AA for us

@mitch2 added those too

I have tamed my obsessive/compulsive hobby proclivities by re-framing what I wish to accomplish. Stated simply, I aspire to be content versus happy. I also strive to be wise versus omniscient in my decisions.

The consumer market and advertising is geared toward "You can never be happy unless ... (fill in the blanks)." I certainly benefit from the experiences of fellow music enthusiasts. However, I stop reading when perceiving hubris or people asserting anything other than their equipment or experience is inferior.

The foregoing perspective allows me to keep an open mind, evaluate alternatives, and take my time in making decisions. Also, I keep in mind that all material items are a limited edition.  If a desired item goes out of production or is sold out, one can be assured that -- at some point -- it will be upgraded, replaced, or available in the used market place.  In the interim, count your blessings and enjoy the music.

@rock-on you have an approach, discipline and not a flawed OCD personality like mine. Still, your suggestions are golden and I will heed as much as I can!

One note: I am not affected by marketing. HOWEVER, I am sucker for aesthetics so in a way that is marketing too, and in that sense, I am swayed - I am a collector of beautiful objects.

@grislybutter 

"it's about the feeling of wanting more and something different, and not being able to stop."

That impulse has been selectively baked into us for hundreds of thousands of years. It is what has kept us alive - for better and for worse.

@dekay ....*!*

My imagination just imploded.....*sigh*
Well, at least it's not dangerous stimuli and stimulettes.....

....or?  *lacivious L* ;)