Todd wrote: "I tend to avoid anything that involves telling someone what they can or can't have, or that they should redistribute their wealth."
I agree absolutely. I would never support prohibition against collecting -- even when it mutates into hoarding -- nor would I support any sort of forced redistribution of anyone's wealth. But, I certainly claim the right to question the motives or even the sanity of someone who behaves as I described in my previous post (the lighthearted nature of which I hope showed through without the need for smiley faces). If a guy wants to fill his house up with Pez dispensers, or baseball caps, or whatever, that's his business. When does collecting become hoarding? It a guys wants a pristine example of every piece of gear that Collins ever made, and sets out to acquire them, that is great. More power to him. On the other hand, if a guy set out to purchase every piece of Collins gear he can find, which then disappear into his basement never to be seen or heard again (until he croaks, as a John pointed out), I don't think that is fine. I think it is indicative of mental health issues, and it is harmful to the "hobby within a hobby" of collecting old ham rigs as it keeps other folks from being able to participate. There is an unlimited supply of Pez dispensers, but there is a very limited supply of old radios. If there weren't, then a 75A4 would still sit all day in the hot sun at a hamfest with a yellow sticky on it that says '$100 OBO'. Just my opinion - if you feel I have stepped on anyone's toes, that's ok. I probably did. If you have ten John Valiants in your basement I think you should sell some of them. But while I sure wouldn't support you being forced to sell them, I reserve my right to question your actions - in a gentlemanly and lighthearted manner, of course. This is a hobby, afterall. It is supposed to be fun. Theo K4MO
