It's an odd thing...

It's been over 3 years since I started collecting. I didn't even notice my anniversary came to pass already... LOL. Not because of lack of interest in collecting but that collecting has become a very "personal" thing for me. I don't think of what the community nor what the outside world is doing anymore and it gives an odd sense of freedom and clarity. I'm not saying I've become a blackhole nor a hermit, I just don't feel it's necessary to be involved for me to be able to enjoy the hobby. Oh once in a blue moon I'll post or something and for the most part I reply to fellow collectors who send me messages... but that's about it and I'm more happy with what I'm doing (or not doing) now. I must admit, it's tempting to follow the latest trend or be influenced by what the rest of the community thinks but in my case, it's best I just collect for the sake of collecting. I'm not saying a community is a bad thing, actually I've had a good experience overall but I've been happier being a loner than being "actively" involved. For the most part perhaps the best thing I've learned about this collecting journey is to collect for yourself and think about what you truly desire. Sometimes when faced with many choices and opinions and trying to make informed decisions, too much information is simply just that... Too much information. I think everyone's mileage my vary and perhaps it really depends on what a person's end purposes are. My purpose is one thing only and it may sound rather selfish or arrogant or ignorant... But it's not to build friendships, connections, investments, popularity, control, influence, nor even authority and connoisseurship... It's very odd but I just don't care about those things in relation to my collecting activity. I think they'll exist if they are truly meant to exist... What I -do- care about is having a collection that has deep personal meaning, where each piece is there because I -wanted- it to be there. Do I need to be an active part of the community to do such things? Personal experience tells me it's really not necessary, although it probably helps to have a circle of connections and collectors to gain a slight advantage depending on what one collects. But for my purposes I've not needed that but I've made unlikely connections and friends along the way whom I am thankful for. Luck I guess plays a part. But it's only by being alone do I truly realize what I want out of this hobby. Odd I know.