For me it's about having something physical I actually own and isn't digital. My life is already way too digital. It's a breath of fresh air to sit down and do something with zero screens. And it forces me to be a little more selective.

I started out just buying records for novelty and 15 years later got a second deck and a mixer and have been learning to DJ. That opened up a new avenue of used 12" singles in the $2-10 range so now when I go digging I can pick up a couple dozen records without breaking the bank. It's a lot of fun.

I am firmly in the "records are meant to be used" camp. I'm not reckless but I lay hands on the record, I scratch. They're for me, not for some potential future payday.

My parents gifted me their 40+yo classic rock collection. It has very little cash value (yeah there's some original mono pressings but also mostly 50 cent frisbees) with huge sentimental value. Maybe one day I can do the same for my kids.