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The Need to Collect

 

Explanations > Needs > The Need to Collect

Need | Example | Related to | Discussion |  So what?

 

 

Need

Humans have a curious need to collect things. Think about people who collect cards, dolls, antiques and so on. Sometimes the collected item is of use, but often the only benefit is the pleasure of adding to one's collection.

When we collect things, finding new items to add to our collection and gaining a complete set is particularly satisfying.

Example

Collecting stamps has little purpose other than for the collector.

People collect autographs as a way of connecting with their heroes.

The first ever customer on eBay bought a broken laser pointer - because he collected them.

Related to

 

Part of Related to
Control, Possess Novelty

 

Discussion

Collecting can be like hunting. Much pleasure can be gained in searching for new items to collect, with delight as each is found and pride in having a complete set. Collection sets often have nonlinear availability. Some items (possibly the majority) are cheap and easy to acquire, while others are rare and expensive.

Scarcity is a significant principle here. Collecting things which are easy to find is not as satisfying as finding that rare item in some out-of-the-way shop, especially if you can pick it up for a bargain price.

Evolutionary origins seem likely to be around hoarding food, kindling and other necessities to survive winter, drought or other periods of limited resources. Animals also hoard, and we talk about 'squirreling away' things.

Collection can be a solitary hobby but many collectors use it as a way socialize. Collectors of each item have their own magazines, conferences and so on. They make friends, show off collections, and buy and sell to one another.

There is much money to be made in selling to collectors. Actions may include:

  • Marketing a set of items as being desirable and collectable.
  • Creating and growing a community of collectors.
  • Spreading passion about collecting, such as in a blog.
  • Dealing in new and second-hand items.
  • Organizing conventions and other meetings.

So what?

Offer people ways to collect things. Show that what you offer is rare and desirable. Give them a part of the set, a starter to get them going. Then draw them in by making additions increasingly rare and desirable. You can exchange the desired items for significant other things you want from them. The more they want the item, the more you can ask in return.

See also

Consistency Principle, Involvement principle

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Site Menu

| Home | Top | Quick Links | Settings |

Main sections: | Disciplines | Techniques | Principles | Explanations | Theories |

Other sections: | Blog! | Quotes | Guest articles | Analysis | Books | Help |

More pages: | Contact | Caveat | About | Students | Webmasters | Awards | Guestbook | Feedback | Sitemap | Changes |

Settings: | Computer layout | Mobile layout | Small font | Medium font | Large font | Translate |

 

 

Please help and share:

 

Quick links

Disciplines

* Argument
* Brand management
* Change Management
* Coaching
* Communication
* Counseling
* Game Design
* Human Resources
* Job-finding
* Leadership
* Marketing
* Politics
* Propaganda
* Rhetoric
* Negotiation
* Psychoanalysis
* Sales
* Sociology
* Storytelling
* Teaching
* Warfare
* Workplace design

Techniques

* Assertiveness
* Body language
* Change techniques
* Closing techniques
* Conversation
* Confidence tricks
* Conversion
* Creative techniques
* General techniques
* Happiness
* Hypnotism
* Interrogation
* Language
* Listening
* Negotiation tactics
* Objection handling
* Propaganda
* Problem-solving
* Public speaking
* Questioning
* Using repetition
* Resisting persuasion
* Self-development
* Sequential requests
* Storytelling
* Stress Management
* Tipping
* Using humor
* Willpower

Principles

+ Principles

Explanations

* Behaviors
* Beliefs
* Brain stuff
* Conditioning
* Coping Mechanisms
* Critical Theory
* Culture
* Decisions
* Emotions
* Evolution
* Gender
* Games
* Groups
* Habit
* Identity
* Learning
* Meaning
* Memory
* Motivation
* Models
* Needs
* Personality
* Power
* Preferences
* Research
* Relationships
* SIFT Model
* Social Research
* Stress
* Trust
* Values

Theories

* Alphabetic list
* Theory types

And

About
Guest Articles
Blog!
Books
Changes
Contact
Guestbook
Quotes
Students
Webmasters

 

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© Changing Works 2002-
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