Having been on the forum for a few months, and having read quite a few posts from a variety of folk...... I wonder whether there are some clearly identifiable stages of ownership which can be grouped under two headings - the rational and the irrational.
THE RATIONAL
1. Thinking about it. This can be for many years before you jump in. In my case from childhood until my mid 20s
2. Getting the first game, this lived in my lounge/spare room as I moved around the country
3. Getting more games, for which you have a sensibly allocated space. Storing the spares and tools in neat plastic boxes below the games. I have 4 berths in my home office, so my house is calm. No one sees any games or parts of games lying around when they visit. My shed, garage etc are all quite normal and storing what you would expect in there
THE IRRATIONAL
4. Crossing the rubicon. Getting more games than you have sensibly allocated space for. I am potentially crossing this rubicon soon, so am wondering whether I sell one, or squeeze one in my currently pinball free garage. Or clear out my garden shed. Or whether I run the risk of a row by putting it in my lounge.
5. Becoming a hoarder. Having so many games that you have now filled your kitchen, 10m garden shed, garage, workshop so you have to start housing them off site, in storage containers, at friends etc
THE RATIONAL
1. Thinking about it. This can be for many years before you jump in. In my case from childhood until my mid 20s
2. Getting the first game, this lived in my lounge/spare room as I moved around the country
3. Getting more games, for which you have a sensibly allocated space. Storing the spares and tools in neat plastic boxes below the games. I have 4 berths in my home office, so my house is calm. No one sees any games or parts of games lying around when they visit. My shed, garage etc are all quite normal and storing what you would expect in there
THE IRRATIONAL
4. Crossing the rubicon. Getting more games than you have sensibly allocated space for. I am potentially crossing this rubicon soon, so am wondering whether I sell one, or squeeze one in my currently pinball free garage. Or clear out my garden shed. Or whether I run the risk of a row by putting it in my lounge.
5. Becoming a hoarder. Having so many games that you have now filled your kitchen, 10m garden shed, garage, workshop so you have to start housing them off site, in storage containers, at friends etc