Is toy collecting "work" ???

Yeah, it sure looks like a silly question, doesn't it?

But I have encounterd collectors who think of it as something other than just a hobby. Since others might share this POV, I wanted to float it past everyone else.

For example, I rebuilt/restored a GIJoe USS Flagg from the ground up out of spare parts I found on ebay, at hobby store junk bins, and on trade. Just to give you an idea how much "work" that was, I had to locate nearly a dozen parts for the complete sensor array alone.

I'm very proud of how it's turned out, but I still don't see it as "work" per-se. I don't think it necessarily deserves some kind of reward outside of the satisfaction of having it either.

Recently, I've done the same with a Defiant playset and I'm starting on my second. I don't consider that work either. It can be annoying at times, but it's part of the hobby for me; more recreational.

Ditto on the customs.

And outside of my real job, I don't think of shopping for figures as work either. Browse, click, bid, sit on your ass, wait for the package, and that's it. Sure, sometimes you work through other collectors, but :yawn: there's really not much to this, unless you're writing a book, or you have some sort of disability or something. It's supposed to be fun, right?

So what do you think? Is collecting work to you?

-PJ

IMO, it really shouldn't be work. It should be enjoyed as a hobby. One should take time to learn all about it, so that things like "running changes" and "variants" aren't a surprise, they're expected.

I really enjoy collecting. I loved G.I.Joe since I was seven (that was in 1982, so yes, I'm old, lol).

I don't even consider my eBay store (righteous self promotion, WOOT!) "work", persay. I enjoy interacting with other members in the community and I've been fortunate enough to meet a lot of great people through my store, and through the boards for that matter.

If I had to call it work, I'd say it's been the best work I've had all my life. I've never looked at hunting something down as a chore...it was always worth the thrill of the hunt itself. Did I just waste fourty bucks in gas to find a 5 dollar figure? heck yeah I did, and I found him! Woo Hoo!

This hobby is what you make it. The only time it's work is when you let it become such.

~ Fin ~

negative, it's a hobby.

I think there are times when I let it stress me out too much, but it's still just a hobby.

As CIAD said about the hunt (that's one of the parts that stresses me ) I could make it easier on myself if I just preordered everything and waited, but I don't get the same joy from that as I do from running all over 3 towns searching stores only to turn the corner in the toy aisle and finally see GI Joe figures hanging on the pegs. There is a thrill there that is much like finding hidden treasure.

and while making customs and costumes can be a lot of work and take a long time (sometimes) it's still very relaxing to me

Originally Posted by Obiwanjacoby

Is toy collecting "work"?

It can be at times, yes. Following leads, tracking down deals, emailing, visting other collectors or employees, writing articles, updating websites, researching information, learning history, etc. Is it still fun? Sure, but it can definitely be work. I think the difference is, as I said in my intro, between being a casual collector and a serious hobbyist. Many serious collectors put a lot of time into it and many times it seems for nothing. Write an article and somebody has to point out what you missed. Edit for a website and you hear people gripe that submissions weren't posted fast enough or that your db isn't complete. Those that do a lot for the community really do work hard. Trust me.

Originally Posted by Obiwanjacoby

I'm very proud of how it's turned out, but I still don't see it as "work" per-se. I don't think it necessarily deserves some kind of reward outside of the satisfaction of having it either.

What kind of reward would it deserve? Stuff like that is done for self and the reward is how it makes you feel.

Originally Posted by Obiwanjacoby

And outside of my real job, I don't think of shopping for figures as work either. Browse, click, bid, sit on your ass, wait for the package, and that's it.

Sure, if you only collect modern or even some vintage. However, when you are tracking down rare pieces, prototypes, or bootlegs it's a little more work that point, click, sit on your ass. Some are happy with that. Some consider that more shopping than collecting. To each his own. Me, I got bored with that years ago. It's hardly ever that for me. I've spent 5 years finding pieces I wanted. I've been searching 7 for a few with still no luck. I enjoy the challenge. Anybody can point, click, shop. Just my opinion of course.

Originally Posted by Obiwanjacoby

Sure, sometimes you work through other collectors, but :yawn: there's really not much to this, unless you're writing a book, or you have some sort of disability or something.

That's a nice thought. So only handicapped work hard? Jeez, talk about not only a narrow view but a pretty offensive one. You have every right to be a casual collector but others do work hard. Those that work hard it shows, and those that don't, well, that does too.

Originally Posted by Obiwanjacoby

It's supposed to be fun, right?

Yep. Been fun for me for years. Knuckleheads on message boards cause more grief for me than working hard at collecting. Those are the true spoilers of the hobby IMO.

201

I see it as a hobby and since I have so much free time, I can go looking for the items I want. The hunt is just as much fun as putting up displays of my figures.

Not "work" in as much as a "job" or "career", but my personal G.I.Joe collecting has certainly entailed a lot of hard work. But the thing is...it's ALL enjoyable effort to me because it's for my hobby.

So, tracking down rare items, former Hasbro employees, researching, designing/building display items, websites, etc. etc...are all forms of work. Though I do enjoy my sleep time, I wouldn't have anywhere near the collection I have if I just lazily laid back and expected items/info would walk up and jump into my possession.

Like alot of collectors these days, I'm long past the point with the items I'm after that I can simply say, "I want 'X'. I'll take out the wallet, and go to the store (online or brick and mortar) and buy 'X'. I now own 'X'".

But it's so darn enjoyable, even if it does sometimes take a long time & concerted effort!

-Peter

ok, ok, since you all put it that way...

a part-time job?

Originally Posted by j_t_d

So, tracking down rare items, former Hasbro employees, researching, designing/building display items, websites, etc. etc...are all forms of work.

Do you see your Hasbro contacts as a relationship you make only to further your hobby goal, or have you seen some truly mutual friendships come about?

Have you ever been turned away by a Hasbro associate because they've felt that they're more of a target rather than a person? How do you resolve that apparent dispute?

Do you see other people as part of your hobby? Why or why not?

Like alot of collectors these days, I'm long past the point with the items I'm after that I can simply say, "I want 'X'. I'll take out the wallet, and go to the store (online or brick and mortar) and buy 'X'. I now own 'X'".

Are you collecting known items now that you know you can locate, or are you still waiting for undiscovered pieces? Do you have a final goal for the hobby, or is it more open-ended?

But it's so darn enjoyable, even if it does sometimes take a long time & concerted effort!

But not "work" per-se?

-PJ

it's like i buy stuff, then i think..."what the heck am i doing".

i could be planning vacations and cruises maybe even a trip to Europe, but no...

......tsssss