Enough!

[Petrushka]

It's difficult to assess how many CDs I've got but it must be in the thousands by now rather than the 100s. The thing is I have dozens of discs that I haven't yet played especially in boxed sets and while I have every intention of eventually playing them, I still continue to add to the pile by buying more!

I don't suppose this scenario is unknown to most on here but the reality of it is beginning to kick in. Let's face it, if I live to be 100 I'll probably have some discs here that will remain unplayed and at the age of 61 I'm aware that time isn't infinite. Storage space is now a real problem but I am loath to adopt Caliban's reasonable suggestion to get rid of discs that haven't been played for 20 years on the grounds that I occasionally choose one of those discs for exactly that reason.

Common sense tells me to have, say, a 12 month moratorium on buying new discs while I catch up on the unplayed items but I haven't the will to do it, Christmas and birthday will see to that.

I have piles of duplicates to get rid of as well and while a brother is taking some off my hands the rest will have to go to a charity shop.

I know I'm not alone in this but how are others managing their CD compulsive buying and consequent piles of unplayed discs? Is it time to say: 'Enough!'

[pastoralguy]

It's difficult to assess how many CDs I've got but it must be in the thousands by now rather than the 100s. The thing is I have dozens of discs that I haven't yet played especially in boxed sets and while I have every intention of eventually playing them, I still continue to add to the pile by buying more!

I don't suppose this scenario is unknown to most on here but the reality of it is beginning to kick in. Let's face it, if I live to be 100 I'll probably have some discs here that will remain unplayed and at the age of 61 I'm aware that time isn't infinite. Storage space is now a real problem but I am loath to adopt Caliban's reasonable suggestion to get rid of discs that haven't been played for 20 years on the grounds that I occasionally choose one of those discs for exactly that reason.

Common sense tells me to have, say, a 12 month moratorium on buying new discs while I catch up on the unplayed items but I haven't the will to do it, Christmas and birthday will see to that.

I have piles of duplicates to get rid of as well and while a brother is taking some off my hands the rest will have to go to a charity shop.

I know I'm not alone in this but how are others managing their CD compulsive buying and consequent piles of unplayed discs? Is it time to say: 'Enough!'

Please let me know which charity shop, Petrushka...

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

If I have a particular CD, it might be possible that I might never play it.

If I don't have it, it's certain I never will.

[EdgeleyRob]

Being addicted to cd buying (as I am now) is better than being addicted to ciggies (as I used to be).

[MrGongGong]

Can you keep this thread title
ENOUGH

next to the one about DoG?

[Roehre]

....
I know I'm not alone in this but how are others managing their CD compulsive buying and consequent piles of unplayed discs? Is it time to say: 'Enough!'

Some ten years ago I added quite regurlarly CDs to my collection which were not played immediately, and started collecting dust. I then decided strictly to stick to my rule (stuck to since the 1980s) of no more than two recordings of what piece whatsoever, a moratorium for new issues and to get rid of the backlog.
Since then the CDs I've bought I did for a reason (mostly unknown repertoire) and generally listened to shortly afterwards.
Exploring a new era (since 5 years or so the polyphonists, e.g.) or composer is carefully planned in order not to overload (new music needs time to settle and sink in), or to create a backlog. And then there still is R3's TtN and H&N (and shortly some Proms) in which I am interested.

Apart from 2 sets which I got as birthday present 2 years ago (Wagner and Verdi operas) my backlog at the present consists of 4, which will be dealt with shortly. The Verdi and Wagner will take somewhat longer, as I prefer to listen to them in one go (or at least one act), which is a bit difficult to realise (listening time per day not more than 2 hours, generally), and in summer time I listen even less, as daylight distracts me from what I imagine happening on the stage.

Some 5000 CDs and the same number of LPs plus some 2000 cassette tapes, but essentially no backlog.
According to the computer some 55000 recordings of some 40000 different pieces.

[Nick Armstrong]

I know I'm not alone in this but how are others managing their CD compulsive buying and consequent piles of unplayed discs? Is it time to say: 'Enough!'

It's interesting and serendipitous that you ask this today. Last year, 20th June was the day (after a week of unshelving all the CDs prior to decorations) that we carted boxloads of the things to Dr Barnado's.

As discussed at the time, I was ruthless about CDs which (i) I hadn't played for years and years and probably never would again; and/or (ii) I wasn't pleased to have on the shelves - the disappointing purchases and gifts.

That said, I've never been a compulsive purchaser of big boxes etc - the CDs I've bought over the years were bought for a reason and generally listened to shortly afterwards.

For the last year, I've had a collection that I'm 100% happy with, and which is accommodated comfortably in the space available. And I don't think I've bought another disc in that year.

As for new recordings: I'm completely sold on the download route, balancing quality of sound, convenience, and instant (and selective - you don't have to buy the whole album) gratification.

There will be no more piles of CDs in my life - just a groaning hard drive....

[Petrushka]

If I have a particular CD, it might be possible that I might never play it.

If I don't have it, it's certain I never will.

Must remember that! Brilliant!

[Nick Armstrong]

Must remember that! Brilliant!

That way, madness lies!!

[Petrushka]

Staring at the masses of CDs on the shelves, floor, tables etc induces a feeling of panic. I desperately want to play them but the time just isn't there!

I bought the three Karajan 1960s/70s/80s boxes, got rid of the duplicates and have played possibly 10% of the 246 CDs contained therein. It's much the same with other boxed sets where I've had all the discs of say Böhm or Abbado, Kubelik and Jochum nicely gathered together in one box and got rid of the duplicates. I've thus created space for new purchases but the rate at which I can play them isn't likely to increase until I retire in 4 years time.

At present, I have about 2 hours per evening set aside for music with a little more at weekends. It's nowhere near enough.

[visualnickmos]

That way, madness lies!!

Maybe we are all on here, completely mad, bonkers.... buying music in such quantities that are impossible to ever assimilate in a lifetime.

[Petrushka]

That way, madness lies!!

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

That way, madness lies!!

Sanity - so overrated, don't you think?

[cloughie]

Sanity - so overrated, don't you think?

Don't worry be happy and enjoy the late a Bohm box.
If it's in your DNA and on your shelves it will never be enough.

[jayne lee wilson]

Buy less; listen more...