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While browsing the BetaNews.com RSS feed I came across an article about gadget rumors. I feel it sums up the 'rumor mentality' fairly well and thought I'd share it. I tailored its wording for our hobby, but there's a link to the full article below if you're interested in reading it.

"Have you ever noticed that the next great über-release is always something ahead that people want, but rarely -- if ever -- something in front of them that they have? It almost doesn't matter what that release is, just as long as the rumor mill is so overhyped and over-amped that GW followers can't focus on anything else. It's almost as if the release is sustained by its lack of existence, by its mythology rather than its relevancy. As long as it's "out there," rather than right here, it becomes the single focal point for anyone who lusts after it, and fans literally count the days until it hits the shelves and changes their lives forever. "Forever," in this case, being very short, until the rumor mill cranks back up again.

It's like a great party, where significance doesn't seem to matter much as long as everyone's having a good time."



Full article: http://www.betanews.com/article/The-hangup-with-the-Google-Phone/1261149848?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+bn+(Betanews+Full+Content+Feed+-+BN)&utm_content=Google+Reader

Just following the release of the SW codex and the subsequent forthcoming Nids codex has me agreeing with the statement. I think it fits.

However, I think that this is simply endemic to American/western society as a whole given the nature of corporate marketing/consumerism that's been encouraged for the last 50+ years. How many people sold their last Ipod so they could get the newest Nano? It's become a matter of new=cool for most folks, particularly in the things they enjoy.

I, for one, love my 2nd edition eldar and marines, my RT Orks, my NES, and my CRT monitor. I appreciate the new as well, but understand that new or old isn't the same as cool, good, uncool, or bad.

I think part of it is how we express ourselves. When something is released and available the way you express your excitement for it is to purchase and use it. When something is yet to be released you can only express that enthusiasm by talking about. On the internet words are louder than actions.

At the local stores leading upto the release of Space Wolves one guy talked on and on about how much fun he'd have once they came out. Now he has his army and he has fun playing with it. Talk is no longer necessary.