The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I'm married, have friends (that I have something in common with) and collect records... If being a "loner" means not adding mindless "friends", who are not aware of anything cultural or historical and concentrate on the meaningless sports and wacky pop culture "Kardashianesque" current world, then count me in...

"New study finds link between collecting vinyl and being a middle-aged loner"

"Are you a loser with no friends? Chances are you’ve got a pretty sweet record collection"

http://consequenceofsound.net/2016/08/n ... ged-loner/[/quote]

What nonsense! In my experience one of the nicest things about this hobby of ours is the social side.

I rarely miss any of my local CLPGS meetings, and about once a month four or five of us who live nearby meet to play records. In fact we are meeting at my house this week to play records on a seasonal theme, drink tea (this is England) and consume mince pies.

I am also asked give talks and demonstrations to local groups, which as well as being a pleasure helps to raise public awareness of our hobby. Although I never accept a fee for these talks I have benefitted indirectly, because the more my collecting interests are known the more I am offered.

I also believe Ludwig Van Beethoven and Vincent Van Gogh were loners with few friends. But I wouldn't define Beethoven and Van Gogh as losers. I'm going to see Beethoven's great 9th Symphony this weekend in San Diego. Vita Brevis, Ars longa!

After reading the article again and looking up the music that was referred to, I have concluded that you would have to be a loser with no life to listen to the crap referred to as being rare and desirable in the neo-vinyl world...

Quote from article:
"That’s right — the chances of you being a total loser seem to correlate with the size of your record collection. More specifically, the study (first reported by The Vinyl Factory) found that 56 percent of vinyl collectors don’t like to share their feelings, while a whopping 69 percent can be described as introverts who enjoy spending time alone. Then again, with that sealed out-of-print copy of Sonic Youth’s Goo just waiting to be caressed — I mean, listened to — who needs friends?"

Actually, who could have friends if you listen to this tripe... you might just fall into the category of loner, loser, PSYCHO... This is probably what Ted Kaczynski listened to that drove him to become the unabomber...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfwIFTsx8WE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcCzEB_-NTs

In this new age of nearly anonymous "friends" being collected by the 100's on Facebook, I'd rather be a loner with a few interesting hobbies to keep me occupied.
I have plenty of good "acquaintances" but that's all that they are. I have a loving family and a dog that curls up next to my woodstove. And now I have a VV-XVI... I don't need any friends that will only need help moving their belongings.