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Weblog
It's been...interesting last modified: Sunday, September 02, 2007 (12:09:48 AM) Well, this is the first blog entry I have ever made, mostly because I never consider myself important enough to write one! However, I write now because I actually have an announcement, which to me is a bit important, but probably will not affect you, the reader, too much. I am done collecting cels. Yep, that's right, I'm posting this blog in a cel gallery web page to announce that I'm done.
Wow, that last sentence sounds like I'm quitting because I'm angry! However, it is quite the opposite! I am actually quite content with the cels that I've acquired! The one cel that I always wanted, even before I started collecting, was a cel of Sailor Saturn in her original uniform. She only appears in this uniform in 2 out of 200 episodes as well as a video game, so I never thought that I would have the chance to obtain this cel of her. But I did! It was expensive, but that was THE one. And now that I have that, I am content with the collection I've got. I know, Sailor Moon fans will think that I'm crazy to write all of this now, and not before, after I posted my cel of Super Sailor Moon holding baby Hotaru, but Sailor Saturn (not Super Sailor Saturn) was the character that started me on this hobby we call cel collecting. I have not been collecting cels for years and years like so many of you. In fact, I have not even been collecing for a year yet...my first anime cel purchase occured in October 2006. And this makes me that much more greatful that I have been able to find such beautiful cels in such a short time. In this past year, I have found both good and bad in this hobby. I figured that I would list them, now that I am not going to be collecting as much anymore. I will start with the lows. First, this hobby is a very expensive habit! Sure, not all cels are rediculously priced, but others (including many that I have!) are way more than I ever though I should pay for. After all, cels are just paint and plastic! How could I ever have paid so much for that! Second is the angst and drama involved in collecting. Bid wars, backstabbing, gossip...it's what I've come to expect from the hobby, which is unfortunate because I know that most people aren't like that. I guess I can add in the "hoarders" in this section; the collectors who buy just to buy, or as someone so eloquently put it in the forums: "Fellow collectors who feel they are the ONLY ones that have a right to purchase artwork from any given show." I know it really shouldn't affect me, but it does make me very annoyed, even if I wasn't going for that cel at an auction. Of course, you could probably say the same about me and my collection, but I like to think that I am not like that. I have my limits that I've set, and the decision to not collect anymore should at least show this. Finally, I do not like how addicting these things are! I started out just wanting a few certain cels...next thing I knew, I was checking dealer updates, ebay auction, yahoo japan, and personal galleries constantly, hoping for an update! I would wake up in the middle of the night just to bid on an auction! It sounds to me like an addiction! There should be a support group for this! Haha! Alright, those are a few things that have annoyed me, and I know I sound so negative now! However, there were good points too! I mean, I did keep on collecting cels, so it couldn't have been all bad! Of course, acquiring a cel, means that you now own a part of your favorite show! That means even more now, since cels are no longer being produced by most companies. This is the most exciting feeling to me, that you have a part of that show or movie that made you feel something. I mean, why else collect? I mean, sure you can buy beautiful cels from series that you've never seen before, but the best cels, are those that actually have meaning to the owner. That particular scene made you laugh, made you cry, made you feel...anything at all. Continued...
Then there are the people. For every negative person, there has to be a positive person, hopefully more than one! These are the people that comment on your gallery, telling you how much they enjoy your new additions. They are the people who will work with you, to try to come up with a deal on their cel that you just have to have. They are what many people probably consider friends. I actually haven''t met many people through this hobby, since I don''t post in forums or promote my gallery when there is a new update, but those whom I''ve actually had contact with have been nothing but warm and welcoming. And to all of you out there, thank you. Well, that is enough rambling! It''s time for this entry to come to a close. I''m not going to quit collecting just like that...I will probably have a periodic update on small stuff, but other than the few cels that still appear on a wishlist, I''m done. If you''ve actually read this, thank you for caring! Good luck with your searches, may you find what you are looking for! I know I have. Thank you again. Chris
Yes, I actually read the whole thing. ~_^ Best of luck in your future hobbies! Cel collecting is one expensive hobby. I''ve taken a step back but not quit. Real life keeps calling me. Congrats on getting that perfect Sailor Moon cel! ^.^ I''m still waiting for that perfect one of Serena/Usagi and Darien/Mamoru together. Then, I''ll be content with my Sailor Moon collection.
It was interesting reading. Even for only being in the hobby for a year, your observations were the same as many others that have been in it for years. This can be an incredibly expensive addiction/hobby! I''ve cut back, but mostly due to other factors. Another hobby sucking my wallet dry. But also, the cels are really drying up this past year. (as I look at the pile of sketches yet to be scanned) It''s rather depressing watching the supply dwindle, and the prices go up. But, we knew this was going to happen. Sounds like you timed everything just right! Got into this in time to grab the ones you wanted, and then get out before it sucked you completely dry. XD Congratulations on finding all your big desires, and good luck in the next hobby! ^_^
Hi there. I read your continuation ^_^ Congratulations on completing your collection! :D I hope you have a good life ^_^
Honestly, I''m envious. I wish I could say "I have enough that I''m completely satisfied", but, I always seem to find something else that calls my name. I hope that you keep your gallery up. A lot of people who choose to end their collecting days generally delete their galleries, and I''d miss visiting the episode 125 cel that you have(I visit it quite often ^_^). All in all, don''t let the bad things about this hobby get to you. There are bad things in every hobby and people that will try to ruin it for you. Focus on the positive aspects instead and you''ll be much happier. Much luck to you in whatever endeavors you choose. And should you ever get the cel bug again, you know where to find us, right? ^_^
I will see you next week back in action!
I hope that you''re not sucked back in to this amazingly addictive and expensive hobby. I''ve at times tried to break away, satisfied that I have an incredible collection. But I know that there are pieces out there that I still badly want to own, and I''ve at least stemmed the need to buy non-key cels and cels that don''t mean much to me, but look cool. I''ve also landed a few dream list cels and backgrounds, ones that I never thought I''d be so lucky as to even lay eyes upon. Pieces that I thought would never see the light of day, buried deep in some collectors home, or somebody who worked on the show... And now they''re mine. But still I keep collecting, keep searching for more perfect cels. I''ve cut way back on buying cels just to trade with somebody in the future. That has rarely worked out well for me. Congrats on being so satisfied with your collection though... it is a great feeling. |
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