SnakeDoctor
Super Freak
Good grief -- its an action figure, not Michaelangelo's Sistine ceiling. Get a grip, man. These aren't one-of-a-kind artistic endeavors, they're mass-produced retail consumer goods. IT ... IS ... A ... TOY ... an action figure ... a child's plaything!
I see little distinction between the love and acquisition of money, and the love and acquision of things (artistic or otherwise). I have things I value for sentimental reasons -- but there are reasonable limits to sentimental value. Sentimental overvaluing of an item can only be justified up to a point ... and that point is well before you'd be willing to bankrupt yourself to pay a ransom on the item.
They are commoditized/ devalued when they are reproduced and marketed at retail. They are produced for the purpose of being "whored out" for a proft.
These are artists that work for an action figure company ... they may want people to appreciate their work, but they'd rather them pay them for it. They're not doing art for the betterment of mankind, they're making well-sculpted toys for a paycheck. They (and Sideshow) want people to appreciate their work ... for $100 a pop. Their talent is undeniable -- but they fully expect their sculptures to be reproduced and sold at retail. They know the name of the game.
Scalpers help finance the whole operation by buying up the "art". They pay the going retail rate and accept the risk that the items will lose value. If Sideshow wants to make that money and accept that risk, they should raise the prices to market-rate. If Sideshow sold at the prices the market would support, scalping wouldn't be profitable. Scalping is caused by under-pricing at retail.
For the record, I think most "artists" overvalue their contribution to society. Very few are truly indelible. Most end up making toys (or something).
It is a worthwhile hobby for many, a living for some, and a contribution to mankind for very few. If it brings you joy, that's all well and good .. more power to you. If it makes you a living, even better ... get 'er done! These are all extremely talented individuals, and deserving of respect. But, lets not speak as if action figures are comparable to truly great art. They're made for retail sale, and for the express and sole purpose of making a profit (for the artist, and the company). Unprofitable licenses, no matter how much the artists "love" them, are abandoned.
It is a business to its core. Scalpers just seize an opportunity to get in on the fun by buying an underpriced good in bulk, and selling at market value. Ending the practice is as simple as raising prices to market rate.
Not all art falls into the category of a cool little bit of junk -- but, most does. I wouldn't bankrupt myself or my family for a truly irreplaceable piece of art ... much less a mass-produced toy. I suppose I just don't value things as much as you seem to.
SnakeDoc
