David Harbin wrote:

>Can I ask: do you think that someone can become addicted to buying
>classical CDs?  Do you get a rush of adrenalin when you savour the
>thought of that next purchase?  ...

I still suffer somewhat from the same affliction I had in high school
(late 50s).  That is, the problem with my records is that I've heard them
all.  But the situation has changed in that there are many in my collection
I haven't heard, or have only heard once. I don't think the purpose of
a large collection is to cycle through the whole thing periodically,
beneficial though that may be. It's to have at one's fingertips a wide
variety of treasured material, so that when one is in the mood for
something special, it's there.

Of course the thrill of owning something for which one has special love
and respect, or which is a true rarity, or has some other desirable quality,
is very real. As is the idea that one's collection is an exponent of one's
personality, on view for others to appreciate. Who has not (or would not
be) thrilled to see a friend browsing one's CD collection and saying in awe
(hopefully) "YOU have THIS??? Where did you find this? I've wanted this for
years!"

While abstaining for a half year might seem to be a noble thing to do,
in the end what will you have gained, I wonder? You'll save money of
course--but what will you do with the money? Buy more CDs? Or branch out
into another area? Help the poor? Contribute to a political campaign? I
don't know.

To me, an addict is one who spends beyond his or her means on something,
to the detriment of family and health. If nobody is adversely affected by
one's indulgences, then one is a collector, and perhaps a connoisseur.

Chris Bonds