When I joined this Blogosphere of sports cards I was an absolute newbie to this hobby, thought the world of Beckett Media, and had a chip on my shoulder for what I believed was a rejection by King of all Bloggers, Ben Henry. Ten months later, Wax Heaven is at the top or close to it (depending on who you ask) and I am wiser to sports cards, see the crack in Beckett Media’s armor, and have long ago put away the beef with Ben Henry.
I once looked at Ben Henry as the enemy and I did everything in my power to not end up like him. This morning I opened up my Google Reader and found two posts and one comment that set off an alarm in my head. The first one is by Chris Harris of Stale Gum who talks about the typical “Joe Collector” who is addicted to Chrome and worst of all, Refractors. I don’t know if this was directed at me or not but the truth is, I love both Chrome and Chrome Refractors. If you asked me why, the best thing I could probably come up with is because “they are shinny”. Yup, that’s about it.
The other two come from the notorious, at least in one office in Texas, Sports Cards Uncensored. He did an entire post about why he hates Beckett (leaving out the F-bombs) which was in my opinion one of his best pieces but he clumped Ben Henry and I in what is perhaps a first among Sports Cards Bloggers. For the record, I wrote a whopping total of 3 guest articles for Beckett.com, including one that pissed off a big-time card shop in Miami. Multiple threats were made to me by e-mail, and I believe Beckett as well and since then my guest article submissions have been ignored. It’s not like I was on Beckett’s team but truthfully, I like them. No, not for their price guide cause I could care less what an autograph books for in Becket but because these people have done more for the hobby during the pre-eBay days than any Blog could ever even hope to accomplish.
If someone wants me to say “Fuck Beckett”, I can’t because I honestly don’t feel that way. I could care less what they open and how they look on video. In reality, video box breaks are nonsense plain and simple. If Upper Deck gives them loaded boxes, that’s a shame but I can assure you whatever “1 of 1″ Tracy Hackler pulls from his box of Premier does not keep me up at night.
The final comment came from Jason of Treasures Never Buried and it really got me thinking that maybe I joined the “dark side” when Wax Heaven really took off the ground. Rather than quote JV, I will post the actual comment he left at SCU.
In closing, I have to say that while I am aware that Wax Heaven is leading the pack today, history has shown that “to the victor, go the spoils”. I know there will come a day when Wax Heaven becomes a collector’s 2nd, 3rd, or even 10th most-read Hobby blog. I have seen over the last few months three amazing Blogs join the scene in Sports Cards Uncensored, Treasures Never Buried, and Dave’s Fielder’s Choice. The competition is fierce and it’s great to know I have surrounded myself with these amazing talents.
Still, what have I really accomplished and how many collectors have I pushed away? If Wax Heaven were to forever shut its doors (this time for good), would there be a dent in the hobby made by Mario Alejandro or would I be as forgotten as other (much bigger) hobby staples such as Pacific Trading Cards? Obviously, if the answer is the latter than it’s clear I have much more to accomplish before all is said and finally done.
Perhaps a guest spot on the Topps TV show?
-Mario Alejandro
Mario, I think we need to do what every guy does to end a fight and forget it all. We need to hug it out, bitch.
Either way, I was poking at one specific person in my post, and it wasnt you. I know your goal is not to be on Beckett with every post you do, they just happen to like your work – just like me.
The thing is that there are a lot of people out there who yell and scream at their computer every time Beckett pulls a Beckett (see also munson), and I just decided to stop screaming and start typing. You need to crack the eggs to make an omelette and I am not afraid of being unpopular or out of favor – also, like you.
Nice bolding of certain words though. Love it.
Mario,
Where do I begin? First of all, when I get to work in the morning and turn on my comp, yours is the first blog I check for new posts. I know I am in the majority on this one. I next check out SCU to see what Gellman is talking about, followed by Stale Gum, and then Cardboard Mania.
Thing is though, I read all of the above-mentioned blogs for different reasons. I read yours to see what is new & exciting in the hobby each day, and often to help me decide if I want to buy a product or not.
I read SCU to see what BS is being perpetrated by Beckett and the card companies this week. And, I’ve done a few posts for Gellman, because sometimes I’m almost as pissed of as he is.
And, I read Stale Gum, and Mania to see what quirky things are taking place in the hobby, and on eBay.
So…..in case it wasn’t apparent from my rambling, there is and always will be a place for all different points of view about our hobby in the blogosphere.
My vote Mario, is keep doing what you’ve been doing. It’s a little cliche but, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it
The cool thing about the blog world is that everyone is different and gains readership from people of different card collecting backgrounds. You can put the top blogs into their own categories much like Charlie did above but you will always have someone who doesn’t read so and so.
I remember way back when I started blogging in January, I looked at Wax Heaven and was bored about it for some reason, and I didn’t come back until about a month ago. Since then, you have become one of my favorites, and the one I check most often every day.
So to all bloggers out there, keep doing what you’re doing and eventually someone will discover you and spread the good word about what you’re writing about.
Is this going to escalate into a “East Coast/West Coast Rap” thing?
ha!
Rip party for triple threads tommorrow night (in Orlando), come on up!
So many negative, angry bloggers today. Is the card market/blog world that bad? I responded to the “joe Collector” piece as I was offended by the tone, but still can appreciate the opinion (wrong or not). Either way, keep up the good work Mario; I really enjoy your blog.
By the way, 2008 Topps Chrome Retail KICKS ASS!
Thanks for the tip!
Mario,
I want to tell you that I really appreciate your mention of Fielder’s Choice as one of the “three amazing blogs to join the scene”. Hearing that from you means a lot and makes me feel like I’m doing the right things. And my hit count really went up today after you posted that!
I really hope that Wax Heaven stays active for many, many years. I honestly and truly believe that it is the best card blog out there and can never be replicated. I really enjoy Sports Cards Uncensored, Treasure Never Buried, and some others, but yours will always stand in front of the pack for me. The best thing that you have done is to encourage so many other people, like me, to get involved in blogging, and you have really helped us by promoting our blogs and helping us gain readers. I know that I never would have found out about Sports Cards Uncensored or Treasure Never Buried if it wasn’t for the links to them on Wax Heaven. Your enthusiasm for cards, blogging, and baseball in general is contagious and you’ve done more than anyone else to help the sports card blogosphere grow. I can’t say enough to thank you for that!
So I want you to know that you’ve made much more than a dent in the hobby. Even if Wax Heaven did shut down (which would seriously depress me), your influence will live on for many years in other people’s blogs.
I can imagine that in 12 months, the baseball card blog world will be a facsimile of the Beckett Message Boards, where you are either a nerd collecting cards in his teens or a nerd collector in his 30s professing his superiority over everyone else on the message boards.
Blogs will form into hardened cliques consisting of ‘we’re smarter and better than you Joe collectors’ crowd and the better blogs will just be ranting and raving as opposed to making posts informing and/or enlightening the casual and/or veteran collector stumbling onto blogs for the first time.
Thanks for all the comments, guys.
Laurens, what do you think of Wax Heaven?
seriously, you can rip one of my boxes (or buy it for direct cost) tommorrow at 7pm, email me if interested
Wax Heaven isn’t just the first but the only card blog I read.
And by the way: “Stuff White People Like” called Chris Harris over at Stale Gum wanting their gimmick (which wasn’t even that original when they used it) back.
Wax Heaven is the first blog I saw that changed the blogosphere for the better. I felt it had the right mix of commentary, news and humor. It is has some strong critiques, but it isn’t as cynical as the other blogs. Every other post, I would be like, ‘damn, that is what I’m thinking about or this Mario guy is really funny.’
I think the most impressive thing about the blog is it isn’t boring. Other sites can get stale real fast, because they tend to talk about the same thing related to cards. This blog does venture out a little bit and talk about issues other than baseball cards, whether it be trips to the ballpark or in the beginning, trying to work back into shape to play baseball.
The image of Barry Bonds superimposed in a Playgirl-esque pose and the image of the Pittsburgh Pirates closer Matt Capps superimposed on a gay porn box cover are truly disturbing however.
Hi Mario,
I think you are doing just a fine job! Keep up the great work. When you make an appearance on the LIVE Doctor Wax Battle Show…then you have really arrived. LOL
The show starts up again this fall. Hope to see you!
PEACE
The Doc
Well put Laurens. I believe that, similar to many other walks of life, there are kind people and not-so-kind people in the blogging community. The “kind” people seek to make positive contributions to the blogs or message boards that they enjoy while the “not-so-kind” use the blog as a forum to belittle and disrupt the otherwise harmonious atmosphere.
This has always disturbed me as many of these people hopped up on keyboard courage would not behave with the same audacity and vitriol if you were to meet them in person.
As for me, I opt for joy. We are all constituents of a hobby that is ceaselessly devoted to provide diverse and innovative concepts to attract a greater collector base. Whether you be a collector focused on teams or individuals, prospects and rookies, memorabilia and autographs, vintage or other cards, there is something for everyone underneath the vast umbrella that is the sports card industry.
Laurens, your entry serves as a reminder to the rest of us to be more cognizant of doing our part to enhance the sports card blog experience of all collectors.
I have to echo the words posted by Dave of Fielder’s Choice. He summed it up perfectly. Five months ago, the only blog I was familiar with at all was Stale Gum. Then, I came across your signature on The Bench. I decided to check out Wax Heaven and was immediately hooked. I loved it so much that I was inspired to make my own blog and have been loving the blogosphere ever since. Regardless of what becomes of Wax Heaven, it will always be the ultimate blog to me.
Your fellow *cough* “Joe Collector” *cough*
-John
Mario, really in the end who cares? Keep doing what you are doing it’s working very well and if one or two people find it boring or tailoring to Beckett media, who cares? In my blog (plug here) http://badwax.net, I don’t care if I have one reader or 500, I’m just voicing my opinion. If someone doesn’t like it, oh well, I don’t care. Write about what you want to write about.
Collect Chrome or X-Fractors, whatever makes you happy. For me it’s autographs and game used. If someone doesn’t like that, then fine, whatever, I’ll still sleep at night.
I think for the most part, most of the blogs compliment each other well. Each brings something different to the plate. SCU is a website designed to rock the boat, that’s why the readership is so high. I take what they write with a grain of salt. It’s fun to read, but in the end it’s their take on the hobby, which is fine.
Just keep on doing what you do best, entertain the masses, forget about the critics.
Doctor Wax Battle, I will let you know when I am in your area. I’d love to check out the store!!!
Mario hey man I love this site! It’s one of the first things I do after getting a cup of coffee to start my day. I check out what is going on at Wax Heaven. Please keep up the great work!! Mario have no fear my friend I got your back always along with 150,000 brothers and sisters in blue. Wink Wink! If you should need anything I’m only an email way.
P.S. This site is excellent!!!
Your friend Paul R. Destralo/DDoubleplay Sports
“I can imagine that in 12 months, the baseball card blog world will be a facsimile of the Beckett Message Boards, where you are either a nerd collecting cards in his teens or a nerd collector in his 30s professing his superiority over everyone else on the message boards.”
That is the statement I am referring to, not sure why it cut off…
Well said ejahnke.
DISCLAIMER: Wax Heaven is not the first blog I read in the morning. Neither is Sports Cards Uncensored, 88 Score, Beckett Media, Fielder’s Choice, The Hamiltonian, For the Love Of Baseball, Carboard Mania, Cardboard Junkie, Dinged Corners, Awesomely Bad Wax, Things Done To Cards, ad infinitum…
I eventually get to all of those and more but the first blog I read each morning is Treasure Never Buried. My Own. Why? Because everything I write is for me. I hope with every post that others will read it and like it as much as I do, but at the end of the day, I’m content with my work because I liked it. I’ve quit worrying about the hit counter. I’ve started worrying about putting myself into each post.
That is the ONLY thing I’ve tried to copy from WaxHeaven. Mario, I love that you’re not a conformist but that at the same time you’re a realist and that you see things for what they truly are.
NONE of us do as good a job as you do at truly being “ourselves” and that’s why you are the #1 Card Blog on the net. I can’t see how you could ever “fall from grace” unless, of course, if you put a going out of business sign on the door.
However, I’m a little concerned that readers who do not take the time to go and look at SCUs original post will take my quote out of context. I wish I had found SCU sooner. SCU should be the first blog that “backslidden” hobbyists read. Especially posts like the one in question.
Fellow card bloggers: How often do you get that person that comments at your blog and says, “I just got back into the hobby recently…” It should be the goal of each of us to say, “Stop what you’re doing and go to SCU. There’s some things you need to know about what the hobby has become and SCU will steer you straight.”
Then, direct them to everyone else. But, you should mention that there is only one that they MUST bookmark and come back to daily. This one.