So if there is a “bubble” and it bursts...

[sebreg]

Originally Posted by dkcardman

1. The 'drop' we have been seeing the first half of the NBA season is something that happens EVERY year. All of the sudden, everyone gets surprised when things ramp to a frenzy as the playoffs approach. It is amazing how this happens every year, and every year people are worried about it.
2. Once you start with the card hobby, you don't stop, at least for the majority of people and even if you try to, it sucks you back in. Why? Because it is FUN. For all the new money that is bringing up values, there are real people behind it. They are discovering that they get to invest in the sports players they love watching. They get to hold a tangible asset (more fun that stocks, bonds, betting on games, etc). People aren't going to just get out now they they enjoy it.
3. Along with it being fun, it is a hobby. Something people enjoy. However, this is one of the very few hobbies that can breakeven and even possibly pay off with huge profits. What?! Okay, if you live in a world where money matters at all, this is going to be appealing to a lot of people. And continue to attract more and more people. Who discover they enjoy it, and spend more, and the cycle continues.
4. IMO, This is less of a bubble than it is the hobby finally realizing pent up potential that has been undervalued for a long time. Sure there are some elements of this that just seem insane right now, but don't we say that about everything the first time we see a big sale? Everyone is amazed that a card sells for $52k (Mantle rookie 30 or so years ago). Then $100k, then 250k. Next thing you know they are selling for $4M and we keep having the same reaction. 'surely this cannot last'. It sure can if people enjoy it, and more an more people discover it. I don't see those people disappearing with the snap of Thanos anytime soon.

Top 1% (or whatever) of blue-chip goat cards are pretty darn safe in long run imo.

Just gotta ride the ups and downs and try to have fun with it. If it wasn't fun I'd bounce. I spend what I can afford to lose. Cool to make money but not end of world if I get a hammer on my head. Just have to be aware of risks, try to have fun, enjoy connecting with the diverse range of people one can connect with in this hobby.