How would it be for you if PS went away? Any last words to get in now?

[Matata]

^Too late to edite post #60 and I just saw this online tidbit.

Data analytics firm Palantir is building a master list of personal information on Americans that could give the president immense surveillance power. This is in addition to all the personal info obtained through DOGE's alleged cost-cutting measures. Big Bro is prowling is watching.

 

[Sunrises Sunsets]

^Too late to edite post #60 and I just saw this online tidbit.

Data analytics firm Palantir is building a master list of personal information on Americans that could give the president immense surveillance power. This is in addition to all the personal info obtained through DOGE's alleged cost-cutting measures. Big Bro is prowling is watching.

The thing is people don't realize "BIG BRO" is watching them all over the world?. They don't realize how much of their personal information including their precious SS # have been hacked and is in the hands of others all over the world. Much of the hacking has not yet been discovered. Hacking is relentlessly continuing and ongoing at this moment.

In one year three different medical institutions where I have been a patient and my information is on file have been hacked. Some of the hacking happened a while ago and was just discovered. The hacking is ongoing constantly including all different areas of service that people use daily. DOGE's cost-cutting measures should be the least of anyone's worries.

If you talk to someone who works in cybersecurity, your eyes will be opened.

 

[Rockdiamond]

As one of the participants in some of the discussions that bordered on breaking the rules….
I have a better insight today, than I did yesterday.
I got a call this morning….. I’m always wary of the seemingly endless bother of spam calls….
I almost hung up- the caller spoke in a hesitant manner.
“Is this David, who posts on Pricescope?”
They wanted to talk about the polarization they’d felt- and why they stopped posting.
No one is right and no one is wrong.
We all hope things turn out well.
I can’t say I regret anything I’ve written- and at the same time, realize the points have been made on both sides without changing anyone’s mind.
Let’s talk about sparkles. And puppies. Yes.
Woof woof

 

[glitterata]

For me, it's this: are you ever really anonymous?

We all (well, most of us) walk around with tracking devices in our pockets. Sometimes on our wrists too.

It might be harder to find people who are being cautious like @LilAlex , but it's very easy to find people who post more personal photos and info about their lives. For example, there's a thread about a member's beautiful home. Someone alerted her that it was very easy to find the place on a map, so Ella deleted what she and the member thought were the telltale photos and details. I didn't see the thread until after stuff had been deleted. Out of curiosity, I tried to find the place based on the info left behind. It took me less than five minutes, even without what they thought were the telling details. I didn't mention it before, because I didn't want to freak people out, and the cat was already out of that particular bag. (Obviously, I had no nefarious plans to use the info.)

Google lens has gotten very good at identifying images. If you've ever posted the same photo in more than one spot, or even a photo of the same object or place, it's not hard to link the posts, and therefore the poster.

People knowing that I collect quarter-carat 1930s engagement rings and Georgian table-cut garnet lace pins is the least of my privacy problems. I've posted so much that I'm sure a clever and diligent snoop could figure out what town or city I live in, what neighborhood, even the address, what I do for a living, where I do it...I try my best to be polite and neutral so if anyone does figure out who I am, they can't use what I write here to embarrass me.

This post has strayed very far from the original topic of the thread: How would you feel if PS went away? I would feel it as a great loss. This hobby is dear to me, you folks are lovely and interesting, and this is one of the places where kind, intelligent people talk about things that interest me without using AI to wash all the truth and personality out of their words.

 

[Matata]

If you talk to someone who works in cybersecurity, your eyes will be opened.

I know 2 people with the highest security clearances who design cybersecurity systems and analyze weaknesses of existing systems for the US and businesses around the world. My eyes are unfortunately opened which is why I had to learn not to angst about my personal info. I can't do a darn thing about it and there are a lot of other things in this world that I can do something about even in small part so I focus there because it helps with my peace of mind. And then there's AI...eeeek.

 

[Matata]

For example, there's a thread about a member's beautiful home. Someone alerted her that it was very easy to find the place on a map, so Ella deleted what she and the member thought were the telltale photos and details. I didn't see the thread until after stuff had been deleted. Out of curiosity, I tried to find the place based on the info left behind. It took me less than five minutes, even without what they thought were the telling details. I didn't mention it before, because I didn't want to freak people out, and the cat was already out of that particular bag. (Obviously, I had no nefarious plans to use the info.)

I'm glad you brought that up even though we're straying, as often happens, from the original intent of this thread. I found that house before the poster did, LOL. I'm always looking for houses in places around the world that I fantasize moving to and I came across the listing and immediately started to think about what renovations I'd do if it were mine. Imagine my surprise when months later a member here posted that it was her new home. My point being that there are ways where someone's personal info can be discovered by pure happenstance. What were the chances I'd add a house to my dream house folder only to find someone on PS owned it. When I saw her photos here my jaw hit the floor. I couldn't delete the listing info and photos from my folder fast enough, LOL.

 

[Karl_K]

If you talk to someone who works in cybersecurity, your eyes will be opened.

I work on the edges of cybersecurity.
I just came to the realization one day that I am not that interesting.
While I use Karl_K here probably a 150+ current and former members know my full name and Mine Wifey's! full name on Facebook.
The fact that data brokers are legally gathering all that information is just as bad as the potential for it being hacked. Maybe worse. I rate that a 10.
Stuff I post on here I rate a 1, just using basic precautions not to make it overly easy.

 

[Matata]

Let’s talk about sparkles. And puppies. Yes.
Woof woof

Well no...what if I don't wanna talk about or see puppies here because it makes me think about all the puppies living on the streets and in shelters who don't have homes and it makes me sad. If I call you to complain that you should have adopted a shelter dog rather than from a breeder because it makes me sad will you stop posting about your puppy?

Discussion and debate may not change anyone's mind, I don't think that's the purpose of either one, but they may open minds to different points of view and just maybe clear up misperceptions enough to foster tolerance where none existed before. This world might be a bit better place if people learned to communicate rather than keep festering anger and hate inside until it boils over into what we see happening today around the globe. “There comes a time when silence is betrayal." (Martin Luther King)

I read a thread in Rocky Talky the other day where several posters were pushing hard to get someone who came for advice to change her mind about where she wanted to buy her ring. Their persistence segued from trying to be helpful to attempts to convince her that they knew better than she what she should do to get the best bang for her buck in spite of her polite persistence in stating where she wanted to buy her ring. That's not the first time I've seen discussions go sideways in RT, add that to the info some have shared about issues they've had in colored stones and the elite vibe that makes some posters feel uncomfortable and there's much more contentious stuff to worry about here than the occasional discussion of forbidden topics.

 

[Rockdiamond]

@Matata of course I agree….
Without a doubt when newbies are pushed around, it helps no one.
I’ve enjoyed your posts and learned from the content. It’s just that a few members make up a bulk of the posts. I include myself in that group.
The current state of affairs is terrifying to many of us. Finding a place to voice the feelings has felt satisfying in a way.
At the same time incredibly frustrating because people are so dug in to their positions.
I would probably have a really hard time staying out the next time a thread comes up. Just kind of broke my heart today when personally confronted by the results of some of these discussions.

 

[MMtwo]

I'm on a popular watch forum and I gladly pay 20 a year to keep it viable. Not everyone needs to pay, but if you do, you can access members only chats. Please consider.

I would be so sad to lose this forum. Maybe we could expand on colored stones. We also need a special spot for jade. Resources on that are pretty rare.

 

[Matthews1127]

I’d be devastated. While, I took some time away from my regular visits here, I never once forgot anyone here, and I checked on some folks on other forums and on social media sites. I was elated to be back in Jan/Feb this year and see so many familiar names and “faces”.
Like many of you, I don’t have connections with many who admire, swoon over, and salivate over jewelry, gem stones and diamonds like I do. We are a special community and I am proud to be a member.
If this was my final visit, I’d thank each one of you who shared in my joy, and anxiously awaited the results of my next collaboration, project, and acquisition. I’d demonstrate my gratefulness to all who shared their stories, and invited me to enjoy their beautiful jewelry.
I’d express my gratitude to each professional and knowledgeable person who helped to educate me in order to empower me. While I am confident in all I knew before I joined this community, I admit I learned so much more than I anticipated, and I carry every bit of that new material with me.
The name of the forum may be “Pricescope”, but it will forever be known to me as “Priceless”.
Should the unthinkable happen, and PS disappears, I want you all to know how valuable you have made this experience over the years, and I know I am a better human for knowing every one of you.
I will make it my mission to reconnect with you in some way, should we never see each other here, again.
Thank you for being the calm in the storm and my place of zen in the chaos.
Shine on!

 

[Karl_K]

@Matthews1127 you made me get all teary eyed. Thank you.

 

[Matthews1127]

@Matthews1127 you made me get all teary eyed. Thank you.

Sending big hugs to you. You are most special to me, and I am honored to have crossed paths with you.

 

[toomuchB]

That's not the first time I've seen discussions go sideways in RT, add that to the info some have shared about issues they've had in colored stones and the elite vibe that makes some posters feel uncomfortable and there's much more contentious stuff to worry about here than the occasional discussion of forbidden topics.

Thanks for sharing this. I'm a CS poster. It is possible I have come off as elitist without intending to. I can think of one thread in particular where a user was asking for honest feedback on a fairly big purchase, posting stones they were considering. Basically every comment including mine were 'the stones are not bad but have XYZ issues and you can do better - this one has a window, this is a little dark'... etc.
Then, a wonderful and probably sensitive user assured the poster: it was not us saying these are bad or terrible choices, moreso that we spot and bring up flaws and it is up to the buyer to decide if they are ok with the inclusion or a slightly subpar cut, or whatever.
That really put me in the shoes of the poster, who heard mostly negative feedback, likely creating an unwelcoming feeling.
But I don't think elitism is the intention at all at the CS forum.
For example, small or inexpensive purchases seem just as celebrated as bigger ones.
Still, it is a problem and now I'm more aware of it, and I'll try improve by framing things more like the poster I mentioned above did.
Then again, I am quite new to PS and drama-averse, so maybe I am blind to things behind the scenes.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Thanks for sharing this. I'm a CS poster. It is possible I have come off as elitist without intending to. I can think of one thread in particular where a user was asking for honest feedback on a fairly big purchase, posting stones they were considering. Basically every comment including mine were 'the stones are not bad but have XYZ issues and you can do better - this one has a window, this is a little dark'... etc.
Then, a wonderful and probably sensitive user assured the poster: it was not us saying these are bad or terrible choices, moreso that we spot and bring up flaws and it is up to the buyer to decide if they are ok with the inclusion or a slightly subpar cut, or whatever.
That really put me in the shoes of the poster, who heard mostly negative feedback, likely creating an unwelcoming feeling.
But I don't think elitism is the intention at all at the CS forum.
For example, small or inexpensive purchases seem just as celebrated as bigger ones.
Still, it is a problem and now I'm more aware of it, and I'll try improve by framing things more like the poster I mentioned above did.

This is a real issue tmB!
I can see a couple of issues.
1. We cut nuts are competing to prove how clever we are, even though we are often splitting hairs that are way way beyond human vision (e.g. I do not believe anyone can tell the difference between H&A AAA and A quality).
2. consumers get overwhelmed as you are saying (I think you are saying this?)
3. It frightens the bejebus out of vendors who run and hide.

 

[toomuchB]

This is a real issue tmB!
I can see a couple of issues.
1. We cut nuts are competing to prove how clever we are, even though we are often splitting hairs that are way way beyond human vision (e.g. I do not believe anyone can tell the difference between H&A AAA and A quality).
2. consumers get overwhelmed as you are saying (I think you are saying this?)
3. It frightens the bejebus out of vendors who run and hide.

Yes, while I am talking more about the CS forum there is some overlap. Here is my POV from the CS side. It is a bit messily written.

Regarding point 1, often with CS, the nitpicking is about visible features. They are often just minor, or preference based.
For example, after searching, OP has found a great ruby that ticks just about all the boxes. A poster - maybe me - points out it has a small window. This is purely an informative statement (and it may have implication on setting choice). But it puts a damper on OP's success and can be unwelcoming. Many 'elitist' posters would consider a stone with a small window esp. in certain materials, like ruby. Which is why I think it does not always stem from elitism.

An example of nitpicking on invisible features: After searching the buyer has found a great padparadscha sapphire of Malagasy origin. But historically/traditionally, only Sri Lankan ones are padparadscha, and some purists only consider this origin to produce them. I've never said, 'don't buy that stone, the origin is wrong and its not a real padparadscha', but I have pointed out that some stick to the traditional definition. This can be a downer, or elitism, or needlessly picky/bringing the mood down. But my intention was simply to inform, and I am happy the OP found a stone they like. Some would not consider a Malagasy padparadscha, so maybe there is a resale value concern here.

I think in point 2 I mean not only overwhelmed but also a feeling of 'nothing is good enough/perfect' creating a hostile atmosphere. Because there is almost always something to nitpick in CS. As a natural consequence of issues being more common in CS, I think there is more forgiveness for stone issues especially when the user declares 'I don't care about this issue too much'. No one is looking at cut angles, but we are looking for decently well proportioned cuts, or at least no windows. Precision cuts are generally preferred, but you won't find a precision cut ruby. But any nickpicks, again, are at their basis informative, and can come off as elitist. A buyer who bought a windowed stone despite advice suggesting otherwise, will get plenty of positivity once it is clear they love the stone and made an informed decision.

Maybe I need to reframe criticisms as less severe, point out the good in a stone more, esp if there are multiple posters pointing out an obvious flaw.

I will say we have some incredibly kind and positive posters on the CS forum, but people tend remember the more negative comments I assume.

The thread I mentioned above (with the criticisms+sensitive poster) is still an ongoing one, I'm not sure if it is polite to post it as an example of what I mean.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

Thanks for sharing this. I'm a CS poster. It is possible I have come off as elitist without intending to. I can think of one thread in particular where a user was asking for honest feedback on a fairly big purchase, posting stones they were considering. Basically every comment including mine were 'the stones are not bad but have XYZ issues and you can do better - this one has a window, this is a little dark'... etc.
Then, a wonderful and probably sensitive user assured the poster: it was not us saying these are bad or terrible choices, moreso that we spot and bring up flaws and it is up to the buyer to decide if they are ok with the inclusion or a slightly subpar cut, or whatever.
That really put me in the shoes of the poster, who heard mostly negative feedback, likely creating an unwelcoming feeling.
But I don't think elitism is the intention at all at the CS forum.
For example, small or inexpensive purchases seem just as celebrated as bigger ones.
Still, it is a problem and now I'm more aware of it, and I'll try improve by framing things more like the poster I mentioned above did.
Then again, I am quite new to PS and drama-averse, so maybe I am blind to things behind the scenes.

i think what is really nice about PS is no matter what is said about a stone pre-purchase is once ts been purchased the feedback becomes positive

 

[toomuchB]

i think what is really nice about PS is no matter what is said about a stone pre-purchase is once ts been purchased the feedback becomes positive

Yes! You perfectly captured this point that I tried to include with too many words.

 

[Avondale]

But I don't think elitism is the intention at all at the CS forum.

No, it is not.

The fact we can give such an impression is a function of the environment cultivated in the forum - and this environment is tailored to the resident population. We are nitpicky. We don't like it when a vendor sells (and prices!) a stone as the best thing ever when in fact it has visible flaws. We want to be as informed as possible when deciding what to buy, and we want every flaw to be reflected in the price. We are just very discerning customers.

So no wonder we're scaring off the vendors, but we definitely should not be scaring off the buyers.

 

[toomuchB]

No, it is not.

The fact we can give such an impression is a function of the environment cultivated in the forum - and this environment is tailored to the resident population. We are nitpicky. We don't like it when a vendor sells (and prices!) a stone as the best thing ever when in fact it has visible flaws. We want to be as informed as possible when deciding what to buy, and we want every flaw to be reflected in the price. We are just very discerning customers.

So no wonder we're scaring off the vendors, but we definitely should not be scaring off the buyers.

Totally agree. I think I got derailed on the buyer issue because of this quote which resonated with me. At least, I understood this as more of a scaring-off-buyers statement - and scaring off buyers has an effect on vendors of course. Maybe I misunderstood.

That's not the first time I've seen discussions go sideways in RT, add that to the info some have shared about issues they've had in colored stones and the elite vibe that makes some posters feel uncomfortable and there's much more contentious stuff to worry about here than the occasional discussion of forbidden topics.

 

[Avondale]

Oh, no, the scaring off vendors part was a nod towards what Garry wrote.

 

[Matata]

Thanks for sharing this. I'm a CS poster. It is possible I have come off as elitist without intending to.

The prosumers here do a great job sharing their time and their knowledge to help people find their perfect piece be it colored gems or diamonds. It's sometimes difficult to navigate the slippery slope of being as informative as possible without being perceived as too persnickety about things that sometimes can't be seen by the naked eye of the potential purchaser especially when the purchaser isn't interested in the level of education that makes this site so fantastic. I wasn't referring to those who point out flaws. I was referring to something similar to this example:

I need help choosing a diamond for a ring from X vendor. I always wanted a ring from X and rather than helping that person choose a diamond from X proceed for pages to try to convince the purchaser to consider stone & setting from Y because Y has better stones at a better price and why would anyone want to pay more for less.

There is usually a point where folks relent and help within the parameters set by the purchaser but I I always wonder what impression of PS that person is left with -- helpful people but pushy; obviously tries to drive purchaser to a vendor who supports the site regardless of what purchaser wants?

I know I'm only one voice and there are many reasons to disregard a single opinion; however, I think a better approach when someone says they want to purchase something from X because it's been a long time dream is to ask if the person is open to info about other sources that offer what the buyer wants for perhaps a better price. If the purchaser says "no" that should be the end of the discussion about other sources frustrating as it may be for the prosumers.

 

[LilAlex]

I need help choosing a diamond for a ring from X vendor. I always wanted a ring from X and rather than helping that person choose a diamond from X proceed for pages to try to convince the purchaser to consider stone & setting from Y because Y has better stones at a better price and why would anyone want to pay more for less.

"Friends don't let friends..." do all sorts of dumb things.

On the financial forums, if you say, "Help me fine-tune my Edward Jones portfolio," you will only see howls of derision and calls to "Run away!!"

Maybe you are thinking of the Graff thread? I love Graff. I don't own any Graff and never will, I'm certain. I don't think there is a unique Graff look that can not be well-captured by others. There are people who make a bee-line for Tiffany, seemingly based on their reputation from nearly a century ago. I hope to not rain on anyone's parade (too much) but I do feel compelled to point out that, say, gas is 50 cents cheaper a block away.

 

[toomuchB]

The prosumers here do a great job sharing their time and their knowledge to help people find their perfect piece be it colored gems or diamonds. It's sometimes difficult to navigate the slippery slope of being as informative as possible without being perceived as too persnickety about things that sometimes can't be seen by the naked eye of the potential purchaser especially when the purchaser isn't interested in the level of education that makes this site so fantastic. I wasn't referring to those who point out flaws. I was referring to something similar to this example:

I need help choosing a diamond for a ring from X vendor. I always wanted a ring from X and rather than helping that person choose a diamond from X proceed for pages to try to convince the purchaser to consider stone & setting from Y because Y has better stones at a better price and why would anyone want to pay more for less.

There is usually a point where folks relent and help within the parameters set by the purchaser but I I always wonder what impression of PS that person is left with -- helpful people but pushy; obviously tries to drive purchaser to a vendor who supports the site regardless of what purchaser wants?

I know I'm only one voice and there are many reasons to disregard a single opinion; however, I think a better approach when someone says they want to purchase something from X because it's been a long time dream is to ask if the person is open to info about other sources that offer what the buyer wants for perhaps a better price. If the purchaser says "no" that should be the end of the discussion about other sources frustrating as it may be for the prosumers.

Thank you for clarifying so clearly. I understand what you mean better now. I agree with what you wrote.

Indeed, I took it more in the direction of the the slippery slope you described probably because its a point I can personally improve on, even if it is perhaps a smaller issue.

 

[MissGotRocks]

"Friends don't let friends..." do all sorts of dumb things.

On the financial forums, if you say, "Help me fine-tune my Edward Jones portfolio," you will only see howls of derision and calls to "Run away!!"

Maybe you are thinking of the Graff thread? I love Graff. I don't own any Graff and never will, I'm certain. I don't think there is a unique Graff look that can not be well-captured by others. There are people who make a bee-line for Tiffany, seemingly based on their reputation from nearly a century ago. I hope to not rain on anyone's parade (too much) but I do feel compelled to point out that, say, gas is 50 cents cheaper a block away.

Absolutely. These folks can always purchase from their preferred vendor, but as an educational site, I would feel remiss if I didn’t point out the alternative. Finding better quality at a lower price would please me all day! Folks can be waylaid by brand names and think they are getting the cream of the crop when that is just not the case. I recommend what I have fully purchased and experienced firsthand, so it is on my recommendation - not just because it is a sponsoring vendor.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

Yes! You perfectly captured this point that I tried to include with too many words.

you just need some typos, ditch the punuaction and make a ton of spelling mistakes and the words will flow !
and i am always greatful that no one gives me a hard time about

 

[Avondale]

and i am always greatful that no one gives me a hard time about

Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.

Plus, ethics dictate one should only turn into a grammar nazi on people who are bashing others for incorrect spelling and grammar while they themselves are far from being prime examples of literacy.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.

Plus, ethics dictate one should only turn into a grammar nazi on people who are bashing others for incorrect spelling and grammar while they themselves are far from being prime examples of literacy.

exactly !!!
although i can spot a mistake in the newspaper/online news sits that drive me nuts proof readers dont seem to exist anymore

i know with punuation i do get lazy, i do know how to do that correctly but by the time ive done that nice ive lost the jist of what i was going to say,
plus i always have a cat on my lap and its hard to reach the keys

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

............. about things that sometimes can't be seen by the naked eye of the potential purchaser

$15,000,000 sapphire sold last week with an eye visible FLAW for pernickety folk

Interesting aside, over the post Covid period my stores have clients who want colored ruby and sapphire gems with visible color banding!
They show it off to their friends educating them - especially for untreated stones.
Have noticed a few of yo'all mentioning interest in off colored or eye visible included diamonds to ensure people know the stone is natural!

 

[Matata]

$15,000,000 sapphire sold last week with an eye visible FLAW for pernickety folk

Flaw doesn't bother me but those icky prongs are a no no