[Cardinal]

I've often wondered whether collecting (of any sort) is something that borders on obsession and/or addiction for some people.

The question is when does 'benign' collecting become something a little more serious? I've witnessed many members of this forum come and go over the past few years, often selling up large collections in the process, and often wonder about their reasons for leaving - do they just get bored or overwhelmed by the scope of their collecting, or it it something else where they feel that they have to go 'cold turkey'? The same can also be said about this forum - is it merely a place of 'diecast' social interaction or does it morph into a form of 'internet addiction' for some ...?

Perhaps the forum slogan should be "A forum for the diecast community - run by obsessive addicts for obsessive addicts" .

This is actually a serious question as I wonder how one ever determines when 'enough is enough', especially with all the new releases and the next 'must have' diecast purchase only being a mouse-click away ...

[TopHat]

Interesting question, and I don't think there is just one answer. I think someone with an addictive personality or someone that suffers from OCD can easily find themselves "addicted" to diecast.

[timbo]

Hello - My names XXXX and I'm a Dica-holic!!!

[Cardinal]

Originally Posted by timbo

Hello - My names XXXX and I'm a Dica-holic!!!

Serious thread Timbo - a serious thread ...

[Captain Eddie]

One just has to draw the line...somewhere.

[STARMAN 352ND]

Originally Posted by Cardinal

Perhaps the forum slogan should be "A forum for the diecast community - run by obsessive addicts for obsessive addicts"

Do you care to explain that remark.....Cardo ?
JP

[flyXwire]

Better to be addicted to diecasts than be addicted to drugs...but then again, how does one differentiate one from the other?

[TopHat]

If one spends money on diecast and, as a result, can not pay their mortgage or grocery bill, that person has a problem.

[Rush104]

Originally Posted by flyXwire

Better to be addicted to diecasts than be addicted to drugs...but then again, how does one differentiate one from the other?

Because you don't hear of die-cast addicts robbing grocery stores or hanging out on street corners selling themselves to feed their "habit"...

[Elmer]

I have been seriously reflecting on this also, Cardo. For me, the timing of your post is relevant and appropriate. I haven't come to any conclusions yet. But, for what it is worth, here are my thoughts:

It is a hobby. I enjoy it, immensely. If I could, I would spend much more time indulging in it; however, other responsibilities (wife, kids, home, community, work, extended family, friends) require my time, energy, and money. I guess this gives me balance, but I often have feelings of resentment that so many things pull me away from indulging to my full satisfaction. Perhaps this is an indicator that I am obsessed/addicted; I don't know. But I do have restraints that I seem to be able to follow. For example, I have established rules (or, if you like, set up parameters) for ordering models. If a model I am interested in violates a rule or an established parameter, I don't buy. Here are the rules:

1. Do not preorder (unless the model is a limited edition with a history of absence of flaws, and can be ordered below MSRP).
2. Do not order a model unless it is written on my wishlist for at least 10 days.
3. Do not exceed three models per month.

Number one above saves me grief with models that may possibly turn out to be lemons. Number two above forces me to take time to consider a purchase. And number three above prevents the collection from growing unmanageable and also places limits on the amount of money I spend. Have I ever broken these rules? Yes, from time to time. But at least I try real hard to follow them.

I am interested to know who else tries to establish limits or sets rules for purchases?

Regarding your poll, Cardo... I haven't the foggiest idea how to vote!