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CBCS vs PSA Lawsuit21143

Collector sborock_ComicLink private msg quote post Address this user
BECAUSE OF THE NATURE OF MY POST ABOUT WEST. I WANT TO MAKE IT VERY CLEAR BECAUSE OF MY "CHAT NAME" ON THE BOARDS, THAT THESE COMMENTS WERE FROM ME PERSONNALY AND NOT COMICKLINK OR ANY OF THIER EMPLOYESS. COMICLINK HAS NOTHING AGAINST CGC, PSA OR CBCS. NEITHER DO I.

WEST IS MY BROTHER AND I WILL DEFEND ANY HOBBYIST UNTIL PROVEN/FOUND GUILTY. IF IT TURNS OUT I WAS WRONG, AS YOU ALL KNOW, I WOULD IMMEDIATLY SAY SO IN PUBLIC FORUMS. I JUST DON'T WANT THIS TO RUIN A CARRER OF A PROMINENT HOBBYIST AND HURT HIS CHANCES OF EMPLOYMENT, SO THAT HE CAN MAKE A LIVING TO HOUSE AND FEED HIS FAMILY.



Here is my response to the YouTube show thread that I have posted:


@SteveBorockYouTube
1 hour ago

1st: I would be more than happy to come on you show and help explain many details that I know and will also find out. (Loved being on with you before!)

Mark Wilson was not the head grader of CBCS.

He quit after I was gone a long time, was not sure why at first. I did hear that he was joining another comic book selling company, but that fell through BEFORE going to PSA. I know he left as he thought he was not earning the money a Senior Grader should. He was a very good worker.

PSA talked to me before that, but I would not move (I came back to Florida to be with our kids and 5 grandkids) and I told them I was no longer interested in starting a grading service again or sitting in a seat grading all day.

In '17 I tried to open a grading company (CBCS) that was hobby friendly, truly impartial, transparent and hiring the best.
I also hate monopolies and wanted better for our wonderful hobby. I am 61 now and had set up at my 1st show at 12. I've been around a couple of days....LOL!

My 1st choice as my "second in command" was West.

He is a true hobbyist, a top pedigree expert, amazing grader and, especially, one of the best restoration detection experts in the world. West and I set the grading standards and ethics for CBCS and, for the 1st 3 years, we were gang busters until my partner said that he had to sell to Beckett as he was running out of money, even though I told him it took CGC 5 years to make a dollar (or at least, that was what I was told by the powers that be at CGC at the time).

I got screwed six ways to Sunday.

West did not disseminate ANY information to PSA or anyone else and is not doing so now. As far as I know at this moment he will NOT be working for PSA in the near future and has not ever worked there.

I have much more that I could say, but I need to get back to work for ComicLink today, we are killing it, and I am working about 50-60 hours a week. I don't mind! I love what I do, love our great hobby, I love helping newer collectors learn ethics and grading and, most importantly, the fantastic hobbyists in it!
Post 26 IP   flag post
It gets old smelling it everytime I go outside my door. Nearmint67 private msg quote post Address this user
@sborock_ComicLink Well said hippie. Now, back to killing it...
Post 27 IP   flag post
I've spent years perfecting my brand of assholery. DrWatson private msg quote post Address this user
Quote:
Originally Posted by sborock_ComicLink
I got screwed six ways to Sunday.

That's the best way to get screwed.
Post 28 IP   flag post
I've spent years perfecting my brand of assholery. DrWatson private msg quote post Address this user
Quote:
Originally Posted by Scifinator
Quote:
Originally Posted by DrWatson
Quote:
Originally Posted by KatKomics
I by no means am a comic grading industry buff...but it seems to me to be very, very...incestuous (didn't both these guys start out at CGC in the early days - then moved to CBCS - now tried to go to PSA)

No doubt. I'm sure they're all screwing each other in some form or fashion.


@DrWatson - Somehow, while possibly true, I don't think that is what @KatKomics was insinuating.

I meant figuratively.
Post 29 IP   flag post
Have I told you about the time I dropped off 3,000 comics at SDCC? Scifinator private msg quote post Address this user
Quote:
Originally Posted by DrWatson
I meant figuratively.


@DrWatson - well, yes, I figured you meant figuratively. I hadn't even contemplated a literal screwing. Ewwwww.
Post 30 IP   flag post


You can't get good wood on the ball every time. HotKeyComics private msg quote post Address this user
Quote:
Originally Posted by KatKomics

NDA's are nothing new and many industries have a clause where you cannot go to a competitor with XX period...presumably because the industry will have changed or the new project will have been launched.


Non compete clauses are now illegal by the FTC. They are currently stopped from enforcing it by a court but I don't expect that to last.

https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/04/ftc-announces-rule-banning-noncompetes
Post 31 IP   flag post
past performance is no guarantee of future actions. KatKomics private msg quote post Address this user
Quote:
Originally Posted by HotKeyComics
Quote:
Originally Posted by KatKomics

NDA's are nothing new and many industries have a clause where you cannot go to a competitor with XX period...presumably because the industry will have changed or the new project will have been launched.


Non compete clauses are now illegal by the FTC. They are currently stopped from enforcing it by a court but I don't expect that to last.

https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/04/ftc-announces-rule-banning-noncompetes


had to double check...looks like in my region they were partially ended in 2021/2022 BUT they were/are still allowed with executives - so I would think in this scenario the case is still 'good' against these two...if they qualify as executives....

Makes sense - guy doing the grading at the desk (employee level) should be free to move between companies - guys at the executive level who are privi to R&D and or are developing say...a new grading system themselves - should not be allowed to leave and implement that elsewhere
Post 32 IP   flag post
Collector B3Chandler private msg quote post Address this user
Post 33 IP   flag post
I'd like to say I still turned out alright, but that would be a lie. flanders private msg quote post Address this user
@B3Chandler guy looks like he's on some kind of stimulant.
Post 34 IP   flag post
I've spent years perfecting my brand of assholery. DrWatson private msg quote post Address this user
Two words: Blithering idiot.
Post 35 IP   flag post
I've spent years perfecting my brand of assholery. DrWatson private msg quote post Address this user
I wish I had a $1 for every time he says, "My dad..."
Post 36 IP   flag post
Collector B3Chandler private msg quote post Address this user
Can't blame him for being stressed out about it since his dad is involved, but I'm not sure making a Youtube video about it is the best course of action.
Post 37 IP   flag post
It's like the Roach Motel for comic collectors. chester15 private msg quote post Address this user
I'm strategizing on how to recoup 11:22 of my life.

Sub grades:

Page 1 is an 8.5
Page 2 is an 8.0
Page 3 .....
Post 38 IP   flag post
I've spent years perfecting my brand of assholery. DrWatson private msg quote post Address this user
If grading companies crumbled because their head grader quit, then the cgc would have been ashes years ago.

Plus, PGX has been running on a shoestring for a decade or more.
Post 39 IP   flag post
It gets old smelling it everytime I go outside my door. Nearmint67 private msg quote post Address this user
He sure does like the sound of his own voice...
Post 40 IP   flag post
I've spent years perfecting my brand of assholery. DrWatson private msg quote post Address this user
He calls West Stephan Steve West for half the video.
Post 41 IP   flag post
HAmistoso private msg quote post Address this user
Quote:
Originally Posted by flanders
@B3Chandler guy looks like he's on some kind of stimulant.



Post 42 IP   flag post
Collector sborock_ComicLink private msg quote post Address this user
Sub-Grades will not work for comics, like they do for cards.

Never liked the concept for comics. Too many things to list with a 3-dimensional item. Also, there are a bunch of card collectors out there who won't spend the extra money on them and will not pay extra for the certification.

Don't get me wrong, many collectors also like them.

I think it's just a big grab for more money, IMHO, which is bad for any hobby. It's why I made sure that graders notes were detailed and FREE when I was prez at both CGC and CBCS.

I want our hobby to be happy, healthy, fun and, especially, all of us helping the next generation learn grading, restoration, community, ethics and to buy what you love and can afford as well as how to watch the prices correctly and not over-spend.

They are the ones who will keep our hobby alive and healthy for the generation(s?) after theirs, while we are long gone and are completely forgotten. Let's all leave a fantastic legacy for them, just like our "mentors" have done for so many!

The first "collectors" that had started fandom (I hate that some of us call it an industry! UGH!) and the ones that taught us almost everything from enjoying interactions with others just like us and at a time that comics were considered stupid, or only for kids or, even for total losers! Many taught us ethics and to "Just read and enjoy comics and, if you can make it a living at it, who cares." They deserve accolades for what they have done for me and so many, many others.

Robert Overstreet
Buddy Saunders
Jerry Weist
Don and Magie Thompson
Chuck woolly
Bill Gaines
Michelle Nolan
Alan Light
and many, many others. THANK YOU ALL!

Do you all know who these pioneers of our hobby are and why so? If so, very cool! If not, have fun learning about these wonderful hobbyists.
☮
Post 43 IP   flag post
I'm waiting.... (tapping fingers).
Splotches is gettin old!
Nuffsaid111 private msg quote post Address this user
Agreed with Sub-Grades unnecessary.
Which is what I kinda said earlier in this thread.

If one has detailed and accurate graders notes identifying the defects, I'm not sure why I would need sub-grades on various aspects. I have the "grade" and the defects identified in the detailed.... key word is "detailed".

Some people get infatuated and even extreme OCD with "Numbers".
Grades, Ratings, Statistics, Dashboards, analytics, metrics, is all the rage in these times in every industry and aspect of our lives.

It's absolutely necessary in many (like financials), but when it's subjective - well - just adding more numbers to an already subjective number is silly imo.

But then again - see my note on infatuation/OCD
Post 44 IP   flag post
Collector SauceDog private msg quote post Address this user
I honestly think sub-grades can be great...because it just might illuminate at least some more information that should have just been disclosed in the grading notes in the first place (as we see with other companies, grading notes are often lacklustre at best)

It really depends WHAT the categories are for these sub-grades (as it is clear it won't be the same as for cards). I personally would like to see a sub-grade for STABLES (edit: I'm leaving this as is. Typos are a staple of my personality)
Post 45 IP   flag post
would be nice to have a snugger fit. Sigur_Ros private msg quote post Address this user
Quote:
Originally Posted by SauceDog
I honestly think sub-grades can be great...because it just might illuminate at least some more information that should have just been disclosed in the grading notes in the first place (as we see with other companies, grading notes are often lacklustre at best)

It really depends WHAT the categories are for these sub-grades (as it is clear it won't be the same as for cards). I personally would like to see a sub-grade for STABLES.



Post 46 IP   flag post
Beaten by boat oars Studley_Dudley private msg quote post Address this user
The sub-grades could provide more clarity to the checkmark notated books. I could be interested in it. As long as the math doesn't get convoluted like getting a VA rating, it could be beneficial.
Post 47 IP   flag post
Collector poka private msg quote post Address this user
no sub-grades pls
Post 48 IP   flag post
Collector SauceDog private msg quote post Address this user
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sigur_Ros
Quote:
Originally Posted by SauceDog
I honestly think sub-grades can be great...because it just might illuminate at least some more information that should have just been disclosed in the grading notes in the first place (as we see with other companies, grading notes are often lacklustre at best)

It really depends WHAT the categories are for these sub-grades (as it is clear it won't be the same as for cards). I personally would like to see a sub-grade for STABLES.





I SAID WHAT I SAID! I was told not complain about the 9.8 grades CGC is giving out, not to look a gift-horse in the mouth - but I want to know more about the horse!
Post 49 IP   flag post
Collector Sagii private msg quote post Address this user
They are starting to ask on the forum across the street who is CBCS's head grader now

With the grading wars amping up as a legitimate 2rd player enters the field, probably a good idea to get ahead of the ball and for an instagram reel or You Tube interview revealing who that is (or they are) and their experince
Post 50 IP   flag post
past performance is no guarantee of future actions. KatKomics private msg quote post Address this user
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sagii
They are starting to ask on the forum across the street who is CBCS's head grader now

With the grading wars amping up as a legitimate 2rd player enters the field, probably a good idea to get ahead of the ball and for an instagram reel or You Tube interview revealing who that is (or they are) and their experince


communication is not a strong suit of CBCS's

There is a promo on right now but apparently only on instagram?
I don't have that - why no e-mail blast to all e-mails on file?, why not on the main CBCS web page?

And this is something that could bring them business and they fail to communicate....I mean instagram is great...but what are the demographics of your business??? gonna guess for comics it's a bit older than the average instagram croud...so maybe tailor your communications so significant portions of your customer base aren't missed....but who am I....just a guy with comics who gets them graded from time to time....not anyone they would be interested in.......
Post 51 IP   flag post
I've spent years perfecting my brand of assholery. DrWatson private msg quote post Address this user
Quote:
Originally Posted by KatKomics
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sagii
They are starting to ask on the forum across the street who is CBCS's head grader now

With the grading wars amping up as a legitimate 2rd player enters the field, probably a good idea to get ahead of the ball and for an instagram reel or You Tube interview revealing who that is (or they are) and their experince


communication is not a strong suit of CBCS's

There is a promo on right now but apparently only on instagram?
I don't have that - why no e-mail blast to all e-mails on file?, why not on the main CBCS web page?

And this is something that could bring them business and they fail to communicate....I mean instagram is great...but what are the demographics of your business??? gonna guess for comics it's a bit older than the average instagram croud...so maybe tailor your communications so significant portions of your customer base aren't missed....but who am I....just a guy with comics who gets them graded from time to time....not anyone they would be interested in.......

You've said at least twice that you aren't submitting comics for various reasons, and you know about the discount. So, is your only motivation for posting to tell everyone to stay off your lawn?

👴
Post 52 IP   flag post
I don't believe this....and I know you don't care that I don't believe this. GAC private msg quote post Address this user
I'm not a fan of sub-grades but where I can see it being a positive is:

clarity to the CBCS checkmark as @Studley_Dudley stated.

would render the Qualified grade at CGC obsolete if Cgc adopts sub-grades...they might be forced to if this catches on with collectors.

it helps with online buying of books. you do get a clearer picture of the condition of the book overall.

I'm not sure how this might hurt the collector other than flooding the market with additional data points...convoluting the discussion.

How did the card collectors react to sub-grades? I'm assuming sub-grades were not present for card grading at the beginning.
Post 53 IP   flag post
past performance is no guarantee of future actions. KatKomics private msg quote post Address this user
Quote:
Originally Posted by DrWatson
Quote:
Originally Posted by KatKomics
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sagii
They are starting to ask on the forum across the street who is CBCS's head grader now

With the grading wars amping up as a legitimate 2rd player enters the field, probably a good idea to get ahead of the ball and for an instagram reel or You Tube interview revealing who that is (or they are) and their experince


communication is not a strong suit of CBCS's

There is a promo on right now but apparently only on instagram?
I don't have that - why no e-mail blast to all e-mails on file?, why not on the main CBCS web page?

And this is something that could bring them business and they fail to communicate....I mean instagram is great...but what are the demographics of your business??? gonna guess for comics it's a bit older than the average instagram croud...so maybe tailor your communications so significant portions of your customer base aren't missed....but who am I....just a guy with comics who gets them graded from time to time....not anyone they would be interested in.......

You've said at least twice that you aren't submitting comics for various reasons, and you know about the discount. So, is your only motivation for posting to tell everyone to stay off your lawn?

👴


wellllllll....I am looking through boxes...so I may not be truthful about not submitting...we'll see if I can find some books...more interested in grading and having MCS pick them up than for my PC at the moment.....

And while I know about the promo it doesn't detract from the fact that CBCS is bad at communication - I'm only aware because I frequent the chat and someone else posted it...others who maybe dissatisfied with the CGC Banana issue may be visiting the CBCS site and may not have instagram (like me) and didn't happen to see the post in the chat would have zero clue that a promo is underway- a lost opportunity...

So if they can't get something as simple as that right what are the chances they will get ahead of the ball on the 'we're suing our head grader' debacle?
Post 54 IP   flag post
I've spent years perfecting my brand of assholery. DrWatson private msg quote post Address this user
I wouldn't really call it a debacle. As someone mentioned before, I'm sure he was shown the door when the email business came to light.

Plus. I'm sure there is an interim head grader. Perhaps there's no announcement because they are still head hunting. I don't know.

Also, I will will concede that CBCS is bad at communicating to the general comic book public. Perhaps the person in charge of communication is 24 and doesn't realize that's life outside a smartphone and the current app du jour.

Finally, I'm not picking on you personally, Josh. You're an interesting poster and I enjoy a little back and forth with someone who can carry a conversation without getting overly wrought.
Post 55 IP   flag post
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