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At what point did you realize you had to get selective?

mh3490mh3490 Member Posts: 329
in Collecting
Sorry if this has been brought up already didn't see anything, but wanted to know at what point did you guys realize maybe I shouldn't buy everything that started with the word Lego. Because today I did some organizing in the Lego room and realized space is running out.
SumoLegoLEGOFan2
«134

Comments

  • nwr122nwr122 Member Posts: 150
    xwingpilot said:
    Day 1.
    Day 1 as well.....still trying to select.....
    SumoLegoBillyBricks84LEGOFan2
  • adukaduk Member Posts: 155
    What is this selective you speak of.......?
    SalamalexOldfanlentilCommanderRaabLEGOFan2
  • prevereprevere Member Posts: 2,923
    When the 3 kids showed up.
    BumblepantsPeteMhoyatablesTyresOFlahertylibbsterLEGOFan2
  • YodaliciousYodalicious Member Posts: 1,366
    About 1.5-2 years after coming out of my latest dark age, I found a set in the closet I had no memory of buying. It was a Star Wars set - #7959 - that I didn't even really want except for Ki-Adi-Mundi. Regardless, still can't remember where I bought it or when. That was when I started being more selective. Especially with Star Wars.

    I still buy every Marvel set, every modular, and finish off select themes (Jurassic World for instance), but I'm much better with everything else. Especially when it comes to minifigs. I trade for ones I want a lot more these days vs. 5 years ago when I just bought sets with no second thought. 
    BumblepantslentilSumoLegosnowhitieLEGOFan2
  • jmeninnojmeninno Member Posts: 1,175
    When the wife heard I wanted the Scooby Doo line...we were already into the Modulars, Batman, and the Winter themed sets...and CMFs...and sets that we could get on sale/cheap...and the occasional Star Wars set...and...HOWEVER, while I didn't agree with her at the time, I do see where she was coming from.  A lack of Lego store coupons and funds and space at home helped me see that on my own.  Now let me go back to planning my 6/1 $35 midnight purchase...
    LEGOFan2
  • dmcc0dmcc0 Member Posts: 778
    When I came out of my dark age the timeline went something like this:
    Buy everything I like plus anything else that has a decent discount ->  Buy everything I like -> Buy what I like if it's got a good discount -> Buy nothing because I've run out of money/space -> decide to sell everything apart from a couple of themes -> Buy only what I really like from 1/2 themes but wait as long as possible for decent discount.

    Only problem with that is, one of the themes is Star Wars and there's A LOT i really like/want!

    I also found that when after forced myself to stop buying, when I did start buying again it felt like coming out of a mini dark age and had the urge to pick up the stuff I'd missed in my self imposed ban!
    UKtsumiLEGOFan2
  • catwranglercatwrangler Member Posts: 1,894
    When I started buying sets regularly again in the past couple of years. I didn't want to go back to the 2000 nadir of "This set's a bit rubbish but I'll buy it to fill out my [theme] collection."

    ...so basically: when I had the expenses that go with having your own place. 
  • wardward Member Posts: 21
    edited May 2017
    Pretty early on. But only last week, after cleaning out the basement, I have bit the bullet and decided that some stuff needs to go. So today I have put a large part of the technic collection for sale. But much more should follow.

    LEGOFan2
  • devilheaddevilhead Member Posts: 286
    When I got some late 90's Town sets off Ebay that were just terrible.
    catwranglerLEGOFan2
  • SumoLegoSumoLego Member Posts: 15,229
    ^ And particularly the only person whose opinion matters.
    LEGOFan2
  • Coolguy5000Coolguy5000 Member Posts: 1,585
    I'm still ignoring this selective thing you speak of.
    SumoLegoLEGOFan2
  • madforLEGOmadforLEGO Member Posts: 10,788
    When I realized I did not have the space for the stuff I have now.
    LEGOFan2
  • bandit778bandit778 Member Posts: 2,379
    When I found myself becoming a collector of boxes of Lego instead of a builder of Lego sets.

    As my re-emerging into the hobby came about from the love of building with Lego, to keep on buying for the sake having stuff I want at the cost of enjoying the hobby made me take stock and slow down so I give myself time to actually build.
    catwranglerMaffyDchuckpLEGOFan2
  • SumoLegoSumoLego Member Posts: 15,229
    @stlux - perfect!
    snowhitieLEGOFan2
  • GeordiePaulGeordiePaul Member Posts: 599
    I realised when I was given the walk-in closet to store my sets on the various shelves in there and thinking to myself 'I'll never fill all of these shelves!'

    Suffice to say, the shelves are now full. And since my second child came along eight months ago, I even have sets that aren't built now, which I didn't think would ever happen because I always used to open the box within minutes of getting home.

    Currently saving up to buy the Grand Emporium and Town Hall modulars, which will be displayed out of the closet, so that shouldn't be an issue :-)
    catwranglerLEGOFan2
  • mh3490mh3490 Member Posts: 329
    @Yodalicious I had the same thing happen to me yesterday found a few sets I has no recollection of buying and as far as wives are concerned my wife is a personal trainer/fitness geek and gas about 200 pairs of leggings so we just agree to let each other collect whatever 
    Yodaliciouslentil
  • MextenMexten Member Posts: 73
    When CMF series 17 came out. It didnt come as a surprise, but it just struck me, that it will go on forever. This year it will probably be 2 regular series, 1 Batman movie series, 1 Ninjago series and maybe a Disney series too. And in a couple of years we will have CMF series 35. I cant get them all, so what is the point anyway?
    mak0137RecceLEGOFan2
  • PeteMPeteM Member Posts: 447
    I tend to just buy stuff I like rather than collect specific themes so getting selective has been a challenge without easily defined boundaries I can set :) Like others here I may have gone a bit crazy in the early days when faced with appealing discounts so checking those impulse buys has helped a bit. Also, I've drawn back on picking up 12v train stuff on eBay having finally come to the conclusion that I own more track than I would ever realistically be able lay out in the house and enough 'spare' motors for the time being.

    Finally, mentally picturing my cupboard of unbuilt sets (and if that fails checking those flagged as 'sealed' in my Brickset collection ) has slowed my purchasing, though I'm still buying more than I have the time to build at the moment...

    It's an evolving process... :)
    LEGOFan2
  • Russell844Russell844 Member Posts: 2,420
    For me it was when I lost my job in 2009 and was unemployed for 2 years.
    LEGOFan2
  • LordmoralLordmoral Member Posts: 927
    Like one or two years back, I have a healthy collection of CW era SW sets and other random bits but I realized that my dream was to construct a City. I am working on a 15-20 years deadline to complete it (I need to save for a house and college). I am currently displaying Original Trilogy sets with the City and sets and they look great.
  • DrmnezDrmnez Member Posts: 855
    I became selective when I wanted to spend money on other things
    LEGOFan2
  • MattPetersenMattPetersen Member Posts: 282
    I have always tried to keep it Superheroes only with a smattering of Star Wars sets and Minifigure series sets. 
    So far so good.
    my biggest issue is buying sets and having time to build them. 
    I cant wait for the summer (I'm a teacher). 

    DrmnezLEGOFan2
  • MrJacksonMrJackson Member Posts: 454
    I got hounded at this weekend by the family, wife, and in-laws about having Lego from top to bottom in the house. There were also colorful adjectives. Now, never mind the fact that we have 5 of those XL plastic storage shelves from Lowe's that are full of my wife's stuff that hasn't been gone through in the 2.5 years we've lived in the house, not to mention  that we havnt been able to start the nursery because I cant actually get in the room because it's so bogged down with more of her stuff. Instead, tho, it's the slow moving target that is the Lego collection that is the problem. Really made me angry. I'm half tempted to sell the whole collection, quit the second job, and be like seemingly every other 33 year old: come home from work and drink and play videogames or Netflix for 9 hours a day.

    Sorry; back on topic, I stick to city/3-in-1 buildings/modulars (have all 12), big technic sets, and the large scale vehicles like the Creator cars. Though I did just finally nab my White Whale and got a Super Star Destroyer.
    Bumblepantscatwranglerdatsunrobbienwr122snowhitieMegtheCatLegogramLEGOFan2
  • ImABrickManNowImABrickManNow Member Posts: 270
    When I realized that I could hardly afford the smallest sets, much less the big ones.
    Jern92LEGOFan2
  • Steve_J_OMSteve_J_OM Member Posts: 995
    I think TLG have done me a favour in getting so prolific with new sets (thanks @davee123 for the graphic - that was my feeling but didn't have the data to back it up).

    When I came out of my DA in late 2009, it felt as though I could be a completist - the first series of CMF hadn't hit, it'd be another two-and-a-bit years before Marvel and DC Superhoes hit the scene, and there seemed to be fewer blockbuster D2C sets to drool over. 

    After a while I was forced into acknowledging that I just can't afford everything, nor do I/will I have the room for everything. And I've found it really liberating - once that concession is made and you realise it's okay not to have everything, it becomes a more enjoyable hobby IMO. It's less about collecting something because you have to have it, and more about what you actually want. I checked out of the CMF years ago, because at what point will I run out of wall space for framed series of minifigs? Now I just get the minifigs I actually want to own, and it means I'm not shelling out money on minifigs I didn't want for the sake of being a completist.

    I'm very picky these days about the themes I collect (and even which sets within those themes). In the near future I can see the same logic that changed my CMF collecting habits begin to apply to the modulars; I've collected them all since the Fire Brigade, but that town can only get so big. My backlog is currently from the Detective's Office to Assembly Square, and I plan on getting the three missing sets, but eventually something will have to give there too.    
    catwranglerbandit778Toc13BumblepantslentilSumoLegosnowhitieLEGOFan2
  • catwranglercatwrangler Member Posts: 1,894
    The mention of CMFs reminds me that the £2.99 pricepoint holding has been the nudge I needed to stop buying them new, and to become more selective about which ones I get. I've never completed a series, but I've also decided I'm over the blind bag experience - I'd rather just wait and buy a bunch of ones I'd like from an Ebay seller. That way I save on postage, and some sellers do "X% off if buying 3 or more" offers, so every little help. 

    In general, I'm just really over buying things that will involve me wanting to recoup any of the outlay later on, so I'm trying out Nextflix rather than buying DVDs where I'm liable to want to Ebay them, and I really can't be bothered with swapping CMFs, because you need to be swapping multiples for it to be worthwhile postage-wise for a lot of collectors, and I've never bought enough to have enough doubles for that to work in my favour. 

    So basically time is as much a factor as money and storage...
    MegtheCatLEGOFan2
  • cleverusernamecleverusername Member Posts: 54
    I had a lot of Technic, but I realized that I didn't enjoy building Technic. I liked the function and the mechanics, but the build bored me. I sold it all and used the money to buy a #10188 (which is still sealed in its shipping box).

    When it came to selectivity regarding used Lego, going through a 40-gallon tub of dirty, hairy bricks and finding a brooch with the pin sticking out was a point (literally) of realization.

    I really slowed down with purchases this year. Although there is nothing wrong with collecting, it is not what I want to do. I see this with so many people and hobbies: accumulation eventually trumps activity, and getting becomes the hobby. I want to build and not collect. My personal stuff gauntlet is that I have to say yes to one of these three:
    1) Will I use personally?
    2) Will I use it at work?
    3) Will I share it?

    I break the rule a lot, but it helps me put stuff back.
    catwranglerLEGOFan2
  • RecceRecce Member Posts: 923
    I've been laid off 3 years ago. Pretty much most of the sets released since late 2015 I did not get. 

    Other than money issue, the lack of space also stopped me from buying more. Toys are visible everywhere in my house. My toy room had barely a narrow path for me to walk into. 

    Moving forward, probably will target CFMs and very specific individual sets. 
    LEGOFan2
  • CircleKCircleK Member Posts: 1,055
    edited May 2017
    I came out of my dark ages around 2012 thanks to a certain Haunted House and continued to go bat shit crazy from there. I think the realization happened for me when I felt like it had went from a hobby to just mindless consumerism. Buying sets that I really didn't want just b/c they were on sale, buying sets that I really only wanted a small part of or the figs from, not respecting the amount of free space in my home, and not appreciating the amount of money I was spending.  All of those things caused me to pull back.

    I'm much more centered today and I can honestly say that I enjoy the hobby much more than I ever have. I don't have to own all the things. I go several months between purchases now.  I only want two sets from the summer waves for example and they total $55 rrp. I still have a weakness for CMF, but even that has started to tapered off. At a certain point, enough has to be enough.
    catwrangler
  • lentillentil Member Posts: 53
    I've gotta be selective to save money for my other addiction - shopping at Costco! ;-)

    But yes, I've only been collecting LEGO for a few years and already display space is becoming an issue. I really only buy sets if:
    1) I think they are totally amazing designs/builds
    2) They are small and contain accessories/minifigs/etc. that can be incorporated into my town layout
    3) My daughter will play with them

    And my daughter's going to grow up, so sadly reason 3) will soon be defunct!
    LEGOFan2
  • pillpodpillpod Member Posts: 273
    I mostly collect minifigures that I find unique or funny looking. Beyond that, I don't buy too many sets. I'll mostly go after complete builds instead of vignette style play sets. This usually leads me to Ideas sets; the last few sets I've built have been Walle, the Maze, Exo Suit, and Back to the Future. 

    I decided not to buy any modulars because I knew it would be a slippery slope. Instead, I focus on designing and building my own mini modulars. They're cheaper to build, easier to display, and more fun! (for me). 
    LEGOFan2
  • TheOriginalSimonBTheOriginalSimonB Member Posts: 1,781
    When I realised how brilliant Ninjago is!  Although I'm still getting random bits and bobs that are fun to build while I am working on my grand plan to sort this room out for a big Ninja themed village of MOCs plus the Temple.
    LEGOFan2
  • redarmyredarmy Member Posts: 741
    What is this 'selective' you speak of?
    LEGOFan2
  • DrmnezDrmnez Member Posts: 855
    MattPetersen said:
    I have always tried to keep it Superheroes only with a smattering of Star Wars sets and Minifigure series sets. 
    So far so good.
    my biggest issue is buying sets and having time to build them. 
    I cant wait for the summer (I'm a teacher). 

    I'm the same. Correct superheroes, some SW (particularly ucs), some cmf, and a few just because sets.
    LEGOFan2
  • natro220natro220 Member Posts: 545
    I became selective soon after I came out of my DA's and bought like 10 Construct-a-Zerg's just because they were 75% off.  I realized quickly how space is limited, and even if something is a "deal", if I don't value it, don't plan on reusing the parts for MOC's or don't think I can resell it for a profit, I don't bother.  I abandoned the "got to have em all" mentality, and began only getting the sets within themes I really wanted.
    BumblepantssnowhitieGothamConstructionCoLEGOFan2
  • astarguyastarguy Member Posts: 40
    day one for me. I only purchase sets that i like no matter what theme it is. as it is i have over 339 different set as of right now not even today mind you but now and i have run out of room. and of course i am waiting on midnite to get at least 2 different ones to add to my collection.
    LEGOFan2
  • Lego_Lord_MayorcaLego_Lord_Mayorca Member Posts: 619
    I've been selective since the proverbial "day one" as well. My family did not have the disposable income to give me every Lego set I wanted, so I had to be very choosy. As I grew up, I learned that my parents were also imparting a very important life lesson to me: you can't have everything, and even if you can, it doesn't always mean you should. Therefore, I continue to collect and build only that which thoroughly attracts and interests me, and not fuss over buying multiples, full theme collections, or the like.
    BumblepantsLEGOFan2
  • MaffyDMaffyD Member Posts: 3,527
    I was selective right from the start. Still am, but slightly less so (which has caused me a bit of pain to be honest, but nothing I can't live with). I doubt my 'criteria' is anything remarkable so I won't share it, but it has saved me money and some space, whilst allowing me to build whenever I have the time. I'd consider it a good balance.
    LEGOFan2
  • FauchFauch Member Posts: 2,679
    I have low income so I have to be selective, on the bright side I have no debt and cost of living is pretty low. space isn't an issue yet, but new shelves tend to be filled up pretty quick.
    LEGOFan2
  • HugeYellowBrickHugeYellowBrick Member Posts: 496
    The day I groaned (not with pleasure!) when I saw this years Minecraft sets.
    LEGOFan2
  • mustang69mustang69 Member Posts: 544
    Fortunately I havent gotten to that point yet. Though my wife keeps telling me I will have to stop collecting at some point since we will run out of room, silly woman :P 

    Joking aside, I already try to be selective. I currently collect:

    The Winter Village line - We'll have to see if it continues, with the last two offerings not being the greatest (though I did get both).

    Modulars - Still dont have the Corner Cafe, Green Grocer or Town Hall but I may try to piece them together over time.

    Fairground -  I only have the ferris wheel and the new carousel. If I get any new ones down the road will depend on how good they look. A roller coaster will most certainly be a purchase but I'm not holding my breath for one.

    Star Wars - I have a few of the older sets but since I've come out of my dark ages in 2013 I've only picked up a handful of the ones that really caught my eye. If there is a new UCS Falcon that is a definite, otherwise I dont foresee me getting any new ones.

    Other than those I will occasionally pick up a house type set for my winter village layout or something else that looks good, like the Penguin Mobile. I also have been getting some of the CMF line but only the ones that I like, not complete sets.

    LEGOFan2
  • nmualumninmualumni Member Posts: 53
    I haven't had to get selective yet, but seeing that I am in a small office until I get my basement finished and have more than three times the room, all I am doing now for the most part is buying sets that are sitting in boxes.

    I will have a proper layout for a city setup as well as much more shelving for storage and display once the basement is done.

    I have about 18 sets waiting to be built, including three modulars, one UCS set, three Ideas sets and several other City and Star Wars sets.

    For the next couple months, my money will have to go to finishing the basement and not more sets.
    LEGOFan2
  • Farmer_JohnFarmer_John Member Posts: 2,405
    Over the past 3-4 years, I've really cut back on Lego purchases; specifically, SW sets. If I want to purchase a SW set and it's not at a decent price point, I can just wait a few years and TLG will release another re-hash.
    SumoLegostluxIceCreamClonesnowhitieLEGOFan2
  • SumoLegoSumoLego Member Posts: 15,229
    ^ And any sets I'm going to beg you for 10 minutes after they retire.
    LEGOFan2
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