Most of us still have that thought that the longer you keep it in perfect condition the more it will be worth right?  Well, let me just mention a few off the top of my head, Emmit Smith that record breaking Cowboys running back . His rookie card in TOPPS Premier Edition STADIUM CLUB was going for $20.00 right out of the pack but today its less than $5.00 , I wont go into too much detail but I,ve got to mention a few : O J SIMPSON, BARRY SANDERS, MIKE PIAZZA,MARK MAGUIRE, NOLAN RYAN,KOBE BRYANT, and yes even SHAQ.  All are worth less today than they were when all the newspapers,magazines & television stations had something to say about them. My point is dont hold on to them when there hot SELL THEM even buy more and sell them too. It,s a whole lot easier and cheaper to purchase some when they cool off if your going to collect them .And another piece of advise , if your a true collector its a good idea to purchase multipal cards identical just in case one shoots through the roof. Because remember even collectors cards are for sale at the right price.    By the way I,ve got a collection in excess of 250,000 cards all coalated and sorted by year and sport and it takes a lot of room and time to periodically replace sleeves,boxes and position of each card. Isometimes wonder if its all worth it ,until i see that first kodak paper logo and realize how far the cards have come.  GOOD LUCK  S.G.