ABOUT THIS EPISODE
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Today we explore the strange economics of collecting physical media, from the days when people practically gave away old video games to a world where physical games are becoming more and more scarce. Why do things that nobody wants suddenly become valuable, and how do you know when to buy something before it disappears or becomes wildly expensive?
We share our own collecting regrets, from video games that have jumped from $80 to $600 to obscure trading cards that have quietly multiplied in price. But the problem goes beyond retro collectibles. Physical releases of modern games are becoming harder to find, niche anime Blu-rays are going out of print, and the mass-market paperback may be on its way out. Is there a window right now to pick up physical media while it's still cheap?
The conversation continues into the hidden costs of collecting, including shipping prices that can make a $5 comic almost impossible to buy online. We also discuss the glut of cheap books and DVDs sitting in thrift stores and flea markets, and whether today's oversupply could become tomorrow's scarcity. With streaming services removing shows, editing older content, and making entire catalogs difficult to access, physical media may be more important than its current market value suggests.
Finally, we get into premium book editions, print-on-demand publishing, and the surprisingly practical importance of keeping a collection inventory. What should you buy while you still can, and what might you regret leaving behind?
Big thanks to our patrons, we’ll be back soon!
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CREDITS:
Hosts: Kevin Lieber and Matt Tabor
Executive Producer: Ben WebsterEditor: Spencer Vann
"Created in the Unknown" theme by Basswaite: https://linktr.ee/Basswaite
Theme by Mega Drive → http://megadrivemusic.com
Opening Animation: Kidmograph
City Animation: Eric Langlay
"The Create Unknown" is produced by Unknown Media.
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