[78-L] Collectors and 'hoarders'

[Robert M. Bratcher Jr.]

At 10:22 AM 11/11/2009, you wrote:

>Very well said. I would hate to be labeled a hoarder. I have become 
>very selective in my collecting as I got into my 50s. I consider my 
>library a sanctuary, a place to escape. I listen to what I want to 
>when I want to (family considerations allowed). Everything is in its 
>place - labeled, filed, indexed, and databased on the computer. I 
>can find any record within 60 seconds. I consider my collection to 
>be an archive. I call upon it regularly for a variety of 
>informational purposes. Occasionally, when I have a half-hour or so, 
>I just close myself up in it, grab a beverage, and just enjoy my 
>labors. Most of the collectors I knew in the area have moved on, 
>passed on, or dispensed of their collections, so it's pretty much a 
>solitary practice now, but I've spent the better part of my life 
>amassing my library and I wouldn't be without it. There are records 
>from every part of my life here, and I can relive my childhood, 
>teenhood, young adulthood, or any other time period with music.
>  Other than the sense of smell, I think that music is the most 
> powerful reminder of times past.
>
>
>
>Cary Ginell
>

So when these collectors passed away or got rid of their collections 
did you try to obtain any of it? 3 collector friends of mine passed 
away over the years & I have all of the records from those 
collections. Most of that stuff sits unplayed (even years later) on 
shelves. Some of it went into my own personal collection. The rest I 
don't know if I'll ever get to it. On the other hand a used record 
dealer I knew was getting out of the business & instead of his 
inventory going to a dumpster he gave them all to me before he closed 
his shop.  I put it all in storage. Went through it over a few months 
& kept what I wanted for my own collection tossing the rest in a 
landfill in several batches. Not that I like the idea of throwing 
away records however I just didn't want the ones I disposed of taking 
up space in my home.

But the records I own & listen to? Yes I enjoy them......