This series of articles focuses on the real life tribulations, joys and helpful tips for all
collectors in our shared passion - video games and the hardware that drives them.  

Monster video game collections - they are out there, but so few of them are rarely displayed to the general public.   This is true of most significant compilations, regardless if the passion of said person are video games, stamps, coins or even Barbie Dolls.  There are really two main reasons for this - security and privacy.  These are genuine concerns for any avid collector, especially in today's economic climate.  This is a sad reality, but appropriately pragmatic in nature.  The well known collection displayed above is an exception rather than the norm - but yet he has remained completely anonymous to most everyone. 

I don't classify myself in the class of collectors that I am referring to, but I still nonetheless take the following safeguards.  These are a few items that I would recommend to alleviate the stress in owning a large collection (however you define it).
 

This seems like a no-brainer, but do not overlook this most important aspect.  Take pictures, catalogue items and keep your insurance company updated.  You will need to provide a value for everything (if you truly want to insure your collection).  This will take some time, but it will be well worth it.  Not doing so might have you underinsured.
 

Be Wise When
Posting Pictures

Eliminate/erase any personal references in the pictures that you do choose to share with the general public.  This includes personal photos of family members, menus, anything that might be in the background that may identify you.  Do not unnecessarily subject yourself - black out/blur completely where appropriate.
 

Do not use the address of your collection (or your personal home) when making purchases.  You can get verified easily through PayPal without having to reveal this information.  This is completely legit and will in no way harm your reputation as a buyer or seller - you just have to have a safe haven to sign/receive goods and a verifiable payment source.  Do not have things delivered directly to your homeplace of your collection.  This will unknowingly result in the widening of your 'circle of friends', regardless if you think so or not.  Also, make purchases from trusted sources when sharing this info if you must, and only with those whom have as much to lose as you do.
 

Remain
Anonymous

Prudently share information, and with only those you completely trust.  This is of paramount importance.  Ensure that your 'inner' circle is completely trustworthy.  Not doing so will put you at risk.  Make certain that members in your circle of trust are limited to a select few.  Even with this small number, do not trust that their own respective inner circle(s) can be trusted.  Instruct them that this sharing of your collection is privileged for one - not the many (including family). Can they guarantee that none of their personal entourage will spout off at some point about what they saw. This is important to consider when sharing.  I have hurt someone in the past by having to instruct them not to share any info about my collection (modest as it is) with their family simply due to the fact that I was aware they were a bit too loose with their mouth after having a few pops on a Friday night at the local speakeasy.
 

This article is not meant to be a "fear-for-your-collection" piece at all, more of how to take the proper precautions in protecting your investment, both now and in the future.  Trepidation in sharing what one has amassed is natural.  Taking some steps to be able to alleviate this stress will put your mind at ease.  You can share your collection - all of us gamers love seeing it.  Just be wise when doing so.