I have wanted to start a thread like this for awhile, and I hope I can express my point clearly, and without stepping on toes. This is a self-evaluation thread. There is no right or wrong answer, and I hope all can contribute their thoughts honestly.
I realize that as enthusiasts, we are always in search of the latest and greatest. We want to be on the bleeding edge of technology, and we clamor over the newest releases. Flashlights are our hobby; that's what we do.
However, I also think that although some members have phenomenal collections of beautiful lights, and have the means to purchase them without concern, most here are mature enough to realize that money and possessions do not bring true and lasting happiness, and they are not the most important things in life. With the exception of a few members who are here to find lights to fill a need, such as for their work, most of us are just hobbyists, and we collect because we like to.
With that in mind, I'd like to ask you to think for a moment and honestly evaluate yourself: Are you satisfied with your collection? If you had to stop buying/selling/trading right now, how would you feel? Could you do it? Could you keep what you have and be happy? If not, why do you feel that way?
In my case, I think that if I had to be honest, I am pretty satisfied with my collection. You can see it by clicking the link in my sig if you really care. Of course, there are some lights I'd still like to own, but there are many fewer lights I have a desire to buy now than when I first started. I'd like to get some more Milky creations, because Scott does such great work. I'd like more Ra/HDS lights, because Henry's lights are to me the most functional and useful lights I own, and I think he has brilliant ideas. I'd love to own a McGizmo at some point, because I think they're gorgeous lights and I want to see what they're all about. I'd like to try a Muyshondt as well, as I think the UI is great, and the machining is lovely. And there are a few other limited edition lights and rarities I find interesting as well.
But in all reality, I already, at age 23, have more lights than I really need. I have lights to cover every conceivable need, and then some. I have gotten rid of a few that didn't get used much, and replaced them. I think that the lights I have now I am likely to keep. Either they do their job very well, or they're somewhat rare, or I just plain like using them. If I couldn't get another light, I believe I'd do ok with what I have. I really do like the lights I have. Again, the hobbyist in me will keep buying and selling, but the sane, balanced person inside me says that if it came down to it, I am satisfied with what I have.
Sorry for rambling, hopefully it was moderately interesting. I'm just curious about you. How satisfied are you with your collection? Or are you never satisfied? Could you be happy with just what you have? Or do your things define you? Some food for thought. Hope to hear from you.
I realize that as enthusiasts, we are always in search of the latest and greatest. We want to be on the bleeding edge of technology, and we clamor over the newest releases. Flashlights are our hobby; that's what we do.
However, I also think that although some members have phenomenal collections of beautiful lights, and have the means to purchase them without concern, most here are mature enough to realize that money and possessions do not bring true and lasting happiness, and they are not the most important things in life. With the exception of a few members who are here to find lights to fill a need, such as for their work, most of us are just hobbyists, and we collect because we like to.
With that in mind, I'd like to ask you to think for a moment and honestly evaluate yourself: Are you satisfied with your collection? If you had to stop buying/selling/trading right now, how would you feel? Could you do it? Could you keep what you have and be happy? If not, why do you feel that way?
In my case, I think that if I had to be honest, I am pretty satisfied with my collection. You can see it by clicking the link in my sig if you really care. Of course, there are some lights I'd still like to own, but there are many fewer lights I have a desire to buy now than when I first started. I'd like to get some more Milky creations, because Scott does such great work. I'd like more Ra/HDS lights, because Henry's lights are to me the most functional and useful lights I own, and I think he has brilliant ideas. I'd love to own a McGizmo at some point, because I think they're gorgeous lights and I want to see what they're all about. I'd like to try a Muyshondt as well, as I think the UI is great, and the machining is lovely. And there are a few other limited edition lights and rarities I find interesting as well.
But in all reality, I already, at age 23, have more lights than I really need. I have lights to cover every conceivable need, and then some. I have gotten rid of a few that didn't get used much, and replaced them. I think that the lights I have now I am likely to keep. Either they do their job very well, or they're somewhat rare, or I just plain like using them. If I couldn't get another light, I believe I'd do ok with what I have. I really do like the lights I have. Again, the hobbyist in me will keep buying and selling, but the sane, balanced person inside me says that if it came down to it, I am satisfied with what I have.
Sorry for rambling, hopefully it was moderately interesting. I'm just curious about you. How satisfied are you with your collection? Or are you never satisfied? Could you be happy with just what you have? Or do your things define you? Some food for thought. Hope to hear from you.