I remember this debate popping up in the past but sure is fuelled now with all the rereleases of late
There are really only few reasons to be upset about this:
- I used to think that ppl are crazy to charge over MSRP pretty much right after release and then every PO sells out and prices kept going up in the secondary market. Even crazier that ppl paid those prices so I PO everything these days. Well those that pay those elevated prices sure have their reason to get pissed... remember there is a reason why we call it the evilbay
- Then you started seeing more and more collectors getting in on the game, just check the FS section ... so well now that HT effectively is disrupting that economy with rereleases and larger batches that never sell out ... hmm guess who is pissed
- then there is the group of ppl that I never thought I would belong to but man was I wrong ... I used to not care of increased value as I would never see myself selling any of my toys anyways but seeing ppl rubbing it in ... sold this figure for $400, sold that bat pod for $600 and oh tumbler sold for $800 then $1000 I started to get distracted as well and felt I had more value in my collectables then I started out... I would tell my friends oh this is worth $$$ now ... well I guess I should be pissed that HT effectively rained on my parade ....
HMMmm wait I am an idiot to think these toys are unique art pieces that gain value, it sure felt like it and it did feel good and likely reason anyone collects anything ..... but the naive noob collector in me now remembers why I started this hobby, the pure joy of being mesmerized by the beauty of all these amazing dolls, the lit up displays I still stare at when I get to sit down and relax....
Welcome new collectors who missed out and now can join the Tumbler club. Welcome back action figure hobby into the arms of the truly appreciating toy "gatherers" and good by to those that are in this for the wring reason .... maybe HT inadvertently did this right for this hobby after all but by the time they realize and accepted the fact that we are dealing with a hugely inflated demand we may benefit from some firesale due to oversupply
ouch too many words and no emoticon....... headache