I think many of us (even ones like me who really do have a lot of typewriters and keep getting more of them) aren't true/proper collectors. We're writers, or typists at least, who have the extreme luxury of being able to choose from hundreds of different typewriters/tools. I definitely don't truly envy others' typewriters. There is a great spirit of enthusiasm all around, and though I may want something somebody else has, all that does is give me another reason to look out for one of my own.
A friend of mine pointed out that he thought my "collection" was like a wardrobe. I have many typewriters because I like each one for a specific reason, and if it doesn't suit me any more, I sell it or give it away. I may happen to have a fairly complete line of Olympias, but that is only because I like them a lot and each has a reason to stay. There are two models that I no longer own and have no intention of ever replacing. Another comparison could be a craftsman who has a box with many tools that are all similar but specialized.
I don't like being marketed to, either. Not just for typewriters.
Things like this, you know, when the money catches up to something, well, they just bring out the curmudgeon in me. I like the wardrobe analogy. Me too, but I'm not really into clothes. I went through a long phase of black jeans, then corduroy, and check shirts. I think mostly down to sloth. If I can lay my hands on it, that's good enough, which means I have to make an effort to haul machines up to the attic and bring down something fresh.
I am very sympathetic with your thoughts on this project. Personally, I enjoy browsing, just browsing, ebay.de. There is many information to be found, more the historic and model information I am looking for.
I've never considered myself to be a formal collector. To me a collector searches out the best and most pristine of whatever they collect and then purchase it, preserve it in a glass case or what ever, and display it. Leaves me out. I buy what I like and can afford at the time, clean it and do whatever else including restoration and then put it to use. I like to use what I have. I do not keep much of an inventory or anything else on what I have except maybe cameras and firearms since my insurance company requires it, and an inventory is a good idea -- until the tax man commeth. If some tax authorities think something is an ivestment or an inheritance it can be taxed.
As far a collexion I do not like commercializing my things whether they are typewriters or cameras or radios or anything. More fuel for thieves. I also think Collexion is too much like FaceBook or Pinterest or Tubler where people post mostly photos they hack from others on line.
Maybe "hoarder" is a better word for a scruffier sort of collector? And there certainly are plenty of venues for "sharing" other people's stuff, which I find a bit strange. Why would I want to share someone else's stuff? And how would I distinguish it from my own stuff? There's something messed up when good people put valuable energy into pointless image recycling.
I have nothing against collexion, but I'm not getting involved right now simply because I'm too busy. Also note that there's already Collector's Weekly, which has some similarities.
This is the first I've heard about Collexion.com. I am miffed that I have not been marketed to. But anything that suggests I log in via my Facebook account scares me. On the other hand, Peter Kirwin (CEO) can't be all bad, owning 20 typers and driving a vintage car and all.
To me, a typewriter collector is someone for whom possessing is more important than using. Just like my 74 Triumph TR6 is not a trailer queen, my typers must be pleasant, or at least intriguing, to use for my correspondence. Else its off to the world of eBay. Therefor I am not a collector. My wife would agree. She just thinks I'm odd.
Your prose is nearly as good as the bard's. Great argument. I also like old fashioned ways of collecting collating colluding cataloging and communicating.
I think many of us (even ones like me who really do have a lot of typewriters and keep getting more of them) aren't true/proper collectors. We're writers, or typists at least, who have the extreme luxury of being able to choose from hundreds of different typewriters/tools. I definitely don't truly envy others' typewriters. There is a great spirit of enthusiasm all around, and though I may want something somebody else has, all that does is give me another reason to look out for one of my own.
ReplyDeleteA friend of mine pointed out that he thought my "collection" was like a wardrobe. I have many typewriters because I like each one for a specific reason, and if it doesn't suit me any more, I sell it or give it away. I may happen to have a fairly complete line of Olympias, but that is only because I like them a lot and each has a reason to stay. There are two models that I no longer own and have no intention of ever replacing. Another comparison could be a craftsman who has a box with many tools that are all similar but specialized.
I don't like being marketed to, either. Not just for typewriters.
Your post has sparked quite a few ideas in my head, and rather than add more of them here I'm going to make a post of my own on this theme.
DeleteThings like this, you know, when the money catches up to something, well, they just bring out the curmudgeon in me. I like the wardrobe analogy. Me too, but I'm not really into clothes. I went through a long phase of black jeans, then corduroy, and check shirts. I think mostly down to sloth. If I can lay my hands on it, that's good enough, which means I have to make an effort to haul machines up to the attic and bring down something fresh.
DeleteI am very sympathetic with your thoughts on this project. Personally, I enjoy browsing, just browsing, ebay.de. There is many information to be found, more the historic and model information I am looking for.
ReplyDeleteYeah! Just browsing, mmmm.
DeleteI've never considered myself to be a formal collector. To me a collector searches out the best and most pristine of whatever they collect and then purchase it, preserve it in a glass case or what ever, and display it. Leaves me out. I buy what I like and can afford at the time, clean it and do whatever else including restoration and then put it to use. I like to use what I have. I do not keep much of an inventory or anything else on what I have except maybe cameras and firearms since my insurance company requires it, and an inventory is a good idea -- until the tax man commeth. If some tax authorities think something is an ivestment or an inheritance it can be taxed.
ReplyDeleteAs far a collexion I do not like commercializing my things whether they are typewriters or cameras or radios or anything. More fuel for thieves. I also think Collexion is too much like FaceBook or Pinterest or Tubler where people post mostly photos they hack from others on line.
Maybe "hoarder" is a better word for a scruffier sort of collector? And there certainly are plenty of venues for "sharing" other people's stuff, which I find a bit strange. Why would I want to share someone else's stuff? And how would I distinguish it from my own stuff? There's something messed up when good people put valuable energy into pointless image recycling.
DeleteI have nothing against collexion, but I'm not getting involved right now simply because I'm too busy. Also note that there's already Collector's Weekly, which has some similarities.
ReplyDeleteThis is the first I've heard about Collexion.com. I am miffed that I have not been marketed to. But anything that suggests I log in via my Facebook account scares me. On the other hand, Peter Kirwin (CEO) can't be all bad, owning 20 typers and driving a vintage car and all.
ReplyDeleteTo me, a typewriter collector is someone for whom possessing is more important than using. Just like my 74 Triumph TR6 is not a trailer queen, my typers must be pleasant, or at least intriguing, to use for my correspondence. Else its off to the world of eBay. Therefor I am not a collector. My wife would agree. She just thinks I'm odd.
Your prose is nearly as good as the bard's. Great argument. I also like old fashioned ways of collecting collating colluding cataloging and communicating.
ReplyDelete