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How Many Fragrances Should a Normal Man Have?

post #1 of 163
5/26/10 at 12:22am
Thread Starter 
I know that most of us either collect or accumulate frags, but I was wondering what advice you would give a non-basenoter who asked you how many fragrances he should have in his wardrobe.
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post #2 of 163
5/26/10 at 12:34am
If you want to be "normal" in your life, one or two will do...
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post #3 of 163
5/26/10 at 12:40am
I would say a wardrobe of 20 fragrances at most should suffice.
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post #4 of 163
5/26/10 at 12:43am
I think the average/normal person would need no more than 4 or 5. The reason being, I get sick of people wearing the same thing day in day out and some kind of rotation is needed................. not just for the person wearing but for the people around him in every day life.
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post #5 of 163
5/26/10 at 12:50am
We are not normal here. You've come to the wrong place.
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post #6 of 163
5/26/10 at 1:02am
I'd say that about six frags should give a well rounded and versatile wardrobe. A conservative frag for work, a more sensual frag for dates and nights out, and a fun frag for casual weekends. Multiply by 2 for warm weather and for cool weather.
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post #7 of 163
5/26/10 at 1:47am
Confucius said, "The first order of business is the rectification of names." Or, to put it another way, the definition of terms. So what exactly do you mean by "normal"? I would prefer not to use dictionary definitions in favor of a more Socratic discussion.

Here's my idea of "normal": A normal person is one who goes about his life taking thought for his actions and therefore proceeding along a path which does not often lead him to contemplate what may seem normal to others. The pursuit of the good and the beautiful justifies itself without need of explanation. How do you understand καλὸς κἀγαθός? Handsome and brave, resolute and upstanding, or if you must be literal, beautiful and good. Whatever flows from this ideal is good and appropriate, measured and laudable.

What are "how many" and "how much" to me? It is rather a question of "how good" and "how admirable."
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post #8 of 163
5/26/10 at 2:12am
View fragrance as a fashion accessory. Just as you would not wear the same outfit each day nor should your fragrance wardrobe be limited. Fragrance is a personal expression of style. Experiment with fragrance choice until you have a rotation of fragrance that befits you. Considering the seasons and formal/semiformal occasions a good wardrobe should include, IMO, two fragrances per season and two for special occasion use as a minimum.
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post #9 of 163
5/26/10 at 3:06am
None. If he doesn't enjoy fragrance, why bother? It's certainly not a necessity.
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post #10 of 163
5/26/10 at 4:13am
Most 'normal' people have about 2-4 i guess?
In my opinion you should have at least four: two for the summer, and two for winter.
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post #11 of 163
5/26/10 at 4:35am
Hmm, I would guess that the average man probably owns one, or no fragrances.
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post #12 of 163
5/26/10 at 4:37am
  • Zgb
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around 8

one for dating in summer/spring, one for dating in fall/winter;

one for clubbing in summer/spring, one for clubbing in fall/winter;

one for the office in summer; one for the office in fall/winter;

one for special occasions (proms, graduations, weddings etc.) spring/summer, one for fall/winter
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post #13 of 163
5/26/10 at 4:41am
As many or as little as he wants, I guess that no established rule exists

There are cases when one "Holy Grail" will do as the all-purpose signature scent, while in other cases not just the owning of hundreds of frags, but also the sampling of hundreds or thousands of others more may just be an incomplete experience
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post #14 of 163
5/26/10 at 4:51am
Whatever he wants, provided he can afford it and enjoy it.

I would say that the typical range for non-basenoters would be 1-2, with a good number of zeros.
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post #15 of 163
5/26/10 at 4:54am
I can't improve on what Jaime said, but I'll restate it.

Normal means fitting into an average, a group. It means letting others determine what you do.
I think a person should have as many fragrances as pleases him/her.
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post #16 of 163
5/26/10 at 5:16am
Gotcha. Hmm... We'll go with the Golden Rule: "How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Roll Tootsie Pop?"

The world may never know, but 3 seems to do the job.

Maybe 4-5 if he's really adventurous or digs the whole seasons/occasions argument. You could even suggest a few scents along these lines:

1) A good all-purpose scent that everyone is wearing, 2) a casual scent [read "sport" flanker] that everyone is wearing, 3) a formal/evening/special occasion scent that everyone is wearing.

3 inoffensive mass-market crowd-pleasers will give him just enough variety. (Did I just contradict myself?) If you know him pretty well, you could even suggest some real fragrances he might like. (You know what I mean.)

We have to face the reality that some people out there just aren't "into" fragrances. They merely want a generic smells-good accessory, an easy spritz. Horrifying, but true. A dull and colorless life? Undoubtedly. I'm sure we could come up with plenty of epitaphs for such a sad, sad individual... but I think "Non-BaseNoter" says it best.
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post #17 of 163
5/26/10 at 5:32am
  • kbe
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One person's normal is another's excess and a third's paucity. Isn't normal more of a very broad range rather than a strictly defined point?

For decades as an adult I used no fragrance other than whatever was added to the soap I happened to use that day to shower or wash up. I didn't/don't consider that 'zero count' to have been at all abnormal. Now, I 'normally' apply two different frags a day, sometimes a third or even a fourth. For me, at this point, I consider that to be..(cough).. normal.
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post #18 of 163
5/26/10 at 5:40am
None of the "normal" people I know have more than 3 or 4, most have 2. Which they rarely wear (I swear a friend's bottle of Hugo Boss Hugo has not dropped a millimetre in about five years).
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post #19 of 163
5/26/10 at 5:42am
Around 5 till 10 !
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post #20 of 163
5/26/10 at 6:38am
I am still trying to figure out how many fragrances an extraordinary man ought to have.
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post #21 of 163
5/26/10 at 6:51am
There is no such thing in life as normal.
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post #22 of 163
5/26/10 at 8:12am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ronin View Post

We are not normal here. You've come to the wrong place.

Normal is such a subjective term. This is a clearly a place for people who's intertest in fragrance is not average.

My take on "normal" is buy Aqua di Gio for daytime and Code for night time and you're done.
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post #23 of 163
5/26/10 at 8:15am
Quote:
Originally Posted by StylinLA View Post

My take on "normal" is buy Aqua di Gio for daytime and Code for night time and you're done.

I would call that Hell.
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post #24 of 163
5/26/10 at 8:34am
Quote:
Originally Posted by JaimeB View Post

Confucius said, "The first order of business is the rectification of names." Or, to put it another way, the definition of terms. So what exactly do you mean by "normal"? I would prefer not to use dictionary definitions in favor of a more Socratic discussion.

Here's my idea of "normal": A normal person is one who goes about his life taking thought for his actions and therefore proceeding along a path which does not often lead him to contemplate what may seem normal to others. The pursuit of the good and the beautiful justifies itself without need of explanation. How do you understand καλὸς κἀγαθός? Handsome and brave, resolute and upstanding, or if you must be literal, beautiful and good. Whatever flows from this ideal is good and appropriate, measured and laudable.

What are "how many" and "how much" to me? It is rather a question of "how good" and "how admirable."

Let's rephrase the original question. "How many fragrances should a boring man have?"

LOL! In truth, as many as you think you need. If only one scent, then one is sufficient. Heck, my DH once dated a woman who ate nothing but Italian food day after day. (He was, I hasten to say, not impressed.)

Quote:
Originally Posted by N_Tesla View Post

View fragrance as a fashion accessory. Just as you would not wear the same outfit each day nor should your fragrance wardrobe be limited. Fragrance is a personal expression of style. Experiment with fragrance choice until you have a rotation of fragrance that befits you. Considering the seasons and formal/semiformal occasions a good wardrobe should include, IMO, two fragrances per season and two for special occasion use as a minimum.

I agree, Ken, which is why I do not have a "signature" scent. Just as my clothing/shoes/jewellery are varied according to the weather, the occasion and my every-changing mood, I have many scents. Time after time, I go back to my favs...just as one reaches for a well-worn sweater.


Quote:
Originally Posted by StylinLA View Post

Normal is such a subjective term. This is a clearly a place for people who's intertest in fragrance is not average. My take on "normal" is buy Aqua di Gio for daytime and Code for night time and you're done.

StylinLA, yes, the "average" and "normal" fellow would only have two, and perhaps one old one in the medicine cabinet, the gift of a wife or grilfriend, which he never wears.
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post #25 of 163
5/26/10 at 8:46am
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Originally Posted by petruccijc View Post

I would call that Hell.

I like it. "Hell" is what is normal! So heaven is...
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post #26 of 163
5/26/10 at 8:49am
About 60-70. Some of us abnormals here have many more.
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post #27 of 163
5/26/10 at 9:31am
If I told you how many I have, you'd take me to a madhouse. I'm so abnormal.
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post #28 of 163
5/26/10 at 9:39am
Normal man: 2 fragrances (usually AdG and Cool Water) and 6 Axe sprays.
Basenoter: 20-80 fragrances (I have near 50 now) and WTF is a body spray?
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post #29 of 163
5/26/10 at 9:41am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Killer_Vavoom View Post

If I told you how many I have, you'd take me to a madhouse. I'm so abnormal.

Try us...
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post #30 of 163
5/26/10 at 9:53am
4-5 fragrances is ok for a normal guy in terms of not being obsessed by fragrances.
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post #31 of 163
5/26/10 at 9:57am
Normal -- for example my husband -- that would be zero.
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post #32 of 163
5/26/10 at 10:13am
The average wardrobe in the case of women would be four to five in First World Countries. I have no information in the case of men, but I'd say three as per friends of mine with incomes relative to countries mentioned.
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post #33 of 163
5/26/10 at 10:17am
Quote:
Originally Posted by odysseusm View Post

I like it. "Hell" is what is normal! So heaven is...

"Heaven... Heaven is a place... A place where nothing... Nothing ever happens."
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post #34 of 163
5/26/10 at 10:25am
Quote:
Originally Posted by JaimeB View Post

"Heaven... Heaven is a place... A place where nothing... Nothing ever happens."

Sounds really quite dull doesnt it , you'd think they would have thought up something a bit jazzier than that wouldnt you

As for a normal person , aint no such thing ......
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post #35 of 163
5/26/10 at 10:37am
Quote:
Originally Posted by sanatik View Post

Around 5 till 10 !

I did make a mistake.

It should be above "from 1 to 10 and 3-5 frags for a suitable wardrobe".
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post #36 of 163
5/26/10 at 12:49pm
Between 0-1
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post #37 of 163
5/26/10 at 12:57pm
100 for a Normal Basenoter
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post #38 of 163
5/26/10 at 2:16pm
The average person, I would say about 5-7 bottles total.
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post #39 of 163
5/26/10 at 2:27pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by noggs View Post

I'd say that about six frags should give a well rounded and versatile wardrobe. A conservative frag for work, a more sensual frag for dates and nights out, and a fun frag for casual weekends. Multiply by 2 for warm weather and for cool weather.

I second this motion.

I have 7, which I consider to be pushing it, but acceptable:

  • Chanel Allure Homme - mostly for work/school in winter
  • Pour un Homme de Caron - for late winter & most of spring, and worn anywhere at anytime
  • Creed Original Vetiver - for late spring/summer, also worn anywhere at anytime
  • Yatagan - strictly for autumn, between the end of September to early December
  • Kouros - an autumn alternative, although wearable in late spring/summer
  • Grey Flannel - good year round, anywhere
  • Coco by Chanel - winter alternative to Allure Homme, better for evenings
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post #40 of 163
5/26/10 at 2:49pm
As many as a person wants
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post #41 of 163
5/26/10 at 2:50pm
3.14159265 If you like vanilla-caramel orientals from Givenchy.

However if you favor Czech, Speake, and odd roses the No. would be 88.

---------

I've no idea what would be the number of wristwatches a normal man would have, but do NOT post this question at a forum for watch collectors.
The answer might make you feel decidedly abbey-normal.

Cheers,

Mario
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post #42 of 163
5/26/10 at 3:02pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by JaimeB View Post

"Heaven... Heaven is a place... A place where nothing... Nothing ever happens."

Quote:
Originally Posted by Pour_Monsieur View Post

Sounds really quite dull doesnt it , you'd think they would have thought up something a bit jazzier than that wouldnt you

As for a normal person , aint no such thing ......

It's a song lyric... I guess you had to be there... Talking Heads "Heaven" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zNdMc6wGtU
Everyone is trying to get to the bar.
The name of the bar, the bar is called Heaven.
The band in Heaven plays my favorite song.
They play it once again, they play it all night long.
Heaven is a place where nothing ever happens.
Heaven is a place where nothing ever happens.
There is a party, everyone is there.
Everyone will leave at exactly the same time.
Its hard to imagine that nothing at all
could be so exciting, and so much fun.
Heaven is a place where nothing ever happens.
 Heaven is a place where nothing ever happens.
When this kiss is over it will start again.
 It will not be any different, it will be exactly
the same.
It's hard to imagine that nothing at all
could be so exciting, could be so much fun.

Heaven is a place where nothing ever happens.
 Heaven is a place where nothing ever happens.
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post #43 of 163
5/26/10 at 3:30pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Killer_Vavoom View Post

If I told you how many I have, you'd take me to a madhouse. I'm so abnormal.

As Primrose suggested, try us.

(taps feet in anticipation...)
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post #44 of 163
5/26/10 at 3:34pm
If by normal you mean statistically average, I actually have no idea.

The only advice I'd ever give anyone who asked me how many would be... how ever many you like, want, and can afford. Whether that is 0 or 10 bazillion would be entirely up to the person.
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post #45 of 163
5/26/10 at 3:51pm
200?

godihopeimrightgodihopeimright
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post #46 of 163
5/26/10 at 4:03pm
((LOLS jrd4t))
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post #47 of 163
5/26/10 at 5:09pm
for the "average guy", i would 2-3 should suffice.
one all around scent, one for "special occasions", and one winter or summer specific cologne.

but for anyone like us here at basenotes, 20-30+
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post #48 of 163
5/26/10 at 5:49pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by vulcan View Post

I know that most of us either collect or accumulate frags, but I was wondering what advice you would give a non-basenoter who asked you how many fragrances he should have in his wardrobe.

FAR fewer than I do . . . . unless, of course, he doesn't mind be ABnormal.
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post #49 of 163
5/26/10 at 6:02pm
1-5
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post #50 of 163
5/26/10 at 7:07pm
in one time we should buy 300 fragrances. and begin to use one by one, number decreases gradually.
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post #51 of 163
5/26/10 at 7:13pm
I can say that *most* women that are casual scent users have five scents or less, and those are of the department store (or Victoria's Secret/Bath & Body Works) ilk, including the matching body lotion.

I would think most men (not all, again) would be the same: bottles of Fierce, Acqua di Gio, Armani Code, Givenchy Play...

Quote:
Originally Posted by Torx View Post

for the "average guy", i would 2-3 should suffice.
one all around scent, one for "special occasions", and one winter or summer specific cologne.

But for anyone like us here at Basenotes, 20-30+

Only 20-30? Oh, I see the "+" there, LOL!
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post #52 of 163
5/26/10 at 7:46pm
it really depends on you.
Im 20 and i have 34 different ones.
Check out stores such as Marshall and TjMaxx. they make it much easier on the pocket when it comes to collecting fragrances.

I personally get bored with things very fast, so if i had only 8 scents i would hate them all very fast.
The more fragrances you have, the more unique each one becomes. (you wear each one less)

At the end it really depends on your personality and financial statues.
If you are one of those people who go to the same restaurant all the time and order the same dish, then 4-6 would do.
If you like to experiment with new things, then there is no limit besides the money.
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post #53 of 163
5/26/10 at 7:57pm
I'll echo hednic and say
only as many or as few as a person feels he needs.
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post #54 of 163
5/26/10 at 8:03pm
19.
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post #55 of 163
5/26/10 at 8:04pm
In my opinion one or two.
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post #56 of 163
5/26/10 at 8:07pm
As someone mentioned, there are no rules. But in my mind:

0-5 = general population/casual scent users
5-15 = fragrance enthusiast
15-50 = hobbyist/collector
>50 = fragrance connoisseur ("normal" Basenoter)

For the record I think I now have about 48 unique fragrances in my wardrobe (mostly decants). I consider myself a hobbyist now. And that is just since joining BN. Pre-Basenotes I think I generally had 1-5 different frags at any given time.
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post #57 of 163
5/26/10 at 8:08pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kbar View Post

it really depends on you.
Im 20 and i have 34 different ones.
Check out stores such as Marshall and TjMaxx. they make it much easier on the pocket when it comes to collecting fragrances.

I personally get bored with things very fast, so if i had only 8 scents i would hate them all very fast.
The more fragrances you have, the more unique each one becomes. (you wear each one less)

At the end it really depends on your personality and financial statues.
If you are one of those people who go to the same restaurant all the time and order the same dish, then 4-6 would do.
If you like to experiment with new things, then there is no limit besides the money.

Such wisdom, and such pragmatism, from such youth! (seriously)
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post #58 of 163
5/26/10 at 8:12pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tarheel Golfer View Post

As someone mentioned, there are no rules. But in my mind:

0-5 = general population/casual scent users
5-15 = fragrance enthusiast
15-50 = hobbyist/collector
>50 = fragrance connoisseur ("normal" Basenoter)

For the record I think I now have about 48 unique fragrances in my wardrobe (mostly decants). I consider myself a hobbyist now. And that is just since joining BN. Pre-Basenotes I think I generally had 1-5 different frags at any given time.

Nice scale system there.

I'm a fair-to-middling Frag connoisseur on this scale with 60 give or take plus samples...

*and frankly pre Basenotes I had (have) a predilection to essential oils and naturals, and must have about 40 left in that cache!
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post #59 of 163
5/27/10 at 4:44am
Quote:
Originally Posted by karlovonamesti View Post

I second this motion.

I have 7, which I consider to be pushing it, but acceptable:

  • Chanel Allure Homme - mostly for work/school in winter
  • Pour un Homme de Caron - for late winter & most of spring, and worn anywhere at anytime
  • Creed Original Vetiver - for late spring/summer, also worn anywhere at anytime
  • Yatagan - strictly for autumn, between the end of September to early December
  • Kouros - an autumn alternative, although wearable in late spring/summer
  • Grey Flannel - good year round, anywhere
  • Coco by Chanel - winter alternative to Allure Homme, better for evenings

...but a "normal" would not go into it with that much consideration.

Having said that, neither do I - I mostly wear what I want when and wherever I want.
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post #60 of 163
5/27/10 at 4:48am
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Grifter View Post

I think the average/normal person would need no more than 4 or 5. The reason being, I get sick of people wearing the same thing day in day out and some kind of rotation is needed................. not just for the person wearing but for the people around him in every day life.

I agree.


I also say that we are a sick bunch...
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