Botcollector:  Were you forced by circumstance into aiding in the efforts of theyareamongus, or did you already like the toys?

Jessica: Following on from what I mentioned before, I definitely wasn't forced, it's more like a growing addiction (laugh). I have always loved toys in general anyway so it wasn't a big leap for me. I am really happy with how theyareamongus.com is going and I love hunting for new stuff for both the site and for us to keep (grin)

Botcollector: Which genre of toys is your personal favorite?

Jessica: That's tricky... definitely Transformers of course! (smile) but within that category I started out liking the Beast Wars and Beast Machines. I got a BM Cheetor for Christmas off my partner and it's fantastic! :) I've started to take a liking to G1 Dinobots, especially Snarl and Swoop which are so cool! We have a really nice Snarl on site and when he sells I think I might sulk for a bit:>). I also like the diaclones, pre-transformers, etc., because they were THE originals. I also like sci-fi stuff and superheroes...oh,  and Roger Rabbit :>)

Botcollector: Who's your favorite character or figure?

Jessica: Well, I like my BM Scavenger, BM Cheetor and G1 Snarl. Anything that's gorgeous and really a bargain too (grin)

Botcollector: Your boyfriend seems seriously into these things. What's it like to be involved with someone who collects?

Jessica: It's great if you both like the same things. I think it might be a problem if the two of you didn't. My partner and I sit  up for hours looking for toys and email each other non-stop in the day about our finds and TF discussions.

Botcollector: Does your liking the toys help that? Would it be different if you DIDN'T like them?

Jessica: I imagine it WOULD be different. My partner is very talented and he's really the one who started it all but now I love them just as much. I ask him stuff all the time because he's a bit of an oracle and I'm still learning :>)

Botcollector: From 1 to 10, with 1 being a very casual interest, and 10 being obsessive to the point of criminal insanity, what would you rate your boyfriend's involvement with Transformers and collecting them?

Jessica: Umm, probably an 8.5, (smiles at her partner); he's definitely not insane.. although the jury is still out on me (grin)

Botcollector: Would your boyfriend use the same number to rate himself?

Jessica: I guess so...? He is seriously into Transformers and knows soooo much!! But he's not crazy (smiles sweetly)

Botcollector: Has the collecting ever been a factor in a problem you guys had?

Jessica: Not really, we just have to watch our budget sometimes because both of us could buy Transformers day and night I think! :)

Botcollector: Do you ever feel like you're playing second fiddle to 'bots?

Jessica: Some of the customers can be very demanding and we have a lot of late nights but it's all very exciting and fun, and definitely worth it to know that we have provided someone out there with the Transformer they've always wanted!

Botcollector: If there are any unpleasant qualities about collecting, or potential problems that can arise from it, what would you say the most serious would be?

Jessica: It really sucks when people rip you off. My partner and I are really into the honesty and trust issues and get really annoyed when other people show a lack of respect with transactions.  Luckily it doesn't happen very often but I bet a lot of other collectors can relate to that too. I think it's important people show you respect with regards to your time and money as both a seller and a buyer. We're just people trying to run a business but also we love what we're selling so we put a lot into it.

Botcollector:  What's your favorite part about collecting?

Jessica: (big grin) I love it when we find bargains at garage sales. I love it when we have packages arrive. I love it when I see a gorgeous pic of a Transformer we're about to buy, as, to me, they look like a work of retro art! (big smile)

Botcollector: Have you ever met anyone who collects that you think is OVERLY into it? If so, what would you say is THEIR problem?

Jessica: I wouldn't say it's a problem if they're happy. Everyone is into different things so good luck to them. The really obsessed collectors probably  know a lot more about TFs than me so that's to be admired. Just remember boys, a gal likes quality time as well, so don't devote yourself entirely to your Transformers! Just a little girly advice there (knowing motherly look - laugh!)

Botcollector: A lot of people think that if you see a room filled with toys, you're in a geek's room, and he's undateable. What are your feelings on that?

Jessica: No way! You should come to our place :) If I'm a geek then I'm proud of it! It's the year 2002 and geeks are cool again, trust me (smile). Of course it depends on the geek though I suppose...:>)

Botcollector: Did you know your boyfriend collected before you started dating? What was the first thing that came to your mind when you found out? If you have the time, describe the "discovery" scene for us.

Jessica: I didn't know he collected them when we started dating. We were talking one night and I was telling him I had just begun collecting comics, then he started telling me about Transformers.  I thought he was cool because he liked toys as much as I did. Unfortunately he had to sell his entire collection at one stage in his life, before we met, because he needed the money to go overseas. He sounded so heart broken about it that I vowed there and then that I'd get them all back for him someday... we're still working on it! (smile).

Botcollector: Any comments or issues we didn't cover?

Jessica: Just that girls are not all the same. A lot of girls like toy collecting of one sort or another and if you find a geek girl, hang on to her! (grin). Sorry guys, I am DEFINITELY taken! :)