Sunday, November 22, 2009

2009-10 Panini Is Affordable Fun For The NBA Collector | Card Corner Club

The second Panini release is upon us, and with the holiday season coming up quickly, I cannot recommend a better basketball product for the fan in your house. 2009/10 Panini NBA is a steal at around $45 per 36-pack box. This slam dunk offers a 400-card made up of 300 veterans and 100 rookies. If your box is collated well, you should complete the 300-card veteran set from a single box. It’s accompanied by plenty of parallels, inserts and even a few duplicates to elate the longtime or brand-new collector.

This is the kind of set that I am thrilled is still part of this wacky hobby. Read the rest and see what we pulled with a full image gallery.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Inside The Hobby- Ranking the Manufacturers' Social Network Marketing Skills

Now, more than ever, WOM (word of mouth) advertising and UGC (user generated content) is key to the success or failure of a brand, product, business or service. From Angie's List to Yelp, consumers have the ability to add immense value to a company's image or, conversely, irreparable harm. Social Networking, and its intrinsic ability for a marketer to engage and influence its consumer audience with regards to buying decisions, is something that many organizations, in and outside, of The Hobby struggle with.

Social Network Marketing essentially takes WOM to a whole new level. In the past, when a consumer was dissatisfied with a company regardless of reason, the end result, after the process of calling customer service, writing a letter if need be, etc, was ultimately complaining about it to a friend over the phone or over lunch. Then much like the old commercial, " . . . and then they told two friends, and they told two friends, and so on and so on and so one." In today's "plugged in" media age of social networking and online communities like Blogger, Twitter, Facebook, My Space, YouTube, Pandora, Last.FM, Digg, StumbleUpon, Redi, Bebo, Linkedin, just to name a few, it is more important than ever to have a say in the voice of your brand, product or service, and engage with your target market in a way that is not only informative but creates what any company wants- brand loyalty.

So, with that Social Networking 101 lecture behind us, how do the manufacturers rate and compare in their efforts. There are several components to look at when evaluating the strengths or weaknesses of an organizations social network marketing campaign. Without getting too detailed in the minutia and to keep things simple, let's evaluate and judge each of the card manufacturers on how well they utilize these, three, key social networking components:

Information Dissemination- Getting product information into the hands of your target market.

Audience Engagement- How do you interact with the people you are disseminating your information too? Are you engaging or broadcasting?

Driving Web Traffic- A company's website is still the core or hub of which all other technology related marketing efforts revolve, whether that be mobile marketing, social networking, etc.

We'll also refer to the following matrix to show you their presence (or lack there of) on various social networking communities.



#1 Upper Deck
The clear leader in audience engagement and not simply due to their use of every featured social networking channel. It's not enough to simply have one of these elements, it's how you use it. Upper Deck makes excellent use of every opportunity to provide collectors multiple means of distributing product information whether that be about upcoming products, redemptions or including them in the conversation for choosing players in a checklist and soliciting content ideas.

Through the use of their @UpperDeckHockey Twitter account for example, they have shared with collectors information on the signing process for various athletes, and have even asked collectors who to include and who to feature on dual autographs. The designated account users even reply to user submitted questions both publicly and privately through direct messages and public replies.

Upper Deck's Facebook page provides collectors a wealth of product information and new posts to their fan page are also auto updated via Twitter. From image galleries to contests, redemption status to events, their integrated use of multiple social networking platforms by multiple brands (Upper Deck, Upper Deck Retail, Upper Deck Blog, Upper Deck Hockey) helps collectors feel valued and connected to the best interests of the company's design and marketing efforts.

They even accept user generated content via their blog and video channels on YouTube but more typically through their self branded video outlet, Diamond Vision, where they have encouraged users to submit their video box-breaks. Hosting UGC is one of the most cost-effective advertising tools and has carry over value with WOM and Social Networking through the potential to "go viral" where a popular video simply explodes with views, in essence acting as a free commercial.

Upper Deck also provides a relatively new Message Board community for collectors to network. The moderation is fair, accepting constructive criticism to be posted. They could do a lot more as far as promoting the community message boards to grow the audience and their moderators need to replicate their engagement efforts on Twitter and Facebook to make the environment more of a two-way dialogue.

#2 Panini/Donruss
Panini is still trying to feel their way through the social networking phenomenon. But has at least identified it's importance by being a relatively early adopter of channels such as Facebook and Twitter and YouTube. However, the company has failed to use them for audience engagement instead deciding to use them for strictly broadcasting and information distribution purposes.

#3 Tri-Star
While currently using only two channels (Twitter and Facebook) they use them frequently. unfortunately they use them strictly for broadcasting and information distribution purposes similar to Panini.

#4 Topps
Unfortunately as you might imagine, as we reach the lower ranks, we are starting to see a noticeable trend, and that trend is lack of engagement. They have a rarely used Twitter account but to their credit when they do use it, it is to disseminate very useful information above the simple announcement of a product being live or posting preview images. Topps has used Twitter to notify collectors about fulfilled redemptions, and as most collectors would agree is a very beneficial piece of information. Topps does provide a Message Board and was actually a very early adopter of this. Their moderator is fair and engaging. However, amazing to note, they do NOT have a Facebook page, which to me is almost unthinkable in this day and age. To Topps credit they do actively embrace the brick and mortar Hobby shop and it's patrons by hosting product "Rip Parties" that they the feature on their YouTube channel.

#5 Press Pass
Until recently, they have always been a little standoff-ish with collectors preferring to keep them at arms length, with very little in the way of any engaging or interacting with their audience. They have recently engaged the blogger community and even have a Blog of their own which details some cool behind the scenes look at collectibles in production. Their Facebook page is primarily used for communication information with little talk-back via the comments section.

#6 but tied for #1 Razor
It's almost not even fair to put them on the list. As a much smaller company they have fewer resources to allocate for such marketing efforts. However, that said, Brian Gray, the President and CEO is the most accessible person a collector will ever find ,with his personal email address in a prominent and visible position on their website. Brian will take and return your phone calls as well. So when it comes to social networking the direct connection of going straight to the source for answers and information can't be beat and for that he deserves a lot of credit and respect. He does have a Facebook page place holder and you'll even catch him sending out the occasional Tweet but if you really want information on Razor, forget the bells and whistles and enjoy the luxury of going right to the CEO.

TWOT- This Week On Twitter 11/14/-11/20

Great content from around the web- Music, Sports, News, Photography, Technology, Collecting, Sports Business, TV, Movies, Entertainment, Comic Books, Video Games, and More!!

DC_NATION
DCU: The Source - The Justice League faces the Blackest Night: http://bit.ly/07NOg2m/ from API
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IGNcom
http://twitvid.com/04496 - Hey, @taylorswift13, @gameovergreggy got your gift in the mail today. He loves it! Thanks! from API
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PlanetXbox360
We list the ten moments in Modern Warfare 2 that we think will be remembered, what's your favorite? http://tiny.cc/Yod2A from web
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Marvel
Marvel pits the heroes & villains of Fall of the Hulks against the Superstars of WWE http://is.gd/4ZUqd Just in time for Survivor Series! from TweetDeck
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gawkertv
The Worst Playground Accidents Caught on Video http://gawker.tv/5409394/ #fail #lol from gawker.tv
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IGNcom
Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 walkthrough by TheGum http://faqs.ign.com/article... (@sngign) from web
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LIFE
LIFE Aboard Submarines: http://bit.ly/6s5nDQ from twitterfeed
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CBR
Comic Book Legends Revealed http://bit.ly/6Hq8nE from twitterfeed
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gawkertv
Why Traffic Jams Sometimes Happen for No Apparent Reason http://gawker.tv/5409288/ #weirdscience #wow from gawker.tv
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PlanetXbox360
Top 10 Epic Moments in Modern Warfare 2 http://bit.ly/495Bk6 from twitterfeed
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SportsCollector
How to Buy Cheap on eBay: Looking to find the best deals on eBay? Here are some tips for finding what you need whe... http://bit.ly/1KgpsT from twitterfeed
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GeekTyrant
The 10 most Overpaid Actors in Hollywood http://bit.ly/3YpQur from TweetDeck
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LIFE
Victoria's Secret Show: Backstage! http://su.pr/8SjFK3 from Su.pr
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GeekTyrant
THE WIRE - 100 Greatest Quotes Video http://geektyrant.com/2009/... from web
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iamjoecollector
Topps redemption weirdness http://iamjoecollector.blog... from web
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SI_24Seven
RT @SI_Swimsuit: Swimsuit Photo of the Day: 2008 Selita Ebanks in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands - http://su.pr/1hUBzj. Ahoy Captain! from CoTweet
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PlanetXbox360
College Sports Fans Rejoice as NCAA Basketball 10 Releases http://bit.ly/3uerEN from twitterfeed
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gawkertv
Man Defies Impending Death From Two Oncoming Trains in a Row http://gawker.tv/5408435/ #wow #omg from gawker.tv
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xbox_news
Wal-Mart to sell $10 PS3, Xbox 360, Wii games Black Friday - Punch Jump http://bit.ly/3CSij7 from twitterfeed
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SI_24Seven
Coffee Break Photo Gallery: The Best NFL Cheerleaders From Week 10 - http://su.pr/2qhc8X from CoTweet
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xbox_news
Online gaming's dirty little secret - CNET News http://bit.ly/4AbneT from twitterfeed
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SportsCollector
How to Drive Traffic to Your eBay Store: Don't have an eBay store? You probably should. Get some tips on how to ste... http://bit.ly/385tHS from twitterfeed
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SportsCollector
Busting a 1957-58 Topps Hockey Pack: A 52 year-old pack of hockey cards was opened like a time capsule at a recent ... http://bit.ly/3iP2Nk from twitterfeed
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GeekTyrant
ROME and CALL OF DUTY Movie update by Kevin McKidd http://geektyrant.com/2009/... from web
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GeekTyrant
How the Original STAR WARS Computer Graphics Were Done http://twurl.nl/bg8b6r from web
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SI_24Seven
RT @SI_Swimsuit: Swimsuit Photo of the Day: 1997 @tyrabanks in bikini by Pisces Swimwear - http://su.pr/1dgxGn from CoTweet
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xbox_news
Microsoft Sees 'Natal' as Your Next TV Remote - PC Magazine http://bit.ly/4k1Idy from twitterfeed
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happn_in_chi
AD Local Twitter Advertising for Chicago - check out http://happn.in/sponsor/chi from API
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CBR
ROBOT 6: The Pirate Bay To Shut Down http://bit.ly/1yedr2 from twitterfeed
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DC_NATION
DCU: The Source - The Dark Knight and Lady Blackhawk team up in BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL #37: http://bit.ly/kcH6i/ from API
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IDWPublishing
Optimus Prime Resigns in IDW's new series! http://bit.ly/2BZfo8 #comics #TRANSFORMERS from Ping.fm
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SI_24Seven
The greatest boxers of all time http://bit.ly/praG1 from API Retweeted by you
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BLOWOUTCARDS
Perfect Michael Jordan Rookie Card sells for $200,000... http://tinyurl.com/yhgsj9z from web
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bbgeeks
So TwitterBerry is now OpenBeak and they have updated their app - get the rundown here: http://bit.ly/LZFOw from TweetDeck
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DC_NATION
DCU: The Source - The Huntress and Man-Bat are in dire straights: http://bit.ly/urECG/ from API
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nranews
NRA's brief in NRA vs. Chicago - http://bit.ly/10VUKc from Seesmic
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youtube
YouTube users debate in Creator's Corner forum -- Windows Movie Maker or iMovie? http://bit.ly/3xdq4Y from bit.ly
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IDWPublishing
Get all your favorite IDW #comics all in one place on your iPhone with this new #app! http://bit.ly/2l6scv from Ping.fm Retweeted by you and 2 others
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gawkertv
The Best of Girls Falling Off of Stripper Poles http://gawker.tv/5406760/ #tv #lol from gawker.tv
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youtube
Connecting citizens and journalists with the newly-launched YouTube Direct: http://bit.ly/41b6Sj from TweetDeck
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Marvel
Our full online catalog for comics & collections coming out in February 2010 is live: http://marvel.com/catalog/?... from TweetDeck
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gawkertv
Two Million Dollar Bugatti Veyron Crashes Into the Water http://gawker.tv/5406576/ #dailyfail #omg from gawker.tv
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TheTradersArena
Lot's of new members on the forums! See what we're all about now! www.thetradersarena.com from web
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AuctionBytes
US Postal Service Ends 2009 with $3.8 Billion Loss (AuctionBytes News) http://bit.ly/42rYdJ from web
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CBR
EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW: "Transformers" #1 http://bit.ly/rkPFd from twitterfeed
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BLOWOUTCARDS
Topps Partners With Mobile App Company http://tinyurl.com/yhkrlsq from web
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LIFE
Amazing Spy Tech from the Cold War and Beyond: http://digg.com/d31AGIu?t from Digg
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Auctionreport
New blog post: PSA/DNA Presents Authentication Tools By John Reznikoff from Twitter Tools
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SI_24Seven
Mercedes returning to F1 for first time since '55 - Mercedes-Benz is taking over champion team Brawn GP to... http://bit.ly/41VLC6 from API
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WorthPoint
Have you tried our Worthopedia price guide? Value your items by searching millions of prices from past sales and... http://bit.ly/3yJHb2 from Facebook
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WorthPoint
You might wonder when watching the appraisers at “Antiques Roadshow” just how they can determine so much... http://bit.ly/38alEi from Facebook
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SI_24Seven
RT @SI_Swimsuit: Swimsuit Photo of the Day: 2009 @BrooklynDDecker in Canouan Island, The Grenadines, Raffles Resort - http://su.pr/1Q6T0j from CoTweet
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PlanetXbox360
EA Sports Announces Champions of Gaming Tournament http://bit.ly/4dXXwD from twitterfeed
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CBR
VOTE: DC Comics' Most Iconic Covers http://bit.ly/36GDsx from twitterfeed
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cardboardicons
WTF Bailey and Coghlan ROYs? Hmm ... from web
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CBR
Comics A.M. - The Comics Internet in 2 Minutes http://bit.ly/25BPsb from twitterfeed
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paymentsnews
Fed Proposes Rules on Gift Cards re: Fees, Expiration Dates: The Federal Reserve Board has announced proposed rules ... http://bit.ly/oot9b from twitterfeed
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xbox_news
Russia Threatens Modern Warfare 2 Ban, Game Yanked From Shelves - PC World http://bit.ly/4ud2zZ from twitterfeed
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BLOWOUTCARDS
Top hobby performers of 2009 from Sportscollectors Digest http://tinyurl.com/yz33ft7 from web
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LIFE
WWII: Liberation of the Camps http://su.pr/2xKDoc from Su.pr
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SI_24Seven
Coffee Break Photo Gallery: The Best Photos from the Pacquiao v Cotto Fight - http://su.pr/2OfZ8c from CoTweet
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AuctionBytes
Check today's Newsflash email for this week's code: AuctionBytes $100 Best Buy gift card giveaway http://bit.ly/aZ7Dl from web
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LIFE
WWII: Marlene Dietrich and the Boys http://su.pr/2IRAbj from Su.pr
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LIFE
SNEAK PEEK: Sexy Celebs 'Exposed': http://bit.ly/pjdvt from twitterfeed
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SportsCollector
Historic Hockey Memorabilia Auction Opens: Hockey relics are on the block as Classic Auctions offers its final even... http://bit.ly/1JmN88 from twitterfeed
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BLOWOUTCARDS
New Product Information Page (PIP) for 2009 Just Minors Mystery Mini Bats Plus Baseball just posted http://tinyurl.com/yzpez7p from web
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BLOWOUTCARDS
New Product Information Page (PIP) for 2009 Topps Platinum Football just posted http://tinyurl.com/yaof7tu from web
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amazonmp3
Download Bon Jovi's latest single "We Weren't Born to Follow" free for a limited time: http://bit.ly/2AdPj9 from TweetDeck
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GeekTyrant
5 Laughably Ridiculous Disaster Films. http://bit.ly/1dxmX5 from Tweetie
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eBay
Have you checked out our Facebook page? We're posting pictures, videos and info from the Mobile Boutique http://Facebook.com/ebay from CoTweet
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TomtheRipper
Check this video out -- 2009 Bowman Sterling MLB Preview http://bit.ly/1HvMnY from web
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xbox_news
Hackers figure out how to unban Xbox 360s merely days later - TECH.BLORGE.com http://bit.ly/1yVCgq from twitterfeed
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PlanetXbox360
Project Natal Awarded as TIME "Invention of the Year 2009" http://bit.ly/1cbzJH from twitterfeed
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NHLBlackhawks
After further review, Keith's goal in the 1st is now credited to Madden. Sorry Duncs - I probably post-goal jinxed you... from web
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VOTC
Sharpie!!! #Blackhawks PP goal from TwitterBerry
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GeekTyrant
DANTE’S INFERNO Animated Movie Trailer looks pretty bloody good http://bit.ly/1fukD2 from web
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CBR
REVIEW: Punishermax" #1 http://bit.ly/1zLORF from twitterfeed
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SI_24Seven
Best way to start the weekend...RT @SI_Swimsuit: Swimsuit Photo of the Day: 2006 Petra Nemcova in Palm Springs - http://su.pr/6MCptY from CoTweet
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Marvel
Wallpapers for the week: http://is.gd/4Uv0b Download 8 new Marvel wallpapers. from TweetDeck
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CBR
Comic Book Legends Revealed http://bit.ly/2kMWEv from twitterfeed

Friday, November 20, 2009

2009 Upper Deck Series One Hockey Packs a Real Punch! | Card Corner Club

Every box boasts that collectors will get six “Young Guns” and then there’s a chance of getting some autographs and memorabilia cards so for around $63 it should be easy to get your money’s worth, right?

Well after my first two rookie pulls I felt that way. My first was of Flyers rookie forward James van Riemsdyk. I have been following this New Jersey native for quite some time and now he’s having that great rookie campaign that I expected him to. As a matter of fact his numbers are comparable to Chicago’s Patrick Kane, who was drafted one spot ahead of him back in 2007. JVR has 17 points in his first 15 games with four game winners. So far that’s better than any rookie out there. John Tavares has two more points but no game-winners. This could be some Calder race as the season rolls on.


Read the rest and see the Hall of Fame coaching legend auto we pulled . . .

NFL Introduces NEW high End Collectible Figures- The MVP Collection

The NFL has launched a line of licensed collectible busts and is also allowing fans to vote on the next figures produced. At a SRP of $99, they are a bit pricey but the detail looks remarkable. Check out the slide show below and learn more here:

NFL Collectible Bust- MVP Collection

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Where is UD Black?

Football collectors, particularly of the high-end variety have been anxiously waiting for the overdue release of one of the sports premier brands. Upper Deck Black Football was originally slated for a October release. As we approach the end of November, we still are waiting. However, if the product lives up to the following image previews, it looks like it will have been worth the wait. The product is finally scheduled for release next week the 24th.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

This is Gellman if UD Lost Their NFL License

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

One of the Greatest Inserts Ever

Back in 1998, just as the memorabilia and autograph craze began to take off, unique inserts ruled the day. Requiring innovative designs, and a premium checklist, player collectors in particular had far more to chase than just base cards. Inserted into Topps flagship brand, Series 1, were these Etch-A-Sketch cards. Seeded 1:36 pack, the insert set featured some of the games biggest stars including Bonds, Ripken, Griffey, and Thomas to name a few. I recently picked this one up for my Ripken Collection.

Interesting to note on the back of the card is this kid, George Vlosich III, 18 at the time, he is the artist behind the whole set. Now 11-years later, George has created quite a name for himself. You can check out more of this dudes truly amazing work here. He has done numerous athletes, Barack Obama, Michael Jackson and more.

Card Corner Club Radio Show **NEW**

Join Russ Cohen, Jon Waldman, and myself, as we talk about the new licensing agreements, the Toronto Expo, Jon's involvment with the production of the new WWE 2009 product by Topps and more.

Listen via the embeded MP3 player on the left.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Random Thoughts by The VOTC

Jimmie Johnson is amazing. I'm not the biggest NASCAR fan as my auto racing loyalties reside with the open wheeled variety, i.e. Indy and F1. However, having all but locked up his 4th consecutive NASCAR Cup, he MUST be included in any discussion about great athletes and achievements in our sports lifetime. The pending crowning of #4 is unprecedented in motor-sports.

Bengals are legit, period. Season sweeps of Baltimore and Pittsburgh. No one predicted that. No one.

Patriots vs Colts. Gutsy, stupid call. So Mr. Hoody basically sent the biggest message of no confidence to his defense last night. As a hater of all things Boston and New York, 2 words- Ha Ha

Michell Wie- It took her 65 tries but she finally broke through with her first career LPGA tournament victory. She is only 20. Anybody remember how old Tiger was when he one his first? Yes, 20. However he accomplished the feat in 2/3 less tries.

Taco Bell's Black Taco is over-rated. But the advertising campaign worked.

Talk about way too many products. Have you been in a comic books store lately?

Brett Favre is still amazing. Talk about still having it.

Original six rivalries in the NHL have been killed thanks to commissioner Gary Bettman. His quest for league expansion has taken the history right out of the game. Let the new teams develop their own rivalries. Division opponent or not, the Original 6 should each play each other 4x per year.

If baseball is the sound track of summer does winter even have one?

The Chicago Bears had their best game in weeks yesterday.

Modern Warfare 2 lives up to the hype.

Winter Olympics- Do you care?

Please fire Charlie Wiese. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are brutal and have turned into a bad joke.

How does Lebron James planned jersey number change impact his card values?

Should Upper Deck get back into golf?