Why Some Collections Are Never Finished

There's an assumption that collections should be finished or complete—that the goal is to acquire everything and then stop. But many collectors appreciate the ongoing nature of collecting, finding meaning in the process rather than the endpoint. Some collections are never finished, and that's often part of their appeal.

For many collectors, collecting is about discovery, exploration, and connection rather than completion. The ongoing nature of collecting allows collections to evolve, reflect changing interests, and remain open to new discoveries. This openness often feels more meaningful than completion.

The Process Over the Endpoint

Many collectors appreciate collecting as an ongoing process rather than a goal to complete. The act of discovering new games, learning about different systems, or finding games that resonate creates particular kinds of satisfaction. This process-oriented approach emphasizes exploration and connection over completion.

People often connect collecting with particular feelings when it's understood as an ongoing process—the excitement of discovery, the satisfaction of learning, the pleasure of connection. These feelings come from the process of collecting, not from reaching an endpoint.

Evolving Interests

Collections often evolve as interests change. A collector might start with one system, discover interest in another, or develop appreciation for particular design movements. This evolution reflects personal growth and changing relationships with gaming culture. An unfinished collection allows for this evolution, remaining open to new directions.

Many collectors appreciate how unfinished collections can reflect changing interests and evolving relationships with games. A collection that's never finished remains flexible, able to grow in new directions as interests develop.

Common Misconceptions

There's a misconception that collections should be finished or that unfinished collections are incomplete. In reality, many collectors appreciate the ongoing nature of collecting—the way collections evolve, reflect changing interests, and remain open to new discoveries. Some collections are never finished, and that's part of their appeal.