Just a quick observation.
 

Now when I say this, I am including myself 100%.

Our lives must be pretty good.

If our biggest concerns are:

* Not finding Wave 2 Captain America
* Not like the paint job on an $8 figure
* Worrying that we can't find a 2-pack comic set
* etc etc etc

Then we have pretty good lives. If we got fired from our jobs, laid off, were diagnosed with a terminal illness, lost a loved one, or another awful tragedy...how trivial would the ankle joints on an Iron Man figure be.

Puts it in perspective is all. Because this forum can be a lot of fun and certainly informative, but dang the truth is a LOT of folks just b*tch about stuff.

I'll get off my soapbox now.

Very well said.

Everyday I wake up and I'm thankful for my collection but in the grand scheme of things I know it is a superficial concept. I'd find it hard to part with it but....I would if life got to the point where real truth became more evident then this life style we maintain.

I do think about this concept a lot. Thank you for bringing it up.

I'd like to think I don't get too bugged by this stuff (paint jobs, not finding a figure, etc.), though I did I mention in another thread that I wish I would have found Cap wave 2.

But let me share my perspective. I can't speak for anyone else but for me, I've dealt with a lot of varying real life issues, a few of which are ones you mentioned in your post. This is a hobby and an escape from reality.

There are times when it's good to get involved in something else and discuss, argue, whatever on something not important to get your mind of things and relax. I remember an instance a little less than two years ago where I proposed to a girl, things with south and she told me she wanted to be with someone else, and I ended up moving and changing a lot of things over it, so it was nice to go online and complain about not finding the last wave or two of the GI Joe: ROC line.

Not everyone is going to come on here and post what there real problems are, they're just going to talk about their favorite toylines, what they bought, and what they want. So honestly, it's probably not safe to assume everyone's life is good just because they don't talk about it to a majority of strangers on a forum.

I don't think complaining or not complaining about anything action-figure related has anything to do with our personal lives, considering the whole point of this forum is to talk about toys -- not a parent dying, losing a job or having a kid.

As the above poster said, this stuff really functions as an escape or break from the serious stuff in life for many of us.

Like I said, strictly an observation. Making absolutely zero judgement calls, etc. And you are absolutely right, its escapism from the duldrums of everyday life, that's why I wanted to mention that I too, am like everyone else here.

Exactly, we all have our own problems to deal with. Sometimes we'll share them, other times not. That's why it is good to have a sustainable activity like this that gives us something to do, can help us make new friends, or at least lead to an easy-going discussion.

I agree with you 100% but this is just like any other hobby that other people have whether its playing sports, fantasy leagues, playing video games, etc. We all have problems in our lives that some of us choose to deal with or disregard but either way life can be difficult and having a hobby that you can choose to comment on, have opinions on and focus on helps take our minds off of the regular stresses of life.

Escapes are fine and neccessary, but we can't live here forever.

I think the real pertinent thing is that in the grand scheme of things, this is a small part of our lives, which we all agree on.

I think Andy was thinking when he started this thread that he saw beyond the veil which is appropriate. It's important to keep that in mind I think.

I think it's just human nature - watch the news, pick up a paper. Apparently people aren't interested that we in the Western world have it pretty damn good.

If this is what ya'll call "bitching", then some of you need to visit the TFW2005 boards more often.

Thank you sir. Indeed it was.

Yeah true we are fortunate to only think about that. It makes you take a step back & realize many other people might not have it as good & I'm pretty thankful for that.

At the VERY least....apply this to children.

We as collectors, have at least some sort of income set aside dedicated to our hobby.

Children have nothing,and if they do it is allowance which varies from parent to parent. Parenting style also factors in on how much toys they buy them.

The pure fact of the matter is though.....my collection is greater then any kids in my area and probably would take mostof them together to equal what I have.

The fact that we are able to pursue this hobby so vehemently and they aren't is do to position

We are in the position to have the money, to drive to buy and to store all of these beautiful plastic wonders.

This hobby is incredibly rewarding and fullfilling, but it is one of excess and one that can only be done when one has the position to do so.

When you lose that position, as Andy said above, due to job loss, terminal disease etc etc...this hobby is inconsequential

I would have to agree with everything that has been said so far. Personally, I find my collection rewarding, relaxing, and an escape. The escape is only for a short time but, man do I feel refreshed and relaxed.

Wonderful thread here. Great views here from a great group of people. I started to come to toyark when I was hospitalized, it was a way to get away from the pain that the pain killers couldn't get rid of. It was the only place I had to go, being in isolation not many places to go. Any way a great hobby it just that a great hobby real life comes first no matter what. Sadly though I know people who have let their hobbies ruin their real lives, and these hobbies ranged from video games, collecting and sports. As with anything too much of a good thing can be a bad thing and when something (hobby) becomes an obsession and it's all that one can think about and it interferes with real life then it's time to step away.

I'm very happy for you man! Toyark is, without any doubt, probably one of the best toy communities available because I think of its humanization of the trade. When you take away the human component I think what happens is what you were describing in that last sentance