My sincere apologies to Alfred Lord Tennyson for butchering his elegant prose... But, after being beat out on a few lots in Goldin Auction's most recent online event, the sentence came to mind...

Much like Tennyson's words, the meaning of my words is quite literal, too - if you never place a bid, you will never win the prize. I don't do a lot of bidding in these big online auctions, but if I see something that I really want, I'll never hesitate to submit a bid. Taking a measured approach helps me avoid buyers remorse - and tends to help curb the "what-if" factor that creeps up when a lot sells for less than what I might have offered.

Last week, I was beat out on a couple of great lots: a pair of Connie Mack Stadium clubhouse stools and a Jimmy Rollins Game Used Jersey. To be honest, I was close on both lots - and of course disappointed that I didn't win either. But, having set a limit for myself and placing my max bids gave me the satisfaction of knowing it just wasn't meant to be.

Collecting memorabilia is fun - no need to make it a regrettable experience. If you want it, set you limit and go for it!