Why do we love to participate in the forums?

Drawing from the distant past, we find the following:

Socrates reminds us that the unexamined life is not worth living. Writing clearly is one way we examine our lives, justify our beliefs, and keep ourselves from unreasonable prejudices.
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I doubt it could be said any better today.  Let's keep the great topics flowing.

A Girl's Best Friend

_____________________________________________ Don't breed or buy when homeless pets continue to die.

______________________ "Live Free Or Die Death Is Not The Worst of Evils." - General John Stark, a distinguished hero of the Revolutionary War

........... Karl has joined the diamond trade and is now posting as Karl_K

it is always harder to find a "mind clean" stone than a eye clean stone.

-- joanna --

Date: 8/3/2005 4:08:39 AM
Author: coconut
(1) GREAT way to find people to share your quirky obsession and feel like it's your second nature!!!!

(2) You are identified by your thoughts, morals, opinions rather than by your looks, age, or gender...

(3) You can meet people anytime that's convenient for you. No need to call and schedule lunch!!!!!

coconut, what a great response!  I wholeheartedly concur!

Also, I forgot earlier to mention other things which I consider a "given" such as info, fun, camraderie and beautiful pictures to boot, all at your fingertips (literally).

"I never met a diamond I didn't like."
No jewel is as beautiful as a cat's eyes.
Madam Bijoux (Gabrielle)

Dave,

I think you’ve said it concisely, and best.  Still, I’m moved to add my 2 cents.  As is frequently the case, I have 3 thoughts about this:

1) “It’s the topic, sweetheart.”  I actually find I’m interested in diamonds.  But, that’s not enough.  For example, my wife, having become well aware of my interest going beyond what’s on her hand (my first mistake), suggests I take an interest also (read: instead) in things like mutual funds.  Indeed, they, too, are multifaceted, and can be studied endlessly, to see how performance can be better.  Somehow, though, Forbes and other sources have helped to convince me that it’s a random walk, performance can best be analyzed with a Ouija board, and the broad markets through index funds (I’m a Vanguard fan) is typically just fine thank you (save for that devil, Dodge & Cox).

2) It’s become a professional association…things concerning publishing.  Always interested in writing, for years employed by a publisher…frequently motivated to find ways to inspire the writer’s voice.  Further, here, in concert with my co-writers inspiration and involvement, motivated by the topic of diamonds, one person’s insight and critical thought can have the effect of sparking another’s insight.  Sometimes, this can be a sparky place.  Witness, number…

3) A good friend once said: “Love of wisdom puts you on the spot all the time.”  In Pricescope, an environment is created where people are challenged to think things through, and where conflict is not necessarily a dirty word, but where two differing ideas might invite a third more clear one….and where cacophony can be accommodated, with the idea that a clearer sound can emerge from that.

As other threads have treated well, and not too infrequently, the level of involvement some us have may not be as ideal as some of the diamonds we sometimes talk about.  Another list serve, with a critical bent, that has something to do with helping others or with benefiting the world as a more ready outcome is something I should really try to keep my eye out for.

Meanwhile, I find myself somewhat involved here, for better or worse.  Until that more utilitarian environment manifests (don’t be shy to write me if you know of one), it’s an interesting place to be.

Regards,

Ira (Ruffles have Ridges) Z.
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If you're looking for diamond shopping tips...this (along with this update) might do the trick!

however...caution: known to have been regarded as armed and dangerous…