Hobby or hoarding: The psychology behind the drive to collect

ABC Australia

16 Apr 201904:05

Summary

TLDRIn this video, collectors Paul Nielsen and Liz Walsh share their passion for collecting Kiss merchandise and antique sewing machines, respectively. Both started collecting due to personal interests and nostalgia. They discuss the psychology behind collecting, the social connections it fosters, and the potential value of collections. They also highlight the sentimentality and joy of collecting, while cautioning against hoarding and emphasizing the importance of the hobby's personal significance.

Takeaways

🎸 Paul Nielsen started collecting KISS merchandise around 1979-1980 when the band was huge in Australia.
🧵 Liz Walsh collects antique sewing machines, starting with one to display in her shop and now owning about 150.
🎨 Collecting can be driven by psychology, providing goals, meaning, and a sense of community.
🚗 Kiss cards were so popular they were banned in schools because they distracted students.
📈 Collecting can be addictive and can give collectors a sense of prestige and respect within their community.
💰 Collections can have financial value, acting as a form of investment or 'fun superannuation scheme'.
🌍 A rare sewing machine bought on eBay turned out to be one of only three in the world, highlighting the rarity and value of certain collectibles.
💌 Collecting can be sentimental, with items often tied to childhood memories and personal connections.
🤔 When collecting becomes a problem and collectors can't explain why they collect, it might indicate a shift from hobby to hoarding.
🔍 The process of researching and investigating collectibles can be intriguing and connect people globally.
🎶 For some, collecting is tied to a passion for the subject matter, like music, rather than a lifestyle.

Q & A

What type of merchandise does Paul Nielsen collect?
-Paul Nielsen collects KISS merchandise.
How long has Paul been collecting KISS merchandise?
-Paul has been collecting KISS merchandise for about six years.
What was the initial reason for Liz Walsh to start collecting antique sewing machines?
-Liz Walsh started collecting antique sewing machines to display in her sewing machine dealership alongside new machines.
How many antique sewing machines does Liz Walsh have in her collection?
-Liz Walsh has approximately 150 antique sewing machines in her collection.
What is the psychological aspect mentioned in the script related to collecting?
-The psychological aspect mentioned is that collecting gives people a goal to pursue and a way of connecting with others, possibly celebrities or historical figures associated with the items being collected.
Why were KISS cards banned in the school mentioned in the script?
-KISS cards were banned because kids were trading them during class time, which disrupted the school environment.
What does Liz Walsh believe about the value of her collection?
-Liz Walsh believes that her collection could be worth something, likening it to a fun version of a superannuation scheme.
What is the rarity of the sewing machine Liz bought on eBay?
-The sewing machine Liz bought on eBay was initially thought to be the only one of its type in the world, but since then, two more have been found, making it extremely rare.
What is the estimated value of the display box Liz mentioned in the script?
-The display box is estimated to be worth between $600 and $700 if sold.
What sentimental value does Liz Walsh's collection hold for her?
-Liz Walsh's collection holds sentimental value as it stems from childhood memories and items that she remembers being excited about.
What is the main issue that arises when collecting becomes problematic according to the script?
-The main issue that arises when collecting becomes problematic is when individuals cannot explain why they are collecting, suggesting they might have moved from being hobbyists to hoarders.
How does the script describe the social aspect of collecting?
-The script describes the social aspect of collecting as a way to connect with people from different places over shared interests in the items being collected.

Outlines

00:00

🎸 Passion for Kiss Merchandise

Paul Nielsen, a collector of Kiss merchandise, shares his journey which began around six years, coinciding with the band's popularity in Australia during the late 1970s. Initially not intending to be a collector, his hobby organically evolved. He discusses the psychological aspect of collecting, which includes setting goals, finding meaning, and connecting with others who share similar interests. Collecting can also provide a sense of community and even a form of investment, as his collection of Kiss cards, once banned in school, now holds value.

🧵 Antique Sewing Machine Aficionado

Liz Walsh recounts her experience as a collector of antique sewing machines. Starting with a single machine for her and her wife's sewing machine dealership, she now possesses approximately 150 machines. She highlights the hand-painted nature of some machines and the psychological appeal of collecting, which can provide a sense of purpose and community. Liz also touches on the potential financial value of collections, exemplified by a rare machine she purchased on eBay, which is one of only three in existence.

🎟️ The Allure of Collecting

The script delves into the addictive nature of collecting, where enthusiasts are driven by the anticipation of acquiring the next item. This pursuit can earn collectors respect and recognition within their communities. The potential financial value of collections is also noted, suggesting that collecting can be a form of investment, akin to a 'fun' superannuation scheme.

💌 Sentimental Value in Collecting

Liz reflects on the sentimental aspect of her collection, which is rooted in childhood memories and the excitement of acquiring certain items. She expresses a deep emotional connection to her collection, indicating that for her, collecting is about more than just the objects themselves—it's about the memories and feelings associated with them.

🚫 When Collecting Becomes an Issue

The script addresses the potential negative side of collecting, suggesting that it can become problematic if it interferes with one's life or if the collector cannot articulate a reason for their hobby. The line between a collector and a hoarder is discussed, with a focus on the importance of having a clear purpose and understanding of one's collecting motivations.

🎼 Music and Collecting as a Lifestyle

The final paragraph discusses how collecting can become more than just a hobby; it can be a way of life for some. While the speaker's collection is primarily about the music, they acknowledge that others may become deeply immersed in their collections to the point where it defines them. The script concludes with a reflection on the social and personal significance of collecting.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Collector

A collector is someone who gathers and often displays items of a particular kind. In the context of the video, collectors are individuals who have a passion for acquiring memorabilia related to their interests, such as Kiss merchandise or antique sewing machines. The video features collectors who have amassed significant collections over the years, demonstrating their dedication and the personal value attached to their hobby.

💡Kiss merchandise

Kiss merchandise refers to items related to the rock band Kiss, such as trading cards, posters, and other memorabilia. The video script mentions a collector who started collecting Kiss items in the late 1970s and early 1980s when the band was hugely popular in Australia. The term illustrates the collector's passion for the band and how collecting can be tied to personal interests and nostalgia.

💡Antiques

Antiques are old collectible items, often valued for their age, rarity, condition, and aesthetic appeal. In the video, antique sewing machines are highlighted as a niche collecting area. The script describes the collector's journey from owning one sewing machine to amassing a collection of about 150, showcasing the depth of interest and the potential for collecting to grow into a significant hobby.

💡Hand painted

Hand painted refers to items that have been decorated or created by hand, often adding a unique and personal touch. The video mentions hand-painted items in the context of a collector's sewing machines, emphasizing the artistic value and the individuality of each piece, which can be a significant draw for collectors.

💡Psychology

Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and its functions, especially those affecting behavior in a given context. The video script alludes to the psychological aspects of collecting, suggesting that it provides a sense of purpose, a goal to pursue, and a way to connect with others who share similar interests. This highlights the emotional and social dimensions of collecting.

💡Kudos

Kudos refers to praise or recognition given for an achievement. In the video, collecting is described as a way to earn respect and admiration from others, particularly within the collecting community. This suggests that collecting is not just a solitary hobby but can also be a social activity that confers status.

💡Value

Value, in the context of the video, refers to the worth of collected items, both in terms of monetary value and personal significance. The script mentions how some collectors might be motivated by the potential financial value of their collections, likening it to a 'fun version of a superannuation scheme.' It also discusses the discovery of owning a rare item, which increases its value.

💡Display box

A display box is a container used to showcase and protect collectible items. The video script mentions a collector who found a display box from 39 years ago, which is now considered valuable. This illustrates how even seemingly mundane items can gain worth over time and become part of a collector's narrative.

💡Sentimental

Sentimental refers to something that evokes feelings of tenderness, nostalgia, or affection. The video features a collector who is driven by sentimentality, collecting items that remind them of childhood memories or past excitement. This highlights how collecting can be a deeply personal and emotional experience.

💡Hoarder

A hoarder is someone who accumulates items excessively, often to the point where it becomes problematic. The video script contrasts collectors with hoarders, suggesting that while collectors have a clear purpose and passion for their items, hoarders may accumulate things without a clear reason, leading to clutter rather than a curated collection.

💡Music

Music is a central theme in the video, particularly in relation to the Kiss merchandise collector. The script suggests that for some collectors, the music itself is not enough, and they seek to connect with their favorite bands on a deeper level through collecting memorabilia. This illustrates how collecting can be an extension of one's passion for music or other forms of art.

Highlights

Paul Nielsen has been collecting Kiss merchandise since 1979-1980 when the band was huge in Australia.

Liz Walsh collects antique sewing machines, starting with one to display in her shop and now owning about 150.

Collecting can be a way to connect with other collectors and the people associated with the objects, like celebrities or historical figures.

Collecting can give people a goal to pursue and a sense of meaning.

Kiss cards were so popular they got banned in schools because kids were trading them during class time.

Collecting can be addictive and provide a sense of achievement as collectors seek their next item.

Having a collection can earn respect and kudos within a community of collectors.

Collections can have financial value, acting as a sort of fun superannuation scheme.

A rare sewing machine bought on eBay turned out to be one of only three in the world.

The display box for a rare sewing machine is now probably worth $600-700 after 39 years.

Liz's collection is rooted in childhood memories and sentimental value.

Collecting can become problematic if it turns into hoarding and the collector can't explain why they are collecting.

The investigation of rare machines is intriguing and can lead to international connections.

For some, collecting is about the music and not a way of life, but for others, it can become an obsession.

Collecting can be a hobby or it can become an issue if it negatively impacts one's life or living space.