|
|
Post by spockoda on Aug 25, 2017 18:53:46 GMT -6
Late last year or early this year I decided to pretty much throw in the towel when it comes to collecting action figures. I have bought 3-6 figures this year but they were bought I believe all before March. I definitely am not going to be overly dramatic and say I will "never" buy a figure again as there are a few I wouldn't mind having but I either don't have the money or I am just not interested enough to cough up the dough. I thought I would miss it more but quite frankly I don't miss always having to go through the thought processes of "how am I going to afford these?" or "where am I going to put these?" and things of that nature. A hobby is something that is supposed to bring you joy and relaxation, not grief and stress. I was disappointed about my decision at first but now I wonder why I didn't give them up before. I briefly "quit" collecting after 2009 but a few months later I got pulled back in but in retrospect I would have saved myself some more grief if I had remained out of the hobby at that time. It's disarming to look back and realize something I enjoyed doing was actually making my life worse rather than better. A lesson learned, I guess.
|
|
|
|
Post by figurecollector on Aug 25, 2017 20:38:19 GMT -6
Do you plan on keeping your collection or are your going to part with it? I hope that you do not disappear like so many before you.
I have been a collector my entire life. I collected stuffed animals, comic books, baseball and other sports cards, beer cans, coins, key chains, sports publications and now figures.
|
|
|
|
Post by spockoda on Aug 26, 2017 20:46:50 GMT -6
Do you plan on keeping your collection or are your going to part with it? I hope that you do not disappear like so many before you. I have been a collector my entire life. I collected stuffed animals, comic books, baseball and other sports cards, beer cans, coins, key chains, sports publications and now figures. I did sell off a larger chunk of my collection last year but held on to the figures I really loved, and I have no plans on selling anymore. It's ironic I picked this time to make this post because after seeing nothing that interested me, at least at brick and mortar locations for quite a while, I happened upon the 6" DC Multiverse Super Friends Batman and Green Lantern this evening. When I was a little shaver I was all about that cartoon so of course I thought it would be nice to pick them up. It looks like there's at least a Superman and Aquaman coming. But again, finances get in the way.... |
|
|
|
Post by figurecollector on Aug 27, 2017 8:39:34 GMT -6
If you are keeping some items and you are seeing items periodically that interest you, the fire is still within you. Finances can always be a problem, but I am sure there are some cost cutting moves you can make to get it within your range at some point.
|
|
|
|
Post by spockoda on Aug 27, 2017 19:49:59 GMT -6
If you are keeping some items and you are seeing items periodically that interest you, the fire is still within you. Finances can always be a problem, but I am sure there are some cost cutting moves you can make to get it within your range at some point. What would really help me is if Wal-Mart still had layaway. For those two Super Friends figures I could plunk down a little over $3.50 and have about eight weeks to figure out the rest. I mean I have a credit card but that's not really a direction I want to go in for figures because that's a road that can lead to trouble. There probably are some embers still glowing.  |
|
|
|
Post by figurecollector on Aug 28, 2017 11:45:28 GMT -6
I did not know that they had done away with it. Maybe it will be back as we approach Christmas. No, do not use credit cards. That will lead to some unsightly bills if you go all out one month.
|
|
|
|
Post by Thor Laserpunch on Aug 28, 2017 15:57:23 GMT -6
I have dipped in and out of interests over the years, toys included. I am getting to that point now where I want to purge, and it doesn't hurt that we're moving in a few weeks. I've been pretty selective about my purchases over the last few years and am not really seeing a lot I want to part with though and wonder if it's worth the hassle of selling things off, but then to just have them in boxes for months or maybe years seems equally lame and pointless.
Cannot blame you for not wanting to go down the credit card rabbit hole. I am hoping to pay off some of mine quite soon, but I always get a compulsion at that point that I do one good shopping spree because I was a good boy and paid down my debt before I lost the promotional financing or whatever. It's a vicious cycle.
|
|
|
|
Post by spockoda on Aug 28, 2017 17:00:05 GMT -6
I have dipped in and out of interests over the years, toys included. I am getting to that point now where I want to purge, and it doesn't hurt that we're moving in a few weeks. I've been pretty selective about my purchases over the last few years and am not really seeing a lot I want to part with though and wonder if it's worth the hassle of selling things off, but then to just have them in boxes for months or maybe years seems equally lame and pointless. Cannot blame you for not wanting to go down the credit card rabbit hole. I am hoping to pay off some of mine quite soon, but I always get a compulsion at that point that I do one good shopping spree because I was a good boy and paid down my debt before I lost the promotional financing or whatever. It's a vicious cycke. Selling things, as far as having to ship them, is a pain in the neck. In my first post in this thread I got the years wrong, it was the end of 2015 or early 2016 when I decided to throw in the towel on collecting but anyhow as I was saying a lot more effort went into selling things that it was almost worth. During 2016 I probably made about $1,000 which seems like a nice chunk of change until you realize I originally spent $10,000+ when the items were new. Then fees. Paypal fees. Ebay fees. Fees, fees, fees! Getting off of work and having to race to the post office with packages or packaging stuff up during the evening. It was a big hassle, I wish I could have just invited people over to my house and had them make me an offer on anything they wanted. And yeah credit cards I think give too much fuel to impulsive ideas with this kind of stuff. |
|
|
|
Post by Thor Laserpunch on Aug 28, 2017 17:26:06 GMT -6
Yes, the fees kill you, they really get you every which way. Luckily, it's not that much stuff for me that I'd part with, like a medium sized box probably. And if it's still boxed up and in the way in a year, I'll worry about it then. I hate the thought of having to hoard boxes and pack stuff up for people every night.
I have a lot of credit cards at this point. I will get one just to transfer the balance from another when the initial promotional financing is expiring. We just blew up a couple on a vacation we took in July, plus I've gone on a couple online shopping sprees this summer around the same time. It's kinda stressing me out, but luckily I have not felt the urge to buy anything crazy expensive in the past month and a half or so. I am definitely not the type that should even have credit cards period because I do not have a good track record with impulse control.
|
|
|
|
Post by spockoda on Aug 28, 2017 21:15:50 GMT -6
Yes, the fees kill you, they really get you every which way. Luckily, it's not that much stuff for me that I'd part with, like a medium sized box probably. And if it's still boxed up and in the way in a year, I'll worry about it then. I hate the thought of having to hoard boxes and pack stuff up for people every night. I have a lot of credit cards at this point. I will get one just to transfer the balance from another when the initial promotional financing is expiring. We just blew up a couple on a vacation we took in July, plus I've gone on a couple online shopping sprees this summer around the same time. It's kinda stressing me out, but luckily I have not felt the urge to buy anything crazy expensive in the past month and a half or so. I am definitely not the type that should even have credit cards period because I do not have a good track record with impulse control. The wife and I had a vacation this year where we actually went somewhere that we will be paying on for a while so I understand you there. Years ago I had multiple credit cards and that didn't seem to work out well, kind of a robbing Peter to pay Paul type of situation. I would not purposely return to those days although I shouldn't admit it but I did have some fun but it got out of control at some point. I wouldn't mind buying a figure here or there like the Super Friends figures I mentioned but I can't really see me ever being an actual "collector" as I had been in the past. |
|
|
|
Post by rihia2k on Aug 28, 2017 23:53:08 GMT -6
A hobby is something that is supposed to bring you joy and relaxation, not grief and stress. Yeah, that bit. Wise words, I reckon. I'm in a heckuva busy spell w/ life in general. I was stressing a bit, about finding time to get some pics of my collection up on this forum. Then I was like, "nah that's dumb, rihia", relax. Not like I'm gonna get a knock on the door at 2am only to find Figure Collector in a trench coat with a billy club. Wait, what was I ... oh, yeah, hobby stress. I like readin, & sometimes impose weird rules on myself about what order I get through my books. But every now and then I gotta be honest wit myself, and if book 1 is getting dull I'll move on to book 2. I'll actually battle myself on this ... until I remember there's no such thing as wasting time so long as it's a good time. |
|
|
|
Post by rihia2k on Aug 29, 2017 0:15:02 GMT -6
My active accumulating has definitely slowed, but I'll consider myself a collector even if I don't buy another toy for fifty years. I say just maintaining any level of collection, regardless of size, whether you're curating it, or it sits boxed in the shed makes you a collector. Once you're bit by the hobby and got your head jammed in any knowledge of it, that remains.
I try not to feel any obligation or desire for newer releases - there's so much out there, just an ocean really, I put my hand in, it gets wet, I'm happy.
Just the way I personally collect, I love figures but will never risk financial/stress hypothermia diving too long for water when it's everywhere.
|
|
|
|
Post by figurecollector on Aug 29, 2017 11:12:27 GMT -6
A hobby is something that is supposed to bring you joy and relaxation, not grief and stress. Yeah, that bit. Wise words, I reckon. I'm in a heckuva busy spell w/ life in general. I was stressing a bit, about finding time to get some pics of my collection up on this forum. Then I was like, "nah that's dumb, rihia", relax. Not like I'm gonna get a knock on the door at 2am only to find Figure Collector in a trench coat with a billy club. Wait, what was I ... oh, yeah, hobby stress. I like readin, & sometimes impose weird rules on myself about what order I get through my books. But every now and then I gotta be honest wit myself, and if book 1 is getting dull I'll move on to book 2. I'll actually battle myself on this ... until I remember there's no such thing as wasting time so long as it's a good time. I normally wait until 4:00 am. |
|
|
|
Post by waywardmonk on Aug 29, 2017 12:17:39 GMT -6
Collecting is a mixed bag for sure. I love my collection, but drawing a line with it seems nearly impossible sometimes. It feels good to reassess and let things go, but making that decision can be torture. I'm way overdue for a reassessment myself. But even if I did stop actively collecting, I don't think I could let go of everything. It would be nice to reach a point where I could say, "That's it. I did it. My collection is complete." and then be content with my little display that I would keep until I die.
|
|
|
|
Post by Thor Laserpunch on Aug 29, 2017 18:05:33 GMT -6
Last night, I rolled a half a pack of pre-cooked bacon into cold cuts and ate it before bed. Ten minutes ago, I spent $37 on a Spock figure I didn't need because it seemed like a good price. I was basically just cruising for anything to buy and that's what grabbed me. Definitely need to work on that self-control.
|
|
|
|
Post by waywardmonk on Aug 30, 2017 4:54:36 GMT -6
Last night, I rolled a half a pack of pre-cooked bacon into cold cuts and ate it before bed. Ten minutes ago, I spent $37 on a Spock figure I didn't need because it seemed like a good price. I was basically just cruising for anything to buy and that's what grabbed me. Definitely need to work on that self-control. That's a slice of life right there, I love it. The shared plight of humanity. |
|
|
|
Post by figurecollector on Aug 30, 2017 8:18:50 GMT -6
Collecting is a mixed bag for sure. I love my collection, but drawing a line with it seems nearly impossible sometimes. It feels good to reassess and let things go, but making that decision can be torture. I'm way overdue for a reassessment myself. But even if I did stop actively collecting, I don't think I could let go of everything. It would be nice to reach a point where I could say, "That's it. I did it. My collection is complete." and then be content with my little display that I would keep until I die. It seems like there is always one figure or item in most lines that you can never find or it is extremely difficult or expensive. Something that prevents you from finishing it. At least it is that way for me. That means I will never be done. In some lines I am within two or three pieces of a 100 piece set and the last items just do not make appearances or are so expensive you will not spend that much for it. |
|
|
|
Post by Thor Laserpunch on Sept 1, 2017 13:05:05 GMT -6
Completeness in this respect is all in your mind. I just collect what I want, but I always discover things that are like " I MUST OWN THAT!" As an adult with the same volume of toys as five kids put together, I accept that that is probably as rational as I'm going to get on the topic. I do try to step back and get a breather every once in a while though, avoid looking at all the cool things that the internet can show me and so on. That's a slice of life right there, I love it. The shared plight of humanity. No regrets for now though. Maybe when I'm broke and am on my third monkey heart transplant there'll be a slight twinge of remorse. |
|
|
|
Post by figurecollector on Sept 1, 2017 14:22:54 GMT -6
You only quit collecting when you are dead. You may be inactive for a long period of time, but it is like being a marine. Once a Collector, always a Collector! Only our motto is Semper Fig!
|
|
|
|
Post by rihia2k on Sept 2, 2017 5:46:19 GMT -6
Semper Fig!
|
|
|
|
Post by figurecollector on Sept 2, 2017 20:54:45 GMT -6
Semper Fig!
|
|
|
|
Post by spockoda on Sept 2, 2017 22:04:21 GMT -6
I did not know that they had done away with it. Maybe it will be back as we approach Christmas. No, do not use credit cards. That will lead to some unsightly bills if you go all out one month. I found out Wal-Mart does have layaway back from September through December. With conditions. I went to a Wal-Mart this evening and tried to put the Batman and Green Lantern figures on layaway. You have to put at least $50 worth of merchandise on layaway and the figures left me around $14 short. After taking two separate items back to layaway that were $14 or more, just to find out they weren't eligible for layaway, my wife kind of threw her hands up and told me just to put them on the card and go on with life. Much earlier in the day I had purchased a bearded Luke Skywalker 3.75" figure from the upcoming movie so all in all I purchased three figures today after months of not buying any. I don't see this becoming a trend and it did feel odd buying some figures again. |
|
|
|
Post by Thor Laserpunch on Sept 3, 2017 8:42:15 GMT -6
One of us, one of us! Gobble gobble, we accept you!
|
|
|
|
Post by rihia2k on Sept 3, 2017 9:28:35 GMT -6
One of us, one of us! Gobble gobble, we accept you!  |
|
|
|
Post by spockoda on Sept 3, 2017 13:12:56 GMT -6
Amen!  |
|
|
|
Post by figurecollector on Sept 3, 2017 18:36:50 GMT -6
Amen! Wel-come to the Ho-tel Cal-i-forn-ya You can check out any time you like, but you can never le-e-e-e-eave... BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. It's real easy to say. Say it with me - Sem-per Fig... Sem-per Fig... Sem-per Fig... |
|
|
|
Post by spockoda on Sept 3, 2017 18:51:14 GMT -6
Amen! Wel-come to the Ho-tel Cal-i-forn-ya You can check out any time you like, but you can never le-e-e-e-eave... BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. It's real easy to say. Say it with me - Sem-per Fig... Sem-per Fig... Sem-per Fig... Semper fig! Ha ha! The punch line is that I decide to buy these Super Friends figures and it sounds on the internet like the other two may not even be released let alone any others. Maybe I need to start staying away from the toy aisles....  |
|
|
|
Post by figurecollector on Sept 4, 2017 13:00:00 GMT -6
Wel-come to the Ho-tel Cal-i-forn-ya You can check out any time you like, but you can never le-e-e-e-eave... BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. It's real easy to say. Say it with me - Sem-per Fig... Sem-per Fig... Sem-per Fig... Semper fig! Ha ha! The punch line is that I decide to buy these Super Friends figures and it sounds on the internet like the other two may not even be released let alone any others. Maybe I need to start staying away from the toy aisles.... At least you will have the entire line competed! |
|
|
|
Post by spockoda on Sept 4, 2017 14:56:39 GMT -6
Semper fig! Ha ha! The punch line is that I decide to buy these Super Friends figures and it sounds on the internet like the other two may not even be released let alone any others. Maybe I need to start staying away from the toy aisles.... At least you will have the entire line competed! True! How many of us can boast that? |
|
|
|
Post by figurecollector on Sept 4, 2017 18:21:42 GMT -6
At least you will have the entire line competed! True! How many of us can boast that? I have a few, but not nearly enough! |
|
