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Rumor has it the trade post is dead.
I don't understand that.
Sure, most of us (myself included) write boring posts whenever we talk about trades. Granted, most of the time a trade post is used to show a scan or two (or in my case, maybe ten scans). And yes, unless its a blogger who collects a team you care about, most of the cards you see someone receiving in a trade are junk to you.
I get that. No really, I do.
But...
Trade posts are not dead - nor should they ever go the way of the dodo - and here's why:
Let's take a recent trade that I completed with Chris over at Henchmeister's Junk Blog as an example, shall we?
Here's my Top 10 reasons "Why the Trade Post Isn't Dead (Nor Should it Be):
Note: My Top 10 is NOT in any type of specific order of importance. What's important to one might not be to another, but I firmly believe all ten points are valid.
10. Community: Unlike a lot of things in life, blogging is almost entirely dependent on community. Would you send $20 worth of items to a complete stranger across the country on a whim? Probably not, but within the blogging community people do that all the time. And why do people do that? A few reasons, sometimes it's a way to repay a previously received package, sometimes its a way to send a fun little surprise, but most of the time, it's because people know someone else in the baseball card blogging community that would like a certain card more than the current owner does. For me, that particular aspect of trading often manifests itself in Barry Larkin cards (and Allen & Ginter cards - but that's in about one more week or so)... For example, the latest package from Chris included a Barry Larkin card from the 2003 MLB Showdown set that I didn't previously own.
9. Blogging Growth: This one goes along with community, but it's slightly different. One of the tremendous aspects of trade posts is that it gives other people a small window into a transaction between two strangers. For example, some of my loyal readers may read this trade post and see that Chris from Henchmeister's blog is a good trader - and that may lead to some new trade offers for Chris and my readers (a win for both I'd say)!
8. Reader Growth: One of the benefits of having been a blog that's been in existence for quite awhile is that many card blogs already have my blog on their blog roll. Some blogs don't have that luxury - and trade posts might be a way for someone to discover Henchmeister's Junk Blog and end up with another new blog to read in the future - again, a win for both!
7. Randomness: Another benefit of trade posts - a dose of randomness in an otherwise fairly rigid niche of blogs. You never quite know what will show up in any given blog post (even if much of it is the same 'ol, same 'ol). For example, I'm guessing a lot of people out there never saw any of the 2003 MLB Showdown set that I featured above. Chances are, even fewer people have seen the 2002 MLB Showdown set (or as I like to call it, the giant logo set). Thanks to a free throw-in from Chris, everyone now has the chance to compare and contrast a Reds card from the '03 set (Larkin) and the '02 set (Walker - see below).
6. History: Once in awhile, trade posts can offer a window into history. It might be the history of a player (common on player collector's blogs) or the history of a team. It might be the history of a specific card company (Upper Deck only collectors for example) or even the history of a specific line of cards. Other times, the history category might be a bit more esoteric. For example, the trade with Chris shows the historical evolution (millennial edition at least) of collectible baseball card games. You already saw two different years worth of MLB Showdown sets above. Chris also sent me a 2011 Topps Attax card which while certainly not as in depth as MLB Showdown does have some clear connections to the sets of yesterday.
5. Blog Filler: Let's be honest, it isn't always easy to find something to talk about. We all know a few bloggers who seem to be able to conjure up epic posts on a daily basis, but most of us poor schleps are happy with one solid post per week (or maybe in my case, per month). Trade posts provide a nice bridge between actual unique ideas - all the while keeping your blog active. I'd much rather see a blog with a post each day (even if only half the posts are super original) because I like to read posts. You can always click away if you decide a particular post isn't worth your time (though if you got this far through my post, you might as well keep going since you are at #5 on the countdown)!
4. Thanks: It's good to give thanks for good things. Getting cards in the mail is typically a good thing (some recipients of bippings may disagree with that notion). Thus, giving thanks in a public way is good for you.
3. Collecting: Here's one of the biggies. Without trade posts, (and by extension, trades), most of us wouldn't collect cards (or certainly not to the extent that we do). I obviously wouldn't be chasing thirty some odds sets that I'm currently working on if my only option of completion was to buy more boxes/packs and use sites like eBay. I might still work on the base Topps set - but otherwise, there wouldn't be many full binders in my household. Trading allows me to do crazy things like collect every Allen & Ginter mini card out there...
2. Finishing sets: Trade posts allow a permanent way to track set progress. For example, I already completed the Series 1 Topps "60 Years of Topps" insert set. Now, I'm working on Series 2. However, if you use the search bar at the top of my blog, you can type in "60 Years of Topps" and find all my posts where I talk about that set. From there, you can see different trades and other acquisitions that have led me to where I am today... And since we are talking about the set, here's one more that I get to take off my want list: 60YOT-88. Ron Guidry.
1. Pimping: Although I am (obviously) a staunch supporter of the trade post, I happen to HATE a different kind of common post - the contest pimping post. Although I'm sure I've pimped a few contests in the past, I've taken an attitude lately of "if it requires a pimping, then I'm out". Sure, that might be drastic since my blog roll is frequently bombarded with the latest contest linkage anyhow, but one fewer blog doing that is a good thing for everyone. At the same time, there are ways that I don't mind pimping - in context. As an example, here's the final card that Chris sent me. It's a diamond parallel of Matt Kemp. Now, as you may or may not know, I have contest where the sender gets one entry for every diamond parallel card sent my way (which means Chris has indeed earned an entry). See: contest pimped, but in context. To me, that's a better way rather than - go here and get a chance to win free stuff.
And that ends my Top 10. I'll get off my soap box now (1,453 words later). And seriously, that might be a personal best in terms of words per card in a trade!
Thanks for the great trade Chris - and thanks to Night Owl for the inspiration for my post. Finally, as always, if anyone else would like to trade - check out my want list and make an offer!
Now, you read my reasoning above, so let's hear your take. What do you think of trade posts? Should they stay (as I believe) or should they go (isn't that a song)? Are they better long or short? Lots of photos, no photos? Do you like reading about what other people thought about stuff you sent them? Have you ever wanted to send stuff to someone so that your name will show up on their blog (and by extension, your blog being linked by them)? I want to know - so sound off below!
I don't understand that.
Sure, most of us (myself included) write boring posts whenever we talk about trades. Granted, most of the time a trade post is used to show a scan or two (or in my case, maybe ten scans). And yes, unless its a blogger who collects a team you care about, most of the cards you see someone receiving in a trade are junk to you.
I get that. No really, I do.
But...
Trade posts are not dead - nor should they ever go the way of the dodo - and here's why:
Let's take a recent trade that I completed with Chris over at Henchmeister's Junk Blog as an example, shall we?
Here's my Top 10 reasons "Why the Trade Post Isn't Dead (Nor Should it Be):
Note: My Top 10 is NOT in any type of specific order of importance. What's important to one might not be to another, but I firmly believe all ten points are valid.
10. Community: Unlike a lot of things in life, blogging is almost entirely dependent on community. Would you send $20 worth of items to a complete stranger across the country on a whim? Probably not, but within the blogging community people do that all the time. And why do people do that? A few reasons, sometimes it's a way to repay a previously received package, sometimes its a way to send a fun little surprise, but most of the time, it's because people know someone else in the baseball card blogging community that would like a certain card more than the current owner does. For me, that particular aspect of trading often manifests itself in Barry Larkin cards (and Allen & Ginter cards - but that's in about one more week or so)... For example, the latest package from Chris included a Barry Larkin card from the 2003 MLB Showdown set that I didn't previously own.
9. Blogging Growth: This one goes along with community, but it's slightly different. One of the tremendous aspects of trade posts is that it gives other people a small window into a transaction between two strangers. For example, some of my loyal readers may read this trade post and see that Chris from Henchmeister's blog is a good trader - and that may lead to some new trade offers for Chris and my readers (a win for both I'd say)!
8. Reader Growth: One of the benefits of having been a blog that's been in existence for quite awhile is that many card blogs already have my blog on their blog roll. Some blogs don't have that luxury - and trade posts might be a way for someone to discover Henchmeister's Junk Blog and end up with another new blog to read in the future - again, a win for both!
7. Randomness: Another benefit of trade posts - a dose of randomness in an otherwise fairly rigid niche of blogs. You never quite know what will show up in any given blog post (even if much of it is the same 'ol, same 'ol). For example, I'm guessing a lot of people out there never saw any of the 2003 MLB Showdown set that I featured above. Chances are, even fewer people have seen the 2002 MLB Showdown set (or as I like to call it, the giant logo set). Thanks to a free throw-in from Chris, everyone now has the chance to compare and contrast a Reds card from the '03 set (Larkin) and the '02 set (Walker - see below).
6. History: Once in awhile, trade posts can offer a window into history. It might be the history of a player (common on player collector's blogs) or the history of a team. It might be the history of a specific card company (Upper Deck only collectors for example) or even the history of a specific line of cards. Other times, the history category might be a bit more esoteric. For example, the trade with Chris shows the historical evolution (millennial edition at least) of collectible baseball card games. You already saw two different years worth of MLB Showdown sets above. Chris also sent me a 2011 Topps Attax card which while certainly not as in depth as MLB Showdown does have some clear connections to the sets of yesterday.
5. Blog Filler: Let's be honest, it isn't always easy to find something to talk about. We all know a few bloggers who seem to be able to conjure up epic posts on a daily basis, but most of us poor schleps are happy with one solid post per week (or maybe in my case, per month). Trade posts provide a nice bridge between actual unique ideas - all the while keeping your blog active. I'd much rather see a blog with a post each day (even if only half the posts are super original) because I like to read posts. You can always click away if you decide a particular post isn't worth your time (though if you got this far through my post, you might as well keep going since you are at #5 on the countdown)!
4. Thanks: It's good to give thanks for good things. Getting cards in the mail is typically a good thing (some recipients of bippings may disagree with that notion). Thus, giving thanks in a public way is good for you.
3. Collecting: Here's one of the biggies. Without trade posts, (and by extension, trades), most of us wouldn't collect cards (or certainly not to the extent that we do). I obviously wouldn't be chasing thirty some odds sets that I'm currently working on if my only option of completion was to buy more boxes/packs and use sites like eBay. I might still work on the base Topps set - but otherwise, there wouldn't be many full binders in my household. Trading allows me to do crazy things like collect every Allen & Ginter mini card out there...
2. Finishing sets: Trade posts allow a permanent way to track set progress. For example, I already completed the Series 1 Topps "60 Years of Topps" insert set. Now, I'm working on Series 2. However, if you use the search bar at the top of my blog, you can type in "60 Years of Topps" and find all my posts where I talk about that set. From there, you can see different trades and other acquisitions that have led me to where I am today... And since we are talking about the set, here's one more that I get to take off my want list: 60YOT-88. Ron Guidry.
1. Pimping: Although I am (obviously) a staunch supporter of the trade post, I happen to HATE a different kind of common post - the contest pimping post. Although I'm sure I've pimped a few contests in the past, I've taken an attitude lately of "if it requires a pimping, then I'm out". Sure, that might be drastic since my blog roll is frequently bombarded with the latest contest linkage anyhow, but one fewer blog doing that is a good thing for everyone. At the same time, there are ways that I don't mind pimping - in context. As an example, here's the final card that Chris sent me. It's a diamond parallel of Matt Kemp. Now, as you may or may not know, I have contest where the sender gets one entry for every diamond parallel card sent my way (which means Chris has indeed earned an entry). See: contest pimped, but in context. To me, that's a better way rather than - go here and get a chance to win free stuff.
And that ends my Top 10. I'll get off my soap box now (1,453 words later). And seriously, that might be a personal best in terms of words per card in a trade!
Thanks for the great trade Chris - and thanks to Night Owl for the inspiration for my post. Finally, as always, if anyone else would like to trade - check out my want list and make an offer!
Now, you read my reasoning above, so let's hear your take. What do you think of trade posts? Should they stay (as I believe) or should they go (isn't that a song)? Are they better long or short? Lots of photos, no photos? Do you like reading about what other people thought about stuff you sent them? Have you ever wanted to send stuff to someone so that your name will show up on their blog (and by extension, your blog being linked by them)? I want to know - so sound off below!
I don't know if I'm in the minority on this, but I don't mind reading trade posts. Long or short, trade posts have been instrumental in the growth of my blog and collection. I've discovered numerous blogs and made numerous trades because of trade posts other bloggers put up. Like you said, anyone can choose not to read them. As for my trade posts, I prefer to put up one trade per post, including a number of scans to give appropriate credit for the effort people go though to pull cards for me. That's an investment of time on their part and I want to recognize it. Having sai that, I did a series of posts recently where I included 6 trades in each post, with one pic each. I only did that as a last resort because I've been to cheap to buy a new scanner and I had packages from as far back as November that hadn't been acknowledged. I had a locker full of trade packages with cards that needed sorting. Like most people, I enjoy seeing the cards I sent to someone posted on their blog, but mostly because it let's me know if they were happy with what I sent.
ReplyDeleteI should turn this comment into a post of my own.
Good topic for discussion Nacho.
Everyone's chiming in on this, it seems - I count at least four trade post commentary posts this month at least. I enjoy most trade posts, and read what I can. I try to make mine interesting, too, but there's not much story behind many of the cards that come my way. And I write them, because I feel they're an important way of acknowledging and thanking the trader. As far as contest pimps go, if I have a post ready or about to be written, I'll just toss it in as an aside, otherwise I throw up that quick link and be done with it. They don't bother me too much, and sometimes the contest pimps point me to a blog I didn't know about before.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy reading trade posts. Before, I started my blog, I would read a lot of trade posts to find new blogs, see what people collect and also check out what cards I may want to acquire later.
ReplyDeleteI also don't mind writing up a trade post. I will probably post one tomorrow. They are a great way to give thanks to other bloggers. Long live the trade post!
Loved the post! Also loved the Adele. Always appreciate a chance to enjoy some Adele!
ReplyDeleteI primarily write trade posts as a way of thank you, but you left out an important reason, too. I love reading other peoples' trade posts because I'm scouting what someone has to trade! I've found several good traders based on what they've been sending to other collectors.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you re: pimping, and I also don't "follow" anyone, preferring to browse via Sports Card Blogroll.
Great post... and glad to see I'm not the only one who gets irritated about pimping contests.
ReplyDeleteI 100% agree. If it wasn't for trade posts I wouldn't have found half of the blogs I read.
ReplyDeleteAnd I would only have written about 10 posts on my own (sorely neglected) blog.
Here lately I've fallen way behind in posting what I think of as "thank you posts" for cards people have sent me. I do feel its important and should continue. As many others have already said I've discovered new blogs and people to trade with from reading other trade posts.
ReplyDeleteLong live the trade post! May it never die! May it never be illegal! Down with tyranny! Down with elitism! Trade posts FOREVER!
ReplyDeleteBut contest-pimping (ugh, I even dislike the phrase), I'm with you. Me no like.
Hmm, I guess I'm in the minority. I don't mind contest referral posts. I think it's nice that bloggers help each other out a bit.
ReplyDeleteI have posted a couple of such posts to help out a blogger or two who have been good to me.
This is all fun for me and I kind of think some take it a little too seriously. It doesn't take more than a second to pass by a "pimping" post.
Because I appreciate the feedback, I wanted to take a moment to respond to everyone (in order of response):
ReplyDeletePatP: I agree that it is a lot of fun to see what other people thought of cards you sent them (especially if the cards were "bonus" or "surprise" cards)!
Ryan G: Believe me, as someone who has 100+ trades a year, I often struggle with something interesting to say beside "thanks". Of course, I try to remind myself that one of the most important things that I CAN say is "thanks" so sometimes that's enough (plus a couple scans of course).
Spiegel: Amen! I actually enjoy writing trade posts too - and why not? It means that I recently got a bunch of cards...most likely cards that I wanted for sets that I'm working on!
jaybarkerfan: Thanks for stoppin' in! I haven't fully jumped on the Adele bandwagon but I do like the song.
rhubarb: You are correct - I didn't think about scouting as a plus to trade posts but I've definitely done that a time or two myself! Thanks!
longlivethewho: Great minds think alike?
AdamE: Yeah, I've got group break posts (lately), and trade posts. Most of my other stuff is drivel...
Colbey: Yep, I've fallen behind too but I'm convinced that I will eventually catch up. It's actually kind of nice to know there is a blog idea ready if all I do is scan some cards out of a trade envelope. It might be a bit lazy on my part, but it's still nice to have that in my back pocket so to speak.
night owl: yeah, baseball cards and pimping really shouldn't belong in the same sentence...Agreed!
potch: I agree that it's nice to help other bloggers out - I guess I'd rather it be done in other ways. But, as you mention, you like it (and really, what's a blog but a collection of our own thoughts and interests?) By no means am I suggestion that someone should or shouldn't do something - to each their own. If everyone did things the way I did 'em blogging would probably be really boring in a matter of days!
Your blog is your own, and you can post what you like. Anyone likes having more views and such, but I think for most bloggers, that isn't the ONLY objective.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with all your points on the trade post - just slightly less strong in a couple areas:
1) I am slightly less likely to read a trade post, but not that much. Particularly when it's someone's blog whom I've traded with before - it's cool to see what else they have received. Double that when it's two bloggers I've traded before. And, as others have mentioned, it could be a good way to find another trader out there!
2) I don't mind contest posts as much as others - but I am MUCH less likely to read a contest post. Again, to each his own, but I'm not following any blogs - I use Jay Bee's blogroll to search for stuff to read, and I have 4 or 5 that I click on every time (yours included :} - Reds fan blogs are an easy click for me).