The OpenTelemetry (OTel) Collector serves a crucial function in managing telemetry data, with various distributions available to suit different production needs. While the otelcol-contrib distribution is popular for demos due to its comprehensive component library, it is not recommended for production environments because it includes unnecessary components that can increase deployment complexity and risk. Instead, organizations are advised to choose leaner, more specialized distributions, such as the core OpenTelemetry Collector, or opt for vendor-maintained distributions that offer better integration with specific backends but may lack customization. Alternatively, building a custom Collector using the OpenTelemetry Collector Builder (OCB) allows for precise component selection but requires significant maintenance. Despite the convenience of otelcol-contrib, the community recognizes the need for more straightforward, customizable build processes, highlighting ongoing discussions about improving OCB to create a better default option for users. Ultimately, selecting the right distribution depends on individual architectural needs and use cases.