Mar30th

Topps TV has potential

By Adam McFarland | Posted at 3:17 pm | Filed Under Topps

Topps TV

Topps recently announced Topps TV, a web video site that’s goal is to “deliver interesting, engaging, and up-to-date video that will educate and excite sports fans and collectors”, or so says their press release.

In theory, it’s a phenomenal idea that could really help bring collectors on the web closer to the action. There wouldn’t be enough backing or material for a “real” television network for sports collectibles, so a collection of 3-10 minute videos updated regularly is the perfect solution. Online video isn’t even close to replacing regular television (despite what Apple might tell you), but it IS great for content like this.

I watched the first several videos, and by far the most interesting was the Making of a Baseball card video from Fox News. The video profiled a reporter that went through the Topps facility in Manhattan and had a card made of himself. It left me WANTING MORE about HOW a card is made - both how big decisions (like why to put our President in a Derek Jeter card) are made and the actual manufacturing process (especially for relic cards).

The other episodes were primarily case breaking videos where they give an overview for a brand new line of cards and then show a bunch of people opening packs. These are interesting and informative, and capture the excitement of pulling a great card, but are a little to PR-like for my blood. I understand it’s “Topps TV” but to really provide value to everyone I think they’ll need to do as their mission says and “deliver interesting, engaging, and up-to-date video that will educate and excite sports fans and collectors” in addition to promoting their products.

We’ll see how this unfolds. Hopefully it’s something Topps will continue to grow and improve.

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