Men - what are they good for??

[sklingem]

LOL - let me make this more specific ...
Since this is by far mostly a forum with female bloggers, let me (as a man!) ask you the following?
(a) Do you think that men''s contributions to the forums are needed/valuable?
(b) If so, what have you "learned" from "male" contributions that has been valuable to you?
(c) What additional advice/contribution from men would you like to have on pricescope, if any?
(d) Would a thread entitled "Questions for men" be of any use/fun?

Cheers!
Rob

PS: Of course PS is pry not representative of the male species at all ... but anyway.

 

[trillionaire]

I can''t exactly offer specific examples, but I love the contributions of men (regulars especially

) to this forum. I went to an all girls high school, and to me, it is reminiscent of why I decided to go to a co-ed, rather than single sex college. Men are the other half of the world, and to have their voices absent presents a skewed reality. Men, few though they are around here, bring a bit of balance to us nutty ladies

I also think that culturally, we are taught that wedding/engagement stuff is ''all about women'', so it''s nice to hear from guys and get the occasional necessary reality check.

 

[LuckyTexan]

(a) Do you think that men''s contributions to the forums are needed/valuable?
YES!!! Some of the most moving posts on here are from men telling their proposal stories!
(b) If so, what have you "learned" from "male" contributions that has been valuable to you?
I learned that men really do think about stuff beforehand... and care a lot more about what women want than they let on!
(c) What additional advice/contribution from men would you like to have on pricescope, if any?
I''d really like to know what men are thinking about when they are just sitting there doing nothing... I just can''t believe that you are thinking about ''nothing really''...

(d) Would a thread entitled "Questions for men" be of any use/fun?
Sure, why not!?

 

[Steel]

Date: 1/12/2009 9:04:45 AM
Author:rob09
LOL - let me make this more specific ...
Since this is by far mostly a forum with female bloggers, let me (as a man!) ask you the following?

(a) Do you think that men's contributions to the forums are needed/valuable?
Of course.
(b) If so, what have you 'learned' from 'male' contributions that has been valuable to you?
Honestly, apart from regular long time posters, I do not know the sex of most posters unless they have a pic in their avatar. And even if the poster mentions the gender of their SO, you cannot assume their gender from that. I think that allows for the content of the post to be taken without preconceived notions as to how a person of either gender would or should respond; I certainly take each post on its own merits.
But to answer this question - I have learned a large portion of my diamond knowledge from the long time male posters here and I feel very grateful to them for that information which they have given free and unencumbered (and often with a big scoop of wit and good humour).
(c) What additional advice/contribution from men would you like to have on pricescope, if any?
Men like women (or even cats/dogs/hedgehogs etc who can manage to tap on their keyboard) are welcome here and any comments made in the spirit of the forum are welcome.
I would not wish to suggest any comments which may be welcomed. We are all valid, as are our thoughts and comments.
(d) Would a thread entitled 'Questions for men' be of any use/fun?
Post any thread you like; as long as it complies with forum rules. All welcome here.

Cheers!
Rob

PS: Of course PS is pry not representative of the male species at all ... but anyway.

Hi Rob09,

Thanks for the topic.

 

[AmberGretchen]

Date: 1/12/2009 9:04:45 AM
Author:rob09
LOL - let me make this more specific ...

Since this is by far mostly a forum with female bloggers, let me (as a man!) ask you the following?

(a) Do you think that men''s contributions to the forums are needed/valuable?

(b) If so, what have you ''learned'' from ''male'' contributions that has been valuable to you?

(c) What additional advice/contribution from men would you like to have on pricescope, if any?

(d) Would a thread entitled ''Questions for men'' be of any use/fun?


Cheers!

Rob


PS: Of course PS is pry not representative of the male species at all ... but anyway.

(a) I think that men''s contributions are certainly valuable, and have enriched the forum
(b) I''ve learned a lot of things. Some that come to mind are valuable insights on a man''s point of view on engagement and marriage (and especially wedding planning) - I think its really valuable to have that perspective for many of the girls on here getting engaged and planning their weddings.
(c) I think they should contribute as they see fit, within the forum rules.
(d) I think that would be a fun thread

 

[musey]

Date: 1/12/2009 9:04:45 AM
Author:rob09
(a) Do you think that men's contributions to the forums are needed/valuable?

Yes, but I'll openly admit that I get quite bothered by the guys who come on here with the express goal of playing their idea of "devil's advocate," or giving "a man's opinion" ... which, interestingly enough, most often conflicts with everything the men I know and respect believe. I just take issue with them claiming to be speaking for "the male race." I, and most of the women here, don't post with the claim of speaking for all women, or giving "a woman's point of view," we just post what we think as people. I don't know why the men can't do the same.

Also, suggesting that they're playing devil's advocate insinuates that the women on this forum speak with one voice, that we're all in agreement as a big conglomeration of "womenfolk." We are all individuals with our own ideas and backgrounds, and there isn't a single thread that resonates with one big voice of "women." There are always differing opinions and ideas.

I don't think anyone should post on a forum with the goal of being needed/valuable. It's kind of silly, if you think about it. But maybe that's just me - I post just because it's fun and I enjoy sharing/exchanging ideas.

(b) If so, what have you 'learned' from 'male' contributions that has been valuable to you?

Not any more or any different than I've "learned" from "female" contributors.

(c) What additional advice/contribution from men would you like to have on pricescope, if any?

The same as any women. Most threads are not gender-specific, so it doesn't matter whether you're a man or a woman, you can contribute your ideas all the same.

(d) Would a thread entitled 'Questions for men' be of any use/fun?

It would be fun I guess, but again it insinuates that the men who post there speak for men in general, which I haven't found to be accurate for most (not all) of the men that find their way onto PS.

I would worry that some women might take the responses in there too much to heart - and think that just because "the men of PS" describe their opinions and/or thought processes in a specific way, that the men in their life think the same way. It would be much more useful, IMO, for those women to talk to their own men.

After all, whenever there's a "What do you women think of this?" thread from a man, the majority of female posters do respond with a resounding "go talk to HER, not to US." That's probably one of the few times we respond as "a big conglomeration of womenfolk."

 

[Porridge]

Date: 1/12/2009 9:04:45 AM
Author:rob09
LOL - let me make this more specific ...

Since this is by far mostly a forum with female bloggers, let me (as a man!) ask you the following?

(a) Do you think that men's contributions to the forums are needed/valuable?

Yes absolutely. It's great for balance, and to see sweet posts from men looking to please their loved ones is so uplifting!

(b) If so, what have you 'learned' from 'male' contributions that has been valuable to you?

That men do care

(c) What additional advice/contribution from men would you like to have on pricescope, if any?

Don't know, can't tell you what advice to give! It's always good to have more men around I guess!

(d) Would a thread entitled 'Questions for men' be of any use/fun?

Sure! Bring it on!


Cheers!

Rob


PS: Of course PS is pry not representative of the male species at all ... but anyway.

 

[fieryred33143]

Date: 1/12/2009 2:05:58 PM
Author: musey

Date: 1/12/2009 9:04:45 AM
Author:rob09
(a) Do you think that men''s contributions to the forums are needed/valuable?

Yes, but I''ll openly admit that I get quite bothered by the guys who come on here with the express goal of playing their idea of ''devil''s advocate,'' or giving ''a man''s opinion'' ... which, interestingly enough, most often conflicts with everything the men I know and respect believe. I just take issue with them claiming to be speaking for ''the male race.'' I, and most of the women here, don''t post with the claim of speaking for all women, or giving ''a woman''s point of view,'' we just post what we think as people. I don''t know why the men can''t do the same.

Also, suggesting that they''re playing devil''s advocate insinuates that the women on this forum speak with one voice, that we''re all in agreement as a big conglomeration of ''womenfolk.'' We are all individuals with our own ideas and backgrounds, and there isn''t a single thread that resonates with one big voice of ''women.'' There are always differing opinions and ideas.

A huge ditto to this.

I enjoy getting the male''s perspective but a lot of time it really is to play devil''s advocate. I also don''t agree with believing that just because a small number of women agree with something on a post, that translates into all women on this forum and in the world think that way.

 

[pixley]

(a) Do you think that men''s contributions to the forums are needed/valuable?
ABSOLUTELY! They add a fresh, "manalytical" perspective to the ring hunt and they do a great job of deconstructing the process from cut research to setting comparisons that is somehow different than the way I approach things - I think my approach is more emotion-driven and impatient, whereas guys who take the time to join PS seem to take their time to get everything perfect for their SOs. Some of my favourite rings on here are ones that were researched and put together by the fantastic and highly evolved men on this forum! (eg Boston_Jeff''s, MikeRato1''s and acebruin''s SO''s rings).
(b) If so, what have you "learned" from "male" contributions that has been valuable to you?
I learned so much about cushions from the thread that Boston_Jeff initiated with help from many others, and I wouldn''t have the ring I have now without all the groundwork he did on cushions and the magnificent solitaire setting he chose for his wife. When I found his SMTR thread - I showed it to my husband and he was immediately 100% ON BOARD with the ring I wanted to build and was finally able shared my excitement, because he loved the design and the cut of his stone as much as I did. Before that, he wasn''t too jazzed about the whole diamond purchase and couldn''t wrap his head around it.
(c) What additional advice/contribution from men would you like to have on pricescope, if any? Keep em comin''! PS has an impressive cluster of industry experts on here, many of whom are male (too many to list), who have a vast amount of knowledge to share, and they inject their own sparkling sense of wisdom and humor into their advice that I am so grateful for.
(d) Would a thread entitled "Questions for men" be of any use/fun? Probably.

 

[bee*]

Date: 1/12/2009 2:50:18 PM
Author: fieryred33143

Date: 1/12/2009 2:05:58 PM

Author: musey

Date: 1/12/2009 9:04:45 AM

Author:rob09

(a) Do you think that men''s contributions to the forums are needed/valuable?

Yes, but I''ll openly admit that I get quite bothered by the guys who come on here with the express goal of playing their idea of ''devil''s advocate,'' or giving ''a man''s opinion'' ... which, interestingly enough, most often conflicts with everything the men I know and respect believe. I just take issue with them claiming to be speaking for ''the male race.'' I, and most of the women here, don''t post with the claim of speaking for all women, or giving ''a woman''s point of view,'' we just post what we think as people. I don''t know why the men can''t do the same.


Also, suggesting that they''re playing devil''s advocate insinuates that the women on this forum speak with one voice, that we''re all in agreement as a big conglomeration of ''womenfolk.'' We are all individuals with our own ideas and backgrounds, and there isn''t a single thread that resonates with one big voice of ''women.'' There are always differing opinions and ideas.

A huge ditto to this.


I enjoy getting the male''s perspective but a lot of time it really is to play devil''s advocate. I also don''t agree with believing that just because a small number of women agree with something on a post, that translates into all women on this forum and in the world think that way.

I agree too. I hate the I''m here to play devil''s advocate. I think that it''s great to have both sexes posting here but it really doesn''t make a huge difference to me as I like reading everyones point of view regardless.

 

[Dancing Fire]

why only a LIW forum ?

we also need a MIW forum.

 

[iheartscience]

Date: 1/12/2009 2:05:58 PM
Author: musey

Date: 1/12/2009 9:04:45 AM

Author:rob09

(a) Do you think that men''s contributions to the forums are needed/valuable?

Yes, but I''ll openly admit that I get quite bothered by the guys who come on here with the express goal of playing their idea of ''devil''s advocate,'' or giving ''a man''s opinion'' ... which, interestingly enough, most often conflicts with everything the men I know and respect believe. I just take issue with them claiming to be speaking for ''the male race.'' I, and most of the women here, don''t post with the claim of speaking for all women, or giving ''a woman''s point of view,'' we just post what we think as people. I don''t know why the men can''t do the same.

Also, suggesting that they''re playing devil''s advocate insinuates that the women on this forum speak with one voice, that we''re all in agreement as a big conglomeration of ''womenfolk.'' We are all individuals with our own ideas and backgrounds, and there isn''t a single thread that resonates with one big voice of ''women.'' There are always differing opinions and ideas.

I don''t think anyone should post on a forum with the goal of being needed/valuable. It''s kind of silly, if you think about it. But maybe that''s just me - I post just because it''s fun and I enjoy sharing/exchanging ideas.

(b) If so, what have you ''learned'' from ''male'' contributions that has been valuable to you?

Not any more or any different than I''ve ''learned'' from ''female'' contributors.

(c) What additional advice/contribution from men would you like to have on pricescope, if any?

The same as any women. Most threads are not gender-specific, so it doesn''t matter whether you''re a man or a woman, you can contribute your ideas all the same.

(d) Would a thread entitled ''Questions for men'' be of any use/fun?

It would be fun I guess, but again it insinuates that the men who post there speak for men in general, which I haven''t found to be accurate for most (not all) of the men that find their way onto PS.

I would worry that some women might take the responses in there too much to heart - and think that just because ''the men of PS'' describe their opinions and/or thought processes in a specific way, that the men in their life think the same way. It would be much more useful, IMO, for those women to talk to their own men.

After all, whenever there''s a ''What do you women think of this?'' thread from a man, the majority of female posters do respond with a resounding ''go talk to HER, not to US.'' That''s probably one of the few times we respond as ''a big conglomeration of womenfolk.''

Ditto to everything musey said! It''s like you read my mind and typed out my response for me!

 

[HollyS]

Rob, I think quite a few women have benefited from a male perspective on these threads; especially as to relationships, and the male/female dynamic. So of course, I think you are needed. You''ve personally made some very valid points in that regard.

And just where would we be, if we didn''t have Dancing Fire to lighten up the mood when we become too ''intense''?

 

[Dancing Fire]

Date: 1/12/2009 7:29:24 PM
Author: HollyS
Rob, I think quite a few women have benefited from a male perspective on these threads; especially as to relationships, and the male/female dynamic. So of course, I think you are needed. You''ve personally made some very valid points in that regard.

And just where would we be, if we didn''t have Dancing Fire to lighten up the mood when we become too ''intense''?

and...w/o Holly S those PS Dems would get way out of control.

 

[HollyS]

Date: 1/12/2009 7:38:45 PM
Author: Dancing Fire

Date: 1/12/2009 7:29:24 PM
Author: HollyS
Rob, I think quite a few women have benefited from a male perspective on these threads; especially as to relationships, and the male/female dynamic. So of course, I think you are needed. You''ve personally made some very valid points in that regard.

And just where would we be, if we didn''t have Dancing Fire to lighten up the mood when we become too ''intense''?

and...w/o Holly S those PS Dems would get way out of control.

You''re always trying to start stuff!

I get as good as I give in that regard.

 

[CNOS128]

I hate to just "ditto" a post, but Musey said everything I was thinking.

And I don''t tend to think about the sex/gender of posters when I''m reading their posts unless the post is on a topic relating to gender. So I don''t know if there''s more "male" input needed - I certainly don''t think it''s particularly lacking and I think men who post on Pricescope can state their opinions/offer advice/pose questions as well as any woman.

Sometimes it''s useful, and sometimes it''s stupid, just like anyone''s contributions.

 

[pjean]

Date: 1/12/2009 7:29:17 PM
Author: thing2of2

Date: 1/12/2009 2:05:58 PM


Ditto to everything musey said! It''s like you read my mind and typed out my response for me!

Thritto.

(here I am, supporting the idea that we represent a diversity of opinions by saying "me too!". Oh, the irony...)

 

[OUpearlgirl]

Absolutely nooothinn! haha just kidding!! I am so glad to have a male perspective here. Those that contribute regularly really livin up the forum!

 

[Mrs Mitchell]

Date: 1/12/2009 10:42:21 PM
Author: TheBigT
I hate to just ''ditto'' a post, but Musey said everything I was thinking.

And I don''t tend to think about the sex/gender of posters when I''m reading their posts unless the post is on a topic relating to gender. So I don''t know if there''s more ''male'' input needed - I certainly don''t think it''s particularly lacking and I think men who post on Pricescope can state their opinions/offer advice/pose questions as well as any woman.

Sometimes it''s useful, and sometimes it''s stupid, just like anyone''s contributions.

That''s pretty much my take on it too. I don''t care if posts are from men or women, it just isn''t relevant. I thought that was one of the benefits of avatars and login names! I don''t buy the concept of a male or female perspective on things. People all have their own perspectives regardless of gender. I cannot bear gender stereotyping. Comments like ''typical man'' or ''typical woman'' etc make me see red mist. I fear a gender specific thread would turn into a big old bundle of stereotyping.

Of course, I could be wrong and I could be in the minority!

Jen

 

[claire909]

(a) Do you think that men''s contributions to the forums are needed/valuable?
YES it is!

(b) If so, what have you "learned" from "male" contributions that has been valuable to you?
Still trying to figure it out!

(c) What additional advice/contribution from men would you like to have on pricescope, if any?
STAY AWAY from our Place!

(d) Would a thread entitled "Questions for men" be of any use/fun?
No it shouldnt be...When they are not going to ariound, who wants to be think about them!!!

and the final question...
(e)Men - what are they good for??
Nothing...i dont know much of them but i know my husband...and he is useless, and the feeling is MUTUAL!

 

[Irishgrrrl]

Date: 1/12/2009 9:04:45 AM
Author:rob09
LOL - let me make this more specific ...
Since this is by far mostly a forum with female bloggers, let me (as a man!) ask you the following?
(a) Do you think that men''s contributions to the forums are needed/valuable?
(b) If so, what have you ''learned'' from ''male'' contributions that has been valuable to you?
(c) What additional advice/contribution from men would you like to have on pricescope, if any?
(d) Would a thread entitled ''Questions for men'' be of any use/fun?

Cheers!
Rob

PS: Of course PS is pry not representative of the male species at all ... but anyway.

(a) I think that the contributions men have made to this forum are VERY valuable!

(b) I''ve learned quite a bit from the men here . . . too much to list!

(c) Anything they want to contribute would be great!

(d) I think it would be fun but, as others have mentioned, we would need to take it with a grain of salt. Just as none of us female PSers speaks for ALL women, none of the male PSers can speak for ALL men.

Rob, I''ve especially enjoyed your contributions in the Around the World forum!

 

[sklingem]

Thanks for your comments ....
Of course anybody's comment(s) is not representative of all men/women, something I would never argue

And this is not about me for sure and feeling valued as a "male contributor" - LOL. For those of you who say that there is no difference between men and women, that is certainly true in terms of the "value" of any postings. I would argue though that men and women often fulfill different roles when it comes to engagements, weddings etc. (among many other things) - starting with usually having to buy a ring and proposing!!! Given the vast number of postings that reflect frustrations with the latter (timing, interest etc.) I do think that men provide a unique perspective on how they perceive this process, and they may have a better idea of how other men (the buddies) deal with it.
In that sense I would argue that contributions from men are not "better" than those from women, but may provide a somewhat different perspective - that may or may not reflect gender stereotypes that are often referred to on this forum.
Cheers,
Rob

 

[musey]

Date: 1/13/2009 9:26:59 AM
Author: rob09
I would argue though that men and women often fulfill different roles when it comes to engagements, weddings etc. (among many other things) - starting with usually having to buy a ring and proposing!!! Given the vast number of postings that reflect frustrations with the latter (timing, interest etc.) I do think that men provide a unique perspective on how they perceive this process, and they may have a better idea of how other men (the buddies) deal with it.

If you are talking about the LIW section specifically, then yes, men can offer a different perspective there. But I have to ask, what good can it do? What good does it do, most often? Given that the vast majority of the time, the men who wander into the LIW section end up doing little more than poke fun at the women there for being "crazy," and then follow up with their "man''s perspective" that usually errs on the offensive/chauvinistic side of the male spectrum (which, were I to buy into, would be next to useless as it has never been an accurate representation of "men" as I know them, and certainly not my husband - thank goodness).

I think that respectful and reasonable men could offer quite a bit to the LIW section, but sadly, those adjectives do not describe the vast majority of the men who find their way into that board.

I can''t imagine what gender-driven perspective, male or female, would come up elsewhere (other sections than LIW, which makes up a very small portion of the forum), besides the occasional gender-biased thread. That''s why I said that men are no more or less useful than women on this forum.

 

[fieryred33143]

Date: 1/13/2009 11:39:59 AM
Author: musey

Date: 1/13/2009 9:26:59 AM
Author: rob09
I would argue though that men and women often fulfill different roles when it comes to engagements, weddings etc. (among many other things) - starting with usually having to buy a ring and proposing!!! Given the vast number of postings that reflect frustrations with the latter (timing, interest etc.) I do think that men provide a unique perspective on how they perceive this process, and they may have a better idea of how other men (the buddies) deal with it.

If you are talking about the LIW section specifically, then yes, men can offer a different perspective there. But I have to ask, what good can it do? What good does it do, most often? Given that the vast majority of the time, the men who wander into the LIW section end up doing little more than poke fun at the women there for being ''crazy,'' and then follow up with their ''man''s perspective'' that usually errs on the offensive/chauvinistic side of the male spectrum (which, were I to buy into, would be next to useless as it has never been an accurate representation of ''men'' as I know them, and certainly not my husband - thank goodness).

I think that respectful and reasonable men could offer quite a bit to the LIW section, but sadly, those adjectives do not describe the vast majority of the men who find their way into that board.

I can''t imagine what gender-driven perspective, male or female, would come up elsewhere (other sections than LIW, which makes up a very small portion of the forum), besides the occasional gender-biased thread. That''s why I said that men are no more or less useful than women on this forum.

I have to ditto Musey again.

Generally speaking when the men decide to offer their perspective on an LIW situation, it often feeds into the stereotypical chauvinistic POV as Musey explained. They also immediately take the side of the male in those situations without, at least from what I can gather, giving consideration to the entire situation which is what I believe a lot of women have the ability to do on that section.

There have also been a lot of views in that section that all the women there are looking for are expensive diamonds and elaborate proposals which is not true of all the LIWs but somehow makes its way in that section all the time.

 

[Judah Gutwein]

Two disclaimers before I jump in!

1. This thread is mostly funny and good natured and so is my response.
2. I am a man...

and therefore inherently biased.

I think you do not "spit in the well that provides you with sustenance".

In most instances (I'd hope..), it is the guy who actually pays (sometimes a small fortune) for your (gals) engagement ring.

Sure, they may not do the same amount of research as the gal and maybe they cannot deal with the incredible amount of info. and sensory overload being offered on great forums such as Pricescope.

You may even say, they aren't as "into it" as the gal...but they sure as heck want to make you happy and they deserve credit for that and much more.

In those rare instances where a guy happens to jump into this forum

with both feet and in the effort to secure a beautiful rock for his gal, he is to be commended and applauded.

Of course, men may not have as much to contribute past the Rocky Talky forum and maybe they don't have as much a desire to do so. However, wherever they do decide to contribute on these boards, with their own insights, wisdom and perspectives, they deserve credit, period.

Certainly, those men who stay on past their own purchasing experience in order to offer help and information to new browsers, are doing a tremendous service to everyone.

There are also men on these boards who are simply tradespeople and/or enthusiasts with a good eye and a ton of digested info. and knowledge.

Can it be asked whether their contributions are "needed" of "value" or of "any use"???

How many countless consumers have been empowered by Karl (a.k.a. Stmrdr) when it comes to Asschers..
by GOG, Garry, Paul, Richard S. Brian, Jonathan P., Dave A, Neil B., Serg and on and on and on.

These guys have made a tremendously positive impact on these boards and their contributions continue to be invaluable.
The examples are too many to post..

YES, MEN DO MATTER!!!!

 

[musey]

Judah, I generally don't think of a man's thread(s) on his own search for an engagement ring, where he is posting 99% questions, as a "contribution." They are posts asking for help, not giving it. Not to say that they aren't completely welcome, and that PSers aren't happy to help them (and indeed most often enjoy doing so), but those posts are not what I think of when someone asks the question "Do you think that men's contributions to the forums are needed/valuable?"

I think those posts are valuable to them, not necessarily the forums.

Your example of tradespeople/enthusiasts applies to women as well, so again I say that all contributors are valuable, regardless of gender.


The original question was whether men posting on this board are needed/valuable because they are men. I don't think so. I also don't think that women posting on this board are needed/valuable because they are women. The people on here who make useful contributions would be capable of doing so, no matter what mix of chromosomes they have

 

[musey]

Date: 1/13/2009 1:04:44 PM
Author: Judah Gutwein
In most instances (I'd hope..), it is the guy who actually pays (sometimes a small fortune) for your (gals) engagement ring.

Why would you hope that, necessarily? Anything wrong with them splitting it?

Just playing a little FEMALE devil's advocate

 

[Judah Gutwein]

Musey,

I hear you.
However, consider; if not for the men asking those questions, there would be no need to give any asnwers to those (important) questions and in turn there would be less knowlege and information imparted to the droves of consumers looking for it.

This is all a domino effect. Questions beg answers and answers empower consumers.
So within this context, whether the ratio of questions to answers finds most men on the "questions" end of things, doesn't diminish the true value of these postings in their totality and in the bigger picture.

Yes, all contributions are beneficial regardless of chromosomes.

Insofar as who pays for the diamond, I'm all with you.
I'd have loved for my wife to split or pay for everything!!!

 

[strmrdr]

Date: 1/13/2009 1:04:44 PM
Author: Judah Gutwein
How many countless consumers have been empowered by Karl (a.k.a. Stmrdr) when it comes to Asschers..

by GOG, Garry, Paul, Richard S. Brian, Jonathan P., Dave A, Neil B., Serg and on and on and on.


These guys have made a tremendously positive impact on these boards and their contributions continue to be invaluable.

Thanks you for the kind words.

When I saw this thread I thought we were going to get 2 different groups of answers...
one from those that post in RT and one with Women who post mostly in brides and LIW.
There is a going to be a huge difference in the answers.
3-4 times a year I venture into brides or liw and run away screaming from the beat down cuz a guy dared to comment LOL (exaggeration but not much of one)

 

[musey]

Date: 1/13/2009 2:23:55 PM
Author: Judah Gutwein
consider; if not for the men asking those questions, there would be no need to give any asnwers to those (important) questions and in turn there would be less knowlege and information imparted to the droves of consumers looking for it.

This is all a domino effect. Questions beg answers and answers empower consumers.

So within this context, whether the ratio of questions to answers finds most men on the 'questions' end of things, doesn't diminish the true value of these postings in their totality and in the bigger picture.

It obviously goes without saying (which is why I didn't bother to mention it, only interpreted the original question literally) that questions lead to answers which leads to general spread of knowledge.

However, I disagree that that places any particular value on men (over just plain people) on this forum, because I see just as many women asking questions over in rocky talk and SMTR. If I'm being completely honest, I see more men asking questions that have already been addressed 100 times in past threads, and more women bringing up new(er)/unique questions/ideas (at least for this forum, not necessarily in the grand scheme of the world) and therefore increasing the span of information available on pricescope, instead of re-affirming what's already been shared here. This is simply because the women who ask questions over on RT and SMTR more often happen to have been around awhile and have seen the old threads, where the men who ask questions here have not been around awhile and have not seen the old threads, so their questions tend to, more often, regurgitate old information.

I'm speaking in generalities here, which is obviously affected by the fact that the majority of longer-term posters are women.

Moral of that story is, I don't see the RT threads where useful information is shared as being attributable to a specific gender.