The Energon Pub

[fenrir72]

Ditto, though my collection may be nearing 400 something, I only concentrate on G1 items with an occassional Convoy from each generation.

When is enough enough? Let's see, once I get G1 Scorponok, Starsaber, Overlord,Skygarry, Grandus..........it never ends hehehe

Do I go after rare objects....hhmmmmmmmm,depends if it appeals to me. Monetary wise, it's just a bonus. FYI, I didn't know the real value of G1 Predaking Hasbro metal version until I read it in the web so that was a bonus, same with Metalhawk and Takara 1985 white Astrotrain version......and Fortmax.

In reality, i always bugged my dad to get me a Fortmax regardless of its potential monetary value. (back then it was just the joy of owning one)

As for a collector looking like Steve Urkel....................maybe more like a Sarah Pailin?

[ScottyP]

Just ran into this one today dealing with someone on Craigslist, and I run into it in the stores all the time when I receive glaring looks from parents when they see me grab 8 figures and put them in my basket, even though I only get one of everything, they don't notice this.

I run into the fact that people confuse "collector" with "scalper". Just because I'm not a little kid, or even a teenager, buying toys, I am a "scalper". I should be ashamed that I buy these, supposedly robbing children of the opportunity. I'm only collecting to make a buck.

Let me restate: I get ONE of everything. That's all. I choose to either open it, or in the rare case, to not open it. Yet, when I want to pick pieces out of someone's Craigslist lot, I'm "only getting them because I know what's most valuable." When I buy things in the store, I get looks.


;tldr, collectors are often confused for scalpers when they're over the age of 20.

[rpetras]

The major misconception I've seen, and this is from other TF collectors, is that everyone collects for the same reasons that you do.

Personally I collect a lot of different stuff, from comic books to DVDs, and one thing that stands out in the Transformers hobby (and something that makes it interesting!) is that a lot of people come to the hobby for different reasons.

First and foremost are the G1 fans. These are the people that always relate all things TF to the original cartoon. (like I needed to define that)

But you also have people that became fans through the later incarnations of the series, as well as the movie. Heck the movie definitely pulled in a lot of fans and pulled back quite a few.

There are folks that have come to the hobby through comics, and Transformers has a rich comic history spanning at least 3 separate companies. (Are there more from the overseas markets?) I've read a few posts that whined about where Hasbro got the look of Titanium Grimlock's alt mode. Well, that design came straight from the comics. Whether it was a good incarnation of that design is arguable, but in the books it worked.

There are your basic giant robot fans that are into TFs. Easy enough to know what drew them in.

And then there are toy collectors, many of which are only be vaguely aware of the shows. Some of these are in it to amass the most TFs, some the most expensive TFs or all of a particular series, character or mold. Some really dig repaints, others loathe the thought. Many (most?) just collect what they like with no rhyme nor reason to anyone but themselves.

In any of the above, you have people that are into the look of the robots and some people that get into the characters. To some it makes a huge difference that Ironhide is red, not black. Others care about the core of what makes Bumblebee, Bumblebee across his various incarnations. Some just have a favorite character, and want to see that character rehashed in every version of the series.

I have to say the diversity of the Transformers fans is something that causes a lot of misconceptions among the fanbase itself. But it is also something that makes this hobby different from, say, Star Wars collectors who operate from a distinct cannon of material.

[robofreak]

Going off of what rpetras said, I don't think all TF's need to act like an earlier character. For example, Energon Ironhide's character was not ruined for me because he was'nt like G1 Ironhide. I don't see them as the same character, but more along the lines of 2 different characters who bear the same name. I don't know if that makes sense to anyone else, but when you think about it it makes sense.

[jduckworth27]

I could care less what other people think about my collection! too bad if they don't like it! I'm a grown adult man who pays his own bills, so i really don't care. i'll collect TF's, guitars, cars, houses.............whatever!

[rpetras]

Going off of what rpetras said, I don't think all TF's need to act like an earlier character. For example, Energon Ironhide's character was not ruined for me because he was'nt like G1 Ironhide. I don't see them as the same character, but more along the lines of 2 different characters who bear the same name. I don't know if that makes sense to anyone else, but when you think about it it makes sense.

I do the same thing Earth has more than one person named John, it is reasonable that Cybertron would have more than one Ironhide.

Also, if a figure fits the collection better IMO as another character they get renamed. For example, RID Galvatron = Classics Hun-Gurrr in my world.

But for some people this is not how they choose to collect.

[Stormrider]

There is very little profit to be made keeping Transformers MISB.

Contradicting examples -

Most exclusives:
Binaltech Black Convoy
e-Hobby series (Example - G1 Anime Colors Astrotrain)
Minibots Collection Series
etc...

[Dachande]

I don't think it's all about collecting TF's or even toys per se, but about what the general population considers the norm for adults. Unfortunately, in my area, the norm includes sports, Boyds Bears, expensive baskets and motorcycles.
I've been labeled a geek since youth, only because I DON'T appreciate the "normal" aspects attributed to the general populace.

For the record, I collect TF's, some GI Joe, Gundam, McFarlane, DVD's, comic books, anime, Warhammer Fantasy/40K miniatures (and other companies), Magic: The Gathering, knives and swords. Unfortunately, I rarely ever mention these interests at work without getting 'looks' from my co-workers. What most don't understand gets belittled, and those that do understand are unfairly labeled.
I'm not ashamed of my hobbies, and will defend their validity till the end.

Honestly, one aspect of collecting I can't stand are the fan-boys that think whatever a particular company releases is gold and must be bought in multiples sight-unseen. They are more typically the ones that give collectors a bad reputation (at least around here) as scalpers and hoarders.

[mattyc1007]

just got a head=ache from readind the first page

[Tigertrack]

Going off of what rpetras said, I don't think all TF's need to act like an earlier character. For example, Energon Ironhide's character was not ruined for me because he was'nt like G1 Ironhide. I don't see them as the same character, but more along the lines of 2 different characters who bear the same name. I don't know if that makes sense to anyone else, but when you think about it it makes sense.

I never thought the character sucked because it wasn't G1 Ironhide, I thought it sucked because he was this stupid surfer dude with a bad alt mode. It was a bit too much.

The Touch is not the greatest rock song ever made...a common misconception with transfans.

[Delicon]

The Touch is not the greatest rock song ever made...a common misconception with transfans.

That's YOUR misconception. I used it in my wedding picture slideshow.

[Tigertrack]

The Touch is not the greatest rock song ever made...a common misconception with transfans.

That's YOUR misconception. I used it in my wedding picture slideshow.

These are all OUR misconceptions. None of them can be true from every point of view.

[robofreak]

I was just using Iron Hide as an example. I could have used G1 Mirage vs. Energon Mirage or Gi Smokescreen vs. Armada Smokescreen.

[i_amtrunks]

Misconception #1:
Transformers fans don't like sport/ physical activity.
We ain't Star Trek fans!

Misconception #2:
There was G1, then there was the Live Action Movie.
A lot of newer fans brought in by the movie have got to realise there is nearly 20 years of Transformers between the two.

Misconception #3:
G1 is the be all and end all.
It ain't. See M:#2.

Misconception #4:
Using the "True Fan" argument in any conversation/debate is acceptable.
No such thing as a true fan.

[Nickolai]

Here's sort of a reverse misconception - there are lots of people who realize G1 toys are valuable. However, they think that their dog-bitten, all missiles-missing, electronics failing, box-less manual-less accessory-less whichever character toy is worth big $$$.
They're too shrewd (in their mind) yet clueless for their own good. You'd be doing someone a favor by buying their half-rotted Hot Spot or Silverbolt for $40 just for attaching in base mode to Metroplex, then they give you a look like "OH, is THAT how it's gonna be, I'M NO IDIOT you know, this thing is VALUABLE. I saw it on the INTERNETZ."

Sigh.

[robofreak]

Here's sort of a reverse misconception - there are lots of people who realize G1 toys are valuable. However, they think that their dog-bitten, all missiles-missing, electronics failing, box-less manual-less accessory-less whichever character toy is worth big $$$.
They're too shrewd (in their mind) yet clueless for their own good. You'd be doing someone a favor by buying their half-rotted Hot Spot or Silverbolt for $40 just for attaching in base mode to Metroplex, then they give you a look like "OH, is THAT how it's gonna be, I'M NO IDIOT you know, this thing is VALUABLE. I saw it on the INTERNETZ."

Sigh.

I see that crap all the time. It could be missing it's limbs and yellowed and they'd still think it's worth more than the Mona Lisa.

[Dachande]

Dealers don't help out any in these regards. When I was at Otakon, a dealer there was selling bagged loose incomplete G1 figures for absurd prices (beat-to-hell loose Grimlock for $65, Scourge w/o accessories for $75...), and people were STILL looking at these figures. I said quite loudly to my girlfriend that "you could get one of these on eBay for about $20 to 30", which made several people put down the figures they were looking at, and also made the booth owner follow me around. I proceeded to scoff at his Henki Megatron and Starscream for $70 and 65 and the MP Starscream for $150.

Point is, the uninformed see the prices dealers are trying to bleed from collectors and think that's what we buy these figures for.

[Skullcrunchberries]

Dealers don't help out any in these regards. When I was at Otakon, a dealer there was selling bagged loose incomplete G1 figures for absurd prices (beat-to-hell loose Grimlock for $65, Scourge w/o accessories for $75...), and people were STILL looking at these figures. I said quite loudly to my girlfriend that "you could get one of these on eBay for about $20 to 30", which made several people put down the figures they were looking at, and also made the booth owner follow me around. I proceeded to scoff at his Henki Megatron and Starscream for $70 and 65 and the MP Starscream for $150.

Point is, the uninformed see the prices dealers are trying to bleed from collectors and think that's what we buy these figures for.

I see a lot of this at Botcon. There's always a couple of tables with fantastic prices, a handful of tables with reasonable prices, and always those few that are just ridiculous. I remember walking around the dealer room, and after two hours the same person is sitting there, looking very disgruntled because no one's buying their $75 yellowed no-winged Starscream amongst all the other crap. On the other hand, I've seen people actually have to pack up and leave a day early because they sold everything. Word gets around about good dealers, and I've gotten some fantastic deals by just scouting things out before I rip out my wallet.

I think this gets into another misconception that's been touched on: the fact that people selling the toys, ignorant or otherwise, simply assume that because I collect Transformers that I'll pay any price for that original Sixshot. I find it especially hilarious when I see this yellowed, dusty Fortress Maximus proudly sporting a $1000 price tag, and the next table over a complete FortMax is going for $850.

I have a feeling the markup's going to be very, very bad this year >_<

[Delicon]

In terems of value, even for the mintiest figure you could find, people tend to think that prices are more driven by age/size than they are.

A lot of times popularity and original production number are ignored by some.

[rpetras]

In terems of value, even for the mintiest figure you could find, people tend to think that prices are more driven by age/size than they are.

A lot of times popularity and original production number are ignored by some.

Man is that ever true!!!

Value of any collectible, TF or whatever, is a lot more of an art than a science.

My one buddy collected the PotF Star Wars stuff back in the late 90's and is now all PO'd because they didn't "hold their value". I keep telling him, if you are doing this for investment, there are better ways to make money.

[Tigertrack]

In terems of value, even for the mintiest figure you could find, people tend to think that prices are more driven by age/size than they are.

A lot of times popularity and original production number are ignored by some.

Man is that ever true!!!

Value of any collectible, TF or whatever, is a lot more of an art than a science.

My one buddy collected the PotF Star Wars stuff back in the late 90's and is now all PO'd because they didn't "hold their value". I keep telling him, if you are doing this for investment, there are better ways to make money.

Buy gold and precious minerals. Stock market is worse than toy investing.

[Lapse Of Reason]

I have given this comment a lot of thought over the past few days.

Misconception:

Transformers collectors (or any collectors, for that matter) are souless slaves to a materialistic mentality.

Truth:

While it is true that collecting any physical thing is a materialistic act, that does not mean I value material things over what is truly important: family, friends, health, and happiness. While I enjoy the hobby, I would drop it without hesitation and sell it all without regret if any of the above were at risk.

Fellow fans I met in person at Botcon 2007 are like-minded. The coolest part about Botcon was meeting people who I realized were not nerdy, materialistic slaves to toy collecting. While there certainly are those types around, they do not even seem to make up even 1% of the fandom. Everyone I met was extremely friendly, sociable, and the type of person of which I could gratefully become close friends.

At first I was nervous about bringing my wife to Botcon. She tolerates but does not have any interests in Transformers outside of me. It was a good thing she wanted to visit Rhode Island. After about an hour of meeting people I went back to the hotel to get her and introduced her to a lot of good folks. They completely shattered her impression of the shut-in toy collector. At one point she said to me, "These are actually really nice people. I'm impressed. This is not as bad as I thought it would be." She ended up having a great time too.

It is this community spirit (of which is nothing to be ashamed) that has kept my adult enthusiasm for Transformers alive and well.

[Counterpunch]

I have given this comment a lot of thought over the past few days.

Misconception:

Transformers collectors (or any collectors, for that matter) are souless slaves to a materialistic mentality.

Truth:

While it is true that collecting any physical thing is a materialistic act, that does not mean I value material things over what is truly important: family, friends, health, happiness. While I enjoy the hobby, I would drop it without hesitation and sell it all without regret if any of the above were at risk.

Fellow fans I met in person at Botcon 2007 are like-minded. The coolest part about Botcon was meeting people who I realized were not nerdy, materialstic slaves to toy collecting. While there certainily are those types around, that is seemingly not even 1% of the fandom. Everyone I met was extemely friendly, sociable, and the type of person I could gratefully become close friends with.

At first I was nervous about bringing my wife to Botcon (she tolerates but does not have any interests in Transformers outside of me). It was a good thing she wanted to visit Rhode island. After about an hour of meeting people I went back to the hotel to get her and introduced her to a lot of good folks. They completely shattered her impression of the shut-in toy collector. At one point she said to me, "These are actually really nice people. I'm impressed. This is not as bad as I thought it would be." She ended up having a great time too.

It is this community spirit (which is nothing to be ashamed of) that has kept my adult enthusiasm for Transformers alive and well.

Excellent post.

[Delicon]

The coolest part about Botcon was meeting people who I realized were not nerdy, materialistic slaves to toy collecting. While there certainly are those types around, they do not even seem to make up even 1% of the fandom. Everyone I met was extremely friendly, sociable, and the type of person of which I could gratefully become close friends.

At first I was nervous about bringing my wife to Botcon. She tolerates but does not have any interests in Transformers outside of me. It was a good thing she wanted to visit Rhode Island. After about an hour of meeting people I went back to the hotel to get her and introduced her to a lot of good folks. They completely shattered her impression of the shut-in toy collector. At one point she said to me, "These are actually really nice people. I'm impressed. This is not as bad as I thought it would be." She ended up having a great time too.

It is this community spirit (of which is nothing to be ashamed) that has kept my adult enthusiasm for Transformers alive and well.

That's a misconception not just of the general public but of a lot of people here on these very boards. We read all these posts, talk about what we own, what we like, etc. and never realize how alike we really are, and what great people are truly in this hobby. Sure, not everyone will be on the same page but there are a lot of great friends to be made, especially at an event like Botcon. Probably what has made the hobby so much cooler for me recently is reaching out and really getting to know so many other collectors such as Energon, Geekee1, Prime Evil, First Gen, Fender Bender and so many more.

Yes, even Counterpunch

[T-Macksimus]

This past summer I had made my first complete circuit of the Emerald City Comic Con by noon, less than 2 hours after I had arrived. Once Air Commander Starscream and his fiance showed up I spent another 5 hours making multiple trips around the convention center with them.
Seeing and buying the toys/comics during the first 2 hours was cool but the rest of the time spent socializing with like minded individuals and even discussing stuff outside of the shared hobby field was what really made the event worthwhile. I had seen the TF Movie in IMAX with them last year but had not had an incredible amount of time before or after to really get to socialize with them so this was a very rewarding oppurtunity for me.

As far as some of the misconceptions go, a lot of them have been slowly eroded down due to the release of last years movie. I'm the type of guy who usually trapses around in blue jeans, my work boots, a black t-shirt and black leather jacket. Most folks tend to get out of my way when I enter a store because I usually look like I'm ready to tear someones head off but the one thing that has gotten me an incredible amount of attention (all positive) is the silver Autobot medallion pinned to my leather jacket. Men AND women have stopped me and commented on or inquired about my Autobot pin and ALL have had nothing but positive stuff to say when I take the time to chat with them. I think the social stigma placed upon us collectors is starting to ever so slowly change.