[Snowflakian]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tarquinius

I agree with a lot of what you said, and really I think we mean the same thing, but I didn't do it justice.

It isn't something to be ashamed of, but if you are that is a part of your dysfunction. Cognitively you are thinking and reflecting upon some sort of your conflicted self. You have an image of yourself which is suppose to go hand in hand with the norms of society, but instead you don't feel like you do because of your hobby and thus you feel ashamed.

I agree with you and everyone that it isn't wrong, but for some people their dysfunction with collecting ANYTHING starts with comparing their real self with their ideal self.

Another point of thought Andy: Collecting toys or anything really, has one great pitfall. We all have the same toys. There are a few of us who have the extremely rare and significant figures but on the whole we all have the same Iron Man and same Wolverine. So WHAT IS THE POINT TO IT?!

Truthfully, you have to go beyond the figure. You have to make it your own. Customize something that sets you apart from any other collector, build a cool diorama. You have to make it your own. Thats why a good portion of us open up our figures and make it unique to us.

If you wanna try something new, buy an extra Iron Man or whatever, and just screw around with it and try customizing it. But do something with your collection that sets it apart and the appreciation of your collection will double.

No, you did fine. I realized as I typed that as you said, I covered much of the same aspects. You just covered the entire dysfunctional/shame other's perceptions better than I.

It's the same as Coin collecting and stamp collecting though. The QC of the figure you have, the minor differences, the grade, how it ages, plus the sentimental value you put into it.

Sure customizing is great to expand your roster, but even then, you're buying doubles. One original, one to tweak. Similiar to as I suggested Precious moments collectors or snow globe collectors. They buy the same, sometimes different ones from different areas, or special release ones, or even just a double to hand paint themselves. Just as we have con exclusives, subscription service ones, and special retailer packs or exclusives.