I actually got re-interested in trading cards a short time before Covid started, when my dad and I went to a Maple Leafs alumni fundraiser game. I remembered I had cards of some of these guys, most of whom I grew up watching on TV, so I started sifting through to find a few cards of the players in attendance. Going through everything really brought back old memories and reignited my childhood goals of completing my favourite sets. The vast majority of what I was after weren't very expensive back then, thatnks to the wax era boom, but not having resources like the internet paired with a credit card, the growth of my collection was limited by what the other kids in the neighbourhood had to trade, and what was stocked in the vending machine at the corner store (These ones were, and still are my absolute favourites; 1995-96 Score, 1995-96 Parkhurst International, 1996-97 Score)
I originally found TCDB while researching the checklists for these, and a couple other sets. I had known about the existince of the site for about a month and a half before joining. I ended up here, using the checklists to compile my own wantlists on spreadsheets. not even aware of the forum and the trading interface. Once I found out about these features, I loved it and have been hooked for the time I've been here (which amounts to 1 year exactly, today!)
I am overjoyed that I can share my hobby with other like-minded individuals and grow my collection, while passing on some cards which I used to love, to be parts of other peoples' collections. That alone is worth the pocket change used to pay for postage. I just made an international trade with another member here, giving them roughly 3-to-1 in cards, just so I could know that they would move on to a good home (I hope they are all enjoyed by their next owners as much as I once did).
I've even discovered a couple of new sets which I enjoy just as much as the aforementioned ones (2017-18 MVP). I've also learned about the fascinating new trends in the hobby, as well. I don't think memorabilia cards were around when I was a kid! There were very few AU cards as well, at least compared to today! I never knew about SN cards, and the printing technology was just taking off, as well. As an adult (and likely when I was pre-teen as well) I am drawn to cards printed on holographic stock, and some of the acetate cards a very visually appealing.
A very big thank you to the members here, past and present, who've contributed to making this site, and the hobby, what it is for me today, as well as past, and future trading partners. Well done, everyone! Cheers!