What’s Your Lane Statement? + Eye Appeal Over Rookie Cards + Is Trimming Ever OK?

As the marathon continues, the panel—David Chase, Joe Poirot, Chris McGill, and Josh Adams—shifts from theory into something more personal: how you actually define your collecting identity. The conversation introduces a powerful idea: your “lane statement.” How would you describe what you collect in one clear thought? Is it even possible when you collect across multiple lanes? Does defining it help you collect more intentionally? This ties directly into a noticeable shift in philosophy: Moving away from rookie card dependency Prioritizing eye appeal over technical grade Choosing cards based on connection, not checklist From there, the discussion takes a hard turn into one of the most controversial topics in the hobby: Is it ever okay to alter a card? And more specifically: What about hand-cut cards—can they be re-cut? If a card is already altered, does altering it further matter? Does intent change how we judge the action? Where does restoration end and manipulation begin? There’s no clean answer—and that’s the point. The group works through real scenarios, edge cases, and uncomfortable gray areas, exposing just how complicated this topic actually is when you strip away the easy “never do it” answer. This segment blends identity, evolution, and ethics into one of the most thought-provoking stretches of the entire show. Enjoy the show? Follow or subscribe on your podcast platform so you don’t miss upcoming episodes. Pick up a copy of Pops & Comps on Amazon to better understand the supply and demand forces driving the sports card market. Take the Hobby Spectrum assessment at HobbySpectrum.com to discover your collector profile, join the directory, and connect with collectors who think and collect like you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices