The eBay seller arforbes once again has listed an interesting item. Unfortunately this seller’s behavior towards the M.U.S.C.L.E. community casts an otherwise joyful item in a tainted light.
The behavior of Alex Forbes (arforbes) has already been mentioned several times throughout the University of M.U.S.C.L.E and most collectors are fully aware of his exploits on and banning from LRG.com. However, collectors unfamiliar may want to read the details of his behavior here (you must be logged in to view the message board thread).
It is sad that an auction titled, Factory Sealed M.U.S.C.L.E. Men SATANCROSS 10-Pack NEW!, does not instantly bring excitement to the M.U.S.C.L.E. community. Many collectors view the item with suspicion and distrust because they doubt the authenticity and/or the proclaimed rarity.
The University of M.U.S.C.L.E. believes this is an authentic M.U.S.C.L.E. 10-pack. However the rarity of this piece is no different than selecting any other specific M.U.S.C.L.E. figure to be identified within a 10-pack. A Satan Cross should exist within a 10-pack. The 4- and 10-packs didn’t have exclusive figures, only the 28-packs had exclusive figures.
The asking price for this item is based entirely on the unnecessary hype of the Satan Cross figure, which has been discussed in Economics 200 and various How Much Are M.U.S.C.L.E.’s Worth entries.
The University of M.U.S.C.L.E., as any psychologist would state, believes that “past behavior is the best indicator of future behavior.” Auction Watch #17 showcased another auction from Mr. Forbes, many collectors believe that auction was “sold” to one of his several eBay accounts in an effort to justify the high price of M.U.S.C.L.E. items. It would not be surprising if the same tactic would be used for this auction.
The auction may appear to sell, but it is unlikely that it will be to an eBay account that is not connected to Mr. Forbes.
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Follow-Up: As expected, the item did not sell.
Final Auction Screen
#1 by Goldenjustice on November 8, 2009 - 3:36 pm
What a loud of hoopla. I wouldn’t trust that it was the real thing in the first place and that he didn’t just plant the Satan cross in their and then re seal it somehow. And The asking price is simply pure insanity
#2 by musclemaniac on December 18, 2009 - 10:42 pm
Not sure how someone could re seal a muscle can like this. I have owned a bunch of these and once theyre open theyre open for good. These are quite the accusations you make here. Using the person’s name is quite a intrusion of privacy first off, and if he is selling something of value then why draw more attention to it? Probably got more watchers now than if you’d have just kept your mouth shut, kinda counter intuitive dont ya think?