Reasons readers rule

Part of me wonders what it must be like to be a reader.

I have to think that it'd be tough reading blogs without succumbing to the urge to start one. It only took a month or two of patrolling the blogosphere before I launched this little blog.

But I can't help but get the feeling that maybe readers know something that we bloggers don't. Maybe they're in on some sort of secret. Some of the best packages I've ever received have come from non-bloggers.

I always encourage people to start their own blogs, but maybe there is something to being a reader. In fact, I think it's about time we recognized the reasons readers rule. I have a hearty helping of cards from three different readers that should help me compile this list.

The first package comes from reader Jeff P. He and I have traded a couple times already, which brings me to item #1.

1) Most readers are repeat customers. Many have become some of my most frequent and generous trade partners.

2) Readers seem to be the most generous people when it comes to unloading parallels.

3) They'll often let you pick and choose from a large list of parallels and send you all the ones you need.

Did I mention item #2?

This next package comes from a new reader named Stephen N. who contacted me a while back about a possible trade.

With over three years in the blogging business, I like to think that I've traded with most of the bloggers around these parts by now. And yet, whether it be simple words of encouragement or trade inquiries, I seem to constantly be receiving emails from readers of this blog, readers I never knew were around in the first place.

Stephen is one of those special readers, which brings me to the next item on this list.

4) Readers are a great reminder that people still frequent your blog, especially during those times of insecurity when I feel like all my regular readers have packed up and left.

See item #2, please.

5) Readers dig up short-prints for you, which is nice because all the SPs seem to vanish in thin air about a month or so after Heritage hits the shelves.

6) Readers are willing to send you those horrific inserts that you're forced to chase for your player collections.

7) Readers are no stranger to finding cards for my mini-collections.

7a) They'll even send you ultra-shiny mini-collection hits.

8) Readers enjoy oddballs just as much as we bloggers do.

9) Readers help knock out some of your last Opening Day base needs, needs that have been on your want lists for over a year.

This last batch of cards comes from reader Michael G., a trader with whom I've probably dealt with around three or four times by now.

Like each of these first two packages I've shown, this trade also started with Michael offering up some parallels to me. 

But, also like the others, the final product went above and beyond that.

10) While they may not have a blog of their own, readers embody every bit of the blogger generosity I've come to appreciate over my time in the blogosphere.

11) Readers have an eagle eye for hitting want list suspects.

Item #2, my friends.

Item #2.

12) Readers have an innate ability to sense cards I might like.

12a) Because oddly-shaped inserts and crystal shard parallels are right up my alley.

13) Readers are the pillars of our community.

Believe me, this list could go on and on. For now, I'll leave you by saying...

14) Readers rule.

It's that simple.