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Collector 4.06K	4.06K etapi65 private msg quote post Address this user	plus 1 plus 1 plus 1 2
	This sounds like I might get to meet Steve at a con at some point. Kind of looking forward to saying hi. This sounds like a great position that should be a ton of fun and get you out moving. I've really started to focus on purchases at MCS over the past 3-4 months and this makes it even more of a player in comics I'm looking to find.
	3 years ago	Post 101 • IP flag post

Collector 10.96K	10.96K CatCovers private msg quote post Address this user	plus 1 plus 1 plus 1 0
	Congratulations, Steve! I hate to see you leave CBCS, but all my best wishes to you at MCS. I'm sure it will be an exciting new challenge and change of pace and let you come up for air from the grading desk. And glad to hear you're planning to stay active on the board here. And ... if you happen to come across a high-grade Detective 122 in your new job, I'm in the market. Hook me up for a good price, OK?
	3 years ago	Post 102 • IP flag post

Collector 382	382 MyComicShop private msg quote post Address this user	plus 1 plus 1 plus 1 28
	Quote: Originally Posted by EbayMafia Quote: Originally Posted by IronMan I'm sure some will disagree, but my own experience is that MCS is "famously known" for being very strict on raw comics that are CONSIGNMENT books. I'm not seeing that same level for strictness on books that they actually own. @IronMan I don't disagree, It seems likely there would be at least some truth to that. I know they don't want to take a return after they have paid out to the seller. The grading, imaging, resto-check, warehousing and shipping (and eating returns) is quite the value for as little as $7, so I accept that there is a price to be paid elsewhere. In fact, if I only sent them raw books and sold my slabs elsewhere I would feel that the relationship was unfair in my favor. To that end, I also wouldn't be surprised to find out that consigners who only send raw books get tighter grading than those those also consign slabs, which fetch higher commissions and require less work. I can chime in and confirm that it's not the case that consignments are graded more tightly than inventory we own ourselves. Here's how our grading is handled: we have two main workflow branches for grading--one for books we estimate to be lower value (under about $15), and one for books over. The lower value group is graded and recorded by one department--that department assigns letter grades (NM, VF, FN, etc) and those books don't get individual cover scans. The higher value group is graded and recorded by a different department--that department assigns ten point grades, and most of those books do get individual cover scans. 100% of consignments are handled by that second department--we don't offer any consignments listed with letter grades and no cover scan. Within that department, consigned inventory and MCS-owned inventory are graded and handled exactly the same. Occasionally when a book crosses over from one department to the other you might see a small difference in how we grade it--like if you purchase a letter grade VF from us, and some time later that book has risen in value and is resubmitted to us as a consignment, it's possible that with the additional scrutiny that higher value books get in the second department, it might end up with a different ten point grade than the original letter grade. But if that happens, it has nothing to do with it being a consignment, it's just differences between the two departments.
	3 years ago	Post 103 • IP flag post

Collector 597	597 willieCPA4646 private msg quote post Address this user	plus 1 plus 1 plus 1 0
	Best of luck, Steve.
	3 years ago	Post 104 • IP flag post

Collector 580	580 Supertom private msg quote post Address this user	plus 1 plus 1 plus 1 6
	Quote: Originally Posted by IronMan @flanders @HeinzDad First blush, the idea that the very largest businesses selling comics would consider moving into grading and encapsulation seems logical. And having Steve B on board would lend tons of credibility to any such start up. At first blush. Think about it for a bit longer and the huge ethical problem becomes clear. MCS, Mile High - these are businesses with millions of comics in inventory and that probably sell a million or more a year. It would be impossible from an ethical standpoint for them to be an "impartial 3rd party" expert graders. Or at least impossible to convince most people. There would always be suspicions that the books MCS sales sent to the MCS grading and encapsulation got better grades. And this is why CBCS and CGC graders, maybe all employees, cannot sell their company's graded comic books. And why the grading companies themselves do not sell comic books. This is a great point, but doesn't CGC promote auction houses and pre-sell 9.8 slabbed new books? Given that no company really guarantees any grades, be it raw or slabbed, and just falls back on, "it's subjective art", the ethical conflict already exists on MCS and any other online marketplace that offers raw grades. The value of the grade shouldn't be determined by whether it's in a Mylar or a plastic shell. Also, Mile High already over-grades AND quadruples the price of all their books anyway. I wish you the best, Steve but man, this is a huge blow to CBCS. They're so far behind on standard submissions from last summer that losing a single grader, let alone THE grader, is going to further impact the already horrendous TATs. Here's hoping for a happy ending for everyone involved.
	3 years ago	Post 105 • IP flag post

Thank you sir. May I have another? 25.58K	25.58K Siggy private msg quote post Address this user	plus 1 plus 1 plus 1 2
	Quote: Originally Posted by ShoddyShortBox I am confident that Conan presented Steve with an offer he couldn't refuse, probably the kind of hall of fame career wrap-up that an ace pitcher might hope for. Steve loves to deal, and now he gets to jet set shows with a blank check. As far as Lone Star's motivation, this is Conan making an incomparable supply chain investment. The company has endless buying cash, they just need somewhere to spend it. Steve will be a lightning rod in this regard. Conan hired SB? I didn't know he was that high (or more accurately, low) on the totem poll. Either way, I'd imagine, "How would you like to stop straining your eyes grading comics?" would be enticing enough.
	3 years ago	Post 106 • IP flag post

Collector 579	579 PovRow private msg quote post Address this user	plus 1 plus 1 plus 1 0
	Great news, Steve! I have been waiting for you next adventure for a while. I think you and MCS will be an ideal match. Whenever I talk with MCS I always end up asking the same question: "What planet are you on? Because your level of attention to detail and service is otherworldly."
	3 years ago	Post 107 • IP flag post

Pictures? We don't need no stinking pictures. 12.49K	12.49K brysb private msg quote post Address this user	plus 1 plus 1 plus 1 0
	@sborock CONGRATS on the new job!
	3 years ago	Post 108 • IP flag post

I've spent years perfecting my brand of assholery. 56.49K	56.49K DrWatson private msg quote post Address this user	plus 1 plus 1 plus 1 2
	Quote: Originally Posted by Siggy Quote: Originally Posted by ShoddyShortBox I am confident that Conan presented Steve with an offer he couldn't refuse, probably the kind of hall of fame career wrap-up that an ace pitcher might hope for. Steve loves to deal, and now he gets to jet set shows with a blank check. As far as Lone Star's motivation, this is Conan making an incomparable supply chain investment. The company has endless buying cash, they just need somewhere to spend it. Steve will be a lightning rod in this regard. Conan hired SB? I didn't know he was that high (or more accurately, low) on the totem poll. Either way, I'd imagine, "How would you like to stop straining your eyes grading comics?" would be enticing enough. Conan is Buddy's son. I would imagine that would translate into some level of clout.
	3 years ago	Post 109 • IP flag post

Thank you sir. May I have another? 25.58K	25.58K Siggy private msg quote post Address this user	plus 1 plus 1 plus 1 1
	Quote: Originally Posted by DrWatson Conan is Buddy's son. I would imagine that would translate into some level of clout. No doubt, I worked with him on issues before, and he's great. I just wouldn't have figured this to be his level. Why? I don't know.
	3 years ago	Post 110 • IP flag post

Collector 382	382 MyComicShop private msg quote post Address this user	plus 1 plus 1 plus 1 30
	I (Conan) moved into an expanded role as president of MyComicShop at the end of 2021. Buddy had a stroke last August. He's recovered very well since then and is back at work doing what he loves, but the stroke prompted us to move ahead with some transitioning that we as a family had already been working toward prior to the stroke.
	3 years ago	Post 111 • IP flag post

Collector 24	24 Bugaboo private msg quote post Address this user	plus 1 plus 1 plus 1 0
	@sborock Congratulation and wishing you all the best on your new endeavor! I've got a few slabs I've been meaning to sell for a while now. Have been thinking about just sending them to MCS, since I keep hearing good feedback from others who have.
	3 years ago	Post 112 • IP flag post

Masculinity takes a holiday. 37.28K	37.28K EbayMafia private msg quote post Address this user	plus 1 plus 1 plus 1 3
	Quote: Originally Posted by MyComicShop I (Conan) moved into an expanded role as president of MyComicShop at the end of 2021. Buddy had a stroke last August. He's recovered very well since then and is back at work doing what he loves, but the stroke prompted us to move ahead with some transitioning that we as a family had already been working toward prior to the stroke. I'm sorry about the circumstances but congratulations to you as well on taking the helm. Was glad to see in the newsletters that Buddy had a quick recovery and was able to get back into action.
	3 years ago	Post 113 • IP flag post

Ima gonna steal this and look for some occasion to use it! 6.26K	6.26K IronMan private msg quote post Address this user	plus 1 plus 1 plus 1 3
	Quote: Originally Posted by Supertom Quote: Originally Posted by IronMan @flanders @HeinzDad First blush, the idea that the very largest businesses selling comics would consider moving into grading and encapsulation seems logical. And having Steve B on board would lend tons of credibility to any such start up. At first blush. Think about it for a bit longer and the huge ethical problem becomes clear. MCS, Mile High - these are businesses with millions of comics in inventory and that probably sell a million or more a year. It would be impossible from an ethical standpoint for them to be an "impartial 3rd party" expert graders. Or at least impossible to convince most people. There would always be suspicions that the books MCS sales sent to the MCS grading and encapsulation got better grades. And this is why CBCS and CGC graders, maybe all employees, cannot sell their company's graded comic books. And why the grading companies themselves do not sell comic books. This is a great point, but doesn't CGC promote auction houses and pre-sell 9.8 slabbed new books? Given that no company really guarantees any grades, be it raw or slabbed, and just falls back on, "it's subjective art", the ethical conflict already exists on MCS and any other online marketplace that offers raw grades. The value of the grade shouldn't be determined by whether it's in a Mylar or a plastic shell. Also, Mile High already over-grades AND quadruples the price of all their books anyway. I wish you the best, Steve but man, this is a huge blow to CBCS. They're so far behind on standard submissions from last summer that losing a single grader, let alone THE grader, is going to further impact the already horrendous TATs. Here's hoping for a happy ending for everyone involved. There are sellers and comic shops preselling CGC 9.8's. But unless I'm missing something, it is not CGC ordering new releases, grading them 9.8 and offering them for sale. It is private sellers and comic shops that will take 9.8 pre-sale orders. Then when they get the books they send them to CGC - probably prescreened for 9.8 PGX is the company that does what you say. And I believe it is only PGX East that is doing so.
	3 years ago	Post 114 • IP flag post

I award you no points! 2K	2K stanley_1883 private msg quote post Address this user	plus 1 plus 1 plus 1 0
	Congrats
	3 years ago	Post 115 • IP flag post

Collector 580	580 Supertom private msg quote post Address this user	plus 1 plus 1 plus 1 1
	@IronMan maybe I’m misremembering but I have a very clear memory of getting an email direct from CGC pre-selling 9.8s of Detective #1000. I remember because I checked the census that day and there were over 1,000 9.8s of a brand new book. Maybe that was a one off event or maybe they were promoting another business that was doing the pre-sale but either way it’s still shady. I still get emails from them constantly promoting auction houses. I just got one Tuesday promoting Bruneau & Co Auctioneers.
	3 years ago	Post 116 • IP flag post

Masculinity takes a holiday. 37.28K	37.28K EbayMafia private msg quote post Address this user	plus 1 plus 1 plus 1 3
	I think we are in an industry where conflicts of interest are like jay walking. A few people might point it out from time to time but 99% of the industry really doesn't care as long as your overall reputation doesn't deteriorate from other things.
	3 years ago	Post 117 • IP flag post

" . " 17.15K	17.15K Davethebrave private msg quote post Address this user	plus 1 plus 1 plus 1 2
	I agree. I’ve been stopped by police for jaywalking. Munich, Germany during a 2 day research trip. 10+ years living in Manhattan, never. S&P and Moodys were/are paid by the same companies they rate. Did that conflict ever pose problems? Nah… Will say the “conflict” for grading companies is far less worrisome based on the issues posed (pre-screened moderns) IF the market functioned rationally. What -should- matter is relative and absolute scarcity vs “natural” demand, not absolute grade. A 9.8 becomes proportionately less valuable the more there are. So a single copy issue (for example) should not really vary in value at all based on 9.6 vs 9.8 vs 9.9 or 10.0 Also, a 9.8 on a freshly minted book can be obtained easily. The manufacturer can pre-screen, the grader can pre-screen, and issues not meeting the criteria can be scrapped. Quote: Originally Posted by EbayMafia I think we are in an industry where conflicts of interest are like jay walking. A few people might point it out from time to time but 99% of the industry really doesn't care as long as your overall reputation doesn't deteriorate from other things.
	3 years ago	Post 118 • IP flag post

Collector 750	750 Triplecdad private msg quote post Address this user	plus 1 plus 1 plus 1 0
	Dang, my favorite topic in this forum is "Cool Books..." I even have a couple in now I hoped might have a slim chance of being featured. oh, well, good luck Steve.
	3 years ago	Post 119 • IP flag post

If the viagra is working you should be well over a 9.8. 17.97K	17.97K xkonk private msg quote post Address this user	plus 1 plus 1 plus 1 10
	@Triplecdad maybe we'll get a "cool books that cross my consignment desk" thread.
	3 years ago	Post 120 • IP flag post

It gets old smelling it everytime I go outside my door. 12.82K	12.82K Nearmint67 private msg quote post Address this user	plus 1 plus 1 plus 1 10
	@sborock CGC, Heritage, CBCS, MCS.... Keep on laying tracks. My excitement for you is over the top. As you wind down your last few hours at CBCS, know you have left another legacy here. Now you are off to begin yet another. I can't quite say it like Ric Flair did, but WOOOOOOO..... Stylin' & Profylin' Keep on Keepin' on my friend.
	3 years ago	Post 121 • IP flag post

PLOD 2.6K	2.6K theCapraAegagrus private msg quote post Address this user	plus 1 plus 1 plus 1 2
	I think that I have not congratulated Mr. Borock here, yet. I'm honestly very happy for you, Steve. While I'm not one of the big fish that you will deal with before your retirement, I hope that I get to meet you someday. I'll keep an eye out to see if you announce attending a public venue in MI.
	3 years ago	Post 122 • IP flag post

Collector 53	53 ShoddyShortBox private msg quote post Address this user	plus 1 plus 1 plus 1 0
	Quote: Originally Posted by MyComicShop if that happens, it has nothing to do with it being a consignment, it's just differences between the two departments. @MyComicShop Thanks for being candid with the explanation of your grading process. Could you further explain the back-end process in the following situation? After consignment submission, consigner gets a letter grade posted to their account on the "your consignment has been graded and checked in" page. Later, consignment status moves to "item setup in progress" with the letter grade exchanged for the equivalent number grade. But then even later, while still in the "item setup in progress phase", that number grade is adjusted downward. What likely occurred on your end? Thank you.
	3 years ago	Post 123 • IP flag post

Collector 26	26 MarcPatten private msg quote post Address this user	plus 1 plus 1 plus 1 9
	Steve, I couldn’t be more excited for you, old friend! To me Steve has always been the face of CGC and then CBCS. It was hard to imagine him not leading the charge and setting the bar for excellence at CGC, but then he started CBCS, and raised that bar and far beyond expectations. In life or in business one’s reputation can set you apart from the pack. Since we met wayback in the mid-1990s when I worked at Metropolis, your stellar reputation has never wavered. People trust, like, and love Steve Borock. That is a tribute to you as a person more than any job title. It doesn’t surprise me that with the explosion of collecting and grading comics in the last three years during the pandemic, that anyone sitting behind a desk grading comics all day might be starved for more human interaction. Steve, I am really looking forward to seeing your smiling face in person at conventions again! I always looked forward to catching up with you, either talking about comics or our daughters (my youngest heads off to college in the fall!). Buddy and Conan are super lucky to have you join their amazing team! See you soon out in the wild, bud!
	3 years ago	Post 124 • IP flag post

Collector 1.01K	1.01K Homer private msg quote post Address this user	plus 1 plus 1 plus 1 0
	Congratulations Steve you have a wide road ahead of you with many opportunities.
	3 years ago	Post 125 • IP flag post

Captain Accident 11.41K	11.41K the420bandito private msg quote post Address this user	plus 1 plus 1 plus 1 0
	Now we'll get to see Steve at some Dead & Co shows! Bravo
	3 years ago	Post 126 • IP flag post

Masculinity takes a holiday. 37.28K	37.28K EbayMafia private msg quote post Address this user	plus 1 plus 1 plus 1 0
	Quote: Originally Posted by ShoddyShortBox After consignment submission, consigner gets a letter grade posted to their account on the "your consignment has been graded and checked in" page. Later, consignment status moves to "item setup in progress" with the letter grade exchanged for the equivalent number grade. But then even later, while still in the "item setup in progress phase", that number grade is adjusted downward. What likely occurred on your end? I've submitted two raw batches in the last year and have not seen this. I think if you are seeing a grade before you can price the books then it is probably based on the grade that you assigned. I've only ever noticed one final grade coming out of MCS. Could be wrong though.
	3 years ago	Post 127 • IP flag post

Moderators handing out titles: Boom. Roasted. 5.9K	5.9K Hcanes private msg quote post Address this user	plus 1 plus 1 plus 1 1
	Congrats @sborock you will be missed. I remember the last year CBCS was at NYCC prior to the CGC/Reedpop exclusive deal, you took the time to go over my books and show me what to look out for to determine if my books would do better with a press. You even took the time to do a sort of primer in grading. The fact that the president of a company took time for a fellow hobbyist was not forgotten. You are a true champion of the hobby. Before you go can you get newsstand recognition past the year 2000 please
	3 years ago	Post 128 • IP flag post

Collector 382	382 MyComicShop private msg quote post Address this user	plus 1 plus 1 plus 1 3
	Quote: Originally Posted by ShoddyShortBox @MyComicShop Thanks for being candid with the explanation of your grading process. Could you further explain the back-end process in the following situation? After consignment submission, consigner gets a letter grade posted to their account on the "your consignment has been graded and checked in" page. Later, consignment status moves to "item setup in progress" with the letter grade exchanged for the equivalent number grade. But then even later, while still in the "item setup in progress phase", that number grade is adjusted downward. What likely occurred on your end? The books are first checked in at a preliminary grade to get them into the database, and then when they move to the department that is providing the final grading and recording they're getting a closer inspection so the final grade isn't guaranteed to be unchanged. Ideally we wouldn't be showing any grade at all until the final grade is in place--that's something for us to address. It's this way currently due to us outgrowing older software and system designs.
	3 years ago	Post 129 • IP flag post

Collector 53	53 ShoddyShortBox private msg quote post Address this user	plus 1 plus 1 plus 1 0
	Quote: Originally Posted by MyComicShop Ideally we wouldn't be showing any grade at all until the final grade is in place--that's something for us to address. It's this way currently due to us outgrowing older software and system designs. Great solution and thank you again.
	3 years ago	Post 130 • IP flag post

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