Saturday, June 8, 2013

The question I'm pondering today


Is there any functional difference between a serious book collector and a hoarder?


I hope so, but I'm not sure. 


12 comments:

Dave Drale said...

Dear Mark,
In my case, not a lot, I'm afraid.
Dave

Ticia said...

Yes: When a serious book collector acquires "that special edition" of a book, they get rid of the four dog-eared paperback copies on their shelves... Well, at least three of them. Maybe even just the one moldering in the corner. - Ticia

steveburnett said...

Paraphrasing from memory from The Wire: "I have often asked myself that self-same question on a number of occasions."

Mark said...

I fear I am on the wrong side of the line, though I will get rid of duplicate copies of the same edition. Usually.

John Lambshead said...

I think it's the degree of self delusion.

Anonymous said...

I believe its all in the display. If they look nice on book shelves your a collector. If they are just stacked neatly in boxes it could go either way. And if their in piles......

-rehcra

Anonymous said...

Hoarders don't properly care for their collections.

Mark said...

Catching up on the comments, what if you try to care properly but may not do so very well, and what if they look lovely on shelves--and in piles everywhere? These are the issues that concern me.

Anonymous said...

sounds like you may need to hire an organizer.

Mark said...

Nah. As my assistant would tell you, I defeat those. It's really an issue of space.

Michelle said...

I think the only functional difference is how you want to be identified. And, of course, if the producers of the show, "Hoarders", call asking for a home visit, that might be a hint.

Mark said...

That would indeed be a warning sign.

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