HI KL,
You pose very interesting questions.
Like yourself, I'm an older Transformer collector (37 years old). In theory, I have the money to buy most of the TF's out there, but I do not have the time (work, girlfriend*, etc). Moreover, I only recently started aggressively collecting. In the past, I only purchased the odd TF here and there. Finally, I DO NOT OPEN my TF packages. I like to keep them in their original packaging UNOPENED in order to maintain their quality and value.
Well, getting back to your questions...
I feel that the best way to answer your question is to refer to my chart below:
Types of TF collectors:
"Ideal" or "True" "completists"
-owns ALL TF's issued
-this collector constantly monitors the TF market and purchases the new TF as soon as possible
-this collector is very extreme and usually has "no life", may have "near" unlimited resources (money), probably has NO gf/bf/husband/wife, may need to see a psychologist, etc
-very few collectors fall into this category; therefore, this type of collector is extremely rare (if exists at all)
-note: may not be logistically possible to collect all TF's
"Near" "completists"
-owns MOST TF's issued
-this collector monitors the TF market and purchases new TF's when money & time permits
-this collector makes a reasonable and constant ATTEMPT to buy all TF's
-this collector is more "normal" (may have gf/bf/husband/wife, limited time & money, don't need to see a psychologist, etc)
-this collector recognizes that certain TF's are not attainable due to money constraints
"Niche" Collector
-owns MOST or ALL TF's issued of a particular "niche"
-"niche" can be:
a. a particular TF toyline: Cybertron, G1, Beast, etc
b. a particular TF character: Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Starscream, etc
c. a particular TF subgroup: triple changers, constructicons, "animal" robots, etc
d. other grouping not mentioned above
-the "niche" collector may collect for multiple "niches" (for example, collects all Cybertron TF's AND Optimus Prime figures from all toylines)
-these collectors may have little or no TF's which fall outside their "niche"
"Custom" Collectors
-owns MANY TF's issued
-this collector collects TF's based upon his/her personal preferences with no obvious "niche"
-his/her collection may resemble a "mixed bag" of characters, toylines, subgroups, colours, etc
-basically, this collector only purchases TF's that he or she "likes"; if he/she does not find the TF attractive, they do not have it
"Investment" Collectors
-collects TF's for purpose of reselling at a later date to make a profit
-usually focusses on the more popular TF characters
-does not usually open the TF packages
-may or may not have an interest in TFs
Non-collectors
-has a small number of TF's
-usually opened
-may be worn out
-may or may not be knowledgeable of the TF universe and various toylines
-may attempt to maintain the quality and condition of the TF's
Styles of Collectors:
"Players"
-usually children
-plays with the TF's
-TF's usually worn out and damaged
"museum curator"
-TF's never played with
-TF's are usually still in their original packaging unopened
-TF's may be on display
-TF's are in mint condition
"display" collector
-TF's not usually played with
-usually opened
-TF's are often on display on a shelf
-TF's are usually in good condition or better
In my opinion, "completeness" is not the issue. Collecting every freaking Transformer out there is logistically impossible. I feel that the "type" of collector and your corresponding "style" are the more relevant and important factors to examine.
As for myself, I am a combination of a "custom" and "investment" collector. As for my style, I am both a "museum curator" and a "display" collector.
That's my 2 cents worth...
RedOktobre
*By the way, although my girlfriend likes to occasionally transform a few of them "once in a blue moon", she is more concerned about opening my "unopened" transformers packages.
Hello all,
I have a topic for older TF collectors such as myself. I remember a time, I think it was THE very first BotCon I ever attended, my goal in going was to collect the "last transformer I needed to complete our collection". At that time, the only U.S. released Transformer I thought I didn't own was Targetmaster Hotshot. I found one while there and for that one fleeting moment thought, THAT'S IT! I NOW HAVE THEM ALL!
How little did I know! Okay, so here is/are my question(s) for all the collectors who think of themselves as or want to be "completists" that is, to "have every one". I'm wondering what exactly does that mean?
For the sake of this query, lets limit the discussion to U.S. or North America release only toys. When someone looks at our ever growing collection (now divided amonst 3 different houses, 1 per brother!) and asks, "do you have them all?" Are we allowed to answer, "yes?"
If you consider yourself a completist, is your collection "complete" if you don't have:
every TF: Universe toy?
every convention exclusive toy? (surely you must think you need to own Unicron.com exclusive energon cubes, Unicron stand and Beast Machines accessory pack in order for your collection to be complete! hahaha
)
If the stipulation is, does the packaging say "Transformers", has to be a transforming plastic toy and sold by Hasbro... well then
what about Transformers Animorphs?
Machine Wars Transformers?
>>>Star Wars: Transformers??? Seriously, what about this one? To be considered a serious Transformers collecting completist, must I purchase all of these?
If the distinction is, the toys must fit into the story line, then what about:
Alternators?
mini-con versus packs?
Shopko, Costco, Walgreens, Kohl's only exclusives...
What about the G1 decoys? Do I need to have every one of those to say I have every G1 TF figure?
Do you feel you need every recolor in order for your collection to be complete?
What about when the same recolor is repackaged w/ a different partner toy (like the recolored mini-cons that apparently the same recolored toys come w/ various Target exclusive voyager class toys? Do you need to have Mudflap, Vector Prime... each w/ it's own set of mini-cons, sometimes the same, sometimes (I think) not the same as others...
Is there anyone out there that feels they do in order for their collection to be "complete?"... surely there must be if there are people out there willing to pay $1,000 for unreleased G2 toys, which are essentially just recolors (w/o stickers..) just for the rarety of it all...
ebay auctionPerhaps, in the end I shouldn't give it a second thought, just collect (open and enjoy the transformation, sculpt, posability... ) the ones I want and when someone asks "wow, do you have them all?" Just say "no" and call it a day!
Your thoughts are welcome!
KL
