Does our hobby encourage meglomania?

Yeah, I know, but the fact is...what else could it be when we acquire mountains of lead we're always behind in painting. Or, worse, we never get around to it. How about rules we NEVER play. I am as guilty as the rest, but the fact is, would we have it any other way? I dunno, for all the statements about "The Pledge", frugal gaming and other such ideas, the gact is, we've got a bit of a pricy hobby. But to be honest, for all of it's acquisitiveness, I've also met some really great folks here. Folks I am proud to know..Murph, CLDecker, Gallowglas, Hrothgar, and that's just the TMP folks. There's the DC Writing Group, the Friday Night Mechwreckers, I am damn happy to be a part of this hobby, even if I am a shopping whore. But I try to trade more often now, even though now it's more about space than it is about money...and to be honest..it's a problem I am glad to have!

In other news, I am trying out this new Zemanta extention, it autopops suggested links and makes tagging a lot easier. We'll see how well it works out.

I am rather happy about the new Rebel Miniatures releases for their 15mm sci-fi line. It looks rather good, and to quote Murph, there is a real renaissance in 15mm these days. I think there is a movement towards smaller scales, easier on the wallet and more space friendly..and with the new generation of rules like Ambush Alley coming to the fore, where a 4x4 table is all you need for a cracking game, the smaller is better movement is catching on...now to find folks closer to DC who want to do micro-armor!

Also, got a question related to storage...I know I asked the Guild this, but I wanted to ask everyone else. Has anyone tried the magnetic paint instead of sheeting to line the bottom of their transport/storage cases?

Getting that time/muse to paint and signs of the times

Ok,
I know the old wargamer's lament...We often buy more than we can paint or ever play with in three lifetimes...let alone one. But, that said, it's a struggle for some to have the time, wherewithal or even the muse to paint. I'm someone who the bug bites him and I become really productive...then, stuff sits for months on end...till boom, I get productive again. It's a weird cycle and I was wondering who else had such an observation or two out there?
Does your skill as a painter have anything to do with it? As in, the better you are, thus the more you'll churn out? Is that really how it works, or are there other factors involved? I am curious.
In other news, Wargames is cutting back their lines for various reasons, picked up some of the Hovels stuff I have had my eye on for a long time. Also, the local FLGS chain Game Parlor is cutting back it's hours as of next Monday. This is worrisome because I wonder, once these economic times conclude, and I believe they will, how many FLGS will see the other side of it? There's a lot of discussion on TMP here and here about it. So, prognostications are abounding...and with the nerves about the economy, will the hobby be one of the casualties?
Finally, a small question, are the people you game with people you wish were more or less mature. And, as we get older, do we demand more maturity for our fun? I am finding in my case, the answer is yes. I mean, being silly and cutting up is a whole lot of fun, but I am finding out you don't have to tell jokes that would have been funny to me ten years ago in the barracks or college dorm. Is this a function of getting older?
And one last note, I promise, to all living in the DC area, with the inauguration coming up, do you have plans to stay at home and work on hobby related items (I sure as heck do). Or, will you brave the crowds, cold and security to get a glimpse of history?