What makes collecting so different from hoarding? - seeking research participants

[BAD-WAYNE]

I am a LONG time gaming collector and know several others. I also personally know a hoarder and I can tell you with absolute certainty that there is a difference; even in the ones who get carried away with their collecting...The most obvious two differences:

Collections have themes; the theme may be broad but it doesn't encompass everything they can get get their hands on.

Collectors (almost all of them) organize their collections for display and appreciation. They show pride in their collection by taking meticulous care of the items even if they aren't displayed. Hoarders don't necessarily care about the quality/condition of the stuff they collect as long as they know they still have it; where ever it may be. It's not uncommon for a hoarder to allow their stuff to decay into the ground so long as it is still theirs.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk