Hi guys,
I’m introducing a regular (hopefully!) segment where a vintage collector will be given 10 short questions to answer using only a sentence or two. The same questions will be given to the next collector appearing on the blog.
First up is Mete Akin, known as ‘Turkdlit’ on the forums, a popular and very knowledgeable collector. One thing that I love about Mete is that he always speaks his mind and while this means he may sometimes be on the receiving end of some harsh words from the mods, at least you always know where you stand with him.
Mete is 33 years old, lives in Pittsburgh, U.S. and when he’s not collecting SW vintage he moonlights as an Anesthesiologist.
Check out more about Mete and his focus at his great website – www.uzaystarwars.com.
Here are a couple of pics of some of his choice pieces, not bad at all…
Well let’s get to the questions. Take it away Mete!
1. How long have you been collecting?
I’m a bit of a noob! I’ve been collecting for about four years now. I got into it after finding my childhood Uzay figures at my parents house. The ensuing thread on RS was pretty epic – http://forum.rebelscum.com/t1059045/
2. What do you collect?
Ever since I completed my loose Uzay set, I’ve focused on carded Uzay figures. I also collect other interesting bootlegs, and recently started with pre-production figures (particularly droid figures from the original line)
3. What’s your grail?
For me a true grail should be a one of a kind item – for me this would be any pre-production Uzay figure or proof. One prototype Uzay snowtrooper on prototype mock-up card is believed to exist, but its whereabouts are unknown.
4. What collectors inspire you?
The sheer breadth and scope of Lisa Stevens’ collection is inspiring. Combine that type of collection with Wolff (wbobafett) display skills, and I think you have the ultimate collection.
5. What is your most embarrassing moment as a collector?
When I first started collecting, I was in Istanbul and had an ad answered by someone who said he had some carded Uzays. When I met with him, he ended up being a 15 year old kid, with a few repro carded Uzay figures. I spent 30 minutes trying to explain to him that they weren’t real….I still don’t think he understood they were worthless.
6. What is your favourite Star Wars film?
Empire…hands down!
7. What would you change about the collecting community?
There is a lot of cynicism and paranoia in the vintage community. I understand there is a long history of scams (Toy Tony, Pablo, Blue Harvest, and the recent one involving Deb). But a pervasive negative attitude may turn off a lot of new collectors in my opinion.
8. Forums or Facebook groups?
Forums, all the way. There is such a wealth of searchable information from knowledgeable collectors on the main forums, I could never have grown my collection to what it is without the forums. Plus, there is so much bickering and silly questions on Facebook, I don’t have the patience to sift through it all.
9. What Star Wars character do you most resemble?
I’m an anesthesiologist, and 2-1B always struck me as the anesthesia droid.
10. Is there one thing that collectors may not know about you?
I am an avid lover of music and have been an electronic music DJ and producer in my spare time for over 10 years.
Thanks for allowing me the opportunity to answer your questions!
Well that’s it. Thanks Mete for joining us and I hope we can have you back on the blog one day.
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