YouTube vs. Blogger traders/collectors

Maybe I am too quick to jump to this judgment – I have only recently rediscovered this hobby afterall, but I have come to realize that there are two types of collectors on the internet: There is the YouTube type who records every single box break, pack break, mail day, contest, shoutout, etc., all the while chanting mojo every few minutes, and then there is the blogger world where we actually have a chance to discuss relevant topics about the hobby in addition to doing some breaks and showing our card interests. That is not to step on anyones toes because I know there are people who do both, such as Mario with his vlogs, but I’m talking about people who are strictly one or the other.

Has anyone noticed the generalization that most YouTubers are middle school and young high school kids? Yes, they are the future of the hobby, but I see some serious differences in what they collect and what I used to collect. Where do these kids get the money for all their expensive box breaks?? I think it’s pretty rare that you find a rich kid collecting cards as in my experience, most kid collectors are just your average run of the mill kid. Yet, they somehow have the financial resources to break box after box of high-end stuff. And on top of that, they seem to only collect high end products: GU relics, autographs, duals, etc. I’m not sure if this is a good or bad thing.

This is compared to bloggers such as myself who has known the hobby back in the mid to late 90s and went through all that the card companies had thrown at us. There are many of us who still collect base cards for the complete set rather than just aim for high priced high-end products. If we do choose to collect high-end, we can because we have jobs and we are more or less responsible with our finances.

In addition, we are mature enough to make smart, fun, and also generous trades with each other. If we find a card that we know someone else would enjoy more like Ross’ generous gift of Andrew Millers to Mario, then we give it up without thinking for a second. Trades don’t necessarily have to be equal because you know eventually, that person will hit you back with something you’ll love. How different this trading world is with the kids. They trade only high-end and spit in disgust if you even suggest base cards. To me, they come off as obnoxious and just out to show off their PC. And that’s their whole goal, to add only to their own PC and not really care about anyone else’s. If it helps them, good, but if there is no benefit to themselves, then shoo off. Again, I’m generalizing and there are those people who do look out for other collectors.

Which leads me to this point of trades. I am quite hesitant to trade with anyone under the age of 18 for fear that their cards might be either damaged or not in the most pristine shape and also they might not reciprocate the trade. Has anyone experienced any good/bad trades they want to share of this sort? I would like to believe that for the most part, older collectors are less likely to rip you off in trades and such.

I’ve found this hobby community, especially the daily blogs that I read, very welcoming. They answered my questions and showed me the ropes of this “new” hobby world. In my experience, I’ve found YouTube a very cold, cold world. It’s a very dog eat dog world. Am I way off here guys? What are your thoughts? Discuss, please.