Comic Book Spine Realignment Therapy, turn your 8.5's into 9.2's!

[thunsicker]

As promised, I wanted to provide the Community with an update on where things stand following CGC/CCS's examination of a number of books that had undergone what has now been identified, or described, as a reverse spine roll technique. This issue has obviously been a source of controversy and concern and CGC/CCS viewed the situation with the utmost seriousness and sought to address it diligently and promptly.

 

Admittedly, knowledge of this technique was new to CGC. Prior to it being brought to CGC’s attention through the message boards, any grading of books that had visibly undergone the procedure were viewed as having a manufacturing issue, similar to minor mis-cuts, mis-aligned staples, uneven edge cuts and/or cover veins. These attributes are not typically penalized for books in the highest of grading categories. The spine defects, which had now been rolled out of sight from the front cover, generally accounted for the grade increase on books where it made a significant difference in appearance. It is also certainly possible that other improvements that were created through the application of normal pressing techniques may have contributed to a grade increase as well.

 

As far as our investigation has determined, the technique was performed by only one Member Dealer. Upon our request, CGC/CCS obtained and reviewed several books from this individual that exhibited a reverse spine roll from pressing. Now that CGC knows what to look for there are actually several telltale signs that will likely allow CGC to flag this type of pressing technique in the future. The most obvious and consistent sign is the fanned pages along the right side of the book. Sometimes the spine line is visible on the back cover once the spine roll is created and that line is shifted back. Other times, because the cover and interior pages are being displaced from their original position, the paper around the staple is stressed, causing a defect that looks very similar to an impacted staple. To further emphasis the difference between the two, it should be pointed out that front cover mis-cuts look nothing like the reverse spine rolls that have been exposed. Knowledge of the technique should allow CGC graders to routinely differentiate between intentional spine rolls and a normal mis-cut from the factory. For the record, none of the books reviewed by CGC showed evidence of having been disassembled.

 

In light of this new information, CGC is formally announcing a policy change with respect to its grading standards. From this point forward, CGC will treat reverse spine rolls as a defect to the same extent as it does with books that were damaged by improper pressing. How the determination of a reverse spine roll defect will impact the grade of a book will, of course, be determined on a case-by-case evaluation. Because these spine rolls are typically minor in scale, usually 1/8” or less, there will be little to no impact on lower graded books. The term “Reverse spine roll” will be added to the defect list for CGC graders, as well as to the grading notes if evidence of such is identified with a particular book.

 

It is the opinion of CCS that these reverse spine rolls can be removed through proper pressing in order to re-align the book's spine back to its original state. If you own a comic book that you believe exhibits this type of reverse spine roll and you would like it corrected, CCS, which has extensive experience in determining the difference between the two from years of removing natural spine rolls, is offering re-alignment for $12.00 per book, regardless of the value of the book. Of course, CCS offers no guarantee of the CGC grade outcome of any book that undergoes its procedures.

 

The reverse spine roll issue has opened up discussions within CGC regarding pressing in general and how it can impact grade determinations. Since the practice of pressing has become more transparent in the hobby, CGC has seen an influx of poorly pressed books submitted for grading. Because pressing can damage a book and lower its grade/value, CCS will soon publicly present information on the adverse effects that can occur through application of an improper pressing technique. Additionally, CGC will more closely examine books for poor pressing techniques when determining grades.

 

We wish to publicly thank and applaud those in our Community who helped bring this issue to light. The cooperative effort that occurred is a testament to the mutual and beneficial relationship that exists between CGC/CCS and this Community.

 

If you have any questions, please either post them here or contact me via PM or e-mail at Mark@MarkZaid.com. Thanks!

 

I think the highlighted part might be significant. Now that CGC has it's own pressing service, I wonder if the books from their presses, will automatically be declared OK?

 

I would imagine that both Matt and Joey have been doing this long enough that they don't mangle the book often. Though if either did I would hope it would get the same scrutiny.

[pickycollector]

Thanks for the update Mark! (thumbs u

 

What color label would a "reverse spine roll" receive and would it be noted on the label?

 

+1 will it be noted on the label?

 

I'd like to know this as well.

 

they seem to be talking about it in the same terms as pressing, so I'd assume no (since pressing isnt noted on labels unless its part of larger restorative projects)... and it'd still be blue. All that will change is that graders will be on the look out for migrated spine stress, and (Im assuming) grade the book as if the stress was still on the spine.

This hobby is going worse and worse..

 

Pressing, non-disclosure, tape on spine, spine realignment, what is next ?

 

I would not be surprised to see micro-trimming making a come back...

[mrmyst]

Thanks for the update Mark! (thumbs u

 

What color label would a "reverse spine roll" receive and would it be noted on the label?

 

+1 will it be noted on the label?

 

I'd like to know this as well.

 

they seem to be talking about it in the same terms as pressing, so I'd assume no (since pressing isnt noted on labels unless its part of larger restorative projects)... and it'd still be blue. All that will change is that graders will be on the look out for migrated spine stress, and (Im assuming) grade the book as if the stress was still on the spine.

This hobby is going worse and worse..

 

Pressing, non-disclosure, tape on spine, spine realignment, what is next ?

 

I would not be surprised to see micro-trimming making a come back...

Quit it negative Nellie!

[miraclemet]

Another Avengers 1 that had its spine fixed

 

AV 1

 

Fanned pages on that one is brutal.

but I dont see any spine stress migration to the back cover. Is this just a miswrap? or dot he lowgrade images and the white back cover hide the technique here?

[thehumantorch]

Another Avengers 1 that had its spine fixed

 

AV 1

 

Fanned pages on that one is brutal.

but I dont see any spine stress migration to the back cover. Is this just a miswrap? or dot he lowgrade images and the white back cover hide the technique here?

 

There's no way that is a natural defect.

[sacentaur]

Another Avengers 1 that had its spine fixed

 

AV 1

 

Fanned pages on that one is brutal.

but I dont see any spine stress migration to the back cover. Is this just a miswrap? or dot he lowgrade images and the white back cover hide the technique here?

 

It's a 'Wilson' book; there is the answer.

 

 

[Green]

Thanks for the update Mark! (thumbs u

 

What color label would a "reverse spine roll" receive and would it be noted on the label?

 

+1 will it be noted on the label?

 

I'd like to know this as well.

 

they seem to be talking about it in the same terms as pressing, so I'd assume no (since pressing isnt noted on labels unless its part of larger restorative projects)... and it'd still be blue. All that will change is that graders will be on the look out for migrated spine stress, and (Im assuming) grade the book as if the stress was still on the spine.

This hobby is going worse and worse..

 

Pressing, non-disclosure, tape on spine, spine realignment, what is next ?

 

I would not be surprised to see micro-trimming making a come back...

Did it ever go anywhere? (except under the rug)

[mrmyst]

Another Avengers 1 that had its spine fixed

 

AV 1

 

Fanned pages on that one is brutal.

but I dont see any spine stress migration to the back cover. Is this just a miswrap? or dot he lowgrade images and the white back cover hide the technique here?

 

It's a 'Wilson' book; there is the answer.

 

It is?

[mrmyst]

. Longview. WA.

[sacentaur]

[GAMBIT]

 

WILSON!!

[drbanner]

The reverse spine roll issue has opened up discussions within CGC regarding pressing in general and how it can impact grade determinations. Since the practice of pressing has become more transparent in the hobby, CGC has seen an influx of poorly pressed books submitted for grading. Because pressing can damage a book and lower its grade/value, CCS will soon publicly present information on the adverse effects that can occur through application of an improper pressing technique. Additionally, CGC will more closely examine books for poor pressing techniques when determining grades.

 

I think the highlighted part might be significant. Now that CGC has it's own pressing service, I wonder if the books from their presses, will automatically be declared OK?

 

Sure, CGC knows how to press books correctly because they've been doing it for years. All other pressing jobs are poor and will now be downgraded accordingly!

 

But adding tape? Anyone can still do that and it magically fixes the detached cover, detached staple, or giant tear and the book will grade much higher...just don't resubmit in a few years after the tape has damaged the book.

[pickycollector]

Thanks for the update Mark! (thumbs u

 

What color label would a "reverse spine roll" receive and would it be noted on the label?

 

+1 will it be noted on the label?

 

I'd like to know this as well.

 

they seem to be talking about it in the same terms as pressing, so I'd assume no (since pressing isnt noted on labels unless its part of larger restorative projects)... and it'd still be blue. All that will change is that graders will be on the look out for migrated spine stress, and (Im assuming) grade the book as if the stress was still on the spine.

This hobby is going worse and worse..

 

Pressing, non-disclosure, tape on spine, spine realignment, what is next ?

 

I would not be surprised to see micro-trimming making a come back...

Did it ever go anywhere? (except under the rug)

[sufunk]

As promised, I wanted to provide the Community with an update on where things stand following CGC/CCS's examination of a number of books that had undergone what has now been identified, or described, as a reverse spine roll technique. This issue has obviously been a source of controversy and concern and CGC/CCS viewed the situation with the utmost seriousness and sought to address it diligently and promptly.

 

Admittedly, knowledge of this technique was new to CGC. Prior to it being brought to CGC’s attention through the message boards, any grading of books that had visibly undergone the procedure were viewed as having a manufacturing issue, similar to minor mis-cuts, mis-aligned staples, uneven edge cuts and/or cover veins. These attributes are not typically penalized for books in the highest of grading categories. The spine defects, which had now been rolled out of sight from the front cover, generally accounted for the grade increase on books where it made a significant difference in appearance. It is also certainly possible that other improvements that were created through the application of normal pressing techniques may have contributed to a grade increase as well.

 

As far as our investigation has determined, the technique was performed by only one Member Dealer. Upon our request, CGC/CCS obtained and reviewed several books from this individual that exhibited a reverse spine roll from pressing. Now that CGC knows what to look for there are actually several telltale signs that will likely allow CGC to flag this type of pressing technique in the future. The most obvious and consistent sign is the fanned pages along the right side of the book. Sometimes the spine line is visible on the back cover once the spine roll is created and that line is shifted back. Other times, because the cover and interior pages are being displaced from their original position, the paper around the staple is stressed, causing a defect that looks very similar to an impacted staple. To further emphasis the difference between the two, it should be pointed out that front cover mis-cuts look nothing like the reverse spine rolls that have been exposed. Knowledge of the technique should allow CGC graders to routinely differentiate between intentional spine rolls and a normal mis-cut from the factory. For the record, none of the books reviewed by CGC showed evidence of having been disassembled.

 

In light of this new information, CGC is formally announcing a policy change with respect to its grading standards. From this point forward, CGC will treat reverse spine rolls as a defect to the same extent as it does with books that were damaged by improper pressing. How the determination of a reverse spine roll defect will impact the grade of a book will, of course, be determined on a case-by-case evaluation. Because these spine rolls are typically minor in scale, usually 1/8” or less, there will be little to no impact on lower graded books. The term “Reverse spine roll” will be added to the defect list for CGC graders, as well as to the grading notes if evidence of such is identified with a particular book.

 

It is the opinion of CCS that these reverse spine rolls can be removed through proper pressing in order to re-align the book's spine back to its original state. If you own a comic book that you believe exhibits this type of reverse spine roll and you would like it corrected, CCS, which has extensive experience in determining the difference between the two from years of removing natural spine rolls, is offering re-alignment for $12.00 per book, regardless of the value of the book. Of course, CCS offers no guarantee of the CGC grade outcome of any book that undergoes its procedures.

 

The reverse spine roll issue has opened up discussions within CGC regarding pressing in general and how it can impact grade determinations. Since the practice of pressing has become more transparent in the hobby, CGC has seen an influx of poorly pressed books submitted for grading. Because pressing can damage a book and lower its grade/value, CCS will soon publicly present information on the adverse effects that can occur through application of an improper pressing technique. Additionally, CGC will more closely examine books for poor pressing techniques when determining grades.

 

We wish to publicly thank and applaud those in our Community who helped bring this issue to light. The cooperative effort that occurred is a testament to the mutual and beneficial relationship that exists between CGC/CCS and this Community.

 

If you have any questions, please either post them here or contact me via PM or e-mail at Mark@MarkZaid.com. Thanks!

 

I think the highlighted part might be significant. Now that CGC has it's own pressing service, I wonder if the books from their presses, will automatically be declared OK?

 

I would imagine that both Matt and Joey have been doing this long enough that they don't mangle the book often. Though if either did I would hope it would get the same scrutiny.

 

I can tell you for sure that YES, those books did get the same scrutiny and were downgraded (thumbs u

[sacentaur]

 

WILSON!!

 

Indeed.

 

It seems that the clan has spread and launched a plague upon the hobby, so we need to think plural.

 

[NewWorldOrder]

Another Avengers 1 that had its spine fixed

 

AV 1

 

Fanned pages on that one is brutal.

 

That seller better unreserve that book just so he can sell it before CGC tries to buy that back

[joeypost]

As promised, I wanted to provide the Community with an update on where things stand following CGC/CCS's examination of a number of books that had undergone what has now been identified, or described, as a reverse spine roll technique. This issue has obviously been a source of controversy and concern and CGC/CCS viewed the situation with the utmost seriousness and sought to address it diligently and promptly.

 

Admittedly, knowledge of this technique was new to CGC. Prior to it being brought to CGC’s attention through the message boards, any grading of books that had visibly undergone the procedure were viewed as having a manufacturing issue, similar to minor mis-cuts, mis-aligned staples, uneven edge cuts and/or cover veins. These attributes are not typically penalized for books in the highest of grading categories. The spine defects, which had now been rolled out of sight from the front cover, generally accounted for the grade increase on books where it made a significant difference in appearance. It is also certainly possible that other improvements that were created through the application of normal pressing techniques may have contributed to a grade increase as well.

 

As far as our investigation has determined, the technique was performed by only one Member Dealer. Upon our request, CGC/CCS obtained and reviewed several books from this individual that exhibited a reverse spine roll from pressing. Now that CGC knows what to look for there are actually several telltale signs that will likely allow CGC to flag this type of pressing technique in the future. The most obvious and consistent sign is the fanned pages along the right side of the book. Sometimes the spine line is visible on the back cover once the spine roll is created and that line is shifted back. Other times, because the cover and interior pages are being displaced from their original position, the paper around the staple is stressed, causing a defect that looks very similar to an impacted staple. To further emphasis the difference between the two, it should be pointed out that front cover mis-cuts look nothing like the reverse spine rolls that have been exposed. Knowledge of the technique should allow CGC graders to routinely differentiate between intentional spine rolls and a normal mis-cut from the factory. For the record, none of the books reviewed by CGC showed evidence of having been disassembled.

 

In light of this new information, CGC is formally announcing a policy change with respect to its grading standards. From this point forward, CGC will treat reverse spine rolls as a defect to the same extent as it does with books that were damaged by improper pressing. How the determination of a reverse spine roll defect will impact the grade of a book will, of course, be determined on a case-by-case evaluation. Because these spine rolls are typically minor in scale, usually 1/8” or less, there will be little to no impact on lower graded books. The term “Reverse spine roll” will be added to the defect list for CGC graders, as well as to the grading notes if evidence of such is identified with a particular book.

 

It is the opinion of CCS that these reverse spine rolls can be removed through proper pressing in order to re-align the book's spine back to its original state. If you own a comic book that you believe exhibits this type of reverse spine roll and you would like it corrected, CCS, which has extensive experience in determining the difference between the two from years of removing natural spine rolls, is offering re-alignment for $12.00 per book, regardless of the value of the book. Of course, CCS offers no guarantee of the CGC grade outcome of any book that undergoes its procedures.

 

The reverse spine roll issue has opened up discussions within CGC regarding pressing in general and how it can impact grade determinations. Since the practice of pressing has become more transparent in the hobby, CGC has seen an influx of poorly pressed books submitted for grading. Because pressing can damage a book and lower its grade/value, CCS will soon publicly present information on the adverse effects that can occur through application of an improper pressing technique. Additionally, CGC will more closely examine books for poor pressing techniques when determining grades.

 

We wish to publicly thank and applaud those in our Community who helped bring this issue to light. The cooperative effort that occurred is a testament to the mutual and beneficial relationship that exists between CGC/CCS and this Community.

 

If you have any questions, please either post them here or contact me via PM or e-mail at Mark@MarkZaid.com. Thanks!

 

I think the highlighted part might be significant. Now that CGC has it's own pressing service, I wonder if the books from their presses, will automatically be declared OK?

 

I would imagine that both Matt and Joey have been doing this long enough that they don't mangle the book often. Though if either did I would hope it would get the same scrutiny.

 

A poorly pressed book is a poorly pressed book regardless of who pressed it.

 

I doubt CGC would open themselves up to that can of worms by stating everyone is wrong and CCS is the only right way to go.

 

I know the dealers and collectors (most of them anyway) that do their own books. I have seen some books that were pressed so poorly they could not be salvaged. Foreigh objects imbedded into the cover. Texture to the book because they used decades old release paper or any paper they could find to place the book inbetween. Or as we have seen, some press the book without doing any of those things and creating a "waffle" effect to the book. Books with too much hydration, books with not enough. Too much heat, too much pressure and in some cases all of the above.

 

 

 

 

[Mark Zaid]

As promised, I wanted to provide the Community with an update on where things stand following CGC/CCS's examination of a number of books that had undergone what has now been identified, or described, as a reverse spine roll technique. This issue has obviously been a source of controversy and concern and CGC/CCS viewed the situation with the utmost seriousness and sought to address it diligently and promptly.

 

Admittedly, knowledge of this technique was new to CGC. Prior to it being brought to CGC’s attention through the message boards, any grading of books that had visibly undergone the procedure were viewed as having a manufacturing issue, similar to minor mis-cuts, mis-aligned staples, uneven edge cuts and/or cover veins. These attributes are not typically penalized for books in the highest of grading categories. The spine defects, which had now been rolled out of sight from the front cover, generally accounted for the grade increase on books where it made a significant difference in appearance. It is also certainly possible that other improvements that were created through the application of normal pressing techniques may have contributed to a grade increase as well.

 

As far as our investigation has determined, the technique was performed by only one Member Dealer. Upon our request, CGC/CCS obtained and reviewed several books from this individual that exhibited a reverse spine roll from pressing. Now that CGC knows what to look for there are actually several telltale signs that will likely allow CGC to flag this type of pressing technique in the future. The most obvious and consistent sign is the fanned pages along the right side of the book. Sometimes the spine line is visible on the back cover once the spine roll is created and that line is shifted back. Other times, because the cover and interior pages are being displaced from their original position, the paper around the staple is stressed, causing a defect that looks very similar to an impacted staple. To further emphasis the difference between the two, it should be pointed out that front cover mis-cuts look nothing like the reverse spine rolls that have been exposed. Knowledge of the technique should allow CGC graders to routinely differentiate between intentional spine rolls and a normal mis-cut from the factory. For the record, none of the books reviewed by CGC showed evidence of having been disassembled.

 

In light of this new information, CGC is formally announcing a policy change with respect to its grading standards. From this point forward, CGC will treat reverse spine rolls as a defect to the same extent as it does with books that were damaged by improper pressing. How the determination of a reverse spine roll defect will impact the grade of a book will, of course, be determined on a case-by-case evaluation. Because these spine rolls are typically minor in scale, usually 1/8” or less, there will be little to no impact on lower graded books. The term “Reverse spine roll” will be added to the defect list for CGC graders, as well as to the grading notes if evidence of such is identified with a particular book.

 

It is the opinion of CCS that these reverse spine rolls can be removed through proper pressing in order to re-align the book's spine back to its original state. If you own a comic book that you believe exhibits this type of reverse spine roll and you would like it corrected, CCS, which has extensive experience in determining the difference between the two from years of removing natural spine rolls, is offering re-alignment for $12.00 per book, regardless of the value of the book. Of course, CCS offers no guarantee of the CGC grade outcome of any book that undergoes its procedures.

 

The reverse spine roll issue has opened up discussions within CGC regarding pressing in general and how it can impact grade determinations. Since the practice of pressing has become more transparent in the hobby, CGC has seen an influx of poorly pressed books submitted for grading. Because pressing can damage a book and lower its grade/value, CCS will soon publicly present information on the adverse effects that can occur through application of an improper pressing technique. Additionally, CGC will more closely examine books for poor pressing techniques when determining grades.

 

We wish to publicly thank and applaud those in our Community who helped bring this issue to light. The cooperative effort that occurred is a testament to the mutual and beneficial relationship that exists between CGC/CCS and this Community.

 

If you have any questions, please either post them here or contact me via PM or e-mail at Mark@MarkZaid.com. Thanks!

 

I think the highlighted part might be significant. Now that CGC has it's own pressing service, I wonder if the books from their presses, will automatically be declared OK?

 

I would imagine that both Matt and Joey have been doing this long enough that they don't mangle the book often. Though if either did I would hope it would get the same scrutiny.

 

A poorly pressed book is a poorly pressed book regardless of who pressed it.

 

I doubt CGC would open themselves up to that can of worms by stating everyone is wrong and CCS is the only right way to go.

 

I know the dealers and collectors (most of them anyway) that do their own books. I have seen some books that were pressed so poorly they could not be salvaged. Foreigh objects imbedded into the cover. Texture to the book because they used decades old release paper or any paper they could find to place the book inbetween. Or as we have seen, some press the book without doing any of those things and creating a "waffle" effect to the book. Books with too much hydration, books with not enough. Too much heat, too much pressure and in some cases all of the above.

 

 

 

 

Joey is absolutely correct. It is the book being graded so who handled the pressing or restoration is irrelevant. Of course, the system is designed so that CGC's graders will (should) not know that a book they are grading was processed through CCS anyway.

 

To the extent I can I will try my best to swing back around and address other questions/comments. Be patient please.

[DiceX]

As promised, I wanted to provide the Community with an update on where things stand following CGC/CCS's examination of a number of books that had undergone what has now been identified, or described, as a reverse spine roll technique. This issue has obviously been a source of controversy and concern and CGC/CCS viewed the situation with the utmost seriousness and sought to address it diligently and promptly.

 

Admittedly, knowledge of this technique was new to CGC. Prior to it being brought to CGC’s attention through the message boards, any grading of books that had visibly undergone the procedure were viewed as having a manufacturing issue, similar to minor mis-cuts, mis-aligned staples, uneven edge cuts and/or cover veins. These attributes are not typically penalized for books in the highest of grading categories. The spine defects, which had now been rolled out of sight from the front cover, generally accounted for the grade increase on books where it made a significant difference in appearance. It is also certainly possible that other improvements that were created through the application of normal pressing techniques may have contributed to a grade increase as well.

 

As far as our investigation has determined, the technique was performed by only one Member Dealer. Upon our request, CGC/CCS obtained and reviewed several books from this individual that exhibited a reverse spine roll from pressing. Now that CGC knows what to look for there are actually several telltale signs that will likely allow CGC to flag this type of pressing technique in the future. The most obvious and consistent sign is the fanned pages along the right side of the book. Sometimes the spine line is visible on the back cover once the spine roll is created and that line is shifted back. Other times, because the cover and interior pages are being displaced from their original position, the paper around the staple is stressed, causing a defect that looks very similar to an impacted staple. To further emphasis the difference between the two, it should be pointed out that front cover mis-cuts look nothing like the reverse spine rolls that have been exposed. Knowledge of the technique should allow CGC graders to routinely differentiate between intentional spine rolls and a normal mis-cut from the factory. For the record, none of the books reviewed by CGC showed evidence of having been disassembled.

 

In light of this new information, CGC is formally announcing a policy change with respect to its grading standards. From this point forward, CGC will treat reverse spine rolls as a defect to the same extent as it does with books that were damaged by improper pressing. How the determination of a reverse spine roll defect will impact the grade of a book will, of course, be determined on a case-by-case evaluation. Because these spine rolls are typically minor in scale, usually 1/8” or less, there will be little to no impact on lower graded books. The term “Reverse spine roll” will be added to the defect list for CGC graders, as well as to the grading notes if evidence of such is identified with a particular book.

 

It is the opinion of CCS that these reverse spine rolls can be removed through proper pressing in order to re-align the book's spine back to its original state. If you own a comic book that you believe exhibits this type of reverse spine roll and you would like it corrected, CCS, which has extensive experience in determining the difference between the two from years of removing natural spine rolls, is offering re-alignment for $12.00 per book, regardless of the value of the book. Of course, CCS offers no guarantee of the CGC grade outcome of any book that undergoes its procedures.

 

The reverse spine roll issue has opened up discussions within CGC regarding pressing in general and how it can impact grade determinations. Since the practice of pressing has become more transparent in the hobby, CGC has seen an influx of poorly pressed books submitted for grading. Because pressing can damage a book and lower its grade/value, CCS will soon publicly present information on the adverse effects that can occur through application of an improper pressing technique. Additionally, CGC will more closely examine books for poor pressing techniques when determining grades.

 

We wish to publicly thank and applaud those in our Community who helped bring this issue to light. The cooperative effort that occurred is a testament to the mutual and beneficial relationship that exists between CGC/CCS and this Community.

 

If you have any questions, please either post them here or contact me via PM or e-mail at Mark@MarkZaid.com. Thanks!

 

I think the highlighted part might be significant. Now that CGC has it's own pressing service, I wonder if the books from their presses, will automatically be declared OK?

 

I would imagine that both Matt and Joey have been doing this long enough that they don't mangle the book often. Though if either did I would hope it would get the same scrutiny.

 

A poorly pressed book is a poorly pressed book regardless of who pressed it.

 

I doubt CGC would open themselves up to that can of worms by stating everyone is wrong and CCS is the only right way to go.

 

I know the dealers and collectors (most of them anyway) that do their own books. I have seen some books that were pressed so poorly they could not be salvaged. Foreigh objects imbedded into the cover. Texture to the book because they used decades old release paper or any paper they could find to place the book inbetween. Or as we have seen, some press the book without doing any of those things and creating a "waffle" effect to the book. Books with too much hydration, books with not enough. Too much heat, too much pressure and in some cases all of the above.

 

 

 

 

Joey is absolutely correct. It is the book being graded so who handled the pressing or restoration is irrelevant. Of course, the system is designed so that CGC's graders will (should) not know that a book they are grading was processed through CCS anyway.

 

To the extent I can I will try my best to swing back around and address other questions/comments. Be patient please.

 

I feel the urge to roll my eyes right now.

 

 

[fantastic_four]

What color label would a "reverse spine roll" receive and would it be noted on the label?

 

+1 will it be noted on the label?

 

I'd like to know this as well.

 

No, it'd be a bad idea for the same reason all partial comments about what goes into grade are a bad idea--a significant percentage of collectors think the comments aren't incorporated into the grade, so they mentally say "this is a 9.0 minus the few defects noted on the label." No matter how many times CGC says it, lots of people will never hear it. And even when people know it those partial comments would still server as enough of a stigma for a significant number of collectors to pass on a book and wait for one without comments. We've repeated it on these boards hundreds of times and people still don't get or haven't seen it and keep thinking those incomplete label comments are separate.

 

In a perfect world, all defects would be documented somewhere--either on a printed invoice or perhaps a paper insert in a sleeve on the back of the slab label. Since no hobby's certification services have ever come close to complete documentation of defects, I doubt even competition would force CGC to do this.