Redefine the Design - 2008 Topps

Another redesign and another one featuring Topps or a Topps byproduct.  Judging by my constant desire to tweak a Topps card, you’d probably think that I have a deep, dark hatred of the Topps Company and despise every design their art department produces.  That couldn’t be farther from the truth because I LOVE Topps cards.  Always have and (hopefully) always will. 

I think why I do make little (and not so little) tweaks to the cards is because I do love them.  I know that sounds like a strange sentiment, since I want to change something that I proclaim to love.  Good thing I’m talking about cardboard and not flesh and bone.

That being said, I’ve put another Topps creation onto my digital butcher block, and am making what I deem an absolutely necessary change to the 2008 Topps flagship release.  I had been out of the collecting game for at least seven years when this set was released, and had little, if no knowledge about these cards until I read Night Owl wax poetic about “The Bump.”

Since then, I’ve picked up a handful or so of these cards, and am beyond annoyed with “The Bump.”  With my wife being a photographer, and me making lots of custom cards, I find that anytime a design interferes with the picture to be a sin.  What’s the point of even having a photograph on the card if you have to crop the photo in weird locations or zoom out to ridiculous lengths?  Every card should follow the Rule of Thirds.  If you don’t know what that is, read this and this.

Now, it’s time to remove “The Bump,” and show a 2008 Topps card the way it should have been designed.

What do you think?

Calling all cards! Calling all cards!

I recently decided (unilaterally) that I may start dipping my toe back into the collecting world. As though in the know are aware, things are in a sort of an upheaval in our household, but we are optimistic the economy and job market will turn around soon.

In the meantime, the mad dash to eliminate my massive backlog of 70s and 80s toys is underway on eBay, as well as the thinning of my bloated media collection (i.e., DVDs, CDs, textbooks, books, video games, etc.) via Amazon. Next on the block would supposedly be the 3 foot by 5 foot by 8 foot (that’s 120 cubic feet kids) mountain of baseball cards barricaded in the family room closet.

From a philosophical perspective, I don’t think I could sell the cards. If times got tough, I’m sure I could auction them, or play games with Bad Wax on Craigslist, but while times are decent, I think I could trade them. That being said, I think it is time to thin my inventory by trading for new(er) cards.

When I was a kid, I began collecting the 75 Topps set because it was my birth year. Now with two kids, I think it would be fun to collect their birth years 2007 and 2008. To pass muster with the Mrs., the household rule is to reduce quantity in exchange for quality. Also, I have a firm limit on the number of cards allowed in the house (i.e., no more than are already there), which is why my office has various packs bought and given to me, ahem, Plungerhoo, since we were married.

Well, I’d think that reducing my inventory in exchange for cards meant for our young kids should fit the quantity/quality rule. I am reducing quantity in exchange for quality sets for the kids. So, I guess you could say I’m officially on the market for trades. If interested, drop a line and I’ll check out your lists.

I’m looking for 07 and 08 Topps base set only. No inserts, no variations, just plain old base cards.

Current haves:
2008 – Nothing!
2007 – 1, 15, 56, 127, 201, 218, 234, 238, 254, 325, 326

Disclaimer: It will likely take me a while to find your wants, so please no one send me anything in the mail until I mail you something. As for trades, details can be discussed over email, and as a heads up, I don’t care for price guides. When it feels right, it is right. Also, if you don’t already have a blog or are “known”, I’m not interested. Sorry, but I don’t want to get ripped.

PS - I'm surprised no one even touched the Topps Pack Prices blog. Too much tinfoil hat I guess.