If you'll indulge a little ramble, some Foythoughts . . .
I've been thinking lately about how serious (myself in particular) we treat our disussions of flashlights. From the very start I've enjoyed going a little over the top, investing the matter with more gravity than perhaps a flashlight warrants. I suppose I do this as much for humorous effect as I do hoping to elevate the subject in some small way. I'm not at all ashamed of what I enjoy and my association with all of you has long since moved beyond a mere validation of behavior that I am fully aware, can appear quite strange.
Speaking of which, some observations . . .
Foy owns and buys a lot of flashlights. Knowing others do the same, even those that buy a lot more, does not make it seem any less weird. I am regularly surprised however, by how many among us that purchase as I do (often, considerably more) that I newly become aware of. This is not an attempt at faux-rationality but you have to admit; the question is not without merit . . .
Why do we do this?
Even if wide latitude is given for multiple, specific uses/needs, there can be no real logic for one individual, having a single residence, to own more than a dozen or so flashlights. Unlike myself, there are people on this forum that give every indication of having, not just good common sense, but demonstrate a clearly superior intelect. Articulate folks, with large vocabularies, accomplished, educated, with well earned respect from friends and families. Then, one day you're in a thread about a particular light, this same person you know already has a bevy of similar torches, starts talking about his. Does knowing this impact my own occasional anxiety concerning my behavior? I have to be honest; I do find comfort in kindred spirits but I have yet to make peace with the overwhelming impulse to buy another flashlight.
I do have a few working theories . . .
I have/have had many hobbies. The problem has always been money. If Foy were a man of means, he would buy guns or cars like he does flashlights but I think we can all acknowledge there still must exist, certain conditions to collect even flashlights. A homeless person is unlikely to wax poetic about his new King triple T6. Equally, someone considering suicide or about to swim the strait between Cuba and Florida isn't necessarily worried about a properly wrapped P60 module. A flashaholic and in particular, someone inclined to write about something with the pressing societal relevance of a flashlight, almost certainly possesses a quality of contentment in their life. Sure; there may be a few that use a fulfilling pastime to escape a bad marriage or cope with some difficulty but I suggest that is not the norm for the vast majority of us here on this forum. A guy that can spend a couple of hours at night in his back yard taking beam shots, a. has to have a back yard, b. is not worried about his next meal and c. is not feeling angst about his wife leaving him.
Getting something new is cool. A flashlight is appropriately substantial while still being relatively affordable. It's made of metal. It comes apart. It consumes power and it's performance can be measured against others. All critical requirements to draw, and hold, male interest.
I also suggest that the unusually good camaraderie here on BLF, found nowhere else in any venue is because of some and/or all of the above. I suggest it is why flashlights matter. Moreover; it is why I give the subject the reverence I do, be it engaging, entertaining or simply factually informative. I take the inconsequential enjoyment of flashlights very seriously.
Foy
