My assignment from Trish was to interview a Non collector and get his or her views on the Hobby and collectors in general.  As usual, I couldn't follow orders, so here are my interviews with the:  Man or Woman, on the street.  (Actually in Target.)

Names, ages and profession where provided

Jim, 25, Software developer
CB’s: What do you think about Hot Wheels.
Jim: My kid likes them, He thinks they're "Cool"
CB’s: How about you?
Jim: Some of them are neat.
CB’s: Do you collect them?
Jim, What, you mean like coins?
CB’s Yah, something like that.
Jim: Nope.
CB’s: Would you believe that people do collect them?
Jim: Sure, I think people will collect anything.
CB’s : What do you think about collectors?
Jim: Never thought about it much.  I guess what ever floats your boat.
CB’s: Thank You

Amos, 36, Garage Mechanic
CB’s: What do you think about Hot Wheels?
Amos: I like ‘em.  Got some rad cars.
CB’s: Do You collect them?
Amos: Nah, got better things to do with my money.
CB’s: Like what?
Amos: Eat
CB’s: Thank You

Annie, 18, Stock Girl (Target)
CB’s: What do you think about Hot Wheels?
Annie: They fall off the pegs a lot.
CB’s: I guess you don't collect them.
Annie: No.
CB’s You must see a lot of collectors while you're working here though, right?
Annie: Yah, I sure do.
CB’s: What do you think of them?
Annie: oh, mostly OK I guess.  I think it's pretty weird though that old men get so excited about toy cars.
CB’s: Old Men?
Annie: Yah, like you.
CB’s: (weeping) Thank You

Pete, 10, Grade School
CB’s What do you think about Hot Wheels?
Pete: They're ok I guess.
CB’s : Just ok?
Pete: Yah, I’d rather have a scooter.
CB’s: Do you know anybody who collects Hot Wheels?
Pete: I think my friend Billy's dad does.
CB’s: Does Billy's dad have a lot of them?
Pete: Yah, but we don't get to play with 'em or anything.
CB’s: Thank You

Jean, Legal Secretary, Pete’s Mom
CB’s: What do you think about Hot Wheels?
Jean: I like them. They're well made, they're cute and they're inexpensive.
CB’s: Besides Billy's dad, do you know anybody who collects?
Jean: I really don't know Billy's dad.  And no.  But I do see people in Target, Toys R Us and places who seem to be collectors.
CB’s: Ok, what do you think about them?
Jean: I think they must have a lot of spare time on their hands.
CB’s: Thank You

Nancy, Home Maker
CB’s: What do you think about Hot Wheels?
Nancy: What’s a Hot Wheel?
CB’s: Little Diecast Cars.
Nancy: What’s Diecast?
CB’s: Thank You.

Jason, 8, and His Dad
CB’s What do you think about Hot Wheels?
Jason: They're COOL!
Jason’s Dad: What are you looking for Jason?
Jason: I want a Corvette!
CB’s Oh, I just saw a couple of 'Vettes.  (I hand Jason 2 different Hot Wheels Corvettes, He stares at them each intently for about 5 seconds, tosses them aside and keeps looking through the pegs.)
Jason’s Dad: Jason!  I thought you wanted a Corvette?
Jason: I didn’t know what they looked like.
CB’s: (laughing) Thank You!

Sandy, Age withheld on threat of Bodily harm, Acct’s Payable supervisor, My Wife.
CB’s: What do you think about Hot Wheels? Sandy: I like the Radio Flyer Wagon.  It’s too cute.
CB’s: Do you collect?
Sandy: I have a few but just because you bought them for me.
CB’s: What do you think about collectors?
Sandy: Really?
CB’s: Yah sure, why not.
Sandy: I think most of you are strange, sad, little men. And YOU’RE obsessed!  But not as bad as you used to be.
CB’s: Why do you think I’ve gotten "better"
Sandy: You’ve shifted your obsession to slot cars.
CB’s: Thank You

Here’s the good news.  The average person on the street, or even in the Target Toy aisle, doesn’t really pay attention to us "Collectors".  So it would seem the only people Hot Wheel collectors annoy are OTHER Hot Wheel collectors, and our spouses.  I guess "normal" people have these things called "Lives" or at least more important things to be annoyed at.

Love, Your roving reporter, ROCK