I haven't done any blog homework for quite some time. So, I think I'll make up for lost time. As far as what I collect can be summed up in one thing. That would be media. I primarily focus on the following things. Music. cassettes, CDs, and vinyl. Books, movies, and video games.
With the music, It's part business and part collector. I keep my eyes open for anything that is not only culturally significant but highly sought after. With most vinyl records I come across if it's brand new, the rule of thumb If I feel the artist is going to have a huge impact I generally leave them sealed. When I do pick up something that is used. I know condition is always everything. I know the luckiest find I have is an original pressing of David Bowie's Heroes. I paid $10 CDN for it. I know at this current moment it retails between $50-$80. But every so often I get certain records in my collection that I have no way of appraising correctly. When that happens, I need to find someone that can that better than I can. Right now I have Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins first records in my collection. So I will get the right people to look after that. With cassette tapes, I can honestly say that most aren't worth batting an eyelash since most of the ones I find worth getting since over 90% of the ones I find don't get the same upkeep like a record gets. As for CDs I usually get them if I keep certain vinyl records sealed.
Books are something most of us enjoy reading. My favourite author is Nancy Kilpatrick. She's a Canadian horror writer that has been described as "Canada's Queen of Damned" by a newspaper in Ottawa if I remembered. But I just don't read her stuff I try to read other horror writers work when I can. Also, I do enjoy reading up on a lot of science books from some scientists that I look up with respect and adoration. Dawkins and Hawking come to mind. Graphic novels and comics also end up in my collection as well. I also enjoy having art books in my collection as it helps me with my work in the men's shop that's in the department store I that I work in.
With movies, I know a lot of usually have a digital download or a pirated copy. But I like having a physical copy. If I have the good fortune of meeting some of the actors or actresses, I will try to get them autographed. I have a VHS copy of the very first Star Trek movie. I know William Shatner is coming to a con in my hometown. So I will try to get it signed by him. That I can say is something you can't do with a pirated copy.
With video games, I try to find some with really great storylines and plots to in the game itself. I keep my eyes open on the chance I see some really good PS 1, 2, 3, or 4 games. Like I mentioned with the records being sealed in my collection, I do get the odd one that is sealed. But more often than not I don't find many sealed games. So I get to enjoy them when I need to play Resident Evil or Final Fantasy.
I think that sums it up. Tell me what you think. Do you do any of the listed things for blog homework assignments? Do you collect anything?