Time to ban investment discussions?

[BobDyl]

Maybe I'm in the minority here but all the discussions about price, cost, discounting, availability and *especially* future value have IMHO overwhelmed the forum. The dialogue here was once interesting to collectors and watch-lovers, but now seems taken over by speculators and flippers.

Seems like this was the right move a few years ago, but is it enough? So many threads today are essentially slightly veiled "what's it worth?" discussions.
https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=263244

Maybe this is just me but longing for the days when the discussions were mainly about merits, function, aesthetics. Still there I guess but like a drowning swimmer struggling for air.

If my collection was worth $0 I'd still be a collector. In fact, I'd probably prefer it.

[FTX I]

No. I don't like it but people are free to discuss whatever they want.

[BobDyl]

Originally Posted by FTX I

No. I don't like it but people are free to discuss whatever they want.

Actually, no they are not. There are lots of rules already governing the forum. The question is, should there be a new one? I guess you think not, totally fine with me, since I'm asking for opinions!

[s14roller]

I'd soon enough rather cut the topics where grown adults ask if they should be wearing a rolex in the shower or to bed.

[eltonbalch]

Let it be. It will pass once availability of watches increases (yes—it will!!!), and values normalize. Most here recognize these watches are NOT an investment but feel fortunate when values for certain pieces increase if they own them. Remember, you don’t have to respond and moderators have better things to do than make subjective decisions about what crosses the line.

[tudorbaja27]

Originally Posted by s14roller

I'd soon enough rather cut the topics where grown adults ask if they should be wearing a rolex in the shower or to bed.

[BobDyl]

Originally Posted by s14roller

I'd soon enough rather cut the topics where grown adults ask if they should be wearing a rolex in the shower or to bed.

You got me there. We should do a second poll...

[Chadridv]

I vote to add another option. I don't want to ban the discussion of "investments" and I don't love talking about money either. I don't really want to vote for either of yours.

[BobDyl]

Originally Posted by eltonbalch

Let it be. It will pass once availability of watches increases (yes—it will!!!), and values normalize. Most here recognize these watches are NOT an investment but feel fortunate when values for certain pieces increase if they own them. Remember, you don’t have to respond and moderators have better things to do than make subjective decisions about what crosses the line.

It's interesting that you think so and I hope you are right. But I don't believe that will be the case. Feels more like watch collecting has become another form of investing (mistakenly I think).

[037]

Bacon.

[Likestheshiny]

Your poll options are a bit silly. How about one for, "I'm fine with it because it doesn't actually happen that often and it's really easy to avoid"?

And if we just replace "investment" with "hold value better," which is what people mean half the time anyway, the questions become even more innocuous.

[Bobby T]

Originally Posted by BobDyl

Maybe I'm in the minority here but all the discussions about price, cost, discounting, availability and *especially* future value have IMHO overwhelmed the forum. The dialogue here was once interesting to collectors and watch-lovers, but now seems taken over by speculators and flippers.

Seems like this was the right move a few years ago, but is it enough? So many threads today are essentially slightly veiled "what's it worth?" discussions.
https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=263244

Maybe this is just me but longing for the days when the discussions were mainly about merits, function, aesthetics. Still there I guess but like a drowning swimmer struggling for air.

If my collection was worth $0 I'd still be a collector. In fact, I'd probably prefer it.

Well, here's an idea......how about avoiding the threads that overwhelm you rather than not allow discussions on subjects you don't like? Its the same thing as complaining about TV shows and wanting them removed........how about just changing the channel?????

[Bigblu10]

Not in favor of banning this subject, but feel it should have it's own sub-forum so those members who want the subject know where to go for it. BTW, I would avoid it altogether.

[Brew]

Just don't click on what you don't like to read. And if you do click, don't comment. And if you do comment, you get what you deserve . . . .

[101031-28]

Originally Posted by chadridv

i vote to add another option. I don't want to ban the discussion of "investments" and i don't love talking about money either. I don't really want to vote for either of yours.

+1

[BobDyl]

Originally Posted by Bigblu10

Not in favor of banning this subject, but feel it should have it's own sub-forum so those members who want the subject know where to go for it. BTW, I would avoid it altogether.

That's an interesting idea.

[FTX I]

Originally Posted by BobDyl

Actually, no they are not. There are lots of rules already governing the forum. The question is, should there be a new one? I guess you think not, totally fine with me, since I'm asking for opinions!

Sure. People must respect the rules, of course. I didn't think it was necessary to mention that. Not sure if you noticed, but you just started a new thread about investments. But it's all good.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by BobDyl

Maybe I'm in the minority here but all the discussions about price, cost, discounting, availability and *especially* future value have IMHO overwhelmed the forum. The dialogue here was once interesting to collectors and watch-lovers, but now seems taken over by speculators and flippers.

Seems like this was the right move a few years ago, but is it enough? So many threads today are essentially slightly veiled "what's it worth?" discussions.
https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=263244

Maybe this is just me but longing for the days when the discussions were mainly about merits, function, aesthetics. Still there I guess but like a drowning swimmer struggling for air.

If my collection was worth $0 I'd still be a collector. In fact, I'd probably prefer it.

Have to agree and that's one of the main reasons this forum was started way back in 2005.This other well known forum thats all they mainly talked about so a few others from that forum decided to start our own forum.This was to get away from all that if I buy this or that will it go up in value etc and then we were all banned for starting TRF.Now how this forum has grown from around 35 members back in 2005 to what we have now, but IMHO sadly over the past few years forum seems to be going down this same route.Instead of learning about the history of the watches and the history of the RWC in general and what this forum was started for.But its a free forum and long as all members stick to the forum rules the posts will go on.But unlike the members we mods and admin do have to read most of the posts but must admit many now makes my ur#ine boil.

[springer]

Originally Posted by Brew

Just don't click on what you don't like to read. And if you do click, don't comment. And if you do comment, you get what you deserve . . . .

There you go! Pretty much sums it up right there.

[BobDyl]

Originally Posted by FTX I

Sure. People must respect the rules, of course. I didn't think it was necessary to mention that. Not sure if you noticed, but you just started a new thread about investments. But it's all good.

Yeah, I figured that would be a risk. Had to even stop myself a couple times from opining on how crappy an investment watches are. Oops, there I guess I went and said it anyway.

[Nandor]

Is it that hard to just ignore topics that you aren't interested in? I feel like 75% of page 1 threads I am not interested in - so I just don't click them - you know, like a grown ass adult. This banning topics thing is some serious snow-flaking.

Edit: If the mods really want to reduce the SNR of those particular threads I think making an investment sub forum is much better solution.

[Overcomer]

I don't think it should be banned but maybe create a separate thread for it? I don't think the investment-discussions happen often enough to warrant a complete, new forum section. Just pin an "Watches as Investment?"-thread on top of the forum and there you go! Or, as others have suggested, just ignore those discussions altogether and focus on the many interesting topics that don't resolve around investment and stuff. ;-)

[D O C]

Usually people that say they don't talk about money or don't care about money are the ones talking about money...

[BobDyl]

Originally Posted by BobDyl

Have to agree and that's one of the main reasons this forum was started way back in 2005.This other well known forum thats all they mainly talked about so a few others from that forum decided to start our own forum.This was to get away from all that if I buy this or that will it go up in value etc and then we were all banned for starting TRF.Now how this forum has grown from around 35 members back in 2005 to what we have now, but IMHO sadly over the past few years forum seems to be going down this same route.Instead of learning about the history of the watches and the history of the RWC in general and what this forum was started for.But its a free forum and long as all members stick to the forum rules the posts will go on.But unlike the members we mods and admin do have to read most of the posts but must admit many now makes my ur#ine boil.

I do still love the forum. So much better than "The-forum-who-must-not-be-named" - but I miss the old days too. I find some solace in the Rolex WatchTech sub forum, but so lightly trafficked. It's possible I'm just getting old.

[Nandor]

Originally Posted by BobDyl

I do still love the forum. So much better than "The-forum-who-must-not-be-named" - but I miss the old days too. I find some solace in the Rolex WatchTech sub forum, but so lightly trafficked. It's possible I'm just getting old.

[Rashid.bk]

I like that my watch retains value, sure.
I just don't like the discussions basing purchase solely on investing and possibly selling.
Buy because you like it and you don't lose money so you feel your money was well spent.

[AK797]

It's part and parcel of the market nowadays so we gotta roll with the punches, just like in life.

[BobDyl]

Originally Posted by springer

There you go! Pretty much sums it up right there.

I'm with you, Springer. The problem is that what's looks like an interesting topic (and not value or investment related) so often devolves into a value and investment discussion. And that's the issue. I'd prefer to talk about GMT fat font inserts *all day long* than talk about price/value/scarcity -- and I've done my fair share, so I'm guilty of it too.

[ap1]

Is it ok to cycle with a Rolex on?

[BobDyl]

Originally Posted by AK797

It's part and parcel of the market nowadays so we gotta roll with the punches, just like in life.

Kind of have to agree with you. I don't seriously think there's any way of stopping it. But I am liking the subforum idea here though. It would be an unfettered place to just talk about market conditions all the time, and no old man like me would complain! Maybe it would divert traffic just a bit...