dwmoar Loc: Oregon, Willamette Valley

Better then chocolate ice cream with sprinkles

suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

Consumption means using up-
Conspicuous Consumption- has a negative implication
I was going to ask for clarification but this subject has probably been exhausted so I won't drag it out by asking.

RodeoMan Loc: St Joseph, Missouri

"Conspicuous Consumption" was term coined in the early part of the last century by economist Thorstein Veblen in his book The Theory of the Leisure Class and refers to people of higher economic class flouting their social clout by showing off their wealth by purchasing very expensive items that they did not need in their daily lives, but were purchased to show off to their wealth to others who were similarly situated. Over the years it has come to refer to, I think, to anyone who buys something they don't really need for the purpose of showing off to others or to affirm for themselves that they have achieved a certain degree of status or economic comfort that they can afford the purchase. When we are talking about people on this forum who might possibly be seeking affirmation or recognition from others for their choice of a camera, it would be similar to me wanting the same sort of confirmation for new pen I purchased to further my fountain pen hobby. There is really no neighbor or anyone in my family or circle of friends who really would have any real interest or knowledge about my new pen. If I wanted a pat on the back for my choice, I would need to reach out to folks on fountain pen forum. It is same here. If people want to talk about their cameras and other equipment, they will reach out to their friends in this community or other similar forums. I was perhaps a bit flip in my final statement about if you want to be conspicuous you announce your purchase to others. However in the sense that I just mentioned, if I wanted to share my joy about a new camera purchase, what better way than to mention it on this forum of people who would understand how I felt. About your topic, judging by the number of responses received, you struck a chord with people. I agree with you about not asking others for permission to make a purchase for whatever reason you make that purchase. I agree that conspicuous consumption does have a negative ring to it, but realistically I don't know how our economy would run with out it. This has been an interesting discussion. Thank you for initiating it.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

OLD money folks have humility and live modestly. No one need know they are wealthy, because they don't care. NEW money — the nouveaux riche — practice conspicuous consumption. They came from nowhere and have a need to celebrate, gloat, or otherwise let people know they've arrived. They flash their cars, houses, jewels, and clothes, almost as if they are convincing themselves they are worthy. They attract pick-pockets.

I've known both types in my life, along with folks across the spectrum of economic existence from penniless to millionaires. I greatly prefer those who don't care about their wealth or lack thereof. The old-monied tend to share generously, in anonymous ways, so you would never know they are filthy F-ing rich by their public actions. They are down to earth genuine souls, interesting to talk with, and learn from.

There was an old guy in my church when I was a teen who was a multi-millionaire. He ran a textile company in suburban Greenville, SC, which at the time, was the textile capital of the world. I chatted with Art for about three hours one Sunday afternoon, about photography. We were both hobbyists, and had a great conversation. The next week, he brought me some prints to look at, and I showed him a box of mine, too. He was good. But he asked me what I thought, and we shared stories.

I finally asked him what he did for a living. When I found out, I was stunned. He laughed. "Yeah, I have been pretty successful. But I was also lucky to be born into it. I can't say I'm special, just that I've paid attention. It could all be lost tomorrow, so I just want to enjoy today. Money won't make you happy. It just makes life easier." That was such a stunning statement, I went to the car and wrote it down. I'll never forget that guy. He was wealthy and he was humble. Many of the other folks in that church were semi-wealthy and cocky as hell. Art was just a nice guy, who happened to have money. He drove a ten-year-old car and wore worn out loafers and chinos with a tattered sport coat.

He did have a Rolleiflex 2.8F Planar... With a strip of gaffer's tape over the logo!

RodeoMan Loc: St Joseph, Missouri

Thank you for a great story and a good lesson. People should do the best with what they have and hopefully some of what they do should be to help make things better.

Robertl594 Loc: Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and Nantucket

I enjoy new gear as much as I like taking the photographs. There is a balance. My balance is predicated on me, no one else. I buy what I want, when I want it, assuming I feel that I am receiving appropriate value for the money I have outlayed. This does partially border the lifestyle and form vs function question. By the way, I get wonderful service from my local camera store!

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Start where you are. Buy equipment. Admire other's equipment. Buy more equipment. Sell equipment. Find a new hobby.

Badgertale Loc: Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA

I love a good rant!

junglejim1949 Loc: Sacramento,CA

ronpier Loc: Poland Ohio

I ask others if they are helping to pay for it. Otherwise I prefer to make my own research and decisions.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

I do my own research too. A good part of that is asking opinions and reading reviews.

Wroley1 Loc: Athens,GA

Cheers! Somebody needed to say that.

gwilliams6

Sierracoyote Loc: Sierra Nevada Mountains

10MPlayer Loc: California

I frequent another forum dedicated to musical instruments and music in general. A lot of players have GAS and end up with dozens of instruments and accessory equipment, often duplicates of the same kind. The criticism is generally weighted toward a preference for used equipment. "Why pay for a new instrument when it loses half its value when you walk out the door?" With that kind of thinking the instrument makers would go out of business and all we'd have is old used stuff.

I agree, that if you have the money and the desire then go ahead and buy all the cameras and lenses you like. If you get too many and you end up never using some of them then sell them off. There will be someone out there looking for a deal. I don't get why people get so riled up over some guy they don't even know making a purchase. I'm still using my 2013 Canon 60D so I'm definitely not in the GAS crowd but I have been getting the itch to upgrade lately. My next camera would most likely be my last so I can justify buying the latest and greatest, at least for now.