Is TRF a cult?

[Monte Cristo]

So what is it about this forum? Is it a cult or have I fallen for some Jedi mind trick or something ?

OK, so I have a Rolex on its way (incoming thread to follow shortly) and I'm sitting here thinking, how much does this community called TRF and it's members opinions actually influence the way that you view, research and buy Rolex (and other brand) watches that we like, want....dare I say need?

Personally, up until a few months ago, as a rule I would never have purchased a Rolex online or without having physically inspected it or from a non AD/store, or from an individual i didnt know, etc...I have spent much time on TRF reading posts, sending PMs, asking opinions and advice, etc and now find myself in this unfamilar position, where I have broken ALL the above rules and feel OK with it.

I must have fallen for something, because I originally signed up to learn more about my forgotten 16610 and have now spent thousands of $$ on a Rolex 1...didn't think I would give it up that easily did you?

[mikkolopez]

member of a cult of Rollie watch lovers here ... congrats on your incoming Rollie

[capote]

Originally Posted by Monte Cristo

how much does this community called TRF and it's members opinions actually influence the way that you view, research and buy Rolex (and other brand) watches that we like, want....dare I say need?

Its called enabling

[Bangel]

Originally Posted by Monte Cristo

Is it a cult or have I fallen for some Jedi mind trick or something ?

These aren't the droids you're looking for. Move along...

[brian8121]

Yes.

[Monte Cristo]

Originally Posted by capote

Its called enabling

...you mean its the same as being an alcohol addict....oh boy

[dddrees]

Congrats on your new watch.

I can't wait to see what you have chosen.

Cult no, a gang of unrully enablers, very possibly.

[Joey_V]

This place is definitely a gang of enablers.

[gargamel647]

Just don't drink the kool-aid.

[Monte Cristo]

Originally Posted by dddrees

Congrats on your new watch.

I can't wait to see what you have chosen.

Cult no, a gang of unrully enablers, very possibly.

Thanks Dan. Hopefully on it's way soon.

Originally Posted by Joey_V

This place is definitely a gang of enablers.

Yep, sure are.

Originally Posted by gargamel647

Just don't drink the kool-aid.

But it tastes sooooo good.

[FeelingTheBlues]

Originally Posted by dddrees

Congrats on your new watch.

I can't wait to see what you have chosen.

Cult no, a gang of unrully enablers, very possibly.

Alex. by all means, don't go in the Patek Philippe section. Dan shall enable you and you will have a platinum watch on your wrist before you'll understand what happened!

...Besides, I certainly won't help you to resist!

Congratulations on the soon-to-be-yours Rolex.

[nauticajoe]

Cult?...no. Enablers?.....hell to the yes!

[Brenngun]

Addiction: the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming, to such an extent that its cessation causes severe trauma ..... Hmmmmm ..... sounds about right!

Withdrawal: an act or process of withdrawing; retreat, removal, or detachment from an addiction ........ Hmmmmm ....... not possible!

Oh ....... congrats on the incoming addiction ......

[Monte Cristo]

Originally Posted by FeelingTheBlues

Alex. by all means, don't go in the Patek Philippe section. Dan shall enable you and you will have a platinum watch on your wrist before you'll understand what happened!

...Besides, I certainly won't help you to resist!

Congratulations on the soon-to-be-yours Rolex.

I think you might be quite right Carl. Between the two of you, my kids won't be seeing a cent of their university fund any time soon...

[Monte Cristo]

Originally Posted by Brenngun

Addiction: the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming, to such an extent that its cessation causes severe trauma ..... Hmmmmm ..... sounds about right!

Withdrawal: an act or process of withdrawing; retreat, removal, or detachment from an addiction ........ Hmmmmm ....... not possible!

Oh ....... congrats on the incoming addiction ......

Thanks Dr Rick, I think your diagnosis is correct.
Now give me the the bad news Doc, whats the prognosis?

[FeelingTheBlues]

Originally Posted by Monte Cristo

I think you might be quite right Carl. Between the two of you, my kids won't be seeing a cent of their university fund any time soon...

Your kids don't need education, they need watches...lots of them...watches...

[Brenngun]

Originally Posted by Monte Cristo

Thanks Dr Rick, I think your diagnosis is correct.
Now give me the the bad news Doc, whats the prognosis?

Euphoria: a state of intense happiness and self-confidence or well-being sometimes exaggerated in pathological states as mania.

p.s get your financial house in order. It's going to be a long ride .....

[impalass]

Originally Posted by FeelingTheBlues

Your kids don't need education, they need watches...lots of them...watches...

Back to the OP's original question. All my adult life I was a very happy two watch guy alternating between a Speedy Pro and a Sub.

After retiring I discovered TRF, and within two years my little gathering of two watches has jumped to five of my all time favourites with the addition of a BNIB SS Daytona, (black), a LNIB Omega SMP 2254, and hopefully my last big purchase, a NOS anniversay Sub LV.

The kids educations have been paid for, and the kool aid tastes great.

Now why can't I stop dreaming about a 16600 ?

[Monte Cristo]

Originally Posted by impalass

Back to the OP's original question. All my adult life I was a very happy two watch guy alternating between a Speedy Pro and a Sub.

After retiring I discovered TRF, and within two years my little gathering of two watches has jumped to five of my all time favourites with the addition of a BNIB SS Daytona, (black), a LNIB Omega SMP 2254, and hopefully my last big purchase, a NOS anniversay Sub LV.

The kids educations have been paid for, and the kool aid tastes great.

Now why can't I stop dreaming about a 16600 ?

I'm thinking if I keep this up I may not be able to afford to retire !!!

[rolio]

To the OPs original question: "Is the TRF a cult?" We are not supposed to talk about it, unless we want to drink the KoolAid.

[GradyPhilpott]

This group neither enables nor does it cause members to do what they do not wish to do.

What TRF does do is entertain, educate, and advise. The fact that there are salesmen here is beside the point.

When one looks at the three functions I have posited, the least efficient is advice.

Most of the advice we offer to those who ask, is little more than a list of biases and some personal experience thrown in.

I've never asked anyone here which watch I should buy, but there are plenty of examples of those who do and the responses they receive comprise a list of personal preferences of the posters.

In my personal experience, I came to the boards in search of information about watches in general--how they worked, which ones were best and why, and generally what was out there.

The most logical place to acquire such things is to get with those who have like interests and special interest groups abound in cyberspace and the multidimensional world alike.

We're like children in a candy store. We are at once delighted and overwhelmed, but we are here for a purpose--we like watches and we would buy them all, if only there weren't social and financial barriers.

The man behind the counter is providing the service and he may be happy to describe the various products, but he knows there's no need for pressure tactics. We were ready put the money on the counter when we came through the door.

There may be some factors influencing our purchase, such as personal experience, the reaction of others who buy a particular product, advertising, product placement and a desire to buy something that will convey our exquisite tastes to those in the know.

Ultimately, though, we buy what we want, even if sometimes our choices are based on inaccurate data or a misguided desire to "keep up with or surpass the Joneses."

From a purely sociological perspective, TRF is not a cult and neither is the WIS community. The term cult has been vastly overused and although there are some similarities to actual cults, the criteria are simply not met.

If I had never stumbled upon a watch group, I probably would have bought a luxury watch, given the discretionary income I have available and my developing interest in watches.

Would I have chosen Rolex? Probably not, as I didn't understand the true nature of Rolex and its products, history, innovation, durability and business model. I probably would have bought a watch with a fancy name and a low four-digit price.

Would I have bought three Rolex watches? Maybe, but probably not.

My interest in owning more than one is based on a respect for the brand that I learned mostly here on TRF and a desire to have models that represent important developments in the history of Rolex and fit with my personal needs and sense of style.

So, TRF is what it is and whether or not TRF's influence is positive or negative is entirely up to the individual.

For some TRF is a font of knowledge. For others it may very well be a scapegoat for poor decisions.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by mikkolopez

member of a cult of Rollie watch lovers here ... congrats on your incoming Rollie

I believe Rollie is a camera as on my watches it clearly states the word Rolex on the dial and that's what I wear on my wrist a Rolex.

[MoBe]

Never underestimate the power of the force.

[Xenophon]

I've followed the cult of "I like watches that mean more to me than just telling the time" for 25 years

[DCgator]

I've always been into and owned watches since I could afford to buy them. TRF merely serves as an online advisor that complement my research on a particular Rolex or another brand. At the end of the day I buy the watch that sings to me.

[cgjane]

Originally Posted by Bangel

These aren't the droids you're looking for. Move along...

You will buy another Rolex. (waves jedi hand)

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

This group neither enables nor does it cause members to do what they do not wish to do.

What TRF does do is entertain, educate, and advise. The fact that there are salesmen here is beside the point.

When one looks at the three functions I have posited, the least efficient is advice.

Most of the advice we offer to those who ask, is little more than a list of biases and some personal experience thrown in.

I've never asked anyone here which watch I should buy, but there are plenty of examples of those who do and the responses they receive comprise a list of personal preferences of the posters.

In my personal experience, I came to the boards in search of information about watches in general--how they worked, which ones were best and why, and generally what was out there.

The most logical place to acquire such things is to get with those who have like interests and special interest groups abound in cyberspace and the multidimensional world alike.

We're like children in a candy store. We are at once delighted and overwhelmed, but we are here for a purpose--we like watches and we would buy them all, if only their weren't social and financial barriers.

The man behind the counter is providing the service and he may be happy to describe the various products, but he knows there's no need for pressure tactics. We were ready put the money on the counter when we came through the door.

There may be some factors influencing our purchase, such as personal experience, the reaction of others who buy a particular product, advertising, product placement and a desire to buy something that will convey our exquisite tastes to those in the know.

Ultimately, though, we buy what we want, even if sometimes our choices are based on inaccurate data or a misguided desire to "keep up with or surpass the Joneses."

From a purely sociological perspective, TRF is not a cult and neither is the WIS community. The term cult has been vastly overused and although there are some similarities to actual cults, the criteria are simply not met.

If I had never stumbled upon a watch group, I probably would have bought a luxury watch, given the discretionary income I have available and my developing interest in watches.

Would I have chosen Rolex? Probably not, as I didn't understand the true nature of Rolex and its products, history, innovation, durability and business model. I probably would have bought a watch with a fancy name and a low four-digit price.

Would I have bought three Rolex watches? Maybe, but probably not.

My interest in owning more than one is based on a respect for the brand that I learned mostly here on TRF and a desire to have models that represent important developments in the history of Rolex and fit with my personal needs and sense of style.

So, TRF is what it is and whether or not TRF's influence is positive or negative is entirely up to the individual.

For some TRF is a font of knowledge. For others it may very well be a scapegoat for poor decisions.

Great post Grady, well worth the read.

[GradyPhilpott]

Thanks, Dan!

[unclesallie]

Originally Posted by Monte Cristo

So what is it about this forum? Is it a cult or have I fallen for some Jedi mind trick or something ?

OK, so I have a Rolex on its way (incoming thread to follow shortly) and I'm sitting here thinking, how much does this community called TRF and it's members opinions actually influence the way that you view, research and buy Rolex (and other brand) watches that we like, want....dare I say need?

Personally, up until a few months ago, as a rule I would never have purchased a Rolex online or without having physically inspected it or from a non AD/store, or from an individual i didnt know, etc...I have spent much time on TRF reading posts, sending PMs, asking opinions and advice, etc and now find myself in this unfamilar position, where I have broken ALL the above rules and feel OK with it.

I must have fallen for something, because I originally signed up to learn more about my forgotten 16610 and have now spent thousands of $$ on a Rolex 1...didn't think I would give it up that easily did you?

TRF changes everyone who signs on and up...in some way or another.
Taught me the basics of rolex watches, watches in general; spurred me to
interest in other watches as well; taught me pricing(it's high on TRF); met some people at three get togethers...organized one in York, Pa. Got to know JJ pretty well; watched some people come and go, learned how to withhold that inafamous 'submit reply' button press......became addicted to the 'for sale' board......

[Monte Cristo]

Originally Posted by unclesallie

TRF changes everyone who signs on and up...in some way or another.
Taught me the basics of rolex watches, watches in general; spurred me to
interest in other watches as well; taught me pricing(it's high on TRF); met some people at three get togethers...organized one in York, Pa. Got to know JJ pretty well; watched some people come and go, learned how to withhold that inafamous 'submit reply' button press......became addicted to the 'for sale' board......

Your experiences feel very familiar to me. Thanks very much for sharing