Every wargamer, painter, or tabletop enthusiast knows that moment — you walk past a trade stand, spot a shiny new box of figures, and your rational brain simply shuts down. “I need that,” you tell yourself. “For the next project. For the collection. For... reasons.” And just like that, another addition joins your ever-growing Lead Mountain.
In my latest YouTube video, I take a humorous (and painfully honest) look at this very real phenomenon: Shinyitus. It’s that uncontrollable urge to start new projects, buy more miniatures than you’ll ever paint, and somehow justify it all as “essential hobby investment.”
From the ghosts of unfinished armies to the sacred rule of never painting your last miniature, the video dives into why so many of us can’t stop collecting — and why that might not be such a bad thing. For many of us, the mountain of unpainted figures isn’t a source of guilt; it’s a source of joy, potential, and motivation.
I share my own story of purging (and inevitably restocking) my collection, as well as the self-deprecating truth that no amount of maturity can cure Shinyitus. Whether you’re into historical wargames, fantasy battles, or just miniature painting, this is one video every hobbyist will relate to.
Watch the full episode, join the comments, and tell me: how bad is your case of Shinyitus?
Good stuff! You really hit your stride in this episode.
ReplyDeleteWell that's highly unlikely I'll ever paint my last miniature by the looks of my lead mountain or should I say mountains!
ReplyDeleteSpeaks to the heart of the matter. Still painting with no end in sight but I recognize my own limitations and am currently triaging my own lead mountain. Armies or units I can paint, figures that I hope to game with which I have started working with hired brushes to get into shape and finally there is 60% of the shining hoard (in my eyes) to sell or give away. I moved two years ago and I eliminated almost 90% of my library and 50% of my boardgames at that time as we were moving into a smaller space. I don't think there was anything I missed to the downsizing other than having to buy a set of rules when I couldn't find the set I know I still had somewhere in the storeroom.
ReplyDeleteI respect your fortitude.
DeleteIts a disease.....and I'm infected!
ReplyDeleteVery funny, Lee.
ReplyDeleteReally enjoyed this one Lee - had me chuckling a number of times!
ReplyDeleteAnother justification I use to hang onto my pile is "if it interested me once, it probably will do agin in the future!" :-)
I've got a whole drawer full of metals of all sorts of periods. As long as its getting painted slowly its all inspiration! Some of it has definitely come out for a rainy day and turned into months long projects.
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