Comments on: The Traveling Trader – Trading with People, Not Cards

By: KBR

KBR — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:05:26 +0000

I wouldn't have published this if it wasn't spot-on accurate. I deleted Bob's worthless comment, which is something I don't normally do, but it served no purpose whatsoever. And yes, Taco, once when I was working at the Star City booth, there was a guy who quite literally smelled of rotting food and feces that spent a good portion of time with one of the buyers working out a deal. I know if I were in the buyer's shoes, I'd have done everything in my power to get him out of there as quickly as possible. Bathing is very good.

By: Richard

Richard — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:41:01 +0000

Bob, I am a pro trader. PRO. Seriously, this is not bragging. I have traded a box of zendikar into all 20 fetches in a month. Let me tell you that this article is amazing and absolute truth. Especially the conversation portion. I take the time to talk to people. Find out what decks they are working on, what they like in the game, and help them evaluate cards. If people feel you are there to help them get the cards they need, they are more inclined to help you get the cards you need.Treat people fairly, give honest sound advice, and above all LISTEN.

By: Sam Thomas

Sam Thomas — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:16:39 +0000

Bob: I encourage you to rethink this. It isn't about making some stupid trade, it is about gaining incremental advantage. If someone likes you, they are more likely to make a deal. Someone who likes you will make a trade even if the values are off by a buck or two in your favor. Someone who doesn't like you won't do you that favor, if they are even willing to trade with you at all.Protip: The advice from this column is similar to what is found in 'How to win friends and influence people', which is to say that it's as close to proven fact as something of this nature can get.Protip2: I don't like you and would not trade with you. However if you took the advice of this article I would probably change my mind.Blaine: I've been doing the mimicking thing my whole life. Glad to hear it is benefiting me while trading!

By: T.Khalid.

T.Khalid. — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:17:27 +0000

Yes, this is good, definitely let folks know that body odor is a major determining factor in initial contact. If you, as the seeking trader, really want to make a deal, please bathe!I hate sounding like a jerk, but some MTG crowds have the annoyingly cliche aspect of being stereotypical nerds to obsessed with whatever it is their little brains are wrapped around to do basic things like wear clean clothes, wash themselves, brush their teeth, comb their hair.Just saying,…

By: yorirubinson

yorirubinson — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:30:40 +0000

Excellent article. Toss in a few comments about grooming and it could just as easily be a primer on dating.