Great Article from DVXuser Member "puredrifting" (Dan)....!!!

I used to buy stuff all the time, almost for no reason. Cut that out at some point and started to agonize over each major thing.

I can certainly see Dan/pure’s point but there is definitely something to be said for gear that, even if you cant directly charge for it (perhaps a nicer monitor or tripod that allows you to adjust more quickly) that makes your work better somehow or makes your life easier on set.

I have too many monitors and some stupid mount ideas that didnt work out for them, other than that I’ve kept it pretty reasonable.
 
What I've done these last years is I have an excel file where I put in what things I use each year. The idea is to see what I use and sell things I don't use. In reality it isn't that easy as there are certain things I might use once a year or maybe every other year and then it's usually best to still keep them. But my long term goal is to reduce to just the things being used.
 
Good article especially for those who don't frequent places like this to recognize what Gear Acquisition Syndrome is all about.

Something that often isn't discussed is the effect that modern internet based advertising and marketing plays in this. The role of Google advertising ploys, influencers, mob metality on forums, influencers posing as product news sites and so on. There are simple ways to reduce the effect of Gear Acquisition Syndrome by reducing exposure to the internet marketing tools that are out there.
 
Maybe this is old news to everyone but if its any consolation, its not just this biz/hobby, its probably every self-employed biz or gear-heavy hobby.

On guitar message boards they have similar discussions, guys with basements full of guitars and amps (often proudly displayed). Are these folks successful rock gods? Hell no. Many dont even play outside of their homes. Personally I couldnt see how you could devote the time to that many pieces of gear, to justify having them, but it makes (some of) these folks happy to have all that. Sometimes they have a revelation and sell all but two guitars but more common is the story that goes “walked into store for some strings and walked out with this baby” [displays pic of $700 guitar].

It’s everywhere. The GAS metasticizes. I bet contractors have these discussions in power tool forums. Doctors say there is no cure in sight.
 
Sometimes I think we'd all be better at what we do if none of us could afford new gear at all. Stick contractors on a desert island with a set of all the essential tools and just make them practice/do/make stuff.

A lot of the most talented people who rise up do it rags to riches style on some crumby guitar/camera/tiny food cart kitchen/whatever.
 
When:

We our the most got-to-have-it, consumer-oriented population that has ever existed in the history of humans.

We have the most instantaneous purchasing ability and fastest delivery mechanisms than any other time, and this extends down to pretty low economic strata when you include all of the horrific/predatory lending forms.

Add all of that to a field where everyone is inspired by the art, craft, and beauty that is created by very hard working and talented folks, but not everyone has the same level of heart, discipline, talent, and drive (makes one want to invest in gear instead to make up for the lack).

Then a tiny dose of self-doubt.

Then add market pressures (this is the "in" camera required to get the gigs).

Then perhaps a bit of business sense lacking for many of us since, as freelancers, we have to be all things at once and a business common sense degree is not included in our education.

Then the nature of addiction: Dopamine fixes. Feedback loops.

When I think about it, it's almost shocking that anyone would make it through without getting into unhealthy spending patterns for at least some stretches.

Of course, I'm not just a poster. I'm also a perpetrator. I've been way better lately, though.

Great article Dan!
 
One thing is to 'know your offer' and deliver it well.

Ive found that the black hole is when I try and extend my offer.

For example adding the Movi to my offer - sure - $6g

But the the black hole opens.
Spare batts
Multiple toads on different plates
super long HDMI for jib work
spare skinny HDMI for the rig
SDI set up for red/alexa/bmUrsa
Plate for soundie to add a lav receiver
floppy lead for soundie, spare floppy lead for soundie

Just to power a Mimic!..
External battery for Mimic
Lead for external battery for Mimic
Spare lead for external battery for Mimic
Spare external battery for Mimic
Plate for external battery
charger for external battery X2
no biggie but thats gotta be $100 on amazon.



You name it another 10% goes on spare leads and bits of clubbins.

You dont need that stuff - but if someone hires you they dont want the shoot grinding to a halt because a little lead had a kink.

I think 'how does this kit fit into my offer' is a good question.
 
ozmorphasis said:
When:

We our the most got-to-have-it, consumer-oriented population that has ever existed in the history of humans.

We have the most instantaneous purchasing ability and fastest delivery mechanisms than any other time, and this extends down to pretty low economic strata when you include all of the horrific/predatory lending forms.

Add all of that to a field where everyone is inspired by the art, craft, and beauty that is created by very hard working and talented folks, but not everyone has the same level of heart, discipline, talent, and drive (makes one want to invest in gear instead to make up for the lack).

Then a tiny dose of self-doubt.

Then add market pressures (this is the "in" camera required to get the gigs).

Then perhaps a bit of business sense lacking for many of us since, as freelancers, we have to be all things at once and a business common sense degree is not included in our education.

Then the nature of addiction: Dopamine fixes. Feedback loops.

When I think about it, it's almost shocking that anyone would make it through without getting into unhealthy spending patterns for at least some stretches.

Of course, I'm not just a poster. I'm also a perpetrator. I've been way better lately, though.

Great article Dan!
Click to expand...

Your synopsis is far more eloquent and well written than my rants!
 
morgan_moore said:
One thing is to 'know your offer' and deliver it well.

Ive found that the black hole is when I try and extend my offer.

For example adding the Movi to my offer - sure - $6g

But the the black hole opens.
Spare batts
Multiple toads on different plates
super long HDMI for jib work
spare skinny HDMI for the rig
SDI set up for red/alexa/bmUrsa
Plate for soundie to add a lav receiver
floppy lead for soundie, spare floppy lead for soundie

Just to power a Mimic!..
External battery for Mimic
Lead for external battery for Mimic
Spare lead for external battery for Mimic
Spare external battery for Mimic
Plate for external battery
charger for external battery X2
no biggie but thats gotta be $100 on amazon.



You name it another 10% goes on spare leads and bits of clubbins.

You dont need that stuff - but if someone hires you they dont want the shoot grinding to a halt because a little lead had a kink.

I think 'how does this kit fit into my offer' is a good question.
Click to expand...

Exactly and that problem extrapolates for almost every piece of gear that we buy! I've railed on this for years, 90% of most camera buyers do NOT know how to budget for a camera package, they over buy/over commit on camera price and then skimp and scrimp on support and accessories.
Most experienced pros will figure out, your actual camera budget should be around 50% of total expenditure/budget. Because batteries, media, shoulder rigs, cages, lenses, tripods, gimbals, etc. If I see one more $50k RED package sitting on a $500.00 Manfrotto tripod head, I'm going to scream! ;-)
That's like a post card for a person's financial incompetence.
 
puredrifting said:
Exactly and that problem extrapolates for almost every piece of gear that we buy! I've railed on this for years, 90% of most camera buyers do NOT know how to budget for a camera package, they over buy/over commit on camera price and then skimp and scrimp on support and accessories.
Most experienced pros will figure out, your actual camera budget should be around 50% of total expenditure/budget. Because batteries, media, shoulder rigs, cages, lenses, tripods, gimbals, etc. If I see one more $50k RED package sitting on a $500.00 Manfrotto tripod head, I'm going to scream! ;-)
That's like a post card for a person's financial incompetence.
Click to expand...

But, but, but... I always shoot handheld. It’s only gonna be a lock-off. I had to buy this super-cool 70 year old Russian Leica knock-off anamorphic. I’m gonna shoot everything on a gimbal.

I think my first tripod package cost 30%-40% of my first camera. And I still have the head today, 22 years later. And it still works. And it works way better than those ****-box $500 Manfrotto’s that you see everyone buying. I have a NETWORK client that has a ton of them for their little cameras and I despise them. Whoever designed them should be kicked in the sack with steel-toed boots by an NFL kicker.
 
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