Fan Memorabilia: Why exactly do we collect them?

[Stiletto]

Hmm... I am wondering what your take is on fan memorabilia and (if you collect any) what is the attraction in collecting them?

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For me, I lean more towards the sentimental value of collecting fan memorabilia. Anime-wise, I've collected CDs, shitajiki, artbooks, and a few figures from a few of my favorite shows... simply because they are from my favorite shows. I like having to own a things that exist outside of just watching a series, which really makes me appreciate a favorite show more than just viewing it on TV. It's a "fan thing" I know, but I do try to not go overboard with collecting too many things and collect things only in a healthy moderation.

EDIT: I kind of weighed the decision to put this in general because it's more of a "general" question, but if this topic really belongs in entertainment, then that is ok.

[ChristianKitsune]

OOH interesting thread to be sure!! ^_^

hmm.. lets see... I think my reasonings is the same as yours. I like the things I watch...and I guess having some action figures or music from it makes the experience more enjoyable

[mitsuki lover]

Well I collect DVDs because a lot of the time it is the only way of watching and rewatching shows that I enjoy(e.g.Silent Mobius,Dual,etc.)and of getting to see others that I would never have a chance otherwise to see(e.g.Melty Lancer,Bubblegum Crisis 2040,etc.).
I also collect novels and other books(e.g.Star Trek)as a way of enjoying adventures that never appeared on tv or in the movies and also learning more about my favorite shows.
T'shirts I collect to show my fan support(do they have Silent Mobius or Dual tees?)
Comics/Mangas for the same reason as novels plus at times they're the only way
I can keep the spark alive when a series isn't on any more or I have no other way
of enjoying it.

[uc pseudonym]

Just to provide a different perspective: I don't. I've never bought that type of item and I own only a few because they have been given to me for free or something of the sort. So I can't cast a great deal of light on why many people collect them.

[Kaligraphic]

I think that if someone is "collecting" fans of something, that needs to be reported to the authorities, because kidnapping is a crime.

In all seriousness, though, I suspect that it comes from a similar drive to that which causes people to buy souvenirs of places that they visit. A way of making the experience more tangible.

Of course, not being one who buys souvenirs or fan memorabilia, this conjecture is based more on observation and logic than on direct experience.

[MorwenLaicoriel]

Hmmm...I'm not entirely sure, actually. I've always been a big collecting junky. I guess it's just a bunch of stuff I like to have around for fun...plus I enjoy my animation-related t-shirt collection, it makes me feel like my wardrobe is a bit unique.

[mitsuki lover]

fan=fanatic which is reason enough in and of itself.I mean it's the same reason why some people collect baseball cards of their favorite players or keep ticket stubs from plays that their favorite actors were in really.

[Alice]

I collect books. Cuz I like 'em. But my collection is somewhat haphazard; I don't spent a lot of money on it.

And I tend to collect manga after I buy it, because I don't want to sell it for pennies on the dollar if I like it. (If I don't like it, that's a different story.)

[Crimson Crusade]

I have 48 Gundam af