Collecting: Sets or Players?

[Xanadu]

Are there many set collectors out there still, or are most collectors just collecting particular players these days?

I ask because I'm designing some collecting software and I don't know if my design plans would be useful to the average collector. Please give me some input to work with.

Thanks!

[tutall]

i collect both... it seems more and more people are collecting players but since it is nearly impossible to build and newer player collections i would think more and more people would be turning to sets... but thats my opinion

[Molina00]

I used to build the Topps sets each year starting in 2001 but I have given up after the 2004 set because set collecting gets a bit expensive for me.
I've settled into just getting as much Texas Ranger stuff as I can now.
I'm still going to try to finish up a bunch of sets I have been working on for a while though.

[WilyWestbrook0]

Players do seem to be the majority focus of most people's collections, but there are still many set collectors, as well as releases that are geared toward set collectors (i.e., Topps Total). Plus, only certain players tend to be popular - there are more collectors of LeBron James than, say, Boris Diaw (obviously).

You mention designing collecting software - maybe letting us know what ideas you had in mind would provide additional help.

[Xanadu]

Well, the design may still hold some weight...

Like I said, it's an Access database and in order to conserve size I made it so that you only have to have the sets you collect. Each set is a text file, and there's an Import function that will parse the text file and add it to your database. Most software comes with every set known to man, and it can gum up your hard drive with a bunch of useless junk.

I think this format may still be useful, because you can just install all the sets from the years your favorite player was/has been active, although it'd be alot of manual work to set yourself up. I don't feel like writing an Install package that would let you check off what you want to install on the first shot, this was going to be a simple download for the people who wanted it.

Personally, I like collecting sets. I think it's a less expensive way to participate in the hobby. With all the (legitimate) 1/1's and 1/5's out there, collecting players is just too dificult.

[tommy251]

I used to only be a set collector, but the card companies mad it to hard to complete sets. I no only try to build 1 or 2 sets a year. The rest of my time is focused on my Yankee, john Elway and HOF Baseball collection.

[DarthDooku]

Im a set collector. I'll be glad to help you out in any way i can.

[Spectre v2]

I only have a couple sets collected, my current one I'm building is the 2004 Topps Chrome Game Worn Pro Bowl Jersey set .. but other than that, I just focus on individual players.

[kr580]

I'm a player collector myself... a true player collector. I collect any/all cards I can get my hands on.

There's too many 'Player of the Week' collectors out there, just collect GU'd & Autos of so-and-so, collecting them because they're a big name. I'm very happy with my non-stars.

[Thesantaclaws2k3]

i collect players.too many people just collect like gu's and autos.