When I began blogging eleven months ago there was less than ten active blogs around. Over the last year it seems just about everyone has decided to throw their hat into the circle as there has been over 100 blogs created since my entrance into the blogosphere.
Michael Smith, a longtime collector and computer programmer saw the need for a “centralized” location for all the best sports card writers on the Internet and single-handedly created The Cardboard Connection. I have been working behind the scenes with Michael over the last couple of weeks and since then have seen both Jeremy Porter and Andrew Chrisman join the ranks. Today, I’d like to announce that I too will begin writing exclusive articles for Cardboard Connection. You can read my first piece here.
You might be very well looking at a new Beckett Magazine in the works so if you are a card blogger or have always wanted to write about the hobby, check out the site and let us know if you’re interested in joining the team. As for me, I will be submitting an article per week, along with a YouTube video bi-weekly.
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A message from Cardboard Connection’s creator:
I don’t subscribe to the school of thought that Beckett is inherently evil and corrupt, but I do feel very strongly that Beckett has lost touch with many of the collectors who have made them what they are today. I no longer get the feeling that they fundamentally do business with a collector’s best interests at heart. This sort of thing tends to happen when enough money is involved. I don’t fault them for it one bit – nor do I feel they owe me anything as a collector. However, I do believe that the time has come for a professional alternative to the “Big 2.” It was this desire that fueled the creation of The Cardboard Connection. In addition to offering completely unbiased trading card and memorabilia related news, The Cardboard Connection features a wide range of editorial articles written by some of the industry’s best bloggers, who have all graciously agreed to write for the site. I’m sincerely committed to creating a one of a kind resource that will enrich your collecting experience.”
Hey, you guys stole my name! You’ll be hearing from my attorney! What the hell, now I gotta change my name. Any suggestions?
Great site. Great Article. It’s good to find a site that isn’t bashing Beckett when there is nothing else to write about. The article says it all, looking through the cards of my childhood, the early 90’s brings back a lot of good memories, Beckett, Tuff Stuff, or eBay can’t put a value on that. Keep up the great work.
Congrats on working with Cardboard Connection – keep the enthusiasm going in the hobby.. it’s contagious.
Personally, I don’t think anyone wants “a new Beckett magazine.” From my experience, starting up a new magazine for a business isn’t a good idea.
Go all digital. Host your blog, get some trading forums going, attract advertisers, get some exclusive content, run some webinars with card companies, and create your own virtual trade show. If you haven’t checked out a virtual trade show yet – do it! They are awesome and with more and more of this audience going the digital route, this would be a huge hit. I’ve done a few of these for work – they are cool and I’m writing a article about it now. Let me know if you have any questions.
Congrats again and its nice to see some talent out here getting recognized.
PS. Now stop making fun of the Mets! I’ve already been talked off the ledge 3 times this morning!
Wow, good looking site!
Thanks for the kind words everyone. We have a number of exciting additions planned for the site in the coming months so be sure to check back with us regularly.
Please feel free to email any feedback you have on the site to me, Mario, or any of the other Cardboard Connection Writers. This project is motivated by our passion for the hobby and our desire to help other collectors to share in, and get the most enjoyment out of their collecting experiences.
We as collectors are very fortunate to have such a great group of bloggers that write about the hobby. These are the “real” voices of the collecting community that people can relate to. The top tier card bloggers such as Mario are extremely talented writers and they will be pivotal to the growth of the hobby in the coming years and decades.
Well if the number #1 blogger is joining up, it’s only fitting the lowest ranked sports card blogger should try to join up too. ;P
http://lonestarr.wordpress.com/
Hope you guys do well. I didn’t change my name for some Mickey Mouse site. Do the name proud!
Thanks, Joe.