LOL... I've never met JoshB; and I rarely visit other
hobby-related forums outside of Robot-Japan, NewMundoMazinger,
and Garada's Place.
There's really nothing wrong with collecting stuff
'because they're cool'... on the contrary that's how
many of us started out in this hobby, collecting what we
like because our hauls really Are cool. Hands Down!
Some of us have been collecting our hauls ever since
our childhood years...
To keep a single toy or several of them for THAT
MANY YEARS is a powerful experience that symbolizes
how much one truly appreciates his/her toy specimens.
While many non-hobbyists outside are morally and
cheerfully supportive of our genre, there are still
those few who appear interested and friendly at first
and then walk away with sarcasm and ignorance.
I've often had some non-hobbyists still refer to
my hauls as "toys" after viewing my collection...
...and I'd also often hear the criticisms of:
"What's a grown man like You doing collecting TOYS?"
I was once pissed off by this remark:
"You're an old fart playing with TOYS!"
...Well, That's when I decided to become a little
more extreme with my hobby, and try to be more
substantial with answers when folks view my collection.
And I try to Never describe specimens as "toys", but as
"toy merchandise promoting their anime source".
That also explains why I always use the word "
specimen".
I feel better using that word instead of "toys".
Here at Robot-Japan, I don't mind us folks referring
to our hauls as "toys"... because we already know
and understand that context of our hobby,
and we're Family like that.
But, anywhere else
outside of our hobby,
I patiently refuse to take the word "toys" so kindly.
This is a hobby for anyone of all ages, and it can
become whatever you make of it.
Just close your eyes, click your heels three times,
and repeat to yourself
"
This hobby is recommened for ages Me and up!"
zozo-mag
Yeah, I have the Takara-Toshiba USB Transformers devices: Ravage, Cheetor (pretty much Ravage re-decoed as a cheeta), Grimlock ans the decepticon counterpart which its name escapes me (USB mouse that transforms into a dinosaur), and Blaster which is a USB hub that transform from mini laptop to robot. They are all pretty awesome, and were also sold in the US by Toshiba.
And you pretty much described JoshB from CDX, as one of those collectors who collect toys for the sake of collecting because they are cool.
Good point, Mr.Ginrai... it seems you've kept an eye
on those USB renditions of those novelty items such
as them Transformer-styled USB drives from various
companies.
The nice thing about this hobby is that it inspires curiosity
from outsiders... the questions never stop.
As long as I maintain my research about the robots in my collection,
folks will take me more seriously than if I were just collecting
because "the stuff is cool"...
...Outside spectators would rather be satisfied with a substantial
answer hearing you talk knowledge about your collection, rather
than be sent away hearing you say "I just collect this stuff because
I like it, it's cool"... It's often misinterpreted as though
you're saying you'd "rather not discuss it further"...
...It seems far-fetched, but makes sense. If you stay on top of
your knowledge base about your collection, you'll get much
greater respect as a Collector, and not be dismissed as someone
who merely collects "toys".
zozo-mag
