You Should Probably Let It GO

[@tabletopminions]

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[@sjogzor]

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[@nanorider426]

@@sjogzor Å?

[@icewindofchange]

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[@partytor11]

ÅÄÖ? ÆØÅ?

[@Recker1984]

Take a look a ninjon for how to make super good gap filler that works awesome its glue + leftover sprue

[@MrFahqup]

Pile of shame is slowly converted to a smaller "Prime" pile. From there it's converted into a much smaller painted pile. It's a process. Like tracking a glacier's movement.

[@waynesolo]

"Like tracking a glacier's movement." Totally made me chuckle. 😄

[@TheSianFromAtlantis]

I will never get tired of hearing you being sensible, decent, and affirming. I always feel better after watching your videos and that's something I can't say about a lot of KZbin, frankly.

[@calvanoni5443]

And then take no action, like a Hoard Boss!

[@kenrickdavis5355]

I listen to him while jogging 😂😅

[@Benjam311]

As someone that got into wargaming in the 90's and have jumped in and out of the hobby for years, I cannot tell you how many times I have heard friends say "I really regret selling my army". Once I have painted a model, I cannot sell it, either. Once painted, I have a connection with them such that I just can't let them go, even if they are painted horribly. I have many painted 4th edition Warhammer fantasy models that sit in a box, and every couple of years i'll sift through them and reminisce. They are hugely sentimental and some of the only possessions I have from back then. They bring back memories from that era that aren't even about the game, but the friends from that time, where we went, what we did, they are just such a cool little physical momento to have.

[@comicmaniac1587]

"And now it's Dave's problem" literally had me laughing so hard I fell off my bed

[@davidschneider5462]

Hey it's my problem? How did that happen?

[@ProrokLebioda]

As laws of physics state: The higher the pile, higher the potential energy! I don't like selling minis, but sometimes it's the best course of action. It allows funding minis that I could actually paint.

[@bragoen]

Sooo, I should lift my pile of shame to the top level of a shelf, got it

[@calvanoni5443]

@@bragoen You're pile should have a height above you're highest shelf level, or you're not really serious!

[@bragoen]

@@calvanoni5443 you mean the Ziggurat of Potential ?

[@calvanoni5443]

And then make inappropriate sacrifices stop it, painted with blood!

[@adrianbk698]

Excellent advice all round. I do however, need a t-shirt that says 'those minis are Dave's problem now'. I reached a point a few years back where I did a massive clear-out of RPG and miniature games asking 'will I really, actually play this?' It felt a little ruthless, but painted and unpainted, entire armies, warbands, and other groupings left and the wallet was happy. Now, I've been able to look at just the two games that make me happy and buy minis at a reasonable rate and take the time to just enjoy painting. Lastly, the other joys of FB groups for selling are (i) no fees to gouge away your dollars, and (ii) the potential for trading online rather than selling. The flexibility is so great.

[@bogroomthoughts3338]

The 'pile of shame' isn't just a cute nick name for it anymore. It's shame on top of anxiety, guilt and feeling of being overwhelmed by the task of working out what is there and how to move it on. I've come to terms with knowing that life isn't going to give the time that i was hoping to spend on the hobbies anymore - which I'm fine with as it leaves more time for family - and I'd be lying to myself (and the wife) that I will ever get the time for it again which isn't fair or a healthy perspective. Just need to find the time to now spend on working on releasing the unused models back out to people that could hopeful give them more of a life I can. Thanks Uncle Atom, will watch this video a few more times to keep me motivated as the journey continues. Thanks 🤝

[@BigFrenchNose]

People that don't buy new minis until they build and paint the ones they have exist, I'm one of those! It is actually my motivation to finish my pile, when I see something new I want I make myself finish my current project in order to buy new minis.

[@Jesusguy-08k]

ditto

[@cdwizzerd]

I used to do this whole 'pile of shame' overbuying as a teenager, I have a ton of unpainted space wolves in another country. but as an adult, I've been able to exercise self control and I never buy new minis unless my current project is done/almost done. feels great honestly

[@xTERRORMANx]

Wish I could do that!

[@cdwizzerd]

it takes a lot of self control, but it really pays off. I can't buy any of the new 30k boxes until all of my night lords kill team is painted. sure it sucks to not have models that I want when they come out, but this is a huge motivator for getting me to paint. wanting new models motivates me to get the ones I am working on done, so I can buy them. I feel like as a hobby focused wargamer, it helps to think of your models like a sketchpad. you can buy another one when it's full, but there is no point in buying a new pad to draw in when you have so many empty pages. it's also removed my guilt from buying plastic crack. I only ever buy two units at a time, and I always know when I do it's because I had a great time painting the last two boxes, and it's because I really want to work on the next two. it's removed any sort of impulsive buying, I just get what I really really want now. it's fantastic. I really do believe anyone can be like this when it comes to the hobby. it just takes a conscious effort to change your relationship with purchasing. it becomes about the project, and not just buying cool minis.

[@TheCimbrianBull]

@@cdwizzerd we're on the same page about the hobby. I have absolutely no shame or remorse about buying minis. You only live once!

[@bearded_gamer_88]

I’m glad I’m not the only one. My wife is completely surprised by my ability to not get a new sets until I finish my current project. It took a lot time to build up that self control.

[@bubbadoom1837]

"A plucky little company...". Lol the dry laugh I needed this morning.

[@elysianfieldstarot]

Almost 3 years ago I took a pile of stuff to a local Warboot, had a blast, made over a grand selling stuff. Went to another a few months ago with the same result. In the years in between I never even opened the boxes those mins were in. In the cold light of day, if you're never going to play the game again, sell it to someone who really wants it. I can't deny that I'm sad to see my Templars go for pennies on the pound, but they were literally worthless gathering dust in a box in the garage. After that enormous cull of mins and ALL my terrain, I STILL have several 80 litre boxes left in the garage; Titanicus, never played, mostly painted, hope to get to a table one day. Space Hulk still playing, Dreadfleet (move along, nothing to see here), elf lady on a beetle, always wanted to paint her, will do this year, and a few other odds and sods. I feel your pain I really do, but if you can keep only the armies you play and once your display case(s) are full, it's better to be one in one out Final advice: when you go to a Warboot to sell your collection. Do. Not. Buy. Anything. Right I'm off to scour Facebook for stuff I don't need but have to have!

[@HeadCannonPrime]

quick question, what is a 'Warboot'?

[@elysianfieldstarot]

@@HeadCannonPrime Like a carboot, but you sell (mainly Games Workshop) stuff you no longer paint/play. Sometimes historical stuff, and if you're real lucky a few board games. Highly recommend attending as a buyer or seller. It brings me joy to see my stuff getting a second life!

[@davidwasilewski]

Does anyone else identify with the Scrooge feeling of having all the figures for a big project, including lots of rare and oop stuff, all sat in one big box. You get pleasure from getting it all out from time to time in the knowledge that ‘one day’ you’ll get round to it!

[@MedinaPrime]

Yes 👏

[@Pers0n97]

I do actually.

[@calvanoni5443]

It's a sense of superiority! 😉

[@losmiercoles]

Yes. Now I'm laughing building an MKII only force while everyone moans they're OOP.

[@HeadCannonPrime]

I have come round the bend and now looking at all the stuff I didn't do fills me with regret. I have at least 2,500 pts of orcs painted and another 2,000 sitting partially done for the last 4 years. Every time I see them I get this sick feeling of waste since I don't even play orks or even 40k anymore.

[@sebastiencarrieres8825]

I must admit, I'm one those "unicorn". I have no pile of shame. There are grey models in my bits box, but as I play Warcry, I have no need of 10 dire wolves. I painted 3, and the remaining 7 are bits.

[@Alex-dr1ez]

I have no pile of shame, my problem is i have too many armies. Not enough space or time to play them all lol.

[@sebastiencarrieres8825]

@@Alex-dr1ez That's a problem! I try to stay with only 5-6 bands max. And sell what I don't play anymore.

[@sebastiencarrieres8825]

It's also a good way to finance your hobby.

[@Alex-dr1ez]

​@@sebastiencarrieres8825 well it would be one thing if it was small warbands, unfortunately for me its full armies.. I just get so invested in it and then as you naturally swap to other armies for variety. Hard to sell at that point.

[@jakea3950]

I mean, buying a pack of 10 wolves to only use 3 and dismantle the rest is just as bad as buying an army and only painting under a third of it. That example you gave states you have more grey then painted but since it's a small scale you seem to feel exclusive. Quite funny 😁 lol.

[@ocha-time]

I had a box of Indomitus about 15% assembled and painted under my bed for over a year and a half and bought Cursed City and Blackstone Fortress and stuff was just sitting around. Threw Indomitus as it was on ebay, returned my Cursed City and told myself I'd finish Blackstone Fortress before I bought another big box. Got two small boxes after that (one completed, one 25% completed), but I'm down to five models left in BSF, just primed two of them this morning before leaving for work! New rule is finish a box, get a box (or don't get a box)

[@richardokeeffe8375]

Having a pile of hobby pressure was clashing with my anxiety and shipping it on really helped me

[@Pirxel]

I'm new to the hobby, a few months, about 30 minis painted, some terrain and so on, but so far I managed to only buy minis when I'm done (or almost done) with the previous box and I intend to keep it that way :P

[@jakea3950]

Good job but as the above says, you'll most likely get pulled in if it becomes your main hobby due to dumb fomo tactics. However if you keep in mint condition you'll break even or make money so it's fine. Still, sticking to a plan is always best just... hard haha

[@HeadCannonPrime]

Then GW will release a big box set for YOUR army with a limited edition model that can't be purchased outside and it is pre-order only and it might sell out before long.

[@MrMisterthesnake87]

As a 3D printer, my pile of shame(potential) isn't only the half box of MCP, 800 pts of space marines, misc DnD minis, and other whatnots I thought looked cool at the FLGS... but also the 300gig and growing STL folder.

[@stormycatmink]

Space and organization was my problem. But I still saw so much potential, so for me it was just a matter of finding better organizational solutions to store it better. In my case, 4 book cases and a dozen Really Useful Boxes.

[@awesome_claw]

I'm currently in a phase of finishing every project I have built before I build anything else. So far I've painted half of AoS Dominion, two flames of war armies, half a bolt action army, a dystopian wars starter, and still have a necromunda crew, a Warhammer underworlds box, an invictor, and a few other things. Pile of shame is also occasionally still growing but gradually getting there.

[@leopereira4718]

This has been my approach lately too. I’m still buying models every now and then, but I try my very best to paint and finish more models than I buy

[@brockfordjunktion]

I've done a couple of short videos on the pile. One thing that helped me reduce it was filming myself painting, as it motivated me to get started. It took a while to not give every model the hero treatment though. Not all of them end up posted as full painting videos, but I don't feel bad about taking a break from painting now.

[@smackroscoe]

I'm in the process of moving to the south of the country. The # of unread books, comics, models, toys, games & equipment that got purged with a vengeance was impressive & yes, shameful. Sometimes you need your own "moment of truth/reality" where your forced to make a decision to keep or purge. I do feel better & thanks for wisdom.

[@klavakkhazga3996]

I don't really sell, but it's great that the 2nd hand market in this hobby is so big. I have built multiple large armies and found some of my favourite OOP models for a fraction of the price over the years

[@ryanschroeder1461]

"Dave, take this. It's your problem now." 😅

[@hansiboo657]

I personally have a tub of disinterest. I exclusively field models that are fun to field. Not play, but that deploying them in itself is exciting. If models don't invoke that sort of feeling they just end up in the tub because there's no 'why' to painting them for me. Models do end up leaving the tub eventually for one reason or another though.

[@willroarty1512]

Just as I'm getting ready to sell off part of my backlog... What timing!

[@thoughtengine]

I have been feeling crappy and snowed-under and all manner of negativity about my stash for some time. Sometimes I wish I could just bring myself to ditch the lot and star again in a more organised manner. It is an odd co-incidence... that I should resolve myself to sort this lot out tonight, and as soon as I get home, here you are with this to discuss. Face it, I'm not going to live long enough to build all these damn things around me. Sometimes I think I don't want to.

[@viewtifuljoe4412]

I hope you can sort through your stuff and pick out at least two armies you are passionate about so you can have them to be able to fight each other ^_^ ❤

[@thoughtengine]

@@viewtifuljoe4412 Shouldn't be too hard, given how Gaslands teams are so expensive, a team could be nought but two cars...

[@hurricanehanz0886]

"A plucky little company that I really hope does make it one of these days..." Had me cracking up, lol. Thank you for your wonderful asides, they're always lovely little brief detours on our journey through your wargaming content

[@SoleSurvivor2055]

I recently got rid of about 6,000 mini's. all unbuilt of course. Now i have about 40 and 3 boardgames to paint and i actually managed to drag some stuff out to prime recently! which is a huge step because before i would just say to myself "Ill get to that soon"

[@dornjr]

Can confirm that Hordes Hydra was in my 2020 LVO swag bag ... can also confirm Uncle Atom as spotted at same con is impressively taller in real life than you'd expect. Loved this video Atom, keep it up! 🙂👍

[@House-Atreides]

TRUTH: Having a 3d printer changes the concept of “pile of shame”. It reduces FOMO and allows me to focus my attention and on painting time.

[@demon1103]

Sadly I still get FOMO...but that's due to Patreon deals for STLs being so good (I can get these 20+ models for $10 this month...but if I wait it'll cost $50). Even worse I now not only have a pile of shame...but an almost 400gb "hard drive of shame" XD

[@biobasher]

@@demon1103 *chuckles in 2 terrabytes*

[@garymcgregor5951]

Way to create FOMO about 3D printing!

[@badgerwijohnson4081]

@@biobasher I wish it was just 2 terabytes. I can't stop downloading. I may have a real problem.

[@House-Atreides]

@@badgerwijohnson4081 you need to get excited about creating and fielding one army or game or scenario. This way you divert your attention from horsing the next game and actually start executing and the painting, crafting, world building, and best of all …game playing. Set a date in the future with friends and work towards that. Good luck mate!

[@robertdean52]

Vintage gaming! Oh yes, I know that one. I’m actually working on (and have played the preliminary games of) a Tolkien game using the ~1975 Minifigs Mythical Earth figures. That’s where I started, so it’s definitely a nostalgia thing. But, the existence of that project has taken the energy from some other potential vintage projects, which should therefore be considered for release back into the market.

[@WarGamerGirl]

Once a model is assembled and I've put some paint on it... I will NEVER part with it. That's just too much work lol

[@HeadCannonPrime]

Give it 30 years or so. When your kids start asking what they are supposed to do with all this stuff when you die it changes your perspective.

[@d-bro-sector36]

Well, but then it is no longer part of the pile of shame, so...

[@carbon1255]

@@thatsheresy Eugenicist used to be an insult. And its ideas like that that are turning the world bad.

[@killerwife]

This year I have basically been reducing my unboxed minis. Last year after a surgery I had 6 unpainted blood bowl teams, about 30 unpainted space marines and then a few. What has worked for me is to every 3 months buy something new, IF I painted the previous box and some additional models. In the last batch I did Warband Khadgras Ravagers and then 8 additional models off my pile and now I am down to 2.5 blood bowl teams and 8 unpainted space marines. I suggest someone try buying something periodically and mixing it with the stuff from the pile and reduce it that way. If it goes well, before space marine 2.0 I will have no space marines and 1 unpainted blood bowl team :D Good luck to everyone. But it definitely is a years long process....

[@magimon91834]

But uncle atom! I will one day find someone to play the Franco Prussian war with me. Do i NEED to let go of those models (yes)

[@pbeccas]

Keep them mate.

[@l.a.wright6912]

Yeah. Me

[@robertdean52]

I’m just getting started on a Franco-Prussian War project, so I’m sure that you will. :D

[@102ndsmirnov7]

Keep them!

[@garymcgregor5951]

If your near me, I'll fight ya!

[@pascoett]

I hoard minis and what I found out for myself after 30 years: time is valuable. It’s far more valuable than buying a whole collection of minis. I always thought that if I‘m getting unemployed I‘d have the time for minis. Guess what, I was too spooked to get back to work and even months of lockdown only partially brought me back to the workbench. 3d printing will come anyway and collections might be huge. So I shifted to sell anything not assembled, from boxes to blisters to sprues and holding back anything that was assembled and painted. I’m not bad at details so I can also easily upgrade the painting quality in most cases.

[@brentwood7660]

Tough topic but great considerations! Donating to a middle school games club felt wonderful. This challenge I think is more spiritual than we care to admit. Wish anybody and everybody the best! Shalom!

[@johnashley-smith4987]

Thanks for this video. Another great topic for discussion! The best way I have heard it put, what the issue is for most of us, is that we buy these models thinking we are buying the time to build and paint them, much like people who buy books, thinking they are buying the time to read them. As for my own " pile of shame" I have enough to conceivably keep me building and painting for two lifetimes.....it get's a bit silly. Still....it's better to be spoilt for choice! Thanks again, and looking forward to perhaps discussing this topic further, on The Every Other Sunday Show, coming up!

[@SuperCosmicSpaceMagnet]

I see selling the models as the final step of the hobby process, and it also how I rationalize/justify the expense of the hobby. If I think in terms of "I have a wonderful time collecting, painting, and playing. Then, when the army is no longer fun, I can sell them on and recover ~80% of what I paid for them" then the hobby suddenly feels a lot more affordable. Plus it lets me cycle through lots of different army ideas, exploring concepts and getting experimental in a way I could never afford or rationalize if I kept all my armies. My emotional bond to the army isn't entirely severed though, and the same goes for the models I paint on commission. I absolutely adore seeing old projects of mine going on adventures on the tabletop. There's a 1000pts "Scum Guard" army I made based on 80s NYC subways that I still get updates on. They're the hired goons that provide meatshields/backup muscle for a Rogue Trader and her retinue of Scions. The only models I regret selling are the ones that get stripped/get immediately resold for profit.

[@nickster5207]

I retired from collecting when I finished my primary army, I still actively play games with it, but I have not had any new models in over a year.

[@grendelb3298]

I’ve found that any painted model has potential for games. My initial investment in the Kill Team 2018 starter works well in the new version. With a few more gene stealers, I can use both original teams for the new one.

[@ErikPhilemonoff]

Pile management is definitely an essential skill that so few people ever talk about. As you said there are many perfectly valid strategies for it, but it's important for everyone to be conscious of and aim for an equilibrium they are comfortable with. For me, I moved a couple years ago, and I wanted to protect my pile. I got a bunch of clear plastic bins so nothing would get crushed. Seeing it all out in the light really brought home that I had let it get out of control. I kept the bins now and I only allow myself to buy something new if it fits in one of the bins. Something cool releasing but the bins are full? I better get to work building and painting then!

[@BlueLionNotOfPercy]

I recently gave my nephew my entire collection of 40K Orks. At least I still get to see my abandoned projects that way.

[@jimi1701a]

I have a general rule of if I haven't painted it in a year it goes. Really helps keep the pile down.

[@benjamin2629]

I dug out my old skorne models around the time Reign in Hell came out, they made a great Reign in Hell Warband. So happy I had those old guys around and it was nice to paint up something I got so long ago. I do actually have a bunch of stuff I do need to sell, but ugh I cannot be bothered dealing with ebay and second-hand buyers.

[@saltytbone]

"plucky little company" I really enjoy your style of humor

[@lorenzovive5801]

I completely agree with your comment regarding the hobbyist's "threshhold" for the amount of unfinished minis. Mine is spacial and visual - amount of boxes, etc. That is when I take things to local gaming auctions and redestributing the reclaimed funds into new projects.

[@FernandoMSanz]

I blame it on the shipping companies for my personal pile of shame: by the time the stuff arrives, i've already gone deep into a totally different project idea and already ordered more things. At least, all my projects fall on the same faction and scale range (humans, Guard, however you call it), so I have kitbashing material enough to survive to the next 3 or 4 Apocalypses. Yai to this!

[@ryantalbott5282]

Thanks for the video. I just flipped a few sets earlier this week and now I’m going to apply what I made to different models. I’ve got to learn to let go of boxes and empty sprues that the models came in/on, now there is some wasted space.

[@nrgspike]

When the pandemic hit I all but stopped buying minis, as a result I bottomed out my pile of shame around the start of 2021 - it was a good feeling. But I also got a 3D printer and my pile has now regrown to over 300 models as my painting mojo appears to have floated off somewhere - in 2018, I painted 1,081 minis, in 2022, I've so far painted 5. :/

[@olafolafsson2755]

Same here. Finished 5 models this year. Did hundreds in 20 and 19. Dont even know why but i just can't finish anythin. Lose motivation or can't even start.

[@HeadCannonPrime]

yep got into printing. Its now probably worse than buying because you can print for pennies. I started Warmaster and found that I could print an entire army in 2 days but it took almost a month to paint everything. My one rule that I have adopted, ONLY PRINT WHEN PAINTING. Otherwise the unpainted pile grows too fast.

[@vicautmort]

This is the most encouraging video for my sanity that I have seen all year. I moved houses last December and went from having a 300 sq foot office to a 100 sq foot office and had to downsize a lot. Thank you for putting out this positive video :)

[@MekBoooooi]

I got rid of my entire pile cause it stresses me out. Took a few months break and now I'm going to buy into one project and finish it before getting more. I basically rebooted my hobby and I'm enjoying it more. I also stay away from new release hype and just do my own thing at my own pace. It's made the hobby enjoyable again.

[@barrywonderdog]

I have a ‘one in, one out’ rule with my pile of shame. I don’t buy anything new until I have finished something old. And if you believe that, I have got a spare bridge…

[@mykeycuento5576]

This was a reaffirmation of what I'd been doing these past few weeks, offloading my big 40K stuff so I can focus on skirmish games like Kill Team and Warcry. As always, Uncle Atom, you are a great motivator, thank you.

[@thoughtengine]

9:50 I had much the same with the old Wizkids D&D and Star Wars figs.They just DON'T fit together and the maker just doesn't issue the stern end of a Rodent-class.

[@SerPounce23]

I dont have a lot of in the box stuff, my vice is partially painted. just tubs and tubs of minis with varying levels of paint on them.

[@jackmprestonjr]

I got tired of magnetizing all my minis. When I put them together I just glue the load out. Surprisingly the extra weapons (especially the heavy or special weapons) or decorative parts can be sold on eBay. My bits box was a 7ft book shelf. I cleared it and now filled it with books. Worth it

[@genghisgahan9623]

My "pile of shame" is actually not too big. I love having a few miniatures and kits sitting on standby, so that I'll never be without some miniatures to paint. To be honest, I enjoy the painting and end result more than the gaming. So I call it my "reserve".

[@justinrisen1929]

This is me 100%. Modeling and Painting minis is cathartic to me and priority #1 when it comes to this hobby. Kill Team is about the only game I really ever play and even then it's not much.

[@2WARDEN2]

I habitually sell minis to local players to make space for new stuff. I recently had to have a Come to Jesus moment about my storage situation and clear out models I had built or were still on the sprue (Big ditto on not selling painted models, they're too personal at that point imo!) that I just wasn't going to ever build/paint or use for anything. eBay will destroy your return on selling things between shipping and the cut they take, it's a lot easier to hit up a local gaming group of the thing you're trying to sell either on FB or Discord, make a friend, and meet in a restaurant parking lot or whatever to make a sell. Sometimes you have to wait a few weeks (longest I waited was 2 months) but if you have the space then the saved hassle and extra $$ pays dividends when you finally sell that army off to someone in the same county you live in. Plus you get to make a friend and feel good about what you just did! I sold a bunch of traitor Guard I had custom built and a dude was beyond stoked to finally have Cultists. Another guy felt comfortable returning to 40k after 10 year hiatus because of the Dark Eldar I sold him. It's pretty cool what you help local people do in the hobby and get to find out first hand!

[@Stikbomz]

After almost 40yrs in this hobby I currently have 16 models to paint. Nothing will be bought until I'm down to single digits. Been like that for about 25yrs.

[@rowshak]

Ouff, this hit home....I collected a lot of metal models (sometimes buying from other people to strip them from their paint job). Then old board games and keep some sealed and play the heck out of specific ones... Then sprues laying in big stash....waiting for the day I figure a paint scheme for an army.... Then some old boxes that I feel ashame of even thinking about painting them and other I painted but can't get rid of the box because of the art work...... Its a weird and addicting hobby that is for sure. P.S: I bought the Dark Souls board game...and it was like the Other Side. Cool models but those moldlines and gap... still cool to have and paint tho...

[@ian8477]

Analysis paralysis, yes! I just bought some chaos terminators, and then suddenly cracking open the kit I don't know how I want to arm them, no pun intended. New rules, WYSIWIG and magnetization be damned, I just want to make them look cool, and have fun painting them... but sometimes there are too many choices. But if I don't build them at all, I can't field them in a game, and they'll never get painted. I got the bodies built at least, but for once I also don't want to leave the basing as a lazy afterthought either, so they're standing in blu-tack for now until I can figure out how I want them to look.

[@timunderbakke8756]

I’ve operated on a “has it been over a year since I used anything in this game system” basis, up until recently. I’m down to just xwing, 40k, and two small business minis Burrows & Badgers and Relicblade. I probably would sell RB too because that was a whim with a friend and we’ve played once, but I can’t imagine the resell exists at all for an unknown. I’m keeping B&B no matter what even if it’s never used again just because I like those models too much (I just won’t buy more without a good reason)

[@hangarrat]

Never heard of Burrows & Badgers. Now I have. Now I want to buy those cute models. Thanks a lot. 🤦🏻

[@timunderbakke8756]

@@hangarrat it’s a really fun game system too if you have a friend for recurring games. The campaign (full rules in the main book - the extra book is optional) allows for characters to progress based on the outcome of each skirmish. The game uses an rpg set of dice as each mini has its own “die statistic” for certain actions - a harder hitting animal rolls a die with potentially larger numbers for example (d12 versus d6) I hope someday I’ll get my future kids into it with my collection.

[@zootsanchez]

My pile pf shame was (unboxed) a stack that reached from floor to ceiling and had stuff in it dating back to 2007. I flung the whole lot on ebay last summer and converted it into every book, WD, boxed game and expansion that GW released from the period 1988 to 1991, plus several pounds of metal minis from the same era. So I basically traded my pile of shame for an older, scruffier pile of shame, but now I can pass this one off to my conscience as a "vintage collection" instead of a "heap of plastic tat"

[@TheKrenshar]

I'm another who can't part with a painted model. But for me that also extends to converted models which aren't painted; once I've put that effort in, I feel I need to have something to show for it. I prefer to think of the pile as my bitz box(es). Might rebrand as a museum/archive soon, since some stuff dates back to the late 90s. Latest scheme to cut down on the backlog has been to paint/sell 3 boxes for every 1 I get. So far I'm actually 12 boxes in debt but there have been external obstacles so I'm going to persevere. It's at least slowed down my buying so let's call that progress.

[@MechbossBoogie]

If you want to call what I have a pile of shame, I personally wouldn't, because anything unopened I have is intended for an army that I'm currently working on. But I've got a full time job and I also run a Pathfinder game on weekends, so my time is limited. Also using some of those unopened models for Pathfinder using One Page Rules for armies. Eventually putting those monsters into play. I at least have a plan for assembly and paint for everything I have, I just need time, motivation, and energy. Also sitting on several boxes of the old version of skeleton warriors. I'm intending on using them for terrain bits, because skeletons.

[@halinar1]

I dipped out of 40k years ago and I'm just starting to purge some stuff also. Starting with the forgeworld and unopened boxes first. The case is nice and I would rather they go to someone who will use them than collect dust here.

[@LumberingTroll]

Its not a basement of shame, its my retirement entertainment plan.

[@stevenschnepp576]

Same! ... except I'm a Millennial, we're never going to retire.

[@knoxminis1211]

For me, the “threshold” is if the army just sits there and will never actually be played. I’ve also come to realize that I need to stop starting new armies. Basically I’m sitting at 5 armies, and if I start another, I should sell an existing one.

[@ernstbergerbrent]

I like being able to build, prime, base coat, layer, etc at anytime. Therefore, I have numerous projects at various states of completion. I typically paint batches and it gets monotonous. Moving from painting to building is a good way to mix things up. That way I don't get bored with the hobby.

[@SlayerOfWorlds]

I use those fishmen models in my DnD games alot. They are great with some greenstuff fixes. I also use them in frosthaven homebrew.

[@maxxon99]

Me too! Never could sell a painted model. Given quite few as presents but never sold one.

[@ravdeepbagri1313]

I have a pretty voracious appetite for painting, and have bought huge lots of other people's piles of shame so I'll see if I can overcome that hill. I actually just painted a skorne battlegroup this evening and would love to cop that hydra.

[@damein343]

I have always enjoyed these videos you do. I have collected for years and at one point in time had probably three book shelves of NIB models that were never opened. It was a problem. These types of videos helped me draw down heavily and focus on what makes me happy about the hobby. I still have some new boxes in the house waiting to be worked on, but I also have an exponential amount of more painted models than I have in my entire 14 years of playing. it feels more rewarding than just having plastic on shelves "waiting." keep up the good work with these videos, they sure helped me manage my hobby better and I am happier for it

[@HeadCannonPrime]

EMOTIONAL DAMAGE!!!!!! As a 45 year old having been in the hobby since 1990, I have a basement of shame. And now I have picked up smaller scale gaming and totally given up on GWs ruleset. (Look into alternative games and scales, the benefits are substantial) After reworking my hobby storage I have come to the realization that I may NEVER go back and even finish some of these armies and minis. And If I should pass away suddenly I have to leave it up to my family to dispose of ALL THIS STUFF. I have been seriously considering selling or disposing of my collection.

[@KristovMars]

On the pile of shame, I'm helping my mate move all his minis which gave me the impetus to start shedding things i know I'll never use. Because I've been collecting since the 90s i actually have some good value tied up in my oldhammer stuff! On letting go of painted models, i feel ya. Years ago I got out of warmachine and sold all my minis. I really wish I'd kept that one Warjack with the Ice Axe. It wasn't an award winning paint job but i loved the model amd was super proud of the paint job (clean but simple). Nearly ten years on i miss it :(

[@Kryzcek78]

Great vid Uncle Atom cheers. Will share this with a friend who needs to hear it.

[@khublaklonk4480]

I love my little pile. Sometimes I take out a box or two and spend a while just gloating over my pretties. It's good to have a nice little gloat now and then.

[@kienesel7]

You are right, I have held on to this resentment for too long, I should forgive my fath-oh you were talking about miniatures.

[@williambauer2170]

We have a yearly game/model/ pop culture auction at my local game store. People bring in stuff for me to auction off with prices, folks bid, and the seller gets the earnings in store credit to be used in their next pile of potential. Works fairly well.

[@laughingman4570]

When I was a kid I was a "don't buy another box until the last one is finished" player because I didn't have the money to buy multiple boxes at once.

[@stefanosiclari]

So far I never sold anything. I only buy 40K miniatures for a 40K-themed D&D campaign that I run, and I have a small pile (more of a rack) of potential in my room. It's mostly stuff that I use for kitbashing - maybe I buy a 10 models squad, build 4-5 and use the rest for conversions, or keep them there in case they become useful one day. Luckily I can't afford to buy more or I'd fill my house with potential

[@Psychichazard]

I'd crashland that chaos drake thing and make a terrain piece from it.

[@NapGod]

re: kitbashing - adeptus mechanicus troops and genestealer cults heads, arms, etc. are basically interchangeable. Something about the way they were designed together/around the same time. Rob THW said so anyway. Necromunda kits are also great. I'm currently trying to find a specific head from the stormcast sequitors box because it looks like fafnir rann and the head that comes with the fafnir rann model is completely wrong and I hate it. If I have to, I will buy the whole kit for the one head and figure out what to do with the rest later. I've never gone to that extreme before but there are more than a few boxes lying around with a couple models or some bits scavenged. At the very least spare bodies and weapons are great basing fodder.

[@ashtrooper2083]

Im ashamed to say my “pile of shame” is a box set of Bolt Action band of brothers set half built and none painted and its been over a year and a half. I look at it and want to but that first step of getting out the paint and even tho i know ofc my first ones will be probably bad but just painting some is the only way to get better, BUT that first step is so hard to push myself over. And sadly its easier to use excuses like work, friends, and partner than to actually sit down for even just an hour or two and getting more done. So thankfully my Pile is also my only sets so im not wasting too much. Even still wonderful video as always, your videos have always managed to push me that extra step so hopefully soon i can finally get this first set at least built and we can push forward!

[@noahfeldman3377]

Thank you for being such a “dad” in the hobby for me. I sometimes (all the time) get stubborn and want to hold on to things that I really don’t need or will ever use. Time to give ‘em to a better home at a swap meet, and just focus on the part of the hobby I enjoy the most: painting cool characters and models, and not having to worry about the 30+ Infantry I “need” to paint.

[@foulplay99]

I've got most of my "pile of shame" mostly built and primed now, I just need to decide what I'm gonna paint next. I recently let some of my boxed and still wrapped boxes go just to make life easier. If I have something still boxed from 3 years ago I really don't have any real desire to spend time on it I guess. I mostly buy to paint stuff now though.

[@vaderkoshpaints]

Love that you made this one. Very good advice indeed 😀 Stay happy in the hobby!

[@KeithCrowe]

I was tempted many years ago to sell my Chaos Space Marines with the intent to use the funds to buy an army for another game. I ended up not selling them or any of my 40k even though I wasn't playing the game (I stopped playing around 6th ed). It actually worked out keeping them because my son wanted to get into 40k last year. It would have cost a fortune to get back into the game and I'm happy that most (if not all) of my collection is still playable. I might invest in some base adapters if we ever end up playing at a store. I do have a hoarding problem though. Many unopened and unbuilt armies line my shelf for all sorts of systems. I've done well this year by not purchasing any new models, but gifts have added to the pile. I've tried to focus on building terrain instead of collecting more models. My fingers are crossed that I can keep my backlog in check going forward.

[@johnnyrivers8110]

I think my biggest fear with my pile of shame is dying unexpectedly and my sisters just donate all the stuff I've spent thousands of dollars on instead of holding on to it to see if my nephews might take up the hobby one day lol

[@beachedwalrusau]

I have two armies (High elves/dwarfs from warhammer fantasy multibased for Kings of war. Mostly minis that are now hard to find) i will never sell. However most of my other collections are completely disposable depending on how often i play them (40k eldar, bolt action soviets, vanguard and armada). I have painted around 100 minis since getting speedpaints and a airbrush priming setup in May. I find getting stuff out easier when i am aiming for tabletop standard but also when i know i am going to actually play on the regular with good people. Reality is i am close to selling all the eldar stuff as i have not enjoyed the last two editions at all and it's just sitting their collecting dust.

[@codemon1352]

I'm so new to the hobby I have yet to amss a pile, yet I have only painted one necron (for test purposes) out of the elite 9th ed starter box. I plan on going all in for the Leagues of Votann so I'm sure the pile will grow fast

[@LordGuntharUthMatar]

GW is (sort of) helpful when it comes to 'piles of shame'. This is one very few hobby that your stuff doesn't go down in value over time unless there is a massive re-design because GW keeps raising the prices so the perceived values kits creeps up over time. Just last year I sold my unused halves of the 5th and 6th ed starter boxes for what I bought the whole box for back then so all I had to do was store it in a closet and wait to regain those funds. A kit you paid $50 for years ago now costs $80. Folks are willing to pay you 40 or 50 for it to save themselves while you basically get out about what you paid.

[@Christopher_Gibbons]

Back when I was in uni we would have a tournament every year. Each player would put their shame pile in the pot, and whoever lost the most matches got stuck with it.

[@mattbrown5234]

I doubt you’ll see this, and you might not go for it, but I had a thought when you said you can’t sell painted minis. Would it help at all if you got a small collection of minis that you truly have no use for and aren’t interested in displaying and put them up for some kind of charity auction? You’ve got enough viewers you might be able to raise a few hundred bucks (or more depending on how many things you sell) for the sake of donating it. Maybe the “charity” aspect would guilt you into parting with them? I’m not saying it’s necessary, and if you don’t mind having models that will most likely just collect dust forever then you don’t really have a “problem” to solve, but that was my first thought for a solution to that “problem.” Make it a channel event or something.

[@iratebovine]

I have a partially-assembled Desert Hydra I got as a gift sitting on one of my Shelves of Potential, waiting to be a D&D model, incidentally. So this was especially relatable for me!

[@Docsfortune]

I actually build armies, I play warmachine/hordes, and my preferred format is Brawlmachine. It’s somewhere between 10-30 models. I love building a list, painting it, and while I’m painting them slowly I build another list, and I won’t buy any more lists until the first one is painted. Then I’ll start painting the second list and buy a new list to build and assemble. Now I’m almost done with my second list, I’m looking at a new DnD campaign setting with models. I won’t buy them until the second set is done.

[@QrazyQuarian]

I'm a newer player. Bought into Necrons straight fresh from 9th Edition, now I'm buying into Grey Knights. But one of my Necron purchases included some Space Marines I never found a use for. Did a test paint on a cool purple scheme for a possible custom chapter for one of my Primaris base Marines, but ultimately I have a Captain, 3 bikes, and a bunch of Intercessors that I don't plan on using yet. I'm considering between making my third army either Tyrannids or this Space Marine chapter. Haven't decided yet. On the one hand, I love how my marine turned out. On the other, purple Xenomorphs. Eh. I'll probably hang onto them, but I'm at the point now where this topic is actually relevant to me in my burgeoning tabletop miniatures career.

[@AfroCelt001]

I'm feeling personally identified by this video. I'm slowly working through my skirmish games - my poor 40k orks are years away.

[@jango268]

I was wondering if I should keep with the hobby or get rid of it all. But you helped me decide thanks a ton!