I just had a moment where I downsized my RPG book collection. Do you ever weed out your collection? I find myself becoming a bit of a headless chicken, sometimes more interested in what the promise is that a book might hold, rather than diving in deep into the ones I already have. This superficial engagement with many books I find very unsatisfying. The books I cherish most are the ones that I have really sunk my teeth into, and I have a feeling that there is still a lot to discover in some of those that I haven’t revisited in a while. Master the tools you have, rather than acquiring ever more barely used tools. Just wanted to air my thoughts, quite happy right now with my smaller collection of things I really cherish.
I only consider it too many when it becomes a burden. If you’re spending a fortune on Zine Quest but struggle to pay your grocery bills that month, maybe it’s too many books. If your book shelves are all full and you’ve run out of space in your home to add additional book shelves, maybe it’s too many books.
And of course, i f you yourself feel like the engagement with most of your collection is unsatisfying, then too, maybe it’s too many books. It might sound stupid and like a stereotype, but ask yourself “does this book spark joy?” If yes, it’s not too much. If no, get rid of it.
Personally I have quite a large collection - about as large as I can go, as I actually reached the point where I’m literally running out of space in my home. But my pile of shame is tiny thanks to me GMing 2-3 game sessions a week, so I’m still getting joy from over 90% of my collection.