My comic shop in Portland used to have a strict 'no bags' policy for new releases.

Back in 2019, I'd walk out holding a mint copy of Immortal Hulk #1 with my bare hands, sweating the whole way home. Now, after seeing a guy drop a stack of books in a puddle, I bring my own Mylar bags and boards every Wednesday. Anyone else have a local shop rule that made you change your collecting habits?

Saw a weird ink mixing setup at the Portland Pen Show last weekend

Some guy had a whole station with 30 tiny vials and a digital scale. He was mixing Diamine Oxblood with a shimmer additive. Said it was for a 'blood moon' effect. Looked messy and the shimmer kept clogging his tester pen. Anyone else tried adding shimmer to dark reds? Does it ever flow right?

Spent $80 on a bone folder from a fancy art supply shop a decade ago and I still use it every single day.

It felt like a huge splurge at the time, but the weight and finish are perfect, and it's outlasted every cheap plastic one I've ever bought.

Just got my first big removal quote accepted without dropping the price

A year back, I'd look at a tricky oak over a garage in Springfield and lowball myself, scared they'd say no. This time, I quoted the full $2,800 for the climb, rigging, and clean-up, explaining every step. The client signed right up. It took watching a more experienced climber do the same thing to realize my work has real value. Anyone else remember the first time you stopped undercutting your own bids?

Rant: A client said my invoice notes were confusing and it cost me a payment

They specifically told me 'I can't tell what this $475 charge is for' last month, so I switched to plain language line items. Anyone else get pushback on how they bill?

Found out the original Leica M3 shutter curtain silk was actually woven in Switzerland, not Germany. Read it in a 1960s repair manual from a shop in Chicago.