I've been thinking about this for a while, and with the recent Outgrow TFs thread, I've decided to go ahead and post this. I was a fan since the begining, and was a member of the fan club as a child. I saw the movie with great anticipation, and stayed with the line until G2, when I lost interest; I was hitting my teens and I was trying to put away such things. When I was in college, a friend reintroduced me, and I got hooked on BW, watching it with joy. I enjoyed Car Robots, and got into the fandom, online here and at other places. Over the years, contrary to many people, I felt the brand has gotten stronger. Alternators, Energon, Robotmasters, etc. These were lines to delight; how Transformers should be, IMHO. But, alas, all good things must come to an end, and I have been completely unable to hold any interest in the brand anymore. I never looked forward to the movie, and without cable, I haven't seen a 'broadcast' TF episode since RiD, which admittedly makes it harder to stay interested. I recently "cleaned up", taking all my TFs on display, and moving them into storage in my basement, leaving none in sight upstairs, and I don't miss them one bit. I haven't been here in a while, as I've lost interest in that to. Maybe I'm "growing up" again, or maybe I'm just burnt out on it. I found myself questioning purchases, wondering if I was really interested in it, or whether it was almost reflexive; that as a child I would've really enjoyed it. Instead it would sit on my shelf collecting dust. I'm not going to say goodbye. I'm not done with Transformers, and I may never be. I'm not selling any of them, instead I'll keep them safe until my interest returns. In fact, I've even got some TFs still on preorder, like Primus and Black GF Soundwave, which I have not and will not cancel, but I doubt I'll enjoy much. At the same time, I'm not going into exile or anything like that, I'll still be here, from time to time. Heck, maybe there's even a touch of SAD (Seasonal Affected Disorder) in there too, but I'm just tired of TFs for now. So, until later...
Well, for a time I went through a similar phase. I stayed with Transformers up to G2 when I lost both interest and cable TV. I got back into Transformers during the Beastwars era in 1996 and have been collecting them since almost religiously. As for the cartoons, not until Hasbro Action, DVD releases, etcetera that I've been able to watch in length any of the cartoons. I recently, through an eBay auction, got the Beast Machines episodes and have since watched them. I'm trying to find DVDs or VCDs, whatever, for the entire animated series of Robots in Disguise (Car Robots), Armada and Energon. I'd like to have all of the TV series in a watchable format. My dilemna with collecting is with available space. I'm rapidly running out of it both for display and storage. My closet is running out of space and I've already sorted out the clothes I can't wear or don't want. I've even been forced to box up my beloved Galaxy Force characters and store them! I'm trying to collect the entire (with few exceptions) Alternators line. I love the scale of the Alternators and they go great, in vehicle mode, with my scale cars I have.
I wish you had watched some more shows after RiD, though judging by what many people say you may not have enjoyed them anyway. Something may get you interested again or not, I think it's a good idea you are keeping your TFs. You have something for reminiscence and you will be able to surprise your kids/grandkids one day
Remember the good times! Like when you tried to get me to bid on that cardboard Optimus Prime at OTFCC 2003!
