GAS: Not what you might think
My mother is undoubtedly my biggest supporter but also a firm critic that often tends to bring me down to earth whenever I go astray. Although she is a big music fan, she is not much into technicalities related to music production. I often find it refreshing to hear an opinion from someone not directly from these waters, even if they don't have much knowledge on the subject. Sometimes, these persons can enlighten you and set you on the right track with their sincerity and wisdom.
I often talk about music with my mom - also when buying new equipment. The one thing we just can't seem to find a common language about is the software. For most laypeople, it's quite difficult to understand spending money on something you cannot even touch, regardless of how useful or necessary this might be. In some cases, at least. My mother often says to me: you're spending money on that gas again. I heard these words so many times before I got actively involved with various online communities devoted to music composition and production. And then I suddenly realized that the word GAS is often used there. I must admit to being confused about this for quite some time. I was convinced that they used the word GAS cynically when speaking about the software - as a symbol of something intangible yet often quite expensive. The thought that my mom prophetically used the same term was particularly amusing. But it has turned out that GAS has an entirely different meaning. This is an abbreviation of Gear Accumulation Syndrome.
Indeed, this is a rather big problem these days, especially for us involved in activities that require technology. Technology develops at breakneck speed and this always drives us toward buying something newer and potentially better. At the same time, we're stockpiling all the stuff we already have, which can still serve its purpose. Of course, the wisest thing would be to try selling this ballast for profit. However, with so many relatively affordable new replacements out there, this is often an impossible mission.
Another reason for GAS is our tendency of collecting things. There is a collector dwelling in all of us, a more or less pronounced one. I can somewhat understand the passion that true collectors feel, but this is primarily a rich people's whim. Speaking of music equipment, I don't have a good opinion of those who are buying all this stuff just because they can, not because they need it.
As a person trying to make ends meet with music, I like to think that I'm rather immune to this syndrome by default. Unfortunately, this is not true, confirmed by every list of new acquisitions in each year, regardless of how short it may be. Lately, however, I'm resorting to buying something new only if there is no any way around it. I must admit, though, that I'm always hoping for a fresh influx of motivation that new gear might bring. But this is also not a valid excuse for spending if you are not really in a position to spend. For this reason, I'm trying to find inspiration somewhere else first.
The times are generally very hard. Crisis, inflation, COVID, wars, climate changes... It would be logical at least try avoiding succumbing to consumerism. Sadly, the Internet and social networks tend to entice us to look upon certain "ideals" and to feel bad if we don't fit the picture. I'm proud that I'm not a part of this, if only due to the force of circumstances. Although I sometimes covet some things that I’m still missing, over time I've learned that those are most often a luxury one can do without.