I discovered the MTGnews site
in 1998 and became known as "the guy who could spot fake rumours". When the forums expanded,
I was encouraged to apply to be a Moderator of the Rumor Mill. Soon thereafter I was chosen
to be a Global Moderator, and after a while, put in charge.
Around that time I also started selling off extra cards from my collection on eBay, as well
as doing a lot of trading in the forums. During the Odyssey, Onslaught, and Mirrodin blocks
I started buying a few boxes of cards, then a case, and then several cases. I was collecting
for myself and selling the extras. I always have some older singles, but I focus mainly on
the most recent sets - especially Standard. Aside from administrator on MTGnews, I was known
for being a source of new card rumours.
On New Years Day 2005, the MTGnews staff resigned, and I chose to migrate to the brand new
forums at MTGsalvation. I
continued to discuss rumours about new sets with other members of the community, in the
capacity of a volunteer moderator. While I spent time talking about Magic news and rumours,
I continued to sell Magic singles on eBay. Conveniently, this allowed me more time at home
with my growing family!
Just then, eBay announced massive fee hikes for sellers - some fees doubling, some
quadrupling! Aside from eBay going from taking almost 20% of my total sales to more than 30%
of my total sales, PayPal raised their fees and Canada Post upped the price of postage -
again! Raising my S/H fees and cutting more corners on my customers didn't feel like the
right move, but the prospect of losing my card selling business was very real. I decided to
build my own website from the ground up! By selling cards directly, I can use a system that
always works properly and doesn't cost me hundreds per month to operate. This lets
me charge less for the same cards and to provide free shipping!
Recently, I've stepped down from the staff at MTGSalvation, after 10 years of service to
the community. I remain active in the Rumor Mill as both a helper to the staff, and an avid
poster. A lawsuit didn't stop me. The global recession hasn't stopped me.
I'm a 34 year old guy living in the Vancouver area of British Columbia, Canada. I started
playing Magic: the Gathering back in 1996 and I've been hooked ever since! I look forward
to doing business with you. :) |
