Macrossmaster wrote:
diosoth wrote:
As for financial concerns, I'm quite picky about what I spend money on because I don't have $500 sitting on hand to go to luxuries. I consider things such as how old the toy is, and how much I want one, and what else I would like to buy. I also see no need to risk snapping thumbs by putting weapons in hands, because I really don't feel I need to. I also have to think about whether to find a replacement body part or a full replacement toy, and a certain body part may not always be readily available on its own. I also take into account the thought "if this one broke, what's to say a replacement wont break too?". And if I can get an equivalent figure from the 2000/comic pack line that has PVC hands then I'd probably take it over a vintage 80s toy of the same character.
If you don't have money for luxuries, I would suggest not buying luxuries. Your last thought there about replacement is what stopped me buying vehicles, then playsets. It eventually became "if I worry about my TOYS, then I am no longer really enjoying these."
diosoth wrote:
I'm not saying the toys are like glass but I do take care when handling just because breakage and buying a new one is a needless cost if it can be avoided. And in general, the plastic is starting to break down simply from age which can't be helped, and in 10-20 years we may very well see more breaks. These toys were never intended to last 20 years, same as NES game carts were never intended to last this long(the fact most have working save batteries is almost pure accident- the batteries were probably planned to last 5 years at most).
Even you and I wear out, so nothing lasts forever. Just realize that the idea that anything in this life lasts is not going to work out. Joes will crumble to dust, cars will break down, clothes will get holes in them, etc. A little perspective will help us to deal with the things that are going away - whether it be hair, athletic ability, plastic elasticity, you name it.
I didn't say I had NO money I said I don't have a HUGE PILE of money. I have to consider what I want, what out of that I can buy at any given time, and what I want more. If a newer thing grabs me more than a vintage Joe, that's how it is. I also do consider fragility and durability, it's why I won't own an Xbox 360 thanks to the RROD issue, it's just not worth it to me when there are alternatives.
I want that 3rd party "hercules" Devastator set but not enough to pay $600. I suppose if I won the lottery and had a million to blow I'd get whatever I wanted and not question cost, but I don't and even if I did have $600 sitting aside now I'd still not buy Hercules.
I collect things outside of G.I. Joe. Joe's actually been rather secondary to me since the in-store droughts began last year, because I didn't want any of the new stuff bad enough to pay extra to have it shipped. The movie series is offering me little of personal interest. And for older stuff, if it is old and can be fragile, and a suitable newer alternate exists made of more durable materials, I'll go for it. I also consider what I want and what I'll pay, sometimes going above retail cost to get it doesn't appeal to me because I just don't want it that bad. I gave up on MOTUC because I barely think they're $20 toys, and not $30 toys.
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Real fans do not write fan fiction!
I just said a post by Dark Jedi makes sense. I am going ice-skating in Hell tomorrow.
