Re: "Collecting" vs. "Owing and not using"

[Eric Goldstein <egoldste@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Michael Kersenbrock wrote:

> Stamps were made to be used.  Stamp collectors collect unused stamps that
> could still be used.  I once was a stamp collector when I was a kid and
> still have things like a mint-block of an Amateur Radio stamp.  They still
> could be put on letters and be used, but I don't.  I keep them.  Collected.
(snip)
> Yes, that's me getting metaphysical again.  Sorry about that....

>From a non-metaphysical photographers POV... :-)

I would respectfully suggest that while I can go to the post office and 
purchase an unlimited number of stamps to allow me to pursue my interest (or 
livelihood) in letter sending, I unfortunately cannot do the same with stereo 
cameras.

A grotesquely exaggerated and extremely rediculous example to illustrate the 
point...

Say, I needed to have a belplasca surgically implanted in me to survive the 
rare and life threatening disease I have contracted. I could not survive with 
the implantation of a currently manufactered camera.

The collector's application of the law of supply and demand would actually 
suggest that since demand is so extremely high in this particular case, the 
price of the offered belplasca should be greatly escalated because the need is 
so urgent (as some drug companies have been accused of doing with some meds).

>From the point of view of commerce, strictly speaking, I understand the 
mechanics of this. I simply don't agree with it, because I don't believe that 
commercial considerations should be the primary considerations in all 
circumstances. This extreme and exaggerated case would be (and in the case of 
the drug companies, is) one of them.

Back to real life... belplasca ownership is not a matter of life and death 
(though it seems that way sometimes!). But being able to get hold of a 7 perf 
camera could well be an important part of someone's livelihood or a scare and 
important artistic tool. I would rather live in a world which functions with 
fair-minded sellers (see previous post) who are generous in their pricing, 
with the understanding that these tools are both no longer available, and can 
play an important part in someones livelihood or serious artistic commitment.

A real life example of this... I believe institutions and generous individuals 
should loan money to serious up-and-coming performing artists to acquire Stads 
or Guanaris or other fine musical instruments upon which to hone their 
talents. Luckily, we live in such a world, and funds are often available in 
such instances. And sellers of these instruments often feel the kind of 
obligation to price fairly which I have been describing. Often, but not 
always. It seems to happen mostly when the instrument passes from musician to 
musician than from collector or dealer to musician...


Eric G.
egoldste@xxxxxx


PS. Now, mike watters, about that belplasca the doctors say I need to save my 
life... 8-)


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