Why do you collect?

[heroic_decepticon]

Some thoughts which I saw on another Board...

Why Do You Collect?

Do you collect to play or decorate?

Do you get a new one just for something to review?

Are you collecting to complete your collection or will always add on to it?

Do you ever think you will stop collecting?

Do you collect something just since it is valuable and will sell for a lot of money one day?

[dirge]

Why Do You Collect?


I love the cleverness of Transformers



Do you collect to play or decorate?


Decorate, I guess. Appreciate is probably a better word.



Do you get a new one just for something to review?


At times, although usually at bargain price..



Are you collecting to complete your collection or will always add on to it?


It's essentially complete now - but I do buy some of the new stuff as released.



Do you ever think you will stop collecting?


Probably not.



Do you collect something just since it is valuable and will sell for a lot of money one day?


No.

[Pulse]

Why Do You Collect?


I luv the engineering of the newer figures (& their nostalgia factor of the G1s :))



Do you collect to play or decorate?


To play - when I have the room to take them out :o



Do you get a new one just for something to review?


I used to get new ones because I needed a TF fix but these days my new ones are all for keeps (Reviewing has nothing to do with it - I acquire new figs cos they're :cool:!)



Are you collecting to complete your collection or will always add on to it?


I'm no completionist. I only obtain what I want & it's a given that there'll always be something new...



Do you ever think you will stop collecting?


Short answer = No :D



Do you collect something just since it is valuable and will sell for a lot of money one day?

Resale value doesn't even cross my mind when I've made my mind up to obtain something. I'm not one of those people who think like that :)

[genechan]

Why Do You Collect?

For the fun of it...have to collect something, and I'm certainly not a girly girl.


Do you collect to play or decorate?

I like to play with them then leave them for display. :D


Do you get a new one just for something to review?

Nah not really, normally get a new one if I like the character and or like the figure.


Are you collecting to complete your collection or will always add on to it?

I will always add on to it, although, I wouldn't minded completing a whole collection of Jazz toys and Starscream toys :D That would be nice. But seriously at the moment, I want to get my hands on all on the G1 encore toys - have 3 so far :D.


Do you ever think you will stop collecting?

As long as there are Transformers - NEVER :D


Do you collect something just since it is valuable and will sell for a lot of money one day?

Nah, I am such a kid at heart, I love them too much. I probably pass them down to my own kiddies............................some day :)

[liegeprime]

Why Do You Collect?

Its a niggling feeling which I havent the foggiest idea how to explain. But I guess its a rush that I feel. It satisfies an urge. Mind you I collect various stuff. :p

Do you collect to play or decorate?

Both. I have a whole room dedicated for em, playroom. It was always in my plan since I started that one day when I buy my house, one room to house my collections. And it now a reality. :)
http://neilcdc.multiply.com/photos/album/8

Do you get a new one just for something to review?

nope, I don't do reviews. not good talking in front of camera IMO or writing stuff so its a NO.

Are you collecting to complete your collection or will always add on to it?

Well as they say, "It never ends". You always tend to add more, whatever strikes my fancy. There have been past toys I found unappealing then but am looking to get now, which is silly, but hmm yeah.

Do you ever think you will stop collecting?

Death, Debilitating Illness, Bankrupt are the only reasons that will keep me from collecting

Do you collect something just since it is valuable and will sell for a lot of money one day?

NO

[jaydisc]

Why Do You Collect?

1. I'm very left-brain dominant and am fascinating by the engineering.
2. As I was into TFs as a child when they first appeared, there is much nostalgia.
3. I want my son to be able to have the same enjoyment I did.


Do you collect to play or decorate?

I collect to transform. I don't play like I used to, with simulated battles or anything like that. They're more like a Rubik's Cube I play with while reading something. I do sometimes bask in my displays/decorations of them.


Do you get a new one just for something to review?

No.


Are you collecting to complete your collection or will always add on to it?

I can be a completist with current lines sometimes, but not with anything from the past. Too costly. Too late.


Do you ever think you will stop collecting?

I see the scale declining, but hopefully never completely.


Do you collect something just since it is valuable and will sell for a lot of money one day?

Never only for that reason, but there are some items that I keep MISB in order to preserve their value. That being said, every mold that I have MISB is a duplicate mold of something I have open. As the engineering is my attraction, repaints are only attractive for a.) completist reasons, b.) as investment, or c.) to to display in packaging. The best example I can think of is Crystal Convoy. I can't justify opening this figure as I already have at least three of the same mold opened and also of because the figure's valuable, exclusive nature. I kid with my brother that my loose TFs are for me and my son, and the MISB ones are to fund my son's college education. :D

Great topic HD!

[Thanatos]

Why Do You Collect?

Well, I'm obsessive. I've always needed a hobby. Used to be music, then DVDs, now it's Transformers. No idea whats next. That's one reason. Others include childhood nostalgia, fun, and the geek factor I thrive on :D


Do you collect to play or decorate?

I usually play, put them on the shelf, make displays. When I get my own place it'll be awesome. Toys everywhere!


Do you get a new one just for something to review?

I haven't reviewed in ages.


Are you collecting to complete your collection or will always add on to it?

I think Animated and Classics will be my final "lines". With each new show it's too hard to keep up. I will definately be buying movie toys next year though. Phwoar.


Do you ever think you will stop collecting?

Maybe. I'm seeing how I'm gonna go. I probably won't go back and complete lines though. I'm happy with the figures I have from each line so far.


Do you collect something just since it is valuable and will sell for a lot of money one day?

If I wanted stocks I'd get stocks. Not TFs.

[heroic_decepticon]

Time for me to answer (right after my bath) :D


Why Do You Collect?

For the most part, its to 'acquire everything I wanted when I was young but was denied or never got around to buying'. (http://heroicdecepticon.blogspot.com/1999/08/origin-story-part-iii-1999-to-2003-new.html) That is why I'm 99% G1 focused, including a focus on all G1 boxes and cardbacks (these were what made TFs appealing to me back then).


Do you collect to play or decorate?

I'd say play. But right now, the line is blurred. I don't really play with them (other than transforming), so they're just on display.


Do you get a new one just for something to review?

I only get ones that I fancy. Based on that, I've disregarded entire lines of TFs in the past years.


Are you collecting to complete your collection or will always add on to it?

My aim: every 1984-1987 G1 Transformer in USA box or on cardback. Every other G1 Transformer up to to 1989.


Do you ever think you will stop collecting?

I dunno. Lately, I've been thinking of stopping. It's scaring me.


Do you collect something just since it is valuable and will sell for a lot of money one day?

I always buy multiples to keep first then resell for a profit so that the one I keep ends up being 'really cheap' or 'free' (Gok and dirge is going lynch me for this). Lately, I havnt been doing that since time became a premium.

[Autocon]

Why Do You Collect?

had to put my mind into something:p started when i was young watching BW!! then picked it up again with the movie:o


Do you collect to play or decorate?

to marvel:D i like the incentricity of the transformations(movie mainly) and to look at hope to do more scene diorama stuff


Do you get a new one just for something to review?

nah. might review the movie ones soon tho.


Are you collecting to complete your collection or will always add on to it?

to complete. will always add on to my BW MW movie lines


Do you ever think you will stop collecting?

how many moveis are coming out?:p


Do you collect something just since it is valuable and will sell for a lot of money one day?

not really. i hope to sell my collection in the future for lots of $$$$ but for now i shall enjoy them:cool:

[Golden Phoenix]

Why Do You Collect?
I love the engineering and the way they Transform. Also love hunting down a good priced Transformer

Do you collect to play or decorate?
Both.

Do you get a new one just for something to review?
I need a hit. I'm an addict. But It is nice to see the collection grow too. Kind of like a tree, only made of lots of robots....

Are you collecting to complete your collection or will always add on to it?
I'm not a completist. As much as I could be, mentally, I simply don't have the money to be, so I usually just get the one's I like or am interested in.
Only time I will get one I don't like is if it is part of a bulk lot and it ends up cheaper if I get it. That is how I wound up with Armada Sideswipe....

Do you ever think you will stop collecting?
Usually when my mum or misses yells at me about it, or if I am going to stop and focus on another, like my Lego or something. Although I don't think I could do that.

Do you collect something just since it is valuable and will sell for a lot of money one day?
That is the excuse I use, but I don't think so. I collect because I like it. It gives me something to connect to the story with. And that is really what draws me in: the story/stories. It helps me escape to a much simpler universe where there is a plain and simple good and evil thing. Where I don't have to worry that it is 12.30am and I have to be somewhere in 8 1/2 hours.

[valkyrie_76]

Why Do You Collect?

I collect certain things that I know and used to have when I was young. Its nice being able to afford it now and knowing how to look after said items. The two main series I loved when I was a kid was Transformers and Robotech.

Do you collect to play or decorate?

All of my stuff is for decoration. I like to leave and admire it. I dont sit there and do battle scenes or action poses.

Are you collecting to complete your collection or will always add on to it?

Well I would'nt be able to complete the G1 series but have certain groups that I liked but never had to chance to get when I was younger. Its just that I like other things that take up lots of money such as the Macross series, anime figurines and cels from certain series.

Do you ever think you will stop collecting?

No I dont think I would. There will always be great stuff that comes out every year whether it is Tranformer related or something completely different. Its better when its shiny and makes noises.......even better when its an ecchi theme bwahahaha :)

Do you collect something just since it is valuable and will sell for a lot of money one day?

Hell no.....even though I have alot of stuff that I keep sealed in the boxes or I just put away and forget about them, I dont think I would think about selling them later. I have had people enquire about some of my Evangelion cels and would I sell them and always its 'no'. I bought whatever because I liked it and I will keep them in the box of they are new or look after them if they didnt come on a box.

[Rampage]

Why Do You Collect?

Mainly nostalgia

Do you collect to play or decorate?

Decorate/Admire might transform a figure from time to time usually when i dust the shelves off

Do you get a new one just for something to review?

No reviews from me

Are you collecting to complete your collection or will always add on to it?

I have a list of G1 & E-Hobby figures to get so im hoping down the track there will be a few exclusives to tack on to that list

Do you ever think you will stop collecting?

Depends if i win lotto or not:p

Do you collect something just since it is valuable and will sell for a lot of money one day?

If i see something that is super cheap & can be moved easily i might pick it up as trade bait/collateral to fund future TF purchases

It's a viscous circle!!!:P:D

[Tober]

Why Do You Collect?

An interest in the engineering and some sort of regressive therapy.

Do you collect to play or decorate?

Study and display. A few I digitize in 3D.

Do you get a new one just for something to review?

No.

Are you collecting to complete your collection or will always add on to it?

I have a complete Technical collection, so far... I'm actually trying to cut down.

Do you ever think you will stop collecting?

I only really collect Technical lines (Masterpiece, Binaltech, Alternity). I have a very limited interest in revisiting vintage G1 or other lines.

Do you collect something just since it is valuable and will sell for a lot of money one day?

No.

[TheDirtyDigger]

Why Do You Collect?

First it was to get stuff I wanted as a kid and was denied. The '85 catalogue's images have been burned into my mind. Now I think it is more of an addiction than anything else but hey...beats my past addictions hands down.

Do you collect to play or decorate?

Mainly to decorate but with three little kids of my own we take 'em off the shelves to simulate battles as well.

Do you get a new one just for something to review?

No.

Are you collecting to complete your collection or will always add on to it?

I'll always add on to it and one day give them to my kids although I do want to complete G1 one day in the far future.

Do you ever think you will stop collecting?

I may have a bout of 'I'm too old for this' when i reach 40 or something. Time will tell.

Do you collect something just since it is valuable and will sell for a lot of money one day?

Sadly no and I feel guilty spending hundreds/thousands on toys when I feel I should be saving for my children's futures.

[blackie]

Why Do You Collect?

Because theyre cool :D and for the before mentioned ideas of childhood nostalgia etc

Do you collect to play or decorate?

PLAY, why else would you buy toys, although saying that i do use them like a rubix cube a lot, like jay said :)

Do you get a new one just for something to review?

i get the figures i want and the ones that i think are cool. Good engineering in the alt mode and transformation are big pluses. Also i get characters i like, or are portrayed well in the cartoons etc.

Are you collecting to complete your collection or will always add on to it?

Pfft. Complete. Never. Unless i live to a million, and transformers stop being made when i turn 50, so i ahve forever to complete my collection, otherewise no, ill never complete.

Do you ever think you will stop collecting?

Depends, dying would stop me, for some odd reason. maybe when i become a pensioner, and the money dries up, i doubt id be able to afford it :P
but for at least the next 5-10 years ill keep going :D

Do you collect something just since it is valuable and will sell for a lot of money one day?

i think the longest anything has stayed MISB was less than a week, and that was my sidswipe, that was sorta cool, and since i had sunstreaker, i didnt care about opening up it, and then i did :D

[gamblor916]

Why Do You Collect?
Nostalgia, but they're cool toys first and foremost.

Do you collect to play or decorate?
To look shiny on my shelf.

Do you get a new one just for something to review?
I get the ones which look good on display but stick specifically to Pre-87 G1 and BT/MPs.

Are you collecting to complete your collection or will always add on to it?
I'm always adding to my collection(s), depending on what I find and what's available.

Do you ever think you will stop collecting?
Only when I'm destitute.

Do you collect something just since it is valuable and will sell for a lot of money one day?
Not really, though looking for perfect examples means that you have to shell out more.

[iceburn]

Why Do You Collect?
Always love Transformers since I was young and it's even crazier now. Unknown to why I didn't buy much when I was young, probably I was more focused on M.A.S.K. Other reason is that since I've started work now and have my own finance...it justify more to have my own personal collection without using my parent's.

Do you collect to play or decorate?
Both I would say. I'm pretty much amazed by most mould design of how we can get it transformed from a robot to it's alt mode. some are pretty good while others sucks totally...

Back to answering the question, i would certainly love to play with them but at this age...i'm getting them to decorate and be happy looking at them everytime i enter my room.

Do you get a new one just for something to review?
I was a MISB collector once (still am infact) hence the pyscho-ness for getting doubles to open and play/review them myself.

Are you collecting to complete your collection or will always add on to it?
My objective is to collect and complete all series as far as I can. My G1 collection will definitely be the slowest and it's currently more expensive than those later series figures. At the moment, I'm nearly completing Energon and Armada, moving on to Beast Machines and probably Beast Wars (if possible, maybe not) as current releases are a KILLA to get such as Encores, Animated, Movie TF 2, Universe Classics (Hasbro and Henkei), Binaltechs etc etc etc

Do you ever think you will stop collecting?
Wish I could stop collecting but don't think they (Hasbro and Takara) will ever give us a fan a short break. Been "pestered" by my colleagues at work saying "Wooh, another parcel...what's in this! Oh..you don't have to guess...it's Transformers surely" I would then reply..."yeah, what else can I buy"....

Do you collect something just since it is valuable and will sell for a lot of money one day?
Personally, I think there's value in collecting these figures BUT they are never meant to be sold off unless I'm in a great need to save my family or myself. I can't bear to be a part of these "assets". Each and every one of them (even my duplicates) are so dear to me. Even if items are for sale, there aren't gonna be profit made...just getting back the amount spent on the items bought at would be satisfactory to me. Profits are always good but the money will end up buying more Transformers though. So my answer would be "NO"....

[Paulbot]

Why Do You Collect?
Transformers has been a lifelong obsession. I enjoy playing with the toys, I enjoy the puzzle of transformations, I like having figures of the characters from the comics and shows. Transformers inspires creativity in me, it's a constant in my life, and sometimes collecting fills a void. The Movie toyline was so popular I've become a "buy it so I don't miss out" collector which does mean I end up with a lot more TFs than I really need.

Do you collect to play or decorate?
I like to take a Transformer and enjoy the transformation back and forth so that would be play. I don't do the toy battles anymore, and I have hardly any on display.

Do you get a new one just for something to review?
No, but I have in the past bought Transformers just so I bought something.

Are you collecting to complete your collection or will always add on to it?
I just always add to it. I don't feel the need to have a whole collection. I did recently notice I'm only five toys short of all the 1984 line which does inspire me to complete it but I'm frugal and unless some Encore Wheeljack and Mirages appear it might not happen.

Do you ever think you will stop collecting?
I can't see myself ever not buying at least one Transformer a year. I've being done that since I was five years old after all so I don't really recall a time when I wasn't collecting Transformer stuff.

Do you collect something just since it is valuable and will sell for a lot of money one day?
I have bought a couple of things over time that were rare for some investment, but I don't expect to sell anything for "a lot of money" anytime.

[Firecracker]

Why Do You Collect?
'Transformers... Robots in Disguise! Loved Transformers as a kid. Some of my best memories are attached to playing with TFs. Today, its a mix of realism and playability. Lines like Alternators, RiD, Movie for the 'they are among us' factor, and Classics etc. for the playabilty/nostalgia.

Do you collect to play or decorate?
Both. When I get time I enjoy taking a few out of display and posing them, with or without a camera.:p

Do you get a new one just for something to review?
No. I try and keep my collection focused. Therefore if its not on my 'List' its not gonna get bought.

Are you collecting to complete your collection or will always add on to it?
It will never end... never!

Do you ever think you will stop collecting?
Only if things get really dire financially and I need to surive.

Do you collect something just since it is valuable and will sell for a lot of money one day?
No. I thought that way once but then realized the silliness of it. Mind you, I do have an Aveo Swerve in my collection...

[Saintly]

Why Do You Collect?

Because TFs are an engineering artform



Do you collect to play or decorate?

I admire most of the time rather than play. The play part is mostly with Saintly Legend



Do you get a new one just for something to review?

No



Are you collecting to complete your collection or will always add on to it?
No, I only add what I like



Do you ever think you will stop collecting?

Maybe when I suffer dementia



Do you collect something just since it is valuable and will sell for a lot of money one day?
No, I collect as a hobby for point 1

[optimus1]

Why Do You Collect?
Like many, I loved them since i was a kid and am now just getting anything that looks good or is a good character to me personally.

Do you collect to play or decorate?
At the moment due to time constraints its mostly to decorate! But will always love playing with them whenever i can. I have a few boxed TFs but will open them whenever i get the chance or want to get the feeling that am getting something new, as i havnt played with them before!

Do you get a new one just for something to review?
No, I tend to get something because it looks good or is a character i want. Other reviews done on a TF does have a little influence on my decision to get something but not much.

Are you collecting to complete your collection or will always add on to it?
No, it will continue to be added upon as new ones come out. I have the main TFs I want already in my collection :D.
Im not one of those that will search forever to look for ultra-rare TFs, because to me if they the figure is that good, then it shouldnt be rare.
The best TFs to me will always be the ones that are easy enough to get. If something looks good, i'll get it. I prefer Autobots over Decepticons and my collection was more lopsided before but is now starting to even a bit.


Do you ever think you will stop collecting?
No. I thought I might one day, but new engineering and machine tool techniques are allowing better looking TFs to be made. Cyclonus is something im really looking forward to.

Do you collect something just since it is valuable and will sell for a lot of money one day?
Not really, but if am in dire money problems i will need to eat and plastic/metal doesnt sound very nutritious.

[hanprimus]

Why Do You Collect?
I always enjoy playing with toys since I was kid, M.A.S.K, Centurions, Starcom and Transformers etc. Sadly I stopped and came to Australia about 10 yrs ago, which my mum thrown/given away everything. (I don't blame her because I love her more than the toys). Since then I had never buy any toy for myself again until the movie came out last year which light up my inner fire again. But I still don't like most of the movie toys..:p

Do you collect to play or decorate?
Both.

Do you get a new one just for something to review?
No.

Are you collecting to complete your collection or will always add on to it?
I will always add on to it.

Do you ever think you will stop collecting?
When I have 3 kids.

Do you collect something just since it is valuable and will sell for a lot of money one day?
Sell for a lot of money later? Hell yes! But for now I will just enjoy playing with what I got.
__________________

[GoktimusPrime]

Why Do You Collect?
Overall I love the toys - always loved the fun of transforming a toy from one form to another. And through the toys I've come to be a fan of the mythos/lore.


Do you collect to play or decorate?
I collect primarily with the intention to PLAY - I really love getting down with my toys and escaping into some fantasy where I invent stories and battles etc. I do all the voices, sound effects etc. :) I don't do it as often as I'd like to because of time constraints. :(
So most of the time my toys do end up as display items - and I do enjoy displaying them. I couldn't stand storing my toys in boxes. But I started displaying my TFs because it made it easier to play with them! When I started collecting Transformers in 1984 I immediately realised that I loved these toys so much that I didn't want to be rummaging for them through a toy box, so I chose to display them instead. So really, it all comes down to playing! :)


Do you get a new one just for something to review?
No.


Are you collecting to complete your collection or will always add on to it?
Depends on the series. I want to collect all the characters who appear in the Animated TV show but only one version of each character.


Do you ever think you will stop collecting?
People have been asking me this question since 1986... I haven't stopped collecting TFs since 1984. :p


Do you collect something just since it is valuable and will sell for a lot of money one day?
No.

[MV75]

Answer to everything:

HE WITH THE MOST TOYS WINS.

It is totally a competition.

:D heh :D

[Verno]

Why Do You Collect?
I'm still trying to figure that out.

Do you collect to play or decorate?
Used to play. Now they decorate (otherwise known as collecting dust)

Do you get a new one just for something to review?
No.

Are you collecting to complete your collection or will always add on to it?
Complete the collection. Only a few pieces to go!

Do you ever think you will stop collecting?
Yes. I've stopped once or twice before, but I can now actually see the finish line again.

Do you collect something just since it is valuable and will sell for a lot of money one day?
Yes. Anyone who says no is a liar.

[turtle boy]

Why Do You Collect?
I love Transformers.

Do you collect to play or decorate?
Decorate mostly, I'll have a play when doing a custom or I get something new.

Do you get a new one just for something to review?
No, Never done a review.

Are you collecting to complete your collection or will always add on to it?
I'll always collect. No end of the road here..

Do you ever think you will stop collecting?
No, Unless I get married and It's something my wife and I both find is the best way to go.

Do you collect something just since it is valuable and will sell for a lot of money one day?
No!

[loophole]

Why Do You Collect?
I love the idea/story/toys of Transformers and that i have always wanted all the G1 show toys since i can remember and has since perpetuated from that

Do you collect to play or decorate?
Decorate mainly but sometimes play with them when im sitting an my room

Do you get a new one just for something to review?
No i just buy new one if the look :cool:

Are you collecting to complete your collection or will always add on to it?
Just like my car it will NEVER end!

Do you ever think you will stop collecting?
Nope, why would i?

Do you collect something just since it is valuable and will sell for a lot of money one day?
Nope

[Stompy]

Why Do You Collect?
For the engineering of the figures! I am constantly at awe at the marvelous engineering that most of the figures get (especially animated). The alt and robot modes are sometimes so day and night (Animated Lockdown) that you gotta hand it to the engineers. Aesthetics also come in to the equation to a lesser extent. Any Movie Megatron figures were just horrid aethetically speaking while the Animated line really tugs my light-hearted big-kid heartstrings.

Do you collect to play or decorate?
Depends on what you mean by play. I transform them, which I consider to be playing. I don't make scenarios and move my toys about making sound effects or the like. Decorate? I don't decorate my figures. I display them yes. If that's what decorate is alluding to.

Do you get a new one just for something to review?
Strange question as very little of us here do reviews. Proper ones at that. But no. I get one because I want it.

Are you collecting to complete your collection or will always add on to it?
Collecting to get the ones I want. I think it's a herculean task to collect everything and finances wouldn't really allow it to be a reality personally. Although I am finding myself really hooked over the Animated line, so I might complete that, maybe even including repaints. Classics/Universe line too, I might as well as they have great engineering. Not so sure with the QC but I can let those slip by.

Do you ever think you will stop collecting?
If it becomes a burden financially and/or personally, yes. But for the forseeable future. No.

Do you collect something just since it is valuable and will sell for a lot of money one day?
Never. As above. It's all about the engineering for me. So everything gets opened and taken out of their packaging and played with. Regardless of rarity. With everything else I collect. I buy to keep and play with.

Viva TF!

[Trailer Park Ninja]

Why Do You Collect?

This is a question I could apply to many things I've accumulated in my life e.g. comics/transformers/comic action figures.

Essentially, I collect because of personal enjoyment. I collected comics as a kid and well into my adult years because I grew up with superheroes and cartoons/toys.

I love a good story and enjoyed collecting issues particularly Golden/Bronze/Silver Age issues as I loved owning a pivotal story arc or plot line that was an important part of the character's history.

I also loved the fact that I owned a comic like say Amazing Spiderman that was from the 60's and way older than me. I had a piece of history in my hands.

I've stopped collecting individual comics a long time ago because there was a real crap period where there was terrible writing and more gimmicks than anything (please don't flame me as yes there were still some good stories that came out from the dark and gritty era but y'know what I'm talking about..). I still enjoy comics and the stories of Geoff Johns, Bendis, Brubaker to name of few writers, but now settle for getting collected hardcover editions from Kinokuniya as they are much cheaper than buying individual comics. I've sold off many of my comics (and made a nice profit!) but still kept a sizeable collection of titles that meant a personal deal to me.

I'm in the process of culling or getting rid of my entire comic action figure collection as they are taking up a lot of room. But my Transformers collection stays :D

I've collected many toys as a kid, Transformers of course, M.A.S.K, Masters of the Universe, Centurions etc but Transformers has always been my favourite and dear to my heart. Case in point, I've never had the urge to reacquire any other toy like MOTU, M.A.S.K etc.

I felt so mad at myself when at a young age I sold my transformers to an Aunty for her son. I was so happy when the Hasbro Commemoratives and TFC collection came out as I wanted to get back what I foolishly discarded.

As the movie came out and Transformers was a big in the mainstream, my "hobby" of collecting transformers continues with the mass merchandising, comics, fandom forums like this, cartoons, toylines etc.

I enjoy being part of the fandom community (like this one :))that unashamedly admits to revelling in its love for Transformers and the personal enjoyment received in collecting this seemingly immortal toy series.

I collect Transformers as they represent a period of my life where my imagination ran wild and my astonishment of these unique toys and the characters with their perculiar personality traits enthralled and fascinated me till this day.

As long as I derive pleasure from this and my collection, I have continued collecting Transformers till I have all the ones I want.


Do you collect to play or decorate?

A bit of both, but more for display purposes. As a kid, I used to roleplay with my Transformers and create my own stories. As an adult and more of a collector, I don't do this but like to transform my loose figure collection simply because I enjoy the engineering aspect.

I enjoy my MISB collection for display but also love my loose collection for action poses and group displays.

I'm not a pure MISB collector as I do buy duplicates as what fun is there if I can't transform my figures? However, I do enjoy my MISB reissue collection (Hasbro/TFC/Encore) as I also enjoyed the toy packaging and it resembles a toy store. It's a great pick-me-up on days when I'm down and brings me back to fond memories as a child in a toy store/Christmas day/birthday.


Do you get a new one just for something to review?

No, I just get a new transformer as long as the overall design/engineering aspect of the figure is great and the character was a favourite of mine.

Either that or because I don't have it as part of my collection for display.


Are you collecting to complete your collection or will always add on to it?

Mostly, I'm collecting to complete my collection. I've got all the Hasbro Commemorative reissues MISB and nearly all of the Takara reissues (TFC) MISB as part of my collection with only four more to go for the set.

I am collecting the Encore series as well with duplicates for MISB and for display/play.

The Encore series is great for the reason that it re-releases Transformers reissued by Takara/Hasbro with newer reissues and is cheaper to use for display purposes than opening up my MISB TFC/Hasbro reissue collection.


Do you ever think you will stop collecting?

I would say yes, simply for the fact that I don't collect everything and anything Transformers e.g. merchandise, Revoltech, Robot Heroes etc. I was only ever a G1 Transformer fan. I didn't care for G2, Beast Wars, Beast Machines, RID, Armada, Energon, Transformers Movie Line.

I'm not even bothering with the Animated line either as I don't like the stylistic aspect of that toyline.

I've given up trying to get all the Alternators and Binaltech as well as it was too late and expensive for me to backtrack and get that line for me.

I've been collecting G1 reissues as this is in-line with my goal/aim of reacquiring all the Transformers I had as a child and the ones I really wanted but couldn't get but now can e.g. Encore Metroplex, Omega Supreme.

I don't collect any original Transformers due to high prices and finding originals in great/excellent condition is a gamble sometimes. The only exception I'm going to make is finding all the Dinobots as they were my favourites as a kid.

I do collect the Classics/Henkei range as well and the Masterpiece series. These are the exception as the homages to the G1 series.

However, I'm not a completionist by nature now (I've un-trained myself :D).

I won't get figures because of QC/design issues despite the fact it could be a favourite character of mine. E.g. Greenscream Masterpiece, Classics Voyager Blaster etc. I'm at peace if that means I might not have the complete Wave X of that toyline.

Lastly, the reason I will stop collecting is because of change in priorities due to lifestyle (travel, family) means there is an opportunity cost involved with the expense of continuing collecting anything and everything Transformers. Also, there is just only so much space I have to house my collection so keeping it finite is paramount to me.


Do you collect something just since it is valuable and will sell for a lot of money one day?

Absolutely not! I have managed funds and shares for investments purposes. I collect because of personal enjoyment.

[STL]

Why Do You Collect?

1. Engineering
2. Nostalgia
3. Creativity

If you'd asked me this question three years ago when I first started, it would've been nostalgia, creativity, engineering. But how things have changed. TFs started to mean more to me the moment I slipped into the Cybertron line. It was only at that point that the possibilities of modern engineering caught my eye. And ever since it's a dominating factor in my collecting.

This was magnified when I met Jaydisc. Before, it was more of an internal/intuitive appreciation of the engineering. Prior to that, I'd conversed mostly with Borgeman, Paulbot and Iceburn who were different collectors and I didn't get a chance to discuss that aspect of TFs with them as much. Iceburn was the MISB guy, Borgeman the nostalgic chap, and Paulbot the fiction/creative bloke. Engineering was very much a secondary issue in those days of discussion. (It seemed so long ago that there was just the 4 of us!)

But talking with that Jaydisc bozo let me get out a lot of things about the engineering that I marvelled at intuitively. That started to give form and substance to how I valued the engineering. I knew I did but I just never had much of an opportunity (or time to sit down and) think about it.

Nostalgia is still a very large part of why I collect. Prime was a dominating figure in my childhood. The never say die attitude, his forgiving nature. Prime was in many ways a role model for me as a child. Not in the sense that I wanted to turn into a massive red truck (oh okay, I did want to at some point) but in the sense that I aspired to be like him, to possess his traits. He's simple but simplicity is a beautiful thing that's rare in our world today. And nostalgia, hence, has always stuck with me not just in the sense that it was a fond part of my childhood but it's also meant a lot to me on a more personal level.

And well, creativity has been shafted. I've always had a creative spark but that's no more than a dream that will never be fulfilled in me. Between everything else in life, I don't have the time for it which saddens me so. The fictional possibilities, the visual possibilities (not to mention the engineering possibilities) were what fascinated me and still do but TF fiction is very poor unfortunately. I once harboured thoughts of writing stories, drawing comics, making photocomics designing transformers, customising, but those will be small embers of creativity in the next decade. My career path will simply not allow that and I've stopped kidding myself that I will be able to find the time. I can't and that's a reality I just have to accept.

Do you collect to play or decorate?

Really, to play in the sense that I work my way through them. My play is purely experiencing a transformation and the poseability of a toy. I find that in this scale is relevant b/c it affects the synergies you get in displaying and posing the figures.

I have recently progressed to "decorate" though and have started to place lots of value in collecting packaging that is displayable. I think theDamned started it in me when I marvelled at his display room and Jaydisc compounded that little by little since he has shelves of packaged goods that are displayed attractively. It's not my primary purpose for collecting; however it is becoming more relevant as I near the end of what I still want to get and reason why doubles are increasingly relevant in my collection so that I can trash the packaging of one and keep the other MISB for display.

Do you get a new one just for something to review?

Never. First and foremost is to enjoy.

Are you collecting to complete your collection or will always add on to it?

Maybe at one stage I was planning to complete everything. But then when I started viewing a lot of collections that had heaps and heaps of stuff, I started to realise while as awesome as it may appear, there's a lot of inconsequential insignificant clutter you start to amass in the name of completion. So that's changed my mindset and I no longer have that completionist urge in me. I'll collect stuff I place value in rather than trying to complete every figure in every line.

That said, the only thing I ever plan to complete is USA/Real G1 and Classics 1.0/2.0. Nostalgia drives that.


Do you ever think you will stop collecting?

Surprisingly, I believe I will. Nothing lasts forever. I've recently thought about it. I've wondered if I could let go and I found that I could. If I left tmrw, I'd have no regrets about leaving all the TFs behind.

Do you collect something just since it is valuable and will sell for a lot of money one day?

Principally no. But it does play a part. As Verno says, I'd be lying if I said it doesn't factor into calcuations. For instance, I've got a MISB original Rattrap and MIB Overlord that I've rarely even touched (well, okay I've played in the case of Overlord). I love both toys to bits but one remains unopened and the other one's straight in storage b/c of "space issues". But truth be told, even if I had the space, I'd leave him box and only ever bring him out to play with once in a while. Maybe when I grab a doube that might change. :)

But yes, value is factored in so I try to preserve what value I can. Not b/c I plan on selling them but b/c when I die, I'd like my estate to be able to sell them off and give the money to my family and friends. I've toyed with the idea of having a nominated TF trustee to liquidate them in that event. I'm not a pessimist no, but we all die some day and it's good to know what you've left behind and to whom.

[jaydisc]

I'm flattered. Thanks!

[JuzMel]

Why Do You Collect?
I loved Transformers since I was 7/8 years old when my brother let me play with the toys. But I never really got crazy until after the 2007 Movie in which one figure became a few hundred now. Always love toys but particular amazed at the engineering of TF figures that it can have 2 different appearances to it -> Robot Mode or Animal/Vehicle Mode. Just love'em thats it. :)

Do you collect to play or decorate?
I'm a girly, so it's more for the decoration. For those who have seen my collection, 99% are MISB and it's layed out on shelves like a toy store. :D Occasionally I do take the ones I like out to transform, but mostly I like to just stand in the centre of the room and look at them on display. I re-arrange them and wipe the dust off every now and then when I've got new TFs that need to fit on the shelves too.

Do you get a new one just for something to review?
Nope. I grab a new ones because I can't resist it sitting on the shelves or for continuing / completing a collection. But it has to be a series I like. Like I didn't grab the Beast Wars Robot Heroes cause Beast Wars = Yucky (for me.)

Are you collecting to complete your collection or will always add on to it?
Mostly to add on to collection. It's financially impossible to complete collections that started ages ago and trying to buy them now, so I try to complete those series that start now like Animated range.

Still I'm not a 100% completist for all series, like the movie series I didn't finish the Scouts and am planning to sell off the Legends. For Cybertron / Galaxy Force series, I defined my collection to be complete based on collecting only characters that appear in the cartoon.

Do you ever think you will stop collecting?
Maybe? Shockingly I DID have that thought before because of all the price-matched hassle and bad encounters at one point in time. But because of the nice guys from here who price-match the TFs for me or sell them to me cheaply and I somehow can't resist NOT walking to check out the TFs aisle, I don't think I will stop for the time being.

Do you collect something just since it is valuable and will sell for a lot of money one day?
I guess most people would in some sense collect to sell for a lot one day. Before I knew what "scalping" was, I was actually buying TFs and selling them 2-3 times the price on ebay during the 2007 movie. :o Of couse that stopped when I joined the forum.

But I wouldn't say I will never sell my Tfs. If there ever was a financial crisis and money is needed urgently I would probably sell away one series. And the one to go will be the Movie 2007 series cause it's my least favourite. ;)

[heroic_decepticon]

Do you collect to play or decorate?
it's more for the decoration. For those who have seen my collection, 99% are MISB and it's layed out on shelves like a toy store.

any pics? :D

[iceburn]

any pics? :D

she did say she recently re-organised her living room but this is her collection thread (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=1664)

[JuzMel]

Kekeke thanks bro... Yes the shelves have since GROWN with more TFs since the last photos were taken. I have also bought another new shelf and moved the Cybertrons / Galaxy Force to make space for my Lego... :P

[1orion2many]

Why Do You Collect?
For the sheer joy of collecting something I like, well that and being a big kid at heart:o.

Do you collect to play or decorate?
I don't really play as such but do remove my figures from their packaging to display so I'd say a bit of both.

Do you get a new one just for something to review?
I don't do reviews but will get a new TF when I'm suffering withdrawl syndrome:D.

Are you collecting to complete your collection or will always add on to it?
It's really a bit of both.


Do you ever think you will stop collecting?
Not in the near future but you never know what's around the corner.

Do you collect something just since it is valuable and will sell for a lot of money one day?
No because if I did I'd never open any of the figures I buy and I would consider that a waste of money, if your not going to remove the figure from the packaging what's the point of buying a transforming robot that never get's to transform:rolleyes:.

[Metroplex]

Why Do You Collect?
Ive always been a collector of many different things & when i found my old G1 TF's from when I was a kid last year I decided to add to my collection.
Do you collect to play or decorate?
If I buy them in the box they stay in the box, if they are outta the box then I play around with them.
Do you get a new one just for something to review?
I get a new one because im addicted to having as many as possible haha
Are you collecting to complete your collection or will always add on to it?
I collect because im a collect-a-holic especially G1 & anything to do with G1. I will always be adding to my collection.
Do you ever think you will stop collecting?
Not anytime soon.
Do you collect something just since it is valuable and will sell for a lot of money one day?
I would only sell something if I was in a tight financial situation.