I do typically buy a box or two of the newer sets, keep them unopened, and then buy a base set and some of the subsets from other forum members.  So I am supporting the artists and keeping Topps making them, just not in the quantities that most of the other forum members purchase.  The newer stuff just doesn't have the same appeal to me that my childhood collection does.

I guess when I complain about the new stuff, it's because I'd like to be a completist, but I think so many of the decisions made by Topps are just wasteful - like the previous releases having a full base set in every box, so if I buy 10, I get 9 base sets I don't need.  I'm not an eBay seller, so I have no way of getting rid of them.  I think the puzzle back and any other back variations add no value to the set - just give me the coupons; I really enjoy those.  The newer set seems to have made them more available by making them part of the base, but still the chances of getting a complete set without trading requires buying multiple boxes at $80 each; that starts to add up very quickly and once again gives me tons of stuff - like a checklist in every pack that I don't need.  Patrick mentioned the different types of boxes before that had different "hits" in them.  I realize I'm probably in the minority here, but that would be great for me because I'll never spend enough to get all of them, so they are just wasted on me.

What letter grade or description would Wacky collectors give Fanatics…2 years after they acquired Topps. They have not released any retail series, but neither had Topps for several years. They have released some Flashbacks, but also the ANS 1. They have not abandoned us entirely….

How about vintage sets?  I have quite a few, and some puzzles, too.  And I found a very rough die-cut #44, Quacker Oats.

Yes I know it isn’t worth much at all. Deciding whether to keep it or pass it along. It’s not really about the money.

Wouldn't the decision to keep it be based on nostalgic value?  If that isn't strong enough to result in keep it, then it is clear you should pass it along it seems that is the path you are undertaking.  Look up each piece of your collection in completed ebay auctions, add them up and then multiply by 50%.  That will be in the ball park of what you might get as a collection.  Piecing it out, you might get a bit more.

Was this a commercial from when Wonder Bread had Wackys in them?  Maybe 1974 or so?  I definitely don't remember it nor do I recall someone coming across this commercial before.