My number one complaint: stickered autographs. Oh, I know, to some collectors, just having an autograph is fantastic in and of itself. For me, though, an actual on-card auto far outweighs the coolness factor of signed sticker. Why? Because with an on-card auto, you know the player actually touched the card in order to get the auto on there. With a sticker, it just seems... I dunno... removed somehow.
My other issue is the large 1-of-1 letter patch cards and the 'retro-look' cards. Come on. Using designs from past sets is played out. Has been for years. Collectors want something new, fresh.
I actually like the designs of the base set for 2012 on the vertical cards. The design, to me, does not work at all on horizontal versions. Why not? The "swoop/swish" thing takes up too much room. On a vertical card, there is still plenty of space for the player photo. On a horizontal card, though, that same element squeezes the player's photo.
There are lots of additional pictures on their Facebook page (link below). Topps has their version of "Upper Deck X" as well. It's a so-so design, but looks far too much like "X" for my liking. I mean, sure I liked "X" die cuts and all, but once again - played out. What I'd really like to see if the return of Pacific-style die cuts. I mean, if we're going to do die cuts, let's get wild with them: Christmas tree ornaments, baseballs, whatever!
*The 2012 Series 2 album is here:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150491772684594.388265.340373399593&type=1
I'm 100% with you're thinking on the on-card vs. sticker auto issue. I'll add my gripe about "short-hand" signatures, though. "Dear player, We value your talent. We like you. We may even idolize you. We certainly care enough to spend money on your card. Please respect us enough to take a few extra seconds and give us a legible signature. Thanks."
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! Three little squiggles is NOT an autograph.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment David. I generally feel like I'm the only one who's bothered by that.
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