December 31, 2021 - I have turned trading back on as some are asking for trades. This does not change my opinion stated below.
I will continue to accept PWE trades that have at least 12 cards coming my way (or something pretty special) but continue to prefer larger trades, i.e. 300+ cards each direction. My VAR are double checked, at the time I listed it and again when I pull it for trade, to make sure you get the right one. I do ask that you do the same, especially in the parallel sets (I have received too many base cards when the parallel was offered). My lists are my priorities; if you offer me some of those, then I will be happier to accept. If you don't bother checking my priorities and just offer me several from the same set just because it is easier for you and I find you have several from my lists, then it is just as easy for me to decline your laziness. I will help you if you help me.
As of December 31, 2021 I have sent 58,314 cards in trade, sales or PIF to other members; in return, I have received 50,152. Thanks to all the good traders on this site, especially those who have learned how to economize shipping across the border, approximately $1.80 for a PWE with 18 cards in it.
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December 4, 2021 - Today I have turned off my trading, not because I need to organize my collection or anything like that but because this site and its elitist clique have finally driven me to the point where I need to step away from the majority of what goes on here on TCDb.
It is a shame that a site that has rejuvenated the hobby for so many collectors can also drive away some long time collectors. Over the years I have watched the changes happening on this site that has taken it from the greatest collecting site on the internet to merely a decent tool to track one's collection. I have also watched many of the better members on this site who were always there to help answer questions for new members, no longer be active in the forums all because they were also sickened by some of those most active there. I have read so many rude responses to queries by new members in the Forums that I wonder why anyone new to the site would even stay. Seven years ago when I first registered, it was not like this. In the last 2 years I have seen enough hatred and anger expressed in the forums to match Facebook.
I used to contribute where I could to help this site. Uploading checklists, scanning cards and uploading images, fixing notes, submitting IR to have things corrected that I could not. Slowly my desire to help was eroded by those who want to have total control over the site. I believe their wish is to eliminate all others who are not in the clique from being able to do anything here as they believe they are the only ones who know everything in the hobby. They quickly deter new members from participating with their aggressive responses in the Forums and they find ways to block older members who may voice things against their ideas.
Well done guys; you've succeeded in silencing another one.
Mailing address:
Bruno Paulhus
506 Weese Road
Carrying Place, ON
Canada, K0K 1L0
