I am writing this story today because I feel a growing hostility between collectors, and have a few questions to ask you all.
Today I took a ride down to a flea market, not-so-local (50 minute drive). I went for a nice morning of treasure hunting for my collection.
The market was pretty dry, I barely stayed for 2 hours, but in these two hours, lies my story.
The only Nintendo games at all which I found, were 2 SNES games, DKC and Mario World, and Tecmo Bowl complete for NES. All which I have already, but are games my friends also enjoy. Regardless, I picked them up. Upon paying the man, his friend, the Flea Market Meanie, looks at me and says..
"You have reseller written all over you"
I said "What? Why do you think that? I collect these."
"Your full of shit" he looks at his friend who sold me the games, shakes his head, and says "Why can't people just be honest?"
By this point I was already enraged, because I hate resellers too, and this complete stranger seems to think I am one.
So I say "Well, ask me some questions about games."
He says "Pirates Gold, which platform?"
Immediately, without hesitation, I respond "Sega Genesis, by Microprose".
I suppose he was surprised that I actually answered him.. Then he reveals even more dooshyness.
"Do you have earthbound?"
"Yes" I respond.
"Do you have the box?"
"No, I don't care for cardboard" I respond.
"You're not a collector, that's bullshit. Do you have Chrono Trigger?"
"Yes" I say.
"Well I have some maps for it" he says.
"I had the maps, but I got rid of them" Says me.
His final words "See? Your not a collector, your just a seller"
I grew tired of this narrow-minded asshole and wandered away, and later saw him talking to a seller about Atari Games he had laid out. Turns out he must have been a collector too.
What bothers me, is how I can't be a collector unless I keep every single thing. (I'm more of a genesis guy)
(I don't have the Earthbound Box, so I must not be a collector)
He assumes that I can't possibly be replacing the save-batteries in my games at home, or replacing broken carts all together.
He assumes that I don't have any friends who would love to play DKC or SMW again, both wildly popular.
Heres my discussion guys.
Are there any collecting moments you aren't proud of?
Have you knocked over a little-old-lady for first pick at a box of games?
Threatened or insulted a complete stranger?
Heres my main point: Lets try to show a little more civility with eachother, because we are so alike, we'd all have a lot more fun if collectors weren't so hostile.
Thanks for reading.