The end of indulgence?

[Howyoudoin]

When I was young, ahem, 40 odd years ago, I used to spend nearly all my money on records. I was obsessed. And if I REALLY liked a song, I would buy every version that came out. I can’t tell you how many different 12” versions of Two Tribes and 19 that I bought, but at least 3 of each and I’m hoping they are worth something now.

Fast forward 20 years and DVDs did for films what 12” vinyl did for records.

Suddenly, your favourite film was available not only in a format that was a better quality than ever seen before but also . . . ALSO . . . you could get deleted scenes, commentaries, documentaries etc all on the same disc!

And then a few years later, a new version of EXACTLY the same film came out but the picture and sound was higher quality to cope with the newer TVs. So you had to buy that version too.

And you’ll have to buy the 8k dvd version that comes out next year if you keep up with technology.

Cards on the table . . . I was that guy at the start who spent all his money on vinyl . . . and I was that guy that bought a few different versions of the same film. My 1,000 odd vinyl record collection now resides in the loft and most of my 500 DVDs have been given to charity.

So what’s my point?

I almost forgot but with paying a subscription to stream any record or film you like, there’s no need to own multiple versions of the same.

Or is there?

HYD

[servodude]

I almost forgot but with paying a subscription to stream any record or film you like, there’s no need to own multiple versions of the same.

Or is there?

HYD

Own as in "physically'?

It's a different thing, sets of different thing in your brain.

Some stuff I'm happy with streaming; it is really convenient and I'm a big fan of the Spotify algorithm.
However even though I can get, for example, all the previoulsy unreleased anniversary stuff from Underworld on there - stuff it used to take effort to track down (assuming you could!) - I still bought all the super deluxe versions as well.

Having "a thing" in the house and a conscious act to get it out and play it - THAT elevates the whole experience.
I'm tempted to bring the vinyl back in to the living room.

That said I don't really care about video, dvd, blu-ray - they always seemed like landfill waiting to happen; preferred the cinema.
Even hiring a DVD seemed more fun than picking up one to put on a shelf and forget about.
I will make an exception for kids DVD - which at times were really useful (even if they preferred the more contemporary stuff than Trumpton, Rhubarb and the Wombles )

[Redmires]

When I was young, ahem, 40 odd years ago, I used to spend nearly all my money on records.... I’m hoping they are worth something now... My 1,000 odd vinyl record collection now resides in the loft
HYD

Same here. Head over to Discogs and you'll find out what they're worth. One LP I bought in the 80's for £8 is worth around £1500 now. I still get a thrill from scouring charity shops for vinyl. 99% 'Bert Kampfert' & 'Top of the Pops' but very occasionally the odd gem, including a recent batch of 180g LP's for £1 each.

https://www.discogs.com/

The thing is that you have these and they have value. You may never sell them but your kids might when the time comes. Imagine the modern 'you' spending thousands on downloads, rentals & subscriptions. In 40 years time 'you' will have a hard disk that's worthless

[CliffEdge]

When I was young, ahem, 40 odd years ago, I used to spend nearly all my money on records. I was obsessed. And if I REALLY liked a song, I would buy every version that came out. I can’t tell you how many different 12” versions of Two Tribes and 19 that I bought, but at least 3 of each and I’m hoping they are worth something now.

Fast forward 20 years and DVDs did for films what 12” vinyl did for records.

Suddenly, your favourite film was available not only in a format that was a better quality than ever seen before but also . . . ALSO . . . you could get deleted scenes, commentaries, documentaries etc all on the same disc!

And then a few years later, a new version of EXACTLY the same film came out but the picture and sound was higher quality to cope with the newer TVs. So you had to buy that version too.

And you’ll have to buy the 8k dvd version that comes out next year if you keep up with technology.

Cards on the table . . . I was that guy at the start who spent all his money on vinyl . . . and I was that guy that bought a few different versions of the same film. My 1,000 odd vinyl record collection now resides in the loft and most of my 500 DVDs have been given to charity.

So what’s my point?

I almost forgot but with paying a subscription to stream any record or film you like, there’s no need to own multiple versions of the same.

Or is there?

HYD

This is just the kind of extravagant spending that prevented people from getting onto the property ladder in their 20s and 30s. And then moaning about it.

[servodude]

When I was young, ahem, 40 odd years ago, I used to spend nearly all my money on records. I was obsessed. And if I REALLY liked a song, I would buy every version that came out. I can’t tell you how many different 12” versions of Two Tribes and 19 that I bought, but at least 3 of each and I’m hoping they are worth something now.

Fast forward 20 years and DVDs did for films what 12” vinyl did for records.

Suddenly, your favourite film was available not only in a format that was a better quality than ever seen before but also . . . ALSO . . . you could get deleted scenes, commentaries, documentaries etc all on the same disc!

And then a few years later, a new version of EXACTLY the same film came out but the picture and sound was higher quality to cope with the newer TVs. So you had to buy that version too.

And you’ll have to buy the 8k dvd version that comes out next year if you keep up with technology.

Cards on the table . . . I was that guy at the start who spent all his money on vinyl . . . and I was that guy that bought a few different versions of the same film. My 1,000 odd vinyl record collection now resides in the loft and most of my 500 DVDs have been given to charity.

So what’s my point?

I almost forgot but with paying a subscription to stream any record or film you like, there’s no need to own multiple versions of the same.

Or is there?

HYD

This is just the kind of extravagant spending that prevented people from getting onto the property ladder in their 20s and 30s. And then moaning about it.

Really?
I thought that was avocados?

[pje16]

Some folk are the marketing industries dreams.....

[Howyoudoin]

Some folk are the marketing industries dreams.....

I got a huge amount of pleasure and use out of my record and dvd collection so it wasn’t wasted money at the time.

I’m willing to bet that you also buy things that to me will seem to be an unnecessary extravagance.

That’s life.

HYD

[pje16]

Some folk are the marketing industries dreams.....

I got a huge amount of pleasure and use out of my record and dvd collection so it wasn’t wasted money at the time.

I’m willing to bet that you also buy things that to me will seem to be an unnecessary extravagance.

That’s life.

HYD

Apologies, no offence meant
we are all different.
I used to buy a lot of records, now it's (free) downloaded Mp3s.

[TUK020]

These days there are other opportunities for you to show off your conspicuous consumption - running your central heating this winter for example.

[pje16]

running your central heating this winter for example.

Isn't that known as burning money ?

[servodude]

running your central heating this winter for example.

Isn't that known as burning money ?

How long before THAT metaphor starts to look financially savvy?

[pje16]

I have an old gas fire in the front room
It seemed to be more for show than heat
Several years ago it failed the new vent regulations (which was daft)
The boiler service guy said he would have to cut off the gas supply to it
“Do you like sending fivers up the chimney?” was his quip
It didn't bother me as I had only used it once to see what it looked like.

[UncleEbenezer]

Isn't that known as burning money ?

How long before THAT metaphor starts to look financially savvy?

Eh? That metaphor has been with us for as long as I can remember. Don't run the hot water just to wash the hands or face: that's just burning money. The hot won't reach the tap before you've finished, anyway.

[servodude]

How long before THAT metaphor starts to look financially savvy?

Eh? That metaphor has been with us for as long as I can remember. Don't run the hot water just to wash the hands or face: that's just burning money. The hot won't reach the tap before you've finished, anyway.

I meant that burning money for heating might be more efficient than using it to pay for fuel
- but now I've had to explain that

[Clariman]

When I was young, ahem, 40 odd years ago, I used to spend nearly all my money on records. I was obsessed. And if I REALLY liked a song, I would buy every version that came out. I can’t tell you how many different 12” versions of Two Tribes and 19 that I bought, but at least 3 of each and I’m hoping they are worth something now.

Fast forward 20 years and DVDs did for films what 12” vinyl did for records.

Suddenly, your favourite film was available not only in a format that was a better quality than ever seen before but also . . . ALSO . . . you could get deleted scenes, commentaries, documentaries etc all on the same disc!

And then a few years later, a new version of EXACTLY the same film came out but the picture and sound was higher quality to cope with the newer TVs. So you had to buy that version too.

And you’ll have to buy the 8k dvd version that comes out next year if you keep up with technology.

Cards on the table . . . I was that guy at the start who spent all his money on vinyl . . . and I was that guy that bought a few different versions of the same film. My 1,000 odd vinyl record collection now resides in the loft and most of my 500 DVDs have been given to charity.

So what’s my point?

I almost forgot but with paying a subscription to stream any record or film you like, there’s no need to own multiple versions of the same.

Or is there?

HYD

There never was a need to own multiple versions.

[Howyoudoin]

When I was young, ahem, 40 odd years ago, I used to spend nearly all my money on records. I was obsessed. And if I REALLY liked a song, I would buy every version that came out. I can’t tell you how many different 12” versions of Two Tribes and 19 that I bought, but at least 3 of each and I’m hoping they are worth something now.

Fast forward 20 years and DVDs did for films what 12” vinyl did for records.

Suddenly, your favourite film was available not only in a format that was a better quality than ever seen before but also . . . ALSO . . . you could get deleted scenes, commentaries, documentaries etc all on the same disc!

And then a few years later, a new version of EXACTLY the same film came out but the picture and sound was higher quality to cope with the newer TVs. So you had to buy that version too.

And you’ll have to buy the 8k dvd version that comes out next year if you keep up with technology.

Cards on the table . . . I was that guy at the start who spent all his money on vinyl . . . and I was that guy that bought a few different versions of the same film. My 1,000 odd vinyl record collection now resides in the loft and most of my 500 DVDs have been given to charity.

So what’s my point?

I almost forgot but with paying a subscription to stream any record or film you like, there’s no need to own multiple versions of the same.

Or is there?

HYD

There never was a need to own multiple versions.

But that’s the whole raison d’etre of being a ‘collector’. If you have a collection, whether that be vinyl, stamps, medals, Star Wars figures etc, you will quite happily pay more money to buy almost the same thing in a slightly different format/version for no other reason that you want to have a complete set.

HYD

[Clariman]

But that’s the whole raison d’etre of being a ‘collector’. If you have a collection, whether that be vinyl, stamps, medals, Star Wars figures etc, you will quite happily pay more money to buy almost the same thing in a slightly different format/version for no other reason that you want to have a complete set.

I agree and if that's what gives someone pleasure, fair enough. I'm pleased to say that I've never had the collector gene, because it's a marketing person's dream.

[Mike4]

I have an old gas fire in the front room
It seemed to be more for show than heat
Several years ago it failed the new vent regulations (which was daft)
The boiler service guy said he would have to cut off the gas supply to it
“Do you like sending fivers up the chimney?” was his quip
It didn't bother me as I had only used it once to see what it looked like.

Point of Order...

There aren't any "new vent regulations". Well not since about 1968, that is!

And even if there were, new 'regs' are not retrospective. The regs in force on the day it was installed (and detailed in the manual for the appliance) are the regs it must comply with.

[pje16]

OK thanks
He (the Boiler guy) has been here several times before, and it was only about 3 years ago he mentioned it
I am referring to the slats in the floor next to the fire

[terminal7]

When I was young, ahem, 40 odd years ago, I used to spend nearly all my money on records. I was obsessed. And if I REALLY liked a song, I would buy every version that came out. I can’t tell you how many different 12” versions of Two Tribes and 19 that I bought, but at least 3 of each and I’m hoping they are worth something now.

HYD - based on my experience probably not. About 10 years ago - triggered by downsizing - I (or more accurately the OH) decided that the LPs and 45s had to go together with the turntable. No buts - never been used for decades etc . . . . Did my own research and wandered around a couple of specialist shops in London. Eventually after showing a list with what I thought were the most valuable, one buyer agreed to come to my place to inspect. He emphasised that condition (record and cover - preferably kept in a plastic sleeve) and rarity was essential together with fashion. For some 80 LPs (mainly 60s and 70s) he offered £110 for the lot. I refused and said that he could have virtually all of them for £150 but extracted a couple. Not interested - actually just wanted two - willing to pay £100 for those two - the rest he would be doing me a favour by taking away. The 2 were both first pressings (very important) - Nick Drake Five Leaves Left and Sandy Denny The North Star Grassman and the Ravens (the former much more valuable). He mentioned that the Rolling Stones Aftermath early pressing would have been valuable but a scratch and no original cover made it worthless. In the end I kept the Nick Drake and he took the rest away for £140.

I suspect he got the best end of the deal by far.

T7