

[esquirecomics]

I am aware of no requirement or etiquette that states I must pose every single question to CGC via telephone. When there is an issue that requires discretion or involves private conversations I have not hesitated to call CGC.

 

At times I do not want a private answer, I want a public answer. In fact, many of us do, especially with respect to these questions. Indeed, a variation of the questions I have posed have been asked on numerous occasions on these boards, not just even the times Red Hook has identified. I would find it difficult to believe anyone would assert there have not been plenty of questions regarding what Chris Friesen, in particular, does for CGC, where he is, etc., and yet I have never seen an answer from CGC. Nor can I find one on their website, which is what prompted me to create this thread.

 

I do not know Chris Friesen. I fail to see why I need to call up a stranger and say, hey, what do you do for a company I do business with?

 

I am well aware that CGC personnel monitor and participate on this board, especially when it comes to a sensitive topic like this one. West's response demonstrates this to be true, though it was never in dispute. I made no mention of any time requirement for when CGC should or would respond. I was certainly not expecting an answer over the weekend, and I had planned to send Steve B. the link to this thread so that he would be aware of it. West's participation likely negates that need as I would imagine Steve B. is now aware of this thread, but perhaps not. I am happy to still send Steve B. a link and any CGC response will be no less timely than I expected it to be.

 

Scott, as I am sure you know, I am quite careful with the words I choose and what I say. There was no mystery surrounding when or why I created this thread. It was nothing more than finally having some free time during the tragic Mets loss to substantively read through other threads and think of my questions. The mystery that does exist I have identified, and it is a mystery as far as I have witnessed and been told by others.

 

People should not think for a minute that these questions have not been discussed with others who have even a closer relationship with CGC than I do prior to this thread being created, for they have. And no one has known the answers.

 

That said, a mystery does not denote conspiracy and I have not suggested anything of the sort. Had I desired to do so I could have repeated the numerous rumors I have been hearing about what others believe is going on, but I did not and I would not because they are just that - unsubstantiated rumors.

 

But I do find it intriguing, befuddling, confusing - fill in the term - at the very least, that the one individual whom I have always been told is THE restoration detection expert is not publicly touted by CGC as a primary part of the face of the company ESPECIALLY in the midst of various "scandals" involving restoration.

 

If the answers are so simple and noncontroversial, let's hear them. Let's publicly hear them. I really don't think that is too much to ask for.

[Ze-man]

To be honest with you it simply comes down to the gang down south does not have the time, nor desire to partake in a back and forth discussion on the boards.

 

Why?

 

Because once a post is written(even one little post) it gets thrown under the microscope. They know that, so I would not doubt if it is their policy to NOT discuss CGC matters on the boards for just that reason. Even if well intentioned, sometimes it comes out wrong. Even Steve B is guilty of that.

 

Having people call them on the phone allows them to hold a private conversation with whoever has questions or problems, and is a much easier way to diffuse whatever the situation might be. In private.

 

Posting about it openly and answering questions online in a public forum would be very friendly, and helpful. But sometimes just the act of acknowledging questions, validates them to some extent. Personally I thing it is hogwash, I would rather them stand behind their policies with conviction and take on all comers. Shoot our theories so full of holes we would sink faster them a ship made from swiss cheese.

 

But that wont make them any more money then closing their doors and letting us figure it out for ourselves. With all that said, I agree with what Redhook wrote, I think CGC should address the many issues at hand, or at least tell us to bugger off. Something, anything other then the waiting game that we normally endure while waiting for answers. I wish CGC chose a different tack in how they dealt with problems that seem obvious to alot of us.

 

I just do not see it happening anytime soon. But we will keep asking though, be sure of that.

 

It never hurts to ask. I think all the questions that have been asked are valid, to us anyways.

 

 

Ze-

[divad]

(4) Specifically, where is Chris Friesen and what is he doing for CGC/CCG? Why all the mystery? Why is it we can't get a straight answer from anyone at CGC?

 

Why all the mystery? Mark what are you talking about? If you want to talk to Chris Friesen you have CGC's number feel free to call Monday morning, he sits 3 desks down from me!

 

West

 

So they finally gave you guys desks in the new digs? What next? Telephones?