What happens to them

1) Collect phono to stereo leads/headphone adaptors
2)
3) Profit

http://trs80.ucc.asn.au/sccg/images/gnome.jpg

haha. maybe bait the gnomes with your underpants?

but seriously, when i take the adapter off to plug my phones into a discman or other 1/8" device, i always leave the 1/4" adapter plugged into my mixer. haven't lost it yet.

tie it to the cable. that way its always there.