Quoted from DugFreez:

I bought my first pin in 1996. I went to an auction with $1000 looking for a STTNG. Little did I know that even though there were 2 STTNGs at the auction they were going for the sky high price of $1200!!! I had to settle for one of my other favorites a Cyclone for $600.
The Cyclone stayed with me, but began to get neglected because I was low on room and it slowly got covered up with storage clutter. In the spring of 09 I decided to do some spring cleaning and I not only uncovered the Cyclone, but decided to get it restored. This was going to take a good bit of time (complete playfield touch-up and clear coat, new everything, ect...) so I decided to look for another pin to keep me busy. After some research I decided on a Spider-Man. Figuring that this would be my only NIB purchase I sprung for Black Spider-Man. After throwing down a "late to the party" premium of cash and a lot of hassle later I received and loved my Black Spider-Man. I can't imagine picking a game that would make me as happy without even playing or seeing one.
Since then, Cyclone has returned home, looking beautiful, and I have had a Police Force, Last Action Hero, and most recently picked up a Baywatch. I have a max capacity of 3 game, so my first pin (Cyclone) reciently got sold after almost 16 years. I needed to make room and raise some cash for the X-Men Wolverine LE #94 that will be arriving soon. I though I was also going to be selling off my Baywatch to fund the purchase, but thanks to some panic ebay-ing that won't be needed.
So I say I have been a pin owner since 96, but a collector since 09.