killjoy32 wrote:i think the more rare the item is, the more a collector will want it, regardless of who is bidding on it.
Probably a good rule of thumb

killjoy32 wrote:you win some you lose some - if you want it enough, bid more

Or wait for next time: unless an item is unique or pretty close (Gypsy, the
RJK manuscripts, etc.), I'm generally willing to pass knowing that another chance will come eventually. That worked for me on Starstone, The Lost Abbey of Calthonwey, and other lower-profile uncommon/rare items.
Of course that does mean that I may never get a Silver Anniversary set or
OCE at a decent price, since they all seem to end up being posted here

Deadlord36 wrote:You know, I find I have a LOT more time and money to play with now that I am out of active collecting. It really does take quite a bit out of you.
Frank, you make an interesting point. How much time would you estimate that you've recovered in general by being an "inactive" collector. Also, how do you define that---you're still selling stuff, obviously, and still buy the odds and ends that interest you. How exactly is your collecting different now vs. before?