Horological Meandering

For anyone who is lurking out there and wondering if you should make that initial post on PuristSPro, this one's for you. 

Interactions in cyberspace still retain some level of mystery and, frankly, scariness for me.  I'm that person who was wary of online shopping, internet banking, etc., so trust me when I say that I am the last person I expected to become an active participant in any online community.  So what's changed?  Perhaps, my plunge into this site can be chalked up to a confluence of the right time, right place, and a burgeoning interest in watches, but honestly I think it had a lot more to do with the people who regularly contribute here. 

As I became interested in watches, and wanted to learn more about them, I looked to the internet.  That's how I started lurking on the boards here at PuristSPro.  I read the posts of others, and enjoyed their myriad photographs.  I found a certain amount of pleasure in my anonymous information gathering, but didn't have the courage to jump into the fray myself.  Finally, after months and months of lurking I decided to take the plunge and comment on a post about an event that A. Lange & Sohne hosted in Los Angeles.  Hitting "Insert" on that first post was a bit terrifying.  After all, I was a novice to the hobby, and on top of that, a woman in a heavily male-dominated pastime.  What was I thinking? 

Flash forward several months, and I'm happy I took a chance on that first post, as it paved the way for all the great exchanges that followed.  I had learned, and continue to learn, so much from reading other Purist's postings, but that one-way exchange of information pales in comparison to the rich experience of sharing your thoughts, and receiving comments in kind.  If I had never posted, I wonder if I would've learned how many commonalities we PuristS share, and I'm not just talking about an interest in horology.  Through interactions on the boards I've found that we are foodies;  we are wine drinkers; we are connoisseurs of fine pens; we are enthused about sportscars, and follow motorsports of all sorts; we cherish nature and seek to live more harmoniously with it; we have wanderlust and travel often; we delight in the arts, including movies, and books; and we hail from every corner of the globe!  There's something wonderfully reassuring about the fact that as much as we are different, we are also the same.

So, in this spirit I would like to extend an invitation to any lurkers out there who might be looking for a good opportunity to make that first post to do so here and now.  Please bring to the community your unique and wonderful voice, in order that we might all benefit from the singular perspective and experiences that only you can share.  I'm sure PuristS everywhere would be excited to hear from some new folks!  How about a wristshot to start?  Or could you please tell us about your favorite watch, either one you own, or one you aspire to own?  Or perhaps you can share with everyone why you became interested in watches to begin with? 

Won't you please stop lurking and join us? 

Cheers,
Daos

P.S. - I cannot be held responsible for all the time you will subsequently spend posting after you find out how much fun it is!

 

This message has been edited by AnthonyTsai on 2009-06-11 07:14:19

As always, very well written, Sister.

I will only enhance one thing you said, which is the most important, to my eyes.

The share is the beginning of the richness, of the knowledge.

Lurking is good, indeed, but sharing your emotions, your feelings, your knowledge ( because everyone here has a knowledge ),, and your Passion is much more interesting, and way better!

Thanks for this brilliant post, Daos.

Would be good to have a Female Moderator in the Team!

Best,

Nicolas

...you are too nice to me.  I cannot ever imagine being knowledgeable enough to moderate anything!  I count myself ahead of the game if I can successfully "moderate" my laundry basket from week to week!    Truly, you are one of the people in our virtual village to whom I owe a great debt of gratitude.  I've learned so much from you, and you have always been so welcoming, so let me take this opportunity to say:

Je suis reconnaissant de votre amitié. 

It's been a long time since high school French, so I hope you'll forgive my poor grasp of your mother tongue.  I had to look up the word "grateful" in my English-French dictionary... *embarassed*

All my best,
Daos

. . . looking forward to finally meeting you in person this weekend, Daos . . . warmest regards, Art

I will be bringing you a small gift of music, which I hope will not be redundant in your collection.    Until Saturday, my friend.

Cheers,
Daos

Hello Dao,

I, for one, am glad you started posting.  How else would I have learned of the fabulous and delicious Philippino restaurant in Eagle Rock that's right in my back yard.  Thanks for sharing your experiences with all of us.  Cheers,

Frederick

 

Thanks for the note!  I was just talking with some friends about Fiesta Sa Barrio and thinking I was overdue for a visit!  I'm glad that you enjoyed it!  There's TONS of good eats in Eagle Rock and Glendale.  It is always nice to correspond with you! 

I hope you've been well!

Cheers,
Daos

You go, girl!

Thanks, beautifully said.

Wow, between you, Ginger, Ping, ATM...we "gearhead geeks and freaks" will be tamed and civilized yet...

;-)

Looking forward to our next meeting,

TM

Thomas!  I like my "gearhead geeks" a little freaky!  Thanks for the note, and your continuing mentorship.  I'm glad I finally made it to the party!  Safe travels, and I likewise look forward to our next meeting.  Remember, the sushi's on me next time.  It's a deal breaker!

Cheers,
Daos

I tried a tiny piece when he ordered a fish guts dish, and on my god, that was one of the foulest things I've ever eatten before :P  Almost as bad as stinky tofu!  LOL

Cheers,
Anthony

changed fish guts to squid guts

 

 

This message has been edited by AnthonyTsai on 2009-06-09 08:18:41

With all due respect to any stinky tofu lovers out there, but that was one food product I cannot imagine eating again -- and this from a girl who has eaten everything from live octopus to still beating cobra heart in a shot of whiskey!  Yikes!

Daos

to those unsure of committing. I've often directed people I meet that have some interest in watches to check out this site if they want to learn about watches. Sometimes the anonymity is good in that it affords one to mask their "inexperience" or limited knowledge of watches. But, you gotta just JUMP IN.

The great thing about this forum's MEMBERS and MODERATORS is that they do not judge you but instead, is so willing to answer ANY question, give you information, offer suggestions and post fantastic reviews. As a by-product of participation, they extend the right hand of fellowship and friendship.

Thanks for the post, Daos. I hope to meet you someday as well.

Aloha,

Bob

...one of these days.  I just cannot stay away from the islands for too long!  I agree that the moderators and general members are what make this site great.  I always appreciate your comments, and look forward to reading you.  This place is really about the people, isn't it?  We just all happen to like watches as well. 

Mahalo!
Daos 

or, should I say, passion? Watches are made for wrists and "just so happens" both men AND women can wear them. It doesn't discriminate and transcends ALL barriers!

Look forward to meeting you one day!

Until then, aloooooooha!

Bob

And well written. Congratulations my friend.

I recognize that this is my home, I was received here some time ago and here I´m tried excellent.

I must admit that for me is an honor and a privilege to belong to this family. To this Purist Familiy

Thank you for your wonderful thoughts

Best

Emilio

PPro is much like an extended family!  I feel privileged to have witnessed your triumphs, such as the acquisition of your gorgeous vintage Fifty Fathoms, if only in photo essays.  We are thousands of miles apart, yet the excitement of a great catch like yours is palpable even across such great distances.  It's one of the wonderful aspects of our community!

I hope you are well, and I send you my best!

Cheers,
Daos

Well done Daos!

I often meet some lurkers at events and when the subject of lurking comes around I always hear that thePuristS.com  and PuristSPro.com are too intimidating due to experience and knowledge of our members.  But once you realize how fun &  easy it is to post, then you'll know how much more enjoyment you get with other great fellow Purists!

So lurkers, come out of lurking, post and say hello! 

-MW

...and I can understand why people might feel that way.  The depth and breadth of discussion on our boards is beyond anything I have encountered on the other sites I've visited.  After you scratch the surface with a post or two though, you quickly realize that folks here are welcoming and there seems to be a genuine sense of community.  For me personally, it was TimeOut that really got me out of my shell.  In my time here you've always made TO a lively and fun place to just hangout, so thanks for that, MW! 

Cheers,
Daos

No message body

The best way to learn something is through involvement.

For lurkers out there, so what if you make a mistake or have a wrong opinion? All of us made (and still do) make mistakes. This is what makes the conversation and the education fun!

Thank you Daos, for a great post.

Truly yours,

Jon (Z3)

i wish i had the ability to express myself better.

i came to this forum whilst researching my dream watch, the Freak. i didnt lurk very long as i had questions to ask and was welcomed without any reservations. most of the members are a world apart from me in terms of lifestyle, but that doesnt matter as we all have things in common, more than just watches. the forum has given me many things, knowledge being possibly the least of them. it has given me direction in my life, given me a reason not to become a couch potato watching TV all day. i log on daily and nearly every day i learn something new or see something i've not seen before. it sounds very sad, but i dont know what i would be doing now if i hadnt come across the purists.

its great to see more female members, but if your looking for a female moderator with all the time in the world to dedicate to the forum i can always wear a skirt

beautifully said Daos, lets hope the lurkers take heed and start to participate.

best as ever

Graham

One of the highlights of my brief time here on PPro has been getting to know more about you, Wales, and your thoughts on watches, amongst many other topics.  I hope lurkers will be moved to post, but at the same time I accept that we must all come around to things in our own time!  It is certainly not for me to judge how others choose to interact with PPro.  I just wanted to share my own personal positive experiences with this community, of which you are an integral part! 

Cheers,
Daos

. . . a kilt, maybe ;-) . . . LOL, Art

i do find it worrying that Andrew has kept this pic of my calloused and well travelled foot, but i'm sure it was for the detail of the speedmaster attached.

i can always get tips from my sons football coach who was an ex squaddie called Mark, but is now a transvestite called Michelle.

yours safe with his own sexuality(honest)

Gaham

… has a Foot Shot Friday (FSF). Perhaps we should start something innovative?

 

This is one of the more memorable Speedmaster shots, Graham. A 44 year old watch with a 44 year old foot. It makes me smile whenever I think of it, so you have done your ‘job’ well!

 

A skirt or even a kilt? I’m not sure.

 

A

Graham in a skirt?!  Is this what the kids are doing in Wales nowadays? 

You guys crack me up!

Cheers,
Daos

...and I appreciate the kind words.  It's true, we all should try not to live in fear.  Mistakes will be made, but IMO interactive learning is the best!  I've gained a lot of knowledge from you, the other moderators, and general members, so for that I'm thankful.  If my post helps encourage even one person who has never posted before to join in the fun, I'd be pretty psyched! 

Cheers,
Daos

Daos,
There are many foreign members here at The PuristS, and I'm one of them.

It's not always easy to express yourself in English (and I'm using the capital 'E' intentionally) so there are times in which you feel the impulse to write but suddenly stop.
Why? Because it takes some time to check your sentences, to be sure you're not misunderstood, to try to avoid puns, etc. and often it's so late that your eyes keep closing and eventually you end up loosing your "inspiration" and quit.

I'm grateful to all the members here, I've learned most of what I know here. For instance, there are many technical terms I can spell only in English. Now go figure the face of an Italian seller of watchmaking tools trying to understand an Italian-speaking person talking about 'stud' and 'collet' instead of pitone and virola But I digress.

The point is, I love this place. But I success in sharing my experience and opinions just once or twice per year. I know it's difficult for you all to feel the emotions of someone lurking all the time. But I assure you, there's plenty of love, appreciation and participation even from us foreign, more silent than we'd like to be, lurkers.
Cheers
// ocram