My drought of media appearances has been broken, with the inclusion of a segment about my collection of navel lint on the ABC (Australia) TV show Collectors last Friday.

Now why would a shy and private person like me want to be on TV? That’s what I ask myself whenever a media request turns up. I don’t do radio interviews, and have been selective about newspapers and magazines. Being on TV isn’t something I desire or need, but while I’ve declined some requests, I’ve made exceptions for others.

My appearances on the Tonight Show and Enough Rope With Andrew Denton both involved free trips (to Los Angeles and Sydney, respectively) - a compelling lure to someone who loves travel. The Collectors show was different, as a Perth crew came to my home for filming.

In this case the appeal was contributing to a show I feel enthusiasm for. They showcase a huge range of collections - from traditional antiques to the strange and quirky, from serious to light hearted. While not everything they feature interests me, I love the diversity of it all. The show goes beyond the stereotypical antiques collector, and documents not just the things collected but the tremendously different people who collect them.

Collectors who could be described as eccentric appear on the show, and they are treated with dignity and respect. Some collections generate a laugh, but the humour is not at the collectors’ expense. This was an important consideration for me, as my lint collection is not exactly conventional.

My segment was filmed in the comfort of my home, with just three people present - producer, camera man and sound man. Plus me of course. With no audience, and the ability to re-take scenes I messed up, it wasn’t nearly as intimidating as the Tonight Show!

The producer, David De Vos, directed the shoot with creativity, kindness, and understanding of the fears that non-celebrities have. The film crew were very patient and professional, putting me as much at ease as I’ll ever be in front of a camera (I prefer to be behind one). Considering the limitations of what they had to work with - me, and three jars of lint - I think they and the editors did a great job.

With this latest contribution to Australia’s cultural heritage behind me (sounds more impressive than showing my belly on TV), I can continue my life as an anonymous normal person. Or at least as normal as I want to be!