I am not surprised whatsoever many collectors do 
not post and/or stop collecting completely after 
only a few years. I’ve said before and I will say 
it again, it is only –natural- collectors quit 
b/c their priorities change and so does their 
financial situation. I still post but I do not 
collect as much. The incredibly feeble selection 
of quality cels
available doesn’t help. And as for the economy, 
I’m not entirely certain if that is as large of 
an influence on the “average” collector. Many 
collectors are in their teens to mid-twenties, 
and for the most part, usually are not 
financially independent adults. As such, since 
they are young and not financially independent 
often times they will get assistance from their 
parents. During those younger years, I think many 
of us –regardless if we did or didn’t have 
financial support- spent our money much more 
freely than when we are older. Yes, I realize 
these are broad generalizations but if you look 
at who usually stops after less then five years, 
generally it’s the newer and younger collectors. 
Most often than not, the older collectors still 
purchase and keep their contacts open, but do not 
bother posting on these forums, cannot blame them 
really. Lastly, I think a larger influence is 
simply the pathetic pickings available from both 
old and new series. Look at all the low end cels 
out there currently on YJP and other online 
sites, so many belong in a $5 to $10 bin, but 
people are trying to sell them higher, it’s 
appalling. If you don’t agree fine, but these are 
merely my thoughts after many years of 
observation.