Is it possible to attach a single field collection to multiple nodes? (And so make updating easier) Firstly is it possible to attach a single field collection to multiple nodes (so when you opened each node, you'd see the same field collection. If you altered one, they'd all change.)

And secondly, if the answer to the first question is yes, how would you go about doing this? Has anyone ever tried this before?

I've been looking through the database tables and it seems like there's no reason you couldn't just point multiple nodes to one fc, however I can't find anything on the topic.

Brief Example

A quick use case to clarify Geoff's question:

When I create node b, I have the option to populate a field collection from node a rather than a blank field collection.

Editing the field collection on node a, would then also change the value in b.
You have to write custom module for this and use hook_node_presave($node) to save fieldcollection value of other node into this and save node.

Then check your DB, now single fc attached to other node(s).