Enthusiast vs. Collector

WARNING: This is not to offend, but to show the differences in a fandom. If you're easily offended, then you're not going to like this one. I have a lot of humor, but I'm not going to pull back my punches at what I see as truth. Laughing at yourself is the best medicine in life. Without humor, it's a really sad life. If you take this too seriously, then let it be known-- you're NOT my target audience. I write to get to the matter of the issue. There will be times that I will try for satire. Lastly, I'm opinionated. Take it or leave it. Thank you for visiting!

Enthusiast: I've been collecting Hello Kitty for over 35 years. Hello Kitty power! 

Collector: I've only started collecting 5 years ago. Here's a picture of my collection.

Enthusiast: Heads up! There's HELLO KITTY at Torrid!!

Collector: Yup, it's been there since last year.

Enthusiast: where did you get that?

Collector: about a few months ago, there was a Sanrio collection. They're all sold out.

Enthusiast: OMG! I bought this for cheap at a yard sale!

Collector: Lucky!! I had to pay full retail price for mine.

Enthusiast: I'm traveling soon. Where are the good spots in Japan for Hello Kitty?

Collector: < lists famous places and stores > (well detailed in research via web)

Enthusiast: I can't find Kitty in where I live! I refuse to pay for international shipping and seller fees!!!

Collector: I have a wide variety of collectibles in my collection because I was willing to go far for my obsession.

Enthusiast: I only like this one out of all the series.

Collector: I have to buy all to complete my sets! I have to have them!!

Enthusiast: can anyone help me buy this physically at the store? I'll pay for the item and shipping to my house.

Collector: I get my items through a personal international shopper

Enthusiast: I'm a minimalist. I don't understand why you need a collection to put in a case to just sit there. I only buy what I use.

Collector: I'm a Collector. I love my lifestyle and there are other Collectors who gets me.

Enthusiast: I don't have much Sanrio, but I have some Hello Kitty purses.

Collector: my main collection are plushes. Hundreds of them.

Enthusiast: I'm selling this figurine. Sorry, it doesn't come with the original box.

Collector: I keep everything and I do mean literally, EVERYTHING -- including the original packaging and tags!!

Enthusiast: my collection so far consists of only gifts from friends and family.

Collector: I buy stuff with my own money.

Enthusiast: a lot of my stuff are from generous penpals

Collector: I overpaid for my collection from e-bay

Enthusiast: I'm moving. It's going to be smooth and fast.

Collector: I have to prepare and get millions of boxes when I move!! It's going to take me weeks to pack. HELP!!

Enthusiast: All I want is a picture with Hello Kitty!

Collector: [With a straight face] I plan in detail of a FULL photo-op session with Kitty and friends, including live streaming.

Enthusiast: Take cover and run! There's an earthquake coming!

Collector: NOOO!!! My Sanrio Collection! I need to save it. I'm going in!!!

Enthusiast: I love only Hello Kitty.

Collector: I love SANRIO.

Enthusiast: Hello...

Collector: ... Kitty.

Enthusiast: I have some POCCHOCO stuff from my childhood days
Collector: I have tons of P-O-C-H-A-C-C-O stuff, too! We're twinsies!!


Enthusiast: [Singing] There's Mickey and Hello Kitty sitting in a tree and K-I-S --- 

Collector: NO! You just did not go there!! Dear Daniel is her boyfriend & future hubby!!!

Enthusiast: space is limited, so I only collect the small stuff like cheap stationery.
Collector: limited space is not a concern for me! Wanna visit my storage? I rotate my stuff out yearly.

Enthusiast: You do know these are cartoon characters?
Collector: I won't believe your lies! They're real. Here's my photo with Hello Kitty. See!

Hoarders In Collector Terminology

I wanted to add Hoarders to this terminology that I am creating for my blog. I want to put a new positive spin to this negative perceived word. It's time for new changes.

Part #3 of Collector Terminology

Hoarders

Known as treasurer as well. In a Collector definition version means 

hoard·er

/ˈhôrdər/

noun

1. a person or subject that collects valuables, often times refusing to let anything go in sentimental value. In other words, someone who is a record keeper of items released by brands. 

The word hoarding is like shouting, "Fire!" in a crowd. It is in essence the spitting image of negativity. It is associated with out of control compulsive behavior. A disorder that people cannot part with their possessions, even trash.

While Collectors don't want to be labeled as Hoarders, some of the traits of the term are somewhat true. The exception here is that Collectors don't hoard trash and we're not dirty. We're very organized as pack rats. We know how to make use of the little space that we have in our homes. It's a skill, not a disorder for us.

As Collectors, we know how to let go at times. Maybe not often, but it does happen occasionally. There's our difference with the disorder.

When we hoard collectibles-- it is like we are keeping a record of history. A history of released collectibles of a certain brand or subject. We collect items to be treasured and displayed in pride and glory. We basically brag about our accomplishments of the collection that we gained over a period of time.

We are treasurers.

From the word origin of Old English hordere means "treasurer" from hoard. Basically, our valuables are treasures. It is not to be seen as trash as it's packed away in order. Organized and in a neat process. These collectibles can be re-sold and still not be labeled as trash.

Hopefully, one day, we can all perceive hoarders IN THE COLLECTOR Communities as a good thing. I'm a hoarder. What are you?



Sources: Dictionary, 

Collector Spotlight: Victor Paredes

I would like to introduce the 5th Collector on this special feature... 
a Hello Kitty Collector

Spotlight: Victor Paredes  
IG: the.pinkvictor
Country: USA

1.  Which character is your ultimate favorite?

I love Hello Kitty. She is my all time fave, but I do have a soft spot for the Little Twin Stars

2.  List your TOP 5 Sanrio Characters in numerical order.

Hello Kitty

Little Twin Stars

Kuromi

Gudetama
Pompompurin

3.  Do you collect other Sanrio characters beside your ultimate Fave?

I do have a few trinkets of the other characters, but all my bigger items are Hello Kitty

4.  How did you first start collecting? 

I first started collecting the charms and headphone jack plugs about 10 years ago. I loved having charms dangling from my phone. I wish phones still included charm hooks. Then, I started seeing all the cool collaborations with Hello Kitty. I fell in love with the Street Fighter collab. I saw t-shirts with The Simpsons and HK. I love the cool collabs with Hello Kitty. I have a good amount of Hello Kitty and Tokidoki, which is my all time fave collaboration. My collection has grown quite quickly that I now purchase a lot more clothing like shirts, hoodies, shoes, and backpacks. I have over a hundred plushies, so I've slowed down my plushie purchases. Now, I started collecting Hello Kitty themes on my Samsung galaxy phones. Samsung has their own theme store on their phones with tons of HK themes. My navigation buttons, keyboard, dial pad and notifications are all HK themed.

5.  Have you ever stopped collecting for a short to long periods of time?

I have never really stopped, just slowed down or focused on things that I will actually use. Now that the Sanrio stores have collectible pins free with purchase-- I'm shopping at least once a month. I'll buy pens for work or note pads, umbrellas, and small items that I can store away. 

6.  What type of Collector are you?

I've shifted from Collector to Full time Collector to Addict and back to Collector. I'm trying to be more rational with my spending. If it won't be used, I hold off from buying it unless I really really want it. I have gotten better with disciplining myself. Hello Kitty just makes me happy lol

7.  Would you describe yourself as a Hoarder? If someone called you a hoarder, would you be okay with it or try to defend your collector status? If so, what would you say to them?

I am a hoarder. LOL. I store my old boxes of electronics and shoes. I don't mind being called a hoarder. I'm honest with myself and I'm working on cleaning out my collection.

8.  As a collector, do you depend on your social media to display your collection? Do you think that is key to maintaining your obsession?

My Instagram account is dedicated mostly to my collections -- 99% of the photos are my collection.

9.  Ever since you joined the Sanrio Community, has it changed your life? Has being a Collector been beneficial to you? Please give details.

I feel happy when I wear my Hello Kitty swag. I would say that is my only benefit. It is an extremely expensive habit, so I have learned to cut back on random purchases of Sanrio merchandise. 

10.  Does any of your collection set you apart from other collectors? Or is yours the same like the rest?

I would say I'm very similar to most big Collectors. I may have a few unique pieces, but with the Amazon, eBay, and other online sites, it's pretty much an even playing field. Though living in Southern California, I do have the advantage of having several Sanrio stores near me.

11.  What type of things do you collect? If everything, then answer: Everything. Or if it’s specific, here’s a list of examples: plushes, dolls, figurines, statues, coin banks, stationery supplies, pens and pencils, erasers, trinkets, pencil cases, cases, purses, clothes, etc

pencil cases, cases, purses, clothes, etc
I collect lots of small trinkets and figurines, pencils, pens, note pads, plushies. Though, I don't purchase as many as I used to. T-shirts, hoodies, sneakers, some purses, lots of backpacks, and umbrellas. I want to start collecting jewelry and watches.

12.  What is your ULTIMATE #1 type that you cannot pass up to get:

I love clothing-- that is my new passion. If I find an awesome t-shirt or hoodie, I buy it on the spot.

13.  As collectors, we all have favorite pieces. What is your ULTIMATE favorite piece in your collection? Does it have a story behind it? How did it come about?

My favorite piece is my Hello Kitty Ninja Turtle collab. I have all four Ninja turtles in the shape of Hello Kitty. There are 4 inch vinyls that I purchased on eBay. Also, I love my 12 inch Chucky horror movie. There is no special story. I just stumbled on them while searching eBay. 

14.  Do you have any regrets in spending so much on Sanrio? If you weren’t a Collector, do you think you would be obsessing over something else? If so, what?

I have an addictive personality-- so, yes. If I did not obsess over Hello Kitty, I would still be purchasing Action figures and comic books. I still purchase a lot of comic book merchandise, but not as much as I used to. I love collecting Nintendo video games.

I've focused on my career as a Samsung Fields Manager to make sure that I can afford my habits lol

15.  How many years have you been a collector?

I have been collecting for about 10 years. 

16.  Can you give any advice to new collectors starting out?

My advice would be to follow other Collectors on Instagram as well as Sanrio stores. Sanrio Arcadia ships anywhere in the USA. They carry a lot of Tokidoki collaborations. Make sure to get pieces that you truly love and learn to let go of items that you feel that don't have any type of value.

17.  How would you describe yourself as a Collector?

I'm a Hello Kitty Hoarder and Enthusiast. Everyone who knows me always remembers me for my Hello Kitty obsession. My bosses have even given me items as well as my co-workers and close friends. I don't let significant others gift me items because I would get rid of it if we broke up.

.

18.  Can you share any experiences that someone insulted or insinuated something negative over your obsession personally to you? 

I was working as a Samsung rep inside Best Buy when I had 2 customers insult me. My job was to focus on pushing Samsung products, but I loved the Best Buy team so I would lend a hand with all customers. I noticed there was a Mother and son who needed help with printers. I walked over and they asked the difference between two models. I brought out my phone, which my screen and icons have always been HK themed. I could hear them laughing and mocking me for having it and being gay. I turned around and just told them that they now had to wait for a Best Buy rep to free up and help them because I was no longer gonna go out of my way to assist them. Also, I went on the walkie and let all the reps know about the situation. No one helped them. They ended up walking out. Most people love that I am a HK Collector. Usually, I make new friends that way.

19.  Objectively, can you see yourself still collecting Sanrio when you’re elderly? Full time or casually? 

I hope to move up in my career, so that I can have everything I own HK themed. LOL. I will always be an HK Collector. She brings a smile to my heart. 

20.  Do you have a storage area for your extra Sanrio merchandise? Is it for a future home or just a storage area?

I have no time to organize my collection. It is a mess. Most of it are in bins. I do hope to display it in it's own room in the near future. That is why I submitted an old picture of a portion of my collection.

Collector Spotlight: LTS

I would like to introduce the 4th Collector on this special feature... 
a Little Twin Stars Collector

Spotlight: LTS Collector
IG: little_twin_starz (Sanrio) and little.twin.starz (only LTS)
Country: Singapore

1.  Which character is your ultimate favorite?

Little Twin Stars

2.  List your TOP 5 Sanrio Characters in numerical order.

Little Twin Stars

Nemukko Nyago

Cheery Chums

Tuxedo Sam
Mashumaromitaina Fuwafuwanyanko

3.  Do you collect other Sanrio characters beside your ultimate Fave?

Yes, I do. The ones mentioned above and mostly, the rare or unknown ones are what I like

4.  How did you first start collecting? 

I was first introduced to Sanrio when I was about 8 or 9 years old, when my aunt bought me a few small stationery items... a Hello Kitty house shaped case with colorful erasers that look like crayons and 3 mini paper clips of Little Twin Stars, My Melody & Hello Kitty. These were my only Sanrio items that I had during my childhood and they were precious to me. I lost all these items when my family moved. And then I discovered eBay & Flickr-- thank god for that! I managed to replace what I lost. When I started working in my twenties, I bought random Sanrio items. I only started collecting seriously from around 2004 or 2005 onwards til present. Most of my purchases were sourced from my local Sanrio stores, eBay, personal shoppers from Japan, collectors, resellers, and occasionally from etsy.

5.  Have you ever stopped collecting for a short to long periods of time?

No. 

6.  What type of Collector are you?

Full time Collector but scaling down these days and becoming more selective

7.  Would you describe yourself as a Hoarder? If someone called you a hoarder, would you be okay with it or try to defend your collector status? If so, what would you say to them?

Generally, a hoarder would never admit that she is a hoarder. LOL. To some extent, I would describe myself as a hoarder as I do not eat the Sanrio confectionery that are packed in the Sanrio jars, containers, bags, etc. as I can't bear to eat any of them. They are kept intact 😂😆. If someone calls me a hoarder, I am okay with it. It's the truth and there's no denying it. 😄😁

8.  As a collector, do you depend on your social media to display your collection? Do you think that is key to maintaining your obsession?

As a Collector, I use my social media accounts firstly for photo storage, secondly for sharing photos of my collection with people who have the same interest as me and lastly, for sharing whatever knowledge that I have of the characters I collect. I don't display my collection online just to show off. It's more of an online photo album for me. Also, I do it so that I can share my love for Sanrio with fellow Collectors. Also, I share photos of new Sanrio merchandise that I find whenever I shop, via my IG story. That way my account is not cluttered with too many photos.

9.  Ever since you joined the Sanrio Community, has it changed your life? Has being a Collector been beneficial to you? Please give details.

It has somewhat changed my life a little. I have met wonderful Collectors, who are now my friends and we do chat & share/listen to each others' problems. I guess the beneficial part would be that these friends help each other out by helping to purchase Sanrio merch sold exclusively in their country. Some friends are really kind, helpful, and will go all out to help fellow Collectors while others can be negative and take advantage of you. I have blocked these so-called "friends" on my social media account as they took me for granted and kept using me, all in the name of "sharing our love for Sanrio." 😔😢

10.  Does any of your collection set you apart from other collectors? Or is yours the same like the rest?

I am just an ordinary Collector, just humbled by the experience of collecting and meeting other Sanrio fans. I have never compared myself with others, so I wouldn't know what sets me apart from others. Maybe my quirkiness? 😂😂😂

11.  What type of things do you collect? If everything, then answer: Everything. Or if it’s specific, here’s a list of examples: plushes, dolls, figurines, statues, coin banks, stationery supplies, pens and pencils, erasers, trinkets, pencil cases, cases, purses, clothes, etc

It used to be everything and if possible at least 1 piece of a specific item that is made in a Little Twin Stars merchandise. It doesn't have to be different designs of the same kind of item, preferably one that is not so common. E.g. a trash bin, a nail clipper, a guitar pick, a pocket watch (not a wrist watch), etc. These days, I am trying to narrow down to specific items such as trinket boxes & plushes (only if they look cute), and things that really appeal to me. The quality of Sanrio has sadly declined over the years and price has increased significantly. I see repeated type of items in similar style, so I do not collect such items.

12.  What is your ULTIMATE #1 type that you cannot pass up to get:

Trinket boxes for sure. They are practical and sturdy.

13.  As collectors, we all have favorite pieces. What is your ULTIMATE favorite piece in your collection? Does it have a story behind it? How did it come about?

I have more than 1 favorite piece. Don't mind if I share my story at all. The first 2 items are my Sanrio mini clips and Hello Kitty house shaped case erasers. They were given to me by my aunt and they were the first Sanrio items that I ever owned. Sadly, I lost them when my family moved. The last item is my childhood collection of Sanrio candy toys made by Morinaga, a Japanese confectionery company that still exists today. I used to save my miserable pocket money for many weeks just to buy one box. They came with miniature Sanrio toys and the box doubled up as a diorama. I managed to save a few of these toys and the diorama. They are very precious to me. 

14.  Do you have any regrets in spending so much on Sanrio? If you weren’t a Collector, do you think you would be obsessing over something else? If so, what?

No regrets at all. If I weren't a Collector, I think I might either volunteer as a cat feeder (feed the stray cats around my neighborhood) or do volunteer work

15.  How many years have you been a collector?

13 or 14 years. 

16.  Can you give any advice to new collectors starting out?

Based on my personal experiences:
1. If you collect LTS plushes, don't purchase just Kiki or Lala if you see anyone selling just one of them. Chances are that you will have a hard time searching for the missing pair. I still have plushes that are missing their sibling. 😔
2. Do not pay more than you should for any Sanrio merchandise, just because you want it so badly. Good things come to those who wait. Sometimes, you might get more than you bargained for!
3. Don't let your passion turn into an obsession and in the process, compromise your integrity. I have seen Collectors who will do whatever it takes to get the things they want and in doing so, hurt the very people who helped them
4. Be careful when buying Sanrio online. They can look like the real deal, with tush tags and paper tags that has the Sanrio logo on them.
5. Don't do Sanrio swaps with people unless you trust them.

17.  How would you describe yourself as a Collector?

I'm just an average Collector, who is a little quirky at times. I have a weird sense of humor. 😂😂😂

18.  Can you share any experiences that someone insulted or insinuated something negative over your obsession personally to you? 

Not that I can think of at the moment. I probably told that person off or just brushed it off. No point wasting my time defending myself when people have such mindset of others 😂. It's my life and I just want to live while I'm alive (quoted from Bon Jovi).

19.  Objectively, can you see yourself still collecting Sanrio when you’re elderly? Full time or casually? 

Probably not. My kids are not into Sanrio. I'm still thinking if I should give up this year. I kept telling myself that if I find those items that have been on my wishlist for a long time, I will quit & that was about 2 or 3 years ago. Imao. 😂😆 

20.  Do you have a storage area for your extra Sanrio merchandise? Is it for a future home or just a storage area?

I used to rent a storage space but shifted everything back to the store room in my home. Not worth paying a few hundred dollars every month just for storage. I'd rather use the money to buy Sanrio stuff.

Collector Terminology: Collectors

Recently, I have been thinking about what is the meaning of Collectors. It's a broad term, right? For this definition, I wanted to put it in the Collector Terminology that I am slowly creating for my blog. The word, Collector, is the very keynote to this whole site. Let's begin, shall we?

Part #2 of Collector Terminology

Collectors

Known as gatherer or archivist as well. In a Collector definition version means 

col·lec·tor

Dictionary result for collector

/kəˈlektər/

noun

1. a person or thing that gathers specified physical objects or a subject matter as a hobby. In other words, someone who collects here and there until it has become quite an impressive collection of display.

What does a Collector mean exactly?

As humans, we collect things like food, money, or other resources to maintain a certain lifestyle. Now with collecting, it doesn't mean we have to depend on certain things physically to survive. We use collecting as a way to distinguish ourselves from each other.

When we collect, we do not choose randomly. We choose a brand, as an example, to express our definition of how we see or believe ourself to be individually. A certain brand or subject is like an identity of representation to the outside world. 

To breakdown the definition, let's start with several characteristics that are associated with the word, Collector.

1.  Passion: We, Collectors, are known to be very devoted to our hobby. For some people, it has surpassed being just a hobby-- it has become a lifestyle. A lifestyle that has consumed the mind and body. We're talking about dedication here. Nothing normal or ordinary are associated with a passionate nature.

2.  Knowledge: You can say we know a lot about the subject at hand. We have studied the brand (or subject matter) so closely over the years that it has become the encyclopedia to us. In basic terms, we know the brand inside and out. We are like a system of network, where we filter out information for people who are on the hunt for specific items to add to their collection.

3.  Curiosity: We are always desiring to learn more about the subject at hand. We are always seeking the information to upcoming releases, collaborations, or events. Even if we work as a unit, we can also be our worst enemies to each other.  As Collectors, there is a sense of competition in the ranks as who can achieve the best collection to display. Some can take things too far and the rest, are just working to grow their collection. Jealous emotions can be a serious thing in communities because it can lead to bullying or popularity fights.

4.  Obsessiveness: We can be in a state of obsession, where all it matters is maintaining a large collection. We set up goals in order to give us a reason to look forward to things in life. To achieve a certain goal that we created in our head-- to assert that the time spent on a collection was worth the stress and attention.

Some Collectors do this for all their lives because they end up loving a brand or subject matter. Then, there are others who invest in their collection to sell it off down the road. There are many times, that it doesn't pan out. Lesson to be learned is that if there is no demand for a particular item-- then there will be no profit gain.

If you are just starting a collection, welcome to the community. Welcome to a journey of an epic experience, if you wish it to be.

Sources - Artsy: Patrick Parrish,  Vice, 

Former Sanrio Collector Spotlight

I would like to introduce the 3rd Collector on this special feature... 
a former Sanrio Collector

Spotlight: Roxyrocks4life
IG: N/A
Country: USA

1.  When did you start to collect Sanrio?

I started collecting in 1990, but it was during a time that I started buying to use (like pens, pencils, etc)

2.  Did you collect any other Sanrio characters other than your fave? If yes, which ones?

Hello Kitty was my #1 favorite. I collected almost every character like Just For Fun Bear, Keroppi, Spottie Dottie, My Melody, Little Twin Stars, and Jimmy & Patty.

3.  Did you have an ultimate Fave item that you had cherished and still remember to this day? Do you still currently have it?

A 1976 pencil box that my mom gave to me as a kid. I took it to school and put my pencils in it. It was priceless to me, which I still have.

4.  Did you collect any specific types of Sanrio? Or just everything?

I collected everything. At one time, I had a 1976 toy chest, a rare 1976 bike, phone, and many other random cool items. I just wanted to own everything Sanrio made. Is that even possible?

5.  Can you share any highlights/experiences or memory as a Collector that you went through? Something that made you happy or sad when it came to collecting? 

I remember that I started buying just to own it. An example would be to collect certain themes like the balloon design series, the bear with HK designs, pink colors, red colors, and vintage special items. Then later on, I started to be more picky by buying only mint condition stuff. 

Another thing I remembered are meeting a lot of interesting people from all around the world online: Greece, Australia, Italy, Canada, and all over USA. I learned that we all shared a love for Hello Kitty and Sanrio. I'm happy to see HK grow more popular with more love.

6.  At the time you were collecting, did you join any Sanrio Collector groups? Can you share any experiences that stand out, whether it be good or bad?

I never joined any of the Sanrio groups out there. Back then, social media was not as used much or if at all. I didn't know of other Collectors until I started to sell my collection.

7.  Can you share any experiences that someone insulted or insinuated something negative over your obsession personally to you? 

I have never had a negative experience. I had most of my things stored in closets and I was focused in loving Hello Kitty. I didn't care what others thought about it. I would spend all my paycheck on vintage Hello Kitty, which made me happy.

8.  During your time as a Collector, do you depend on your social media to display your collection? Do you think that helped maintain your interest?

The only social media that I used was on Photobucket. I used it as to record my collection because it would all go in a rubbermaid storage bin. It was a personal page to keep track of the many items that I had collected. I never shared my Photobucket because I didn't know of other Collectors back then. As I sold some items on eBay, I started to see that there was a lot of Sanrio collectors, who adored Hello Kitty and friends.

9.  As a former Sanrio Collector, do you associate hoarders with Collectors? Do you think there is any connection between the two?

No, I don't see hoarding as a collector. Personally for me, I would buy one pencil and it helped the urge of just owning it. Hoarding is more like owning all pencils-- just to have them. Like buying everything. I don't think it's the same when you're collecting and enjoying it. Even stored in bins, the fact is that you can open them up and play with them. Enjoying them. That's the difference.

10.  How many years did you spend collecting Sanrio? Were you collecting full time or were you a casual collector?

When I was young, I could never afford Sanrio. I got a few pieces along the way. I started collecting as an adult once I had money. I collected from 19 years old to 29 years old, full time. But in my 30's till now, selling what I have. Just not collecting. It was more of enjoyment to sell, than to collect.

11.  Would you share your experiences as how it lead up to not collecting as much Sanrio or giving it all up? 

My love for Hello Kitty will always be there, but I know that I cannot own it all. It costs a lot of money to obsess over Hello Kitty and the dream of displaying it. I had to pay my bills and collecting made me unhappy. My biggest fears like dealing with floods, theft, and anything to lose my collection, took precedent over for collecting. I got real and started selling. By doing so, I met a lot of cool people who were collectors like me. I am happy to not be collecting. Hello Kitty craze is more so than years ago. And, it's more expensive now.

12.  Do you have any regrets in spending so much money on Sanrio?

I have no regrets. I still have mad love for Hello Kitty and Sanrio. Most of the stuff that I bought were vintage and not the newer merch

13.  Have you taken up collecting of any new thing after Sanrio? If so, are you still currently collecting?

Not collecting anything at this moment.

14.  Do you still keep tabs on Sanrio news? Are you following any of their social media platforms?

No, I don't keep track of Sanrio. When I stopped collecting, the Sanrio obsession was just starting to get more popular

15.  Can you give any advice to new collectors starting out?

Before collecting, focus on what type that you would like to collect: handbags, stationery, figurines, etc. Decide if you prefer used vintage and if you are okay with flaws like chips or any signs of damage. Or if you prefer, mint condition. My mistake was throwing all the label packagings that came with the stuff.

Obsession In Collector Terminology

Today's keyword is Obsessions. The whole theme to a collector's guide.

Introducing Collector Terminology

Obsessions

Known as obsessed or obsessive as well. In a Collector definition version means 

ob·ses·sion

əbˈseSHən/

noun

1. the state of being obsessed with a physical object, subject, or someone. In other words, the inability to stop loving and thinking about the subject matter at hand. Goals are set for the collection. A state of attachment forms with the object or subject. 

What does obsession mean exactly?

In terms of collecting, obsession can be seen as a negative image where all reasoning and thought processes are halted in favor of the obsessed subject matter. Extreme actions of behavior are considered as unhealthy to the norm. 

As it may seem that way to others, obsession can be taken in a somewhat more alternative form that is acceptable to the community of collectors. There is a new breed of collectors underway. The difference with these collectors is that they know their limits. Those "extreme" behaviors are broken down to small parts where a collection is curated over a period of time. Using a budget is one example to be set apart from those who actually use extreme actions to achieve a goal or object. 

Alternatives:

An example of an unhealthy extreme behavior is spending money that the collector cannot afford within his or her means. 

Ergo, a budget is locked into place. Or sacrifices are made by trading a valued item for another.

Loss of control is another example of extreme behavior. 

Setting limits by using time management and having support keeps things objective and in control.

Actively using your common sense in the right manner, obsessions can turn into something good rather than perceived as negative.

Understanding Obsessions
The only people who can truly understand obsessions are the collectors that are currently going through it or have gone through it. There are people who will never understand us. And at the end, it is okay because the one opinion that matters is you.

Collector Spotlight: Byzar

I would like to introduce the 2nd Collector on this special feature... 
a My Melody Collector

Spotlight: Byzar
IG: byzarmelody
Country: USA

1.  Which character is your ultimate favorite?

My Melody

2.  List your TOP 5 Sanrio Characters in numerical order.

My Melody

Hello Kitty

Little Twin Stars

Purin
Keroppi

3.  Do you collect other Sanrio characters beside your ultimate Fave?

No.

4.  How did you first start collecting? 

I liked My Melody since the third grade. I bought her stationery and wallet with what little money that I had. On my birthday, my best friend gave me a little My Melody treasure chest and that’s when I really started to like My Melody a lot more, but I didn’t have much money as a child to buy her things. It wasn’t until a few years ago, the boyfriend that I was with asked me what I wanted for Christmas and I said anything My Melody. So he went to the Sanrio store and bought a ton of My Melody stuff. He started getting me more plushies. At first I didn’t want so many plushies because I didn’t have much room, but then I started to get into it and grew my collection.

5.  Have you ever stopped collecting for a short to long periods of time?

Yes. I’ve struggled between jobs and haven’t had money to collect so that halted during certain periods.

6.  What type of Collector are you?

Collector 

7.  Would you describe yourself as a Hoarder? If someone called you a hoarder, would you be okay with it or try to defend your collector status? If so, what would you say to them?

No. I’m not a hoarder. I keep all my items clean and put away in a shelf. I sell the My Melody items that I don’t want anymore.

8.  As a collector, do you depend on your social media to display your collection? Do you think that is key to maintaining your obsession?

I used to display on Flickr, but some people are very competitive and create a very negative environment on there so I only have my collection for my own viewing now--offline. I sometimes post a few pictures on Instagram.

9.  Ever since you joined the Sanrio Community, has it changed your life? Has being a Collector been beneficial to you? Please give details.

Yes, because My Melody brings me happiness because she is cute and reminds me of my childhood and in a way-- I’m making up for what I couldn’t afford as a child. She does have a special place in my heart and when I see her smile, it makes me temporarily forget my adult problems.

10.  Does any of your collection set you apart from other collectors? Or is yours the same like the rest?

I think my collection is unique because I only collect plushies and I have a lot of vintage dolls. I don’t collect every single My Melody item out there because I’m more interested in quality than quantity.

11.  What type of things do you collect? If everything, then answer: Everything. Or if it’s specific, here’s a list of examples: plushes, dolls, figurines, statues, coin banks, stationery supplies, pens and pencils, erasers, trinkets, pencil cases, cases, purses, clothes, etc

Now, only plushies and formerly pens and bags.

12.  What is your ULTIMATE #1 type that you cannot pass up to get:

No specific type, but a cute and unique My Melody. They are always coming up with new ideas and styles, but I do like when they make a baby version of My Melody.

13.  As collectors, we all have favorite pieces. What is your ULTIMATE favorite piece in your collection? Does it have a story behind it? How did it come about?

My number one favorite piece keeps changing, but I do favor this one My Melody with her hand covering her mouth. I’ve seen her on the web, but couldn’t find a place to buy that version and looked for 5 years online until I spotted it and bought it. I think the long process of finding her made her extra special to me.

14.  Do you have any regrets in spending so much on Sanrio? If you weren’t a Collector, do you think you would be obsessing over something else? If so, what?

No regrets on the money spent. Sometimes, I regret the space they take up. If I didn’t collect Sanrio, I might have gotten into something more dangerous like collecting jewelry and that’s even more expensive!

15.  How many years have you been a collector?

11 years. 

16.  Can you give any advice to new collectors starting out?

Pick a type of item like pens or plushies instead of collecting everything because it’s too much money and space.

17.  How would you describe yourself as a Collector?

I only buy dolls that I believe are unique or special. I don’t buy everything that’s My Melody. There are some plushes that I believe are not made with the same quality or creativity. Once in a while if I see a unique plush that’s expensive, I may justify it and buy it because My Melody is very rare and hard to find again if you miss your chance.

18.  Can you share any experiences that someone insulted or insinuated something negative over your obsession personally to you? 

Not insult, but more like a competition. There was another My Melody collector that I met online who was competing with me and constantly believed that her collection was better than mine because she was hoarding and bought everything in sight instead of focusing on quality.

How do you deal with it?  I stopped talking to her and stopped posting my stuff on that site and just kept my collection to myself and for my own enjoyment.

19.  Objectively, can you see yourself still collecting Sanrio when you’re elderly? Full time or casually? 

It’s hard to say. If I were to start a family and be a busy mom, I don’t know if I’d have the time. I wouldn’t want to let go of my collection, but I don’t think I will grow out of it. 

20.  Do you have a storage area for your extra Sanrio merchandise? Is it for a future home or just a storage area?

I put my favorite prized smaller plushes in a glass cabinet with shelves. The larger ones that can’t fit-- I keep in my closet and at another house. I live in a tiny area, so I do want more showcase cabinets when I can move to a future home that is bigger.