Monday 17 March 2014

Collexion



10 comments:

  1. 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.

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    1. 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.

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    2. 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.

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  2. 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.

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  3. 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.

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    1. 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.

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  4. 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.

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  5. 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.

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  6. 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.

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