Yes I'm an addict too.... I collect plugins for the last 2 ¾ decade 19 long time ago, even paid ones too even though I've never actually use any of them.. I need help!

 

I downsized from 150 to 90 plugins last year. When do I get my sobriety coin?

 

don't give up friends. You're just a few more plugins away from reaching nirvana. keep installing those cracks. you're future self will thank you.

 

What if I'm using all the plugins I downloaded?

 

There's a handy guideline in writing software that also works for using software: YAGNI, meaning "You Ain't Gonna Need It".

Writing code, sometimes you think of something that's easy to write and something that might come handy in the future. So it's easy to end up code that might be usable at some point, but not needed just right now. Now, YAGNI says (but it's not of course an absolute rule) that just delete that piece of code, write it when it's actually needed.

Same thing with plugins, it's easy to end up with shit that might come handy but it's not in use now. Better just delete it and only install something when it's actually used.

I wish plugin managers could show items in a way that showed that I've not used plugin X for 2 years and even then it was put into a track once. Fuck that, there's no need to keep such hanging around.

A side note, regarding older unfinished projects: render shit down to audio, always before archiving. Because keeping weird one-off plugins for the off-chance I might pick up a 5 year old bit is also fairly silly.

 

learn to delete old versions

 

It's one huge conspiracy...the damn VST Industrial Complex is everywhere and broadcasting subliminal messages from Cymatics sample packs to the sample vulnerable. And what do you think all those APU Software updates are...they're firmware softwired through our retinas and straight into our brains? We definitely could use a hero.

 

I cannot make it on my own. I've just asked Copilot how to get rid of this addiction... here is its opinion:

Spoiler: copilot

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Ah, the “compulsive plugin collector” syndrome... many of us have been there! Here are some concrete — and maybe a little fun — strategies to break the spell:

1-in 1-out rule: Every time you want a new plugin, you have to uninstall one. It helps you think before adding yet another “essential” delay.

Limited-resource album challenge: Set up a “quarantine DAW” with only stock plugins or five instruments max. Working with limits can spark crazy creativity.

“Inspirational” playlist: Listen to songs you love and try to recreate them with what you already have. You’ll find that often you don’t need new instruments, but new ears.

Block night browsing: Put an extension that limits access to plugin sites after 9 pm. It helps more than it seems.

“Plugin detox week”: For a week, produce only with real instruments, samples you already have or sounds recorded by yourself. It can be almost therapeutic.

Write one! If you're a programming savvy person, trying to create your own plugin makes you realize how much work goes into it... and can discourage you from piling on.
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mmm... we'll see if it can help. In the meantime I'll download more plugins, you never know, they can be useful for the future

 

Last edited by a moderator: Jun 30, 2025 at 10:10 PM

Yeah, I agree... Very often you can find 4 or 5 updates of the same plugin just in one week. The plugin industry is playing with us like cats with mice... one day we will be free from this tyranny

 

I'm not an addict, I'm a hoarder, the difference is important. I know I don't need them and that happily live without the vast majority of them. I just enjoy having All The Things.

 

b.) = ok, I'll download the new version and delete my archived copy, 2 versions back. But, I'll need the Bubbix, TCD, -X-, and R2R version of the same program......just in case something goes wrong. Thank you, that was therapeutic.

 

May I suggest only downloading on a Wednesday. This has helped me cope immensely!

 

...BUT I NEED IT