[ SECRET POST #3280 ]

[case]

⌈ Secret Post #3280 ⌋

Warning: Some secrets are NOT worksafe and may contain SPOILERS.

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Notes:

Secrets Left to Post: 03 pages, 053 secrets from Secret Submission Post #469.
Secrets Not Posted: [ 0 - broken links ], [ 0 - not!secrets ], [ 0 - not!fandom ], [ 0 - too big ], [ 0 - repeat ], [ 1 - posted twice ].
Current Secret Submissions Post: here.
Suggestions, comments, and concerns should go here.

Comments

[fscom]

08. http://i.imgur.com/Q9lzRFu.jpg

[(Anonymous)]

You'd probably have spent a good deal on another hobby if you weren't interested in anime. I actually think anime fandom can be one of the cheaper hobbies out there.

[(Anonymous)]

I get what you're trying to do, but you do realize it's possible to have a hobby without sinking every last cent you have into it, right? That is a thing you can do.

DA

[(Anonymous)]

OP didn't say they 'sank every last penny' into it. I got the impression that it was stuff collected over time, but when they actually looked back to see how much they spent, they hadn't realized it added up to that much.

[(Anonymous)]

That's not entirely accurate. Not all hobbies are sinkholes of money, and not every anime fan even buys all the merch and stuff.
I really don't think being in anime fandom is a cheap hobby at all.

[(Anonymous)]

Exactly.

I think it always depends on which fandom you are in and what are you interested in. (Figure collecting can be a massive sinkhole...) But if it's an older fandom and you're fine with used stuff it's really one of the cheaper hobbies. It's especially good if you find a perfect balance between price/quantity/usefulness*. (*makes you happy, looks good etc)

Because in the end, no matter how you look at it, you're spending money on everything and adding anything up will give you the feeling that you could've bought something more expensive.

To be honest, I don't like thinking about the summed up amount of my "spent money", because it's not a realistic image.

[(Anonymous)]

Does it worry you, and do you want to stop and are unable to?

[(Anonymous)]

This is amusing, juxtaposed with the secret above it.

[(Anonymous)]

The gayness just keeps piling up. Maybe it will balance out redneckness in the world eventually. I cross fingers and toes.

[(Anonymous)]

I don't think it's much to be concerned about. Spending lots at one time? Not good. But small amounts over many years? Fine. It's alright to have hobbies and to spend some money on them. Having them improves one's quality of living. If you want to cut back some and save more, that's great. But you shouldn't feel guilty about your collection.

[(Anonymous)]

Yep. We have enough negative waves in the daily lives and having hobbies, even if it's collecting, being in fandom can gives us back some positivity.

If you've built up your collection over the years by spending a little money each month then you shouldn't feel guilty.

[(Anonymous)]

This. Anyone who tells you you shouldn't "waste" your money on the occasional nice thing just because you aren't rich is a complete dick. I practically had a nervous breakdown once because I did what everyone says you should do with your money. Que rant:

After finally getting a decent job after a post-college-graduation year at a super-low-paying one (the counselors lied, you do not get a job right out the door), I did the "smart thing". I spent money only on necessities, put a huge chunk of my pay check every month to my student loans and saved the rest. Another stressful year of long hours in which I had no time for myself, three car accidents in the family (one of which was me), no paid vacation for a year (then finding out the time I wanted to take a vacation was a blackout period and getting no reply from my boss when I asked for a different time and finding out that was a blackout period TOO - still haven't had a vacation since getting this job) and enough family drama for three Hallmark movies.

Then I started injuring myself hard enough to leave bruises at work just to relieve the stress because I had no other outlet. Then I had a screaming meltdown after a particularly shit day at work.

Now I buy myself something nice that I've wanted every month as a reward for paying my loan and get a few things here and there fandom related just for fun. I am so much happier. Saving money is nice, but not at the cost of being feeling completely, utterly, helplessly miserable all the time.

And no, the joy of no-cost hobbies and the magic of family and friendship do not substitute for the simple pleasure of getting the game I've been wanting for months and the hours of fun and engagement I get playing it.

[(Anonymous)]

Allowing yourself a treat now and then keeps you sane, and mental health is so important.

I think of it as similar as to why why Christmas (Yule, midwinter festivals) were so widespread and important throughout history in the colder European climates, for many tens of thousands of years. People needed that feast to look forward to during the long, dark period of winter. You can go a long time on the promise of future feasting, or on the memories of good ones of the past.

[(Anonymous)]

This.

If I counted all the money I've spent on books/manga over the years, it would look like a huge amount of money. I could probably buy a car with that money, like OP. BUT I've bought them over 15 years or so (some used), so anyone who gives me shit for spending 'so much money' on a hobby can bugger off.

[(Anonymous)]

The good thing with doujinshi and action figures is that you can resell them (compared to other hobbies where nothing "solid" remains). It's not so easy now compared to a few years back, but it's doable!
I sold lots of doujisnhi and old manga three years back and made lots of money (some series were priced up because they're now rare where i live), so think about it! Good luck anon! :)

[iggy]

I'm probably the same, anon. I've been collecting anime stuff for fifteen years. It adds up.

[(Anonymous)]

Yeah, I know I've spent at least enough over the years to afford a nice car.

Though I did whimper a little bit when I realized that, for example, a series I once paid over $1000 to get on laserdisc is now available in better (aka DVD) quality.

Yeah....

[(Anonymous)]

A new new car or a new used car? Big difference there.

I've collected comics for 30 years, and now some manga as well, but the total of all that (including my video game & console collection) would barely hit £2000, which is nowhere near the cost of new new car where I live, though it would get an used one (although not cover insurance).

I'm happy with buying myself regular fun items for myself. I think it's a good thing. I love my comics & games library, which ia right beside me at the moment. As I've got older, however, I do tend to buy only on sale or second hand, because I have different financial priorities now. I'd rather overpay my mortgage than have the newest release. I can be patient.

OP, if your total spend is worrying you, perhaps just figure out what would give you most long-term pleasure and fulfilment. You don't have to have an expensive car to have a successful life. On the other hand, if you feel that short term spending is making you less happy, then draw up a budget and take steps to be where you want to be.