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Authenticators... How can anyone say who is good and who isn't?

Hey guys, thank you for allowing me into the group. I do have some frustrations to express and I see it all as good honest chat, so please no one take offence as none is meant, lol. 

I have been reading some of the posts in there and it seems like people like to slam some but not others. I see, Morales, Drew Max for example are some who seem to take alot of hits, yet I have seen a lot of issues with PSA/DNA as well.... At the end of the day, its strictly an opinion and nothing more..... I have several HUGE autographs, some of which I know are authentic just by the source they came from. 

I have a Shoeless Joe Jackson ball that would have been signed after his playing days (and no, not by his wife, but the ball was signed by himself) but it came from a very close family relative who personally had it signed back in the day and it sat in their house for decades, it doesn't get any more genuine than that, yet when I posted a picture of it, people were quick to slam it because apparently they know it all... or do they? 

Unfortunately, this industry has taken a pounding because of the a-holes who have mad a business of screwing people, I get that... but everyone also thinks they are an expert, and in some cases, people really have no clue. 

As a 15 year old, I was a purchaser for several card stores here in Ontario Canada, I know Hockey Cards better than most.... I wanted to see how Beckett would rank their grading compared to my own education.... I brought it to them at a huge show we have here in Toronto 2 times a year.... they said at the time that the card should be ranked a 5 out of 10. I agreed.... 3 weeks later, their apparent "Hockey Expert" sent it back to me as a 2.5.... now, I didn't knock him out like I wanted too, lol. But I did approach them at the next show, they were embarrassed and asked me to resubmit it, it still came back less, I called them to ask.... they had no idea.... its now going back for a 3rd time.... and these are professionals who advertise as being so.... 

Now, getting back onto autographs, when I didn't tell people the story behind it, they said it was a fake, then when I said the story behind it, their opinions started to change..... so, at the end of the day... who is right and who isn't? 

I do think that they try their best to get it right, but who will ever be 100%, not going to happen. People talk about the bad situations with Morales and Max, but I am willing to bet, they have gotten it right WAY more than not and they probably have the same winning % as PSA/DNA in the long run.... 

I usually don't comment on things but I do believe that in the end, if your gut tells you its good, then your most of the time going to be bang on... and no one should let that take the fun of collecting away from things. Be careful, educate yourself and make the best decision possible. I don't think guys like Max and Morales are any worse than the others to be totally honest and I have been collecting for MANY Years.... and lets not forget, people can very easily post things online that can seriously effect someones reputation and if you do your homework as suggested... it seems all of them have negative feeds posted on them.... 

Just my thoughts guys, again, not looking to insult anyone, but I think some posts can be a bit much.... 

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This is the perfect response.

Here is Drew Max, a person with "Credentials."

http://live.autographmagazine.com/profiles/blog/show?id=3524372%3AB...

To get back to the original topic, unfortunately this is a big business and with business being involved you really have to do your own research and studies and form the best opinion based on those findings. There is no fool proof plan on knowing 100% unless you were there, and still if you wish to sell you have to prove to someone else.

When it comes to reselling obviously the general public wants to see a sticker. PSA/DNA is the industry leader right now. They have made mistakes for certain, but most people see the sticker and assume 100% it is legit.

If it is an item you love and is a family heirloom then don't worry about other opinions. However, this is a hobby based on opinions. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. You have to find the most trustworthy and educated person who can give an opinion based on your subject and go from there. There are definitely people you have named that opinions I wouldn't trust. Credibility is important to me personally and right or wrong sadly it is hard to regain trust.

I really am interested to see what COA's are going to be meaningless in the future because of how easy it is to make a mistake and no one believes anything you say.
Adam, your reply was fantastic and I value it very much! Thanks you....

Steve, its that time again.  

Mark has been suspended for now.

First, I want to write that I just finished reading this thread from the beginning and just read one statement that Mark wrote:

"I don't think guys like Max and Morales are any worse than the others to be totally honest and I have been collecting for MANY Years."

Was Mark serious when he wrote that?

There was no chance at having a rational conversation with this guy, and he was only lashing out at members.  Steve did the right thing.

who knows Chris?  hard to believe anyone could be serious making a comment like that. maybe many items in his precious collection have been certed by Max and Morales and he is pissed off that he got screwed?

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