This is probably not going to be my favorite edition for many of the reasons that have been outlined in this thread and elsewhere, but I worry that this could be my only realistic chance to get a new deluxde limited edition signed by Alan Lee. He appears to be at good health, but you never know right?

Should I just try to get it even if it is an edition with issues so that I do not miss out? Or should I play it cool and wait (possibly years for the next significant edition)? For the cost, if they do end up releasing a signed limited edition that better suits my taste, I can always sell this one at not too big loss?

I am curious to know what you think.

EmilK wrote:

Should I just try to get it even if it is an edition with issues so that I do not miss out?

This is probably not helpful in the manner you are looking for but any time I consider buying something to "not miss out", I tend to walk away and leave whatever it is for others to enjoy. For me, that sort of motivation is rarely rewarded by genuine enjoyment of an item.

Buying purely because of FOMO is a terrible reason to buy something. It is literally playing into the marketing efforts of the publisher. As is buying something just because it is a "Limited Edition", frankly. There is nothing intrinsically beneficial about something being limited.

Buy a thing because it is good, and for no other reason -- unless your only motivation is to try and flip it because you judge the price will rise.

All IMHO.

For me, searching for older, out of print, limited edition releases in good condition and within my price range is a big part of the fun of this hobby. I like hopping on eBay and Abe every day and searching "Tolkien" and seeing what's new, even if know the ones I really want pop up for sale rarely and usually well out of my budget. I enjoy the searching almost as much as I do the obtaining/owning, and maybe some day I'll find one of my White Whales at an unusual price, or my financial situation has changed and I can splurge.

I'll enjoy this one through the presumed TCG unboxing/review and through the search process noted above!

Also since it evidently won't ship from HC to my country anyway, I don't really want to bother with the hassle of actually acquiring this.

I am glad that I read the last few replies here. I was on the fence about purchasing this, but I think I'll now pass and save my cash for an older book instead (similar to rosshm16).

The late Stu wrote:

Buying purely because of FOMO is a terrible reason to buy something. It is literally playing into the marketing efforts of the publisher. As is buying something just because it is a "Limited Edition", frankly. There is nothing intrinsically beneficial about something being limited.

Buy a thing because it is good, and for no other reason -- unless your only motivation is to try and flip it because you judge the price will rise.

All IMHO.

I agree completely if this edition didn't have an Alan Lee signature. Without that, I would not have been that interested in it at all since I have the non-limited edition with a blue "leather" back that is quite similar.

EmilK wrote:

The late Stu wrote:

Buying purely because of FOMO is a terrible reason to buy something. It is literally playing into the marketing efforts of the publisher. As is buying something just because it is a "Limited Edition", frankly. There is nothing intrinsically beneficial about something being limited.

Buy a thing because it is good, and for no other reason -- unless your only motivation is to try and flip it because you judge the price will rise.

All IMHO.

I agree completely if this edition didn't have an Alan Lee signature. Without that, I would not have been that interested in it at all since I have the non-limited edition with a blue "leather" back that is quite similar.

Alan Lee signatures are very, very easy to find. He has literally signed tens of thousands of books. I think I have around 25 -- and that is without trying! Better picking up a signed copy of something else, if you just want his signature.

It seems that none of us want this edition...

Joselillo3 wrote:

It seems that none of us want this edition...

It will sell. Different books have different markets and I've no doubt this will do well.

Joselillo3 wrote:

It seems that none of us want this edition...

I do :)