Does participation in this forum increase your spending? (1 Viewer)

[wadepat]

Gentle Friends,

Participation in this forum has greatly enhanced my hobby pleasure. Among the benefits I have derived are:

1.) An increased knowledge of toy soldiers, including their variety, their history, their composition, and their market value.

2.) An ever expanding group of friends that share the same interest.

3.) A greater awareness of the variety of directions toy soldiering can take: building dioramas, conversions, show participation, etc.

4.) A more complete perspective concerning issues faced by dealers.

5.) A real appreciation of the steps involved in designing, sculpting, painting, and producing toy soldiers.

6.) A clearer, more educated, view of how to care for the small warriors that are the objects of our affection.

7.) And, many more things too numerous to mention.

All of the above having been said, I have also found myself experiencing a significant increase in my desire to purchase more items than I did before I joined this forum. As I watch new members join the forum, often they are greeted by warm, welcoming statements that suggest they should prepare themselves for financial strain as they launch themselves more fully into the hobby. Occasionally, forum members refer to "their addiction," "a need to start a support group," and "strategies for hiding from their spouse the amount of money being spent on the hobby." Much, if not all, of these greetings and statements are spoken tongue in cheek, but it makes me wonder if participation on this forum, with its encouraging enthusiasm, actually facilitates greater personal expenditure on our hobby. I know I work to resist spending more money on my hobby than is wise, but the desire to spend more is there.

So, what do you think? Does participation on this forum cause you to spend more on the hobby and, perhaps, to spend unwisely?

I look forward to your comments!

Warm regards,

Pat

 

[Alexdakar]

I guess not. I already had the desire to buy all the WWII line before the forum. I do tend to buy a little bit quicker to avoid disappointment when I see an item that everybody says they are going to get.

 

[Njja]

Hi Pat:

You bring up many good points. I would hope peoples participation would

increase their knowledge and help them spend their hard earned money more

wisely. You are correct that additional knowledge, brings more interest and

usually a desire to pick up some retired pieces you would have liked to have.

Very quickly collectors discover they have spent quite a bit of pocket

change, look at the collection just offered on Ebay estimated $15,000 cost.

That is why we should not allow ourselves to be "Labeled as Investors" by

others. Most dealers are the true investors, a collector buys what he likes.

I do not have one piece in my collections that I do not like.

Best of luck to you Pat, and try and keep a reasonable lid on your hobby

spending (when possible).

Njja

 

[DMNamiot]

Hi All,

I have to say that I enjoy the hobby as much as ever and its really nice to find someone to chat with about a particular set or sets. Because we have so many folks visiting here from around the world its really great to find out their perspectives especially since I primarily collect Britains I find the comments to be even more important.

As far as buying more sets well, I wish I had the budget for it, but I try very hard to stick to sum I think will keep me out of hot water with the Mrs and let the desire cool off until the next go around. Of course if I find a bargin like I did recently then all bets are off. That said I do think this forum is making the hobby more fun and hope that the trend continues.

Dave

 

[nmrocks]

Before I found this forum I knew no one else that collected K&C. I am a much better educated consumer now, while i would say this hasn't either increased or decreased my desire, it has altered my priorities a bit, regarding what I puchase next. i knew nothing of the production numbers before this forum and that has altered my thinking a bit.
Ray

 

[Steven Chong]

... Does participation on this forum cause you to spend more on the hobby ...

In the past, ignorance was bliss ... I would reply on new product launches at the West Coaster and Chicago, as well as announcements or articles in Toy Soldier Magazine. While I missed some items, I was not aware of it and thus was not upset. Now through this wonderful forum, I am more aware of new products, and find myself spending a lot more than before.

 

[sceic2]

Hi Pat: You bring up many good points. I would hope peoples participation would increase their knowledge and help them spend their hard earned money more wisely. You are correct that additional knowledge, brings more interest and usually a desire to pick up some retired pieces you would have liked to have. Very quickly collectors discover they have spent quite a bit of pocket change, look at the collection just offered on Ebay estimated $15,000 cost. That is why we should not allow ourselves to be "Labeled as Investors" by others. Most dealers are the true investors, a collector buys what he likes. I do not have one piece in my collections that I do not like. Best of luck to you Pat, and try and keep a reasonable lid on your hobby spending (when possible). Njja

To answer your question - I don't know. Its kind-of hard to guess at what my spending would have been without knowledge of this wonderful forum.

I would agree with NJJA that my knowledge of this hobby has certainly grown and that I am making smarter choices now than when I first discovered the hobby again after about a 40 year absence. I too don't believe that there are many investors in this hobby. Some may use a couple of retired or extra sets that they purchased to make a few dollars, but then they just turn around and buy more sets. I think that dealers are collectors, look at the number of them on this site. They took a hobby and managed to make what I assume to be an enjoyable profession where they can be involved in their happiness not only at home but at work too.

I think that often people, using this electronic forum, don't have the chance to see each other and look at each other directly in the eye and truely understand what they are saying. Plus this is a limited amount of space and time to get your point across and some (me included) are not that good at using it to express themselves fully. That's why I am really looking forward to attending the Chicago show. I want to meet you folks, as many as I can and that are able to atttend, and look you in the eye and talk about this wonderful hobby that keeps me sane.

But with the new companies and the increased quality of the products being released, I need to watch my spending, I want it ALL!!! Michael

 

[boot51]

Yes!

Fred

 

[Mr Man]

No. This just an outlet to see what other collectors are doing. Just about any store/website will give you the same information about upcoming releases. The forum doen't drive my interest, my interest drove me here.

 

[gk5717]

This forum has not changed my spending habits, but it sure has increased my knowledge on the variuos products.
But best of all it gives me the venue to communicate with people like myself that have this passion for the hobby.
As much as I always looked forward to attending OTSN, now it,s twice as much fun meeting all the board members of whom all seem like old friends.
Speaking of OTSN we are at the half way mark, 6 more months.
Gary

 

[ucla1967]

No, not at all. But I do enjoy being able to hear from other collectors on a wide range of issues. Before this forum, I was only able to talk to other collectors at the West Coaster and Chicago. I must admit that I am amused by the fanaticism that some K & C collectors seem to display at times.

 

[OzDigger]

Forums like these do have an effect on what we buy, but it can be so subtle that we aren't concious of it. Which is why it's best to buy only those pieces that you like and that fit into your existing theme.

Otherwise, you may find yourself with a number of Strictly/Limited Editions you are sorry you bought and having to sell them all on eBay at high BIN prices, making you look like a dreaded investor type that ramps up prices

 

[Eazy]

The best thing about this forum is that it makes you realise that there are other like minded people out there.

Without the discussions and debates we have, it would seem quite a lonely hobby.

It has made me spend more money mainly because I am better informed now. I know to get the pieces when they are announced as retired. I know to get the limited editions as soon as possible.

 

[OzDigger]

It has made me spend more money mainly because I am better informed now. I know to get the pieces when they are announced as retired. I know to get the limited editions as soon as possible.

But please don't fall into the trap of thinking this is some kind of 'collecting feeding frenzy' as some members posting on this forum seem to think. I have read several posts where seemingly fair minded people have said that they buy Strictly Limited editions irrespective of if they collect that particular range, I guess (hope) for future resale to make a quick buck for other buys. This only makes it more difficult for other collectors more interested in that theatre to obtain pieces they are after at the RRP - very much the 'dog in the manger' situation.

 

[Eazy]

I stick strictly to WW2 mostly Western Europe and North Africa. I'd only get one of the limited editions for that period not a limited edition from a period I didn't collect.

I just meant really that being on this forum keeps you informed as to whats happening and gives you a bit of info as to what to buy in your particular area.

 

[Louis Badolato]

I think I was already committed (no pun intended) to obtaining all K&C products in the areas of my interest. For me what this forum has done is introduce me to other collectors who share my interest, and made me realize I am not alone in my obsession.

 

[jazzeum]

Louis' post sums it up for me. I know how to spend my own money without needing help