Dec 5 - December Meme

[brightly_lit]

December 5th - do you collect anything? Are you a collector, or do you not understand that whole thing?

Indeed, I don't get it. I'm a pragmatist and never really saw the point. (Plus, I don't like unnecessary crap around my house.) When I was a kid, I was given both coin and stamp collector starter kits, and it was amusing for a brief time, but yeah, unless something has some identifiable function (including art, because art has all KINDS of functions for our minds, hearts, and spirits), I can't get into it.

That said, I can be something of a completist--when it comes to shows and musicians I really dig, I will go to some lengths to own every important release.

Thanks for the question, toratio! Are you a collector?

Comments

[toratio.livejournal.com]

I can appreciate being a completist, but I think you are lucky to not be a collector. I am, and it's expensive and pointless and that never stops me.

I used to collect cat statues as a kid - I still collect toys, trying to recapture my childhood in a way I think. I like fandom merchandise, but I have to be hard on myself and not get too much, or anything too expensive. I am just a touch obsessive.

[brightly-lit.livejournal.com]

I'm curious: what's the appeal of collecting for you? If I collected stuff and actually played with it or really enjoyed doing something with it, I would, but most stuff would just collect dust if I got it.

Like, I love seeing all my SPN DVDs lined up, so complete, but I DO rewatch them sometimes, whereas toys (like I have an Utena ring) just sit around. I like that ring enough to enjoy looking at it now and again, but I don't actually DO anything with it, and most other stuff I could collect would be even worse. Do share, if you're willing ...

[toratio.livejournal.com]

With most things, I guess I'm more a completist than a collector, with book series and the like. I collect a lot of fandom stuff like tie-in novels and CDs. But I did collect My Little Pony toys for years - it's hard to explain the appeal, because they are really just on a shelf looking nice. I like how they look, I like moving them around (sort of playing with them, but with an excuse). Being a collector is something I struggle to understand myself. Why do I have Resident Evil figures in their boxes on a shelf? I'm not entirely sure!

[brightly-lit.livejournal.com]

Well, you're in good company!

I had a friend who brought her toys to work with her (we answered calls for credit authorizations) and played with them while she worked, and sometimes she would lend me some if I was having a bad day, which was so sweet, but I guess I'm just not into toys. If I was, though, you better believe I'd play with them ALL THE TIME.

[toratio.livejournal.com]

I have Sylvanian Families on my desk at Uni, and yes I play with them when I'm bored or stressed. I have colouring books too, which are awesome when I'm in a mood. I'm sure I become 10 when I get stressed.

[milly-gal.livejournal.com]

I am a TERRIBLE collector1 Anything to do with my chosen obsessions, absolutely ANYTHING ;)

[brightly-lit.livejournal.com]

Yet you do so much more with your collectibles than I ever would! I love seeing all the fun you have with stuff like your bobble-heads ... :-D

[milly-gal.livejournal.com]

I'm such a huge giant child that's why, growing up was never really an option for me ;)

Actually I have a theory about collectables, I don't think they should stay locked in their packaging,. it's a waste of a great thing, ya know :)