For me smoking a pipe is simply another way of delivering nicotine to my system. Albeit a most enjoyable and languid manner of getting my fix.
Hobby? Past-time? Avocation? Habit? All acceptable descriptions of the manner in which various members utilize their time and pipes. I have no abiding interest in the history of pipes, some do. All I want is a pipe that is well fitted and pleasing to use, I find that Peterson delivers what I want. So I am not searching for better, more expensive, or prettier. I have found a few blends that are fulfilling and am not on a search for different tastes, I like what I smoke and do not feel the need to search. I am not driven to fill my basement with assorted tobaccos or my racks with more pipes than I can possibly smoke.
I consider myself a pipe smoker, nothing more. I have a curiosity and a bit of admiration about those that collect certain brands or styles of pipes. I find these members very interesting and follow their posts closely.
Collectors of tobacco interest me in that I often wonder exactly what they are searching for or, is the simple amassing of tobaccos what stimulates them. Or, is it the search that fulfills the need?
I believe that many members may righteously consider themselves hobbyists. Others have become so consumed in their particular interest that one has to consider them as having an avocation as the interest seems to be a driving force in their lives. Or, perhaps is it more properly referred to as an addiction.
Some members write so that the impression is given that they are simply engaged in a pleasant manner of passing the time.
So, hobbyist? Some members certainly are, others are consumed in some specific interest involving pipes and tobacco, these folks treat their interest may be described as an avocation. Not a few members my be driven to simply acquire pipes, tobacco, tools, or other of the ephemera. Some to such an extent that it has ceased to be hobby and is now an internally driven compulsion.
Attempting to pigeon hole members through labels is a difficult proposition as many members see themselves as smokers and possibly enthusiasts. Others see their involvement as simply a hobby. Others have immersed themselves so deeply into some aspect of the pipe that they may properly be described as "driven."
So, basically it's how you see yourself, not how others perceive you that is important. I may see you as foolish for spending money on pipes that will remain unsmoked or tobaccos unopened. It's not what I think but the enjoyment you find in the search or acquisition of pipes, information, etc.
