Collectors

To commemerate my 20th anniversary in organized collecting, I have issued this card using the same graphic as my very first card from 1985. If you would like to trade one of your collector cards (or other card) for mine, please email me to arrange a swap.

My interest began in the early 1970s while I was working at a small town newspaper. People were always handing me their card in the hope that we would get their name and title correct in our paper. At first I just dropped the cards in my desk drawer. After a while I started putting them in a box.

In 1977, I moved to the Memphis Press-Scimitar and I began to get cards from much more interesting people. I made a habit of asking everyone I photographed for a card. Newspapers frown on staff members asking for autographs, but no one could complain about asking for business cards. After all, I needed the card to make sure I had the name and title correct.

My box was getting full so I decided to start putting them in three-ring binders. About this time I started seeing old cards at flea markets and in antique shops. Most of these only costs a dime to a quarter, so I added old calling cards and trade cards to my collection.

My newspaper job required travelling all over Memphis and the surrounding area. In between taking pictures, I could stop and pick up cards from all different kinds of businesses.

In late 1984, I went to work for the Memphis Business Journal which meant I had access to more businesses than before. I even went to several printing firms and got to watch business cards being printed. Imagine being paid to run around collecting business cards! The only thing I had to do was take a few photos in between my collection stops.

Ten years ago I wrote about what I thought would happen by this time. One of my predictions: “There may come a time in the near future when we simply punch a button on our pocket size personal assistant and a electronic version of our card zaps through the air.”

I also wrote that I expected old fashioned, paper based business cards to be around for some time to come. And, I still do. I believe we will still be collecting basically the same kinds of cards we see today. Styles will change and there will probably be some new printing processes. But, I believe that business cards will still be an important part of doing business well into the future.

A limited edition DVD of the ABCC Video Volume One will be issued as part of my 20th anniversary celebration. The original video is over 15 years old and features segments with ABCC founder Darrell Christopher, Avery Pitzak, Carl Bender, Dave Berg, Paul O’Donnell and me. There are several additional segments which feature such things as business card sculptures, storing cards and early American trade cards.

The DVD has a new section of special features which include Craig Shergold, Ken Erdman, John Haffner and our video winners Steve Booker and Steve Patterson.

The limited edition will include an insert (shown here) which will be signed and numbered in 21 copies. That is the number of original 1985 business cards I still have. Additional copies of the DVD will be available without the signed and numbered insert.

The price of the DVD is $10 which includes first class postage in the USA. Of course, postage will be higher to other countries. Orders should be sent to Jack Gurner, 116 Dupuy St., Water Valley, MS 38965.

The DVD is produced in the NTSC standard. Make sure that it will work in your country. Also, some older DVD players are not compatible with all formats.

For those who don’t wish to purchase the DVD, a rental copy is available for the price of postage and handling ($3.00 in the USA, higher elsewhere). There is a deposit (price of postage plus $7) required of which $7 will be refunded upon timely return of the DVD. If the DVD is not returned within three weeks, it will be considered purchased and the deposit will not be refunded.