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!

Open to Suggestions & Guest Bloggers

When I started my official blog here, I didn't see the benefits or how my website would turn out. I started out thinking that I would showcase and advertise the extra unwanted things I had accumulated over time. It never occurred to me that I would end up writing article pieces of my journey as a Sanrio Collector. It is my pleasure to share all my experiences with many collectors out there-- even the Enthusiasts. I am touched to hear from a few of you that are reading my blog. It really keeps me going and finding topics to continue writing as best as I can. 

The reason that I took a two year hiatus was because I needed to take a break from collecting Sanrio. Literally, Sanrio had consumed my entire life (at the moment-- it still is). I needed to venture out, spending money on other things in life that was different and normal.  Another big factor was that I felt like I had a writer's block and couldn't continue blogging and finding topics to write about for this site. 

Nowadays, I am in a different head space. A different mindset when I start to write as a Collector. I find a topic that I like and just write whatever comes to mind. I try to not let other things like fear of writer's block get to me and just continue to remember how much I love Sanrio-- the titular of this site. Also, I knew what kind of articles that I wanted to write about-- something that wasn't blindly going to ignore the negative side of collecting a favorite hobby. I want to write articles that are open to interpretation and most of all, get to the heart of the matter even if it doesn't paint Sanrio in a good light. 

This site isn't meant for those die hard fans that go out for their way to intimidate or try to "shut down" any constructive criticisms on their favorite brand or idol. As an adult Collector, I wanted an outlet where I can express my ideas and opinions freely-- to discuss and to debate like mature adults. I find that most Hello Kitty forums or message boards are overrun with topics that are too kid friendly and not one topic that is controversial. There is nothing wrong about debating over issues that deals with Sanrio-- as long as the discussions are handled in a mature way. 

Hence, my blogging here. Writing about my favorite hobby has given me a renewed love for Sanrio. It has continued my obsession.

For those who like to write, I am open to reading your submissions and if I feel it fits my website-- I'll post it for you or we can arrange something for you to setup as a Guest Blogger. If you want to express your love for Sanrio or Hello Kitty, submit away. If you have something critical to say to Sanrio-- submit because we all know that they're listening and watching.

Rules of Submissions

Subject: Guest Article (ADD subject or it'll be deleted without opening)
Article By: Name, Web Alias, or Anonymous
Type of Collector: Enthusiast, Addict, Casual, Fan, or Collector
Instructions: Please check for misspellings and for grammar. If a sentence doesn't make sense, please leave your e-mail address to confer on any editing that needs to be done. Please don't forget to add the title of your article. Do NOT send any attachments. I won't open it.
Please send all correspondence by e-mail.