Industry Summit

[craigswain]

We don't know where we stand at this moment.

That's the reason for my open letter to Kevin, he is not responding to my emails.

Brian Price

Hope you get it sorted Dr Price, ITG has quickly turned into my favourite company and product. You listen to the collectors and give us what we want. Keep it up!

[RGM81]

I hope that you're able to get in proper contact with the Industry folks - the hobby can only benefit from the participation of ITG at events like this.

I realize that you're all competitors and that non-licensed companies & licensed companies even moreso, but it's the collectors that lose out when key voices aren't being heard or even given a voice at the table.

[ravens_creed]

You have to ask yourself, why would anyone be afraid of listening to what someone had to say, or even less, just offering them an opportunity to hear what was being said?

[bprice]

Kevin, just be a man and let me know why we are not invited to attend.

We have been a well received participant for the last three years and have never been told that there is a problem.

I just wanted our collectors to know that if we are not there, it is not by our choice.

You know that I am one of only two companies that are owner operated. My money is on the line in ever product. Can't say that about the hired guns that run the other companies. That's why I am passionate about my products and the hobby.

If Kevin Issacson let others force him to deny me access to the event, shame on him.

If others forced Kevin Issacson to deny me access to the event, shame on them as well.

I am not commencing legal action as Brian Gray from Leaf Trading Cards is, but I certainly will be curious about what his lawsuit exposes.

Brian Price

[CANADABLUE]

Mr. Price you nor your Company are the problem as far as I can tell. I have not been to the Summit. From what I hear and see it is a growing Show. I would think the Kevin fellow was being pushed by the big guys and made a deal with the devil you could say and signed his life away on who he lets into this show and not. I think he is blindsided by thinking he will grow to be bigger and better with sunnier skies in the future shows is what he is being promised. I would think give him a few years and this show could go a little sideways as it will be the big guys running it and not this Kevin fellow.
I think Kevin is too embarrassed to respond and was probably told not to respond to you as what can he really say. I think he is on a guilt trip and hopes like hell he does not ride too much heat on the issue from Collectors etc. He definitely would not like to meet you face to face for sure.
I would think all the Collectors that attend the show to please express your disappointment for ITG not being in attendance. In fact fill his email box with continuous emails would be a start.
Good Luck and Wish you All The Best!

[cygnusx1]

Kevin, just be a man and let me know why we are not invited to attend.

We have been a well received participant for the last three years and have never been told that there is a problem.

I just wanted our collectors to know that if we are not there, it is not by our choice.

You know that I am one of only two companies that are owner operated. My money is on the line in ever product. Can't say that about the hired guns that run the other companies. That's why I am passionate about my products and the hobby.

If Kevin Issacson let others force him to deny me access to the event, shame on him.

If others forced Kevin Issacson to deny me access to the event, shame on them as well.

I am not commencing legal action as Brian Gray from Leaf Trading Cards is, but I certainly will be curious about what his lawsuit exposes.

Brian Price

While I do hope that ITG can get a license (as it will improve the competition), I don't think this is the right way to do things. If I were in charge and saw someone trying to publicly shame me into accepting them into my domain, I would most likely give them a polite but firm "No".

Regarding an NHL license, I would not be surprised if ITG gets shut out again. What was once a positive attitude has turned into constant pot-shots at other companies.

[Gallinator]

While I do hope that ITG can get a license (as it will improve the competition), I don't think this is the right way to do things. If I were in charge and saw someone trying to publicly shame me into accepting them into my domain, I would most likely give them a polite but firm "No".

Regarding an NHL license, I would not be surprised if ITG gets shut out again. What was once a positive attitude has turned into constant pot-shots at other companies.

When someone doesn't respond to every request and every avenue of communication, a public appeal is an excellent way to both make the situation known to the public and make a last gasp effort to get some answers. The PTB like it when things are quiet, if the ones who disagree would just go away - but in my book, injustice should be exposed, as noisily and attention-grabbing as possible!

[spuds1961]

Brian did the right thing by trying to call out this Kevin guy, I think the licensed companies are scared of Mr Gray and Mr Price as they have proven time and again that they listen to the consumers wants and put out a decent product. I am curious to see how the leaf lawsuit turns out, hopefully the licensed companies will be exposed for the frauds that they are.

[Wickabee]

ITG and Leaf should team up and do a touring collector's summit.

[Drewk86a]

I wonder if this is not league or manufacturer driven. By having a NHL, NBA NFL or MLB license you cede some control of what your product can and cannot be. The leagues gets a say in the final product. The NHL frowns upon showing fights and "violence" on hockey cards, so a set like Enforcers or Enforcers II would never be allowed by the NHL.

Since Leaf and ITG do not have licenses, they have full freedom over content. That must really grind the respective leagues gears. Perhaps this is an attempt to freeze out those companies which the leagues cannot influence (pronounced "control"). Also it gives them the opportunity to meet with their "controlled" card companies and make sure they stay in line.

Just a thought