The Energon Pub

[MINDVVIPE]

Not pointing fingers, but people who throw around labels like "poser," tend to be the most insecure in their identity. Conversely, people who say they aren't a "hipster," definitely are.

Uhm, okay... i agree with you...but the context of your reply suggests you ARE referring to me...so.
What gives man, you can just disagree, no need to attempt to one up me, if thats your intent. If not, my mistake, and my apologies.

I was referring to the multitude of morons these days who claim to be into oldschool video games, or sci fi movies, MOSTLY coz girls and the general pace of western media is currently on this fad (i e big bang theory, etc etc)
Most of these people just want to be part of the "now" and offer up a fake personality to convince people (and girls) that they're the current ongoing interest of the world.
Look at how popular super hero movies are today... no s*** its a global fad.

[Cyber Bishop]

I'm 37 and I don't think anyone cares if I'm browsing a toy section. I certainly don't.

I agree.
Most of the places around here know me from my collecting through the years as they have seen me either alone or with my girls and my wife.

I have also been told that "you don't look like a toy collector"..

I guess there is a stereotypical view that all toy collectors are fat, have long greasy hair with receding hairlines (Thanks to the Comic Book guy from the Simpsons), a pocket protector, glasses and a twinkie in their back pocket..

[Counterpunch]

Conversely, people who say they aren't a "hipster," definitely are.

I am 100% not a hipster.

[decepta-scott]

I'm 28 years old this year and I still collect, I know there are people older than me who still do too, but I'm starting to feel as it I'm too old for it. Mind you, I'm probably not going to stop, but I've been thinking of changing my focus. See, while I've been getting whatever new figures catch my eye for the past few years, when I was 24 I began to realize that I look quite like a creeper wandering the toy isles of Zellers, Wal*mart and the transformers section of Toys R' Us. Now that I'm 28 I realize that I've not done so in quite a long time, at least a year and a half, but it's not out of lack of funds (which is a contributing factor sure), it's more out of me thinking "but I look creepy when I do it."

Im 29 yrs old, married and have a degree. I collected the "new" motu line when it was in stores and now I collect any modernized, six inch versions of the original transformers.
I couldnt care less about my age or what people think of me. My wife thinks its great, (infact she loves to help me find theese figures) I havent let it cripple us financually, (yet) and it makes me happy. Its a win, win thing.
Dont worry about looking "creepy". There are plenty of people out there doing truely creepy things. Dont let what someone that plays no part in your life influence you in any way.
Someone may look at you weird while your shopping but at the end of the day you go home with your figure and a smile on your face, (hopefully) you have grown your collection and are happy because of that, you get to tell us all about it!
That woman that was looking at you will never be seen again. (most likely) The people that think you weird for buying toys have absolutely no effect on your life one way or the other. Why take the time to even consider what they think of you? Ill bet they go home and engage in acts that are far more weird than your toy collecting could ever be.
Besides Id bet that more often than not its in your head. You could be shopping for anyone. Not to mention, what are the people who are eyeing you doing in the same isle lookin at toys?
It all boils down to this.

It makes you happy, it isnt hurting anyone and IT MAKES YOU HAPPY. When you find no more joy in collecting is when you should stop. If you happen to be eighty yrs old when that happens then so be it. At least thats what I think.

[btskillet]

i am 23 and i really do not have a problem with stores. i like the hunt because i meet other collectors. when i go to toysrus i have a buddy that will give me a heads up on new stock. to top that off, he holds items for me with out asking. so i think its cool. as a head up he will hold me a mp rodimus prime when they come out (i am thankfull to met this person)! but i every now and then get associates that ask you "do you need help finding something?" i take that opportunity to carry on a conversation and meet the employee.

[Arrancon]

Im 15, and I usually look to make sure there ain't any cute girls around because... well yeah. But sometimes I do help some people who are looking for one for their kids birthday or somethin, and pul down a TF on a high shelf for a litle kid. Makes me feel like a good person. So until that stops happeing, I'll still be collecting.

[It Is Him]

Uhm, okay... i agree with you...but the context of your reply suggests you ARE referring to me...so.
What gives man, you can just disagree, no need to attempt to one up me, if thats your intent. If not, my mistake, and my apologies.

It was meant as advice, just something to keep in mind, not an insult

Conversely, people who say they aren't a "hipster," definitely are.

I am 100% not a hipster.

Bam! You're a hipster.

[paul053]

Kind of late to join this discussion.

I'm 37 with a daughter and a son and I never feel uncomfortable browsing toy isles. At least more comfortable than walking with my wife into a Victoria Secret store. It's a public open place and I can browse anything I want. Not some kind of small and closed chamber in a magazine or video shop. Why I feel uncomfortable. Don't need. If some workers approach me asking if I'm looking for anything, just say "yeah, do you have Transformers Generations Warpath?" and that will keep them busy for a while. If this is your hobby and you enjoy it, just enjoy it. Otherwise, you can always do the mouse clicking and enjoy your stuffs at home.

About when to stop? I don't know. I follow my soul. If someday I think that's it, I might stop but something might make me start again. Recently thanks to DOTM, my collecting has been slowed down significantly. My wife thought I was crazy at the end of Generations and RTS line and scared to death if I will do the same with the new movie toys, she was then surprised.

[Optimus1138]

I'm 17. I feel most awkward if I'm in a TRU, although I feel extremely awkward if there's anyone else in the toy aisle at all when I'm there, regardless of which store it is, and I usually step out of the aisle until they're gone (which can sometimes be an irritatingly long time). When I was a bit younger (mainly in middle school), and I was looking at TFs or Lego, I was worried not that people would think I was weird/creepy/immature, but that I was simply younger, due to the fact that I looked a lot younger than I was then. I look older now, so that's not an issue, but I do sometimes still feel uncomfortable when looking at TFs.

[GuyIncognito]

I'm 35 and have no shame in shopping for toys. I can understand how a teenager would; teens are more self-conscious and more worried about reputation. Eventually you outgrow that.

Two years ago I met a girl on Match.com. In the first email I sent her, I told her I'm an avid collector of Transformers. She replied "I'm impressed you admitted that so early. My brother-in-law dated my sister for a year before he told her about his collection of D&D figurines." Long story short, we're getting married next year.

Never be ashamed of your hobby!

[alternator77]

im 34 and married and dont give a damn
sometimes i take my nephew or niece with me and when i go to pay they happily say he doesnt need a gift reciept its for his collection. i look up and with a smile nod in the affirmative and take my toys and go.

[Starscream's Girl]

im 34 and married and dont give a damn
sometimes i take my nephew or niece with me and when i go to pay they happily say he doesnt need a gift reciept its for his collection. i look up and with a smile nod in the affirmative and take my toys and go.

Awww. That's cute!!

[It Is Him]

I'm 35 and have no shame in shopping for toys. I can understand how a teenager would; teens are more self-conscious and more worried about reputation. Eventually you outgrow that.

Two years ago I met a girl on Match.com. In the first email I sent her, I told her I'm an avid collector of Transformers. She replied "I'm impressed you admitted that so early. My brother-in-law dated my sister for a year before he told her about his collection of D&D figurines." Long story short, we're getting married next year.

Never be ashamed of your hobby!

Holy crap, that's bold. When I first started dating my girlfriend, I mentioned that I liked Transformers, but didn't actually show her my collection until about three weeks into the relationship. I had to build her up to the idea.

[Marcdachamp]

I'm 25. I've cut back a pretty good amount, and sold off a lot of my figures. My collection is still huge, and I still plan on keeping a large portion, but it gets hard as you get more responsibilities, and such.

[MagnaBlade]

I'm 35 and have no plans to stop collecting and enjoying Transformers. I only buy the figures (mostly new lines) that I really, really like and know that I will enjoy. I don't hunt much (as in driving out of my way to go to a store) but I almost always stop in the toy aisles on my weekly trips to Walmart and Target for groceries and other stuff. Its always provides a little bit of excitement to an otherwise mundane shopping excursion. I used to feel a little uncomfortable in the toy aisles but got over it and have no hesitation now.

To me, Transformers are an incredible combination of engineering, design, art, and fun! I am constantly amazed at the design & complexity of the newer figures and the fact that I can buy one for around $10 (I mostly collect deluxe size). I really enjoy seeing how the designs of the figures are evolving.

[craggy]

Conversely, people who say they aren't a "hipster," definitely are.

I am 100% not a hipster.

I used to be a hipster, before it got "cool" and everyone started doing it.

[Counterpunch]

Conversely, people who say they aren't a "hipster," definitely are.

I am 100% not a hipster.

I used to be a hipster, before it got "cool" and everyone started doing it.

My collection of Ke$ha cds certifies my hipster status, right?

[craggy]

only if you bought them ironically

[Marcdachamp]

My collection of Ke$ha cds certifies my hipster status, right?

How many cardigans do you own? That's really the most scientific way we can do this.

[Counterpunch]

only if you bought them ironically

No one else likes listening to Tik-tok first thing in the morning?

[craggy]

only if you bought them ironically

No one else likes listening to Tik-tok first thing in the morning?

Blah, blah blah.

[robofreak]

only if you bought them ironically

No one else likes listening to Tik-tok first thing in the morning?

I do!

I might like hard rock, but for some reason I like Ke$ha.

[Marcdachamp]

No one else likes listening to Tik-tok first thing in the morning?

I prefer waking up to Rebecca Black. It's like she's describing my day.

[robofreak]

No one else likes listening to Tik-tok first thing in the morning?

I prefer waking up to Rebecca Black. It's like she's describing my day.

I really hope that's a joke.

[Starscream's Girl]

Ok, how did we get off topic??