New Members with large number of posts--- thoughts?

[Octo2005]

Just for the record, I did not hear this at all.

Deb

Thank you Deb! That was not my intention. I have apologized for my poor choice of wording and have tried to clarify my feelings multiple times now, but it seems to be overshadowed at this point.

 

[Octo2005]

Perhaps I found it more judgmental because I don't see why anyone should point out that a newbie's voice has less value. And OP found it something that needed to be commented on? To welcome others to agree that it's an annoyance? Is there some competition in the number of posts one has before you have PS cred? I'm not meaning to fan the flames, I just find it disappointing.

I posted a concern and kept it vague to not single anyone out, but to start a discussion. I don't presume to know someones intentions for posting, I won't assign malicious intent or intentionally trying to deceive others, but feel that is should be clearer who is commenting. Total newbie myself and my opinions are worth what you paid for them.(thank you @Matata- Love the quote) I have seen several RT threads turn ugly and wondering if there are more productive ways to handle when someone has overstated their knowledge than bashing or insulting the newer poster.

I never said that because someone is new that their voice or opinion had less value. I questioned that people come here seeking advice -who you receive advice from is not as transparent as it could be. I also expressed concern about the validity of information here (as a recent consumer myself) when it is not always clear of a posters knowledge level just by noting their join date or number of posts since many new members post prolifically and many seasoned members hardly ever post as you pointed out in another post.

My intent was to have a discussion, not single out a poster or suggest that any one is better/worse than anyone else. As an earlier post, points out a persons motivations

Change the scenario: This is a medical forum. I am a Nurse, poster B is a doctor, poster C is a Neurosurgeon. You have a question about your brain tumor and come here seeking information. You would want to know who is responding to your question wouldn't you. Not that anyone involved is of less value in your care, but the Neurosurgeon certainly has different knowledge to bring to the conversation. It would be wrong for the Primary care Doctor or myself to give you answers that imply that we have the same level of expertise as the Neurosurgeon. I could easily give you an answer filled with a bunch of medical jargon and make it appear that I know exactly what I am talking about, but to try and pass my answer off as coming from the same knowledge base of the Neurosurgeon is inappropriate. My answer may even be entirely accurate. Or it might be completely wrong, but believing me to be an expert in this field will impact how much credence you place in my response. The fact that I may post more frequently than he/she does, never changes the education/knowlege base that we bring to the conversation. It was never about number of posts. Can I edit the original post to be more clear?

@StephanieLynn
I think someone coming to the forum could easily enough figure out who the regular better informed posters are and take their advice more into consideration than some of the newer members. Just my two cents. Agreed, just not sure that it is always as obvious, especially for someone brand new to PS. In my search, I felt that I could tell, but some recent threads are not as clear.

 

[Karl_K]

I was merely noting an uptick in new poster activities and some recent hostile posts in RT and wondering what others thought on the subject.

Hostile posts do not have a place here.
Report them to the admin for review.

For the record, I don't mind discussing this and hold no ill will for it being posted.

 

[Karl_K]

I don't think the medical comparisons is valid.
No one is going to die for buying the "wrong" diamond.
What makes PS unique and has is its greatest strength is consumers helping consumers.
The rules are written to limit trade members to an advisory/teaching role so consumers can shine.

 

[AGBF]

I questioned that people come here seeking advice -who you receive advice from is not as transparent as it could be. I also expressed concern about the validity of information here....

I believe that these are two discrete issues.

Sometimes a person here may be hiding his motives for giving advice. In other words, he may have an ulterior motive, like making a sale. I believe that that is rare, however, given how closely posters are watched to be sure that trade members declare that they are in the trade. So, usually, I think that whom you are getting advice from is pretty transparent. One can see the date he joined and number of posts (as Karl pointed out) and one can also discern how intelligent the poster sounds.

Being concerned about the validity of information doled out here is another matter. I am sure that one should be concerned with whether all the information given out here is correct and use his judgement (as Matata pointed out) to separate the wheat from the chaff. I also think that it is good that we have knowledgeable posters around who still look at the boards and point out errors. Our knowledgeable posters-and I do not mean those who have just hung around for a long time, but those who know a lot about cut and help others-are treasures.

Deb/AGBF

 

[Gussie]

This is an interesting thread. I am a newbie here too. I didn't read much before I joined and posted about my already purchased diamond. Lol, I had no idea what ps was all about! I wanted honest feedback but thank goodness I lucked upon a decent diamond and no one had any bad (or mean) comments. Sometimes RT threads are worse than the political ones in terms of people being very condescending and to the point of being nasty. I have seen this a lot recently and it really is a turn off. Although we are just talking about rocks, it is often an emotional purchase for a lot of people. Calling people's stones dogs, spit, etc. really does nothing except reflect poorly on pricescope as a whole, especially when it comes from respected members.

I realize this should be posted in a recent RT thread but I am a little scared to post there these days!

 

[Bonfire]

I appreciate the fact that your intention was to start a dialogue on newbie advice. I also appreciate your contrition about how it may have been misinterpreted. My fault if I did.
So should everyone who enters into a convo with a new poster looking for advice, give some sort of background as to what their experience level is on a given topic? I mean is it really *experience* or preference that's being offered? Hopefully members won't be dissuaded from chiming in for fear of risking insult.
The majority are well intentioned and truely want to provide helpful assistance.

 

[Matthews1127]

I posted a concern and kept it vague to not single anyone out, but to start a discussion. I don't presume to know someones intentions for posting, I won't assign malicious intent or intentionally trying to deceive others, but feel that is should be clearer who is commenting. Total newbie myself and my opinions are worth what you paid for them.(thank you @Matata- Love the quote) I have seen several RT threads turn ugly and wondering if there are more productive ways to handle when someone has overstated their knowledge than bashing or insulting the newer poster.

I never said that because someone is new that their voice or opinion had less value. I questioned that people come here seeking advice -who you receive advice from is not as transparent as it could be. I also expressed concern about the validity of information here (as a recent consumer myself) when it is not always clear of a posters knowledge level just by noting their join date or number of posts since many new members post prolifically and many seasoned members hardly ever post as you pointed out in another post.

My intent was to have a discussion, not single out a poster or suggest that any one is better/worse than anyone else. As an earlier post, points out a persons motivations

Change the scenario: This is a medical forum. I am a Nurse, poster B is a doctor, poster C is a Neurosurgeon. You have a question about your brain tumor and come here seeking information. You would want to know who is responding to your question wouldn't you. Not that anyone involved is of less value in your care, but the Neurosurgeon certainly has different knowledge to bring to the conversation. It would be wrong for the Primary care Doctor or myself to give you answers that imply that we have the same level of expertise as the Neurosurgeon. I could easily give you an answer filled with a bunch of medical jargon and make it appear that I know exactly what I am talking about, but to try and pass my answer off as coming from the same knowledge base of the Neurosurgeon is inappropriate. My answer may even be entirely accurate. Or it might be completely wrong, but believing me to be an expert in this field will impact how much credence you place in my response. The fact that I may post more frequently than he/she does, never changes the education/knowlege base that we bring to the conversation. It was never about number of posts. Can I edit the original post to be more clear?

@StephanieLynn
I think someone coming to the forum could easily enough figure out who the regular better informed posters are and take their advice more into consideration than some of the newer members. Just my two cents. Agreed, just not sure that it is always as obvious, especially for someone brand new to PS. In my search, I felt that I could tell, but some recent threads are not as clear.

I see both sides of this subject.
I am not an "expert" in any particular field that exists on Earth.
I have worked in the Medical Field for 20 years...20 VERY LONG YEARS...
and to address your analogy above, I must chime in, putting my 20 long years of "non-expert" experience in the Medical Field to good use.
I am a medical professional in the specialty of Endocrinology. One of the main diseases we treat is Thyroid Disease. Lab results are required in order to follow the patient's levels, to control their Thyroid function.
Primary Care Physicians, typically, are the basis of referrals to a Specialist. When someone calls to schedule an appointment with one of our Specialists, a lot of information is required in order to schedule their initial consultation. One of those pieces of info. is the Diagnosis or reason for the appointment. "Abnormal Thyroid Levels" is a popular answer. Next, the new patient explains that their PCP told them their levels were elevated & they need to see an Endocrinologist.
Note: Primary Care Physicians, and Endocrinologists are DOCTORS, and BOTH completed MEDICAL SCHOOL. Specialists decided to focus on a specific specialty, and study that specialty in order to be a Specialist.
That being said, one would believe that a PCP is perfectly capable of interpreting lab results the same way a Specialist can. Right? WRONG!
90% of NP's who send their lab results for their consultations have lab results that were MISINTERPRETED by their PCP: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Lab Tests are interpreted differently than other lab tests. If the value is reported HIGH by the lab, the value is ACTUALLY LOW, and Vice-Versa. Values that are BELOW 0.04 mean that the patient has HYPER (or OVER-ACTIVE) Thyroid. BUT the lab reported the level: LOW. Values that are ABOVE 4.5 mean that the patient is, indeed HYPO (or UNDER-ACTIVE) Thyroid. BUT, the lab reported the level: HIGH. There is an EXTREME difference between these two types of Thyroid Disease...and people are misdiagnosed EVERY DAY...by a MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WITH A DEGREE FROM A REPUTABLE MEDICAL LEARNING INSTITUTE.
What's my point? Subjectivity. Exposure. Education. Resources.
Gemology, and Diamond Education is susceptible to the same subjectivity, and errors...even by those considered "experts". It can't be helped, nor avoided; you're dealing with human beings, and evolving science combined with new, and improving technology.
People will share with others what they have learned, been exposed to, or interpret as fact. That information, as well-intended as it may be, could very well be a bag of misinformation, lack of the right education, or experience.
It's everywhere, which is why medical professionals who are licensed to treat people with life-threatening diseases have medical malpractice insurance.
It's to the gemologists benefit that their profession does not require them to be insured against diamond mis-interpretation or "FUBAR-Certification" malpractice....lol!!
As much as I agree that people should explain, prior to posting their OPINION, that they are NOT an "expert", there is no legal way to force someone to post a disclaimer on the internet, nor is it legal to prevent someone from posting erroneous, outdated, or mis-information.
I feel your frustration in regard to the increasingly inappropriate interaction between posters, old and new, on the forum. I'm not certain what can be done about that, but I do enjoy the peaceful, fun-loving, entertaining & friendly threads I have found across PS, during my stay, here. There is a lot of love & support, here. I do hope we can focus more on that, rather than feeding the egos of those seemingly intent with creating & spreading negativity on such a bright & bling-filled forum.
Peace to you @Octo2005. I do believe your heart was in the right place, when you started this thread, and your intentions were well-meant. As much as I understand the points you have emphatically made, here, I just don't know if there are any solutions. It's clear you want PS to be a better place.
Side Note: as a newbie, I have learned to read, ingest, and repeat a lot of knowledgeable advice, rather than blabbing about things, of which, I know little or nothing. I'll be the first to admit that I am learning from ground zero about Round Cut Stones; I'm a Step-Cut girl all the way. I soak up as much knowledge about ALL Diamonds, now, and I only share what I've learned here, with newcomers seeking advice. @Karl_K is my new found resource, here, for me*, for pretty much everything, especially, step cuts. I tag him in threads on the regular to get him involved in matters I believe he will be most helpful AND to seek his approval of the knowledge I am sharing with a potential buyer. If I step out of line (get it? "Step" out of line! HA! ), I want him to call me out & educate both me, and the newcomer, seeking the advice.
I do try to be diligent on what I post, and to be certain to communicate FULLY, rather than leaving gaps; things can get so misconstrued, otherwise.
Perhaps the technology we so love to use as a tool to enjoy this forum is, indeed, also the means in which we lose touch with our natural means of communication as human beings: tone, and intent.
Articulation, and choosing our words more wisely in order to communicate may be ways to help improve the way in which we communicate with one another...
I apologize for the incredibly LONG WINDED POST, but I had a lot to say & several points to cover...lol!!

 

[Octo2005]

I don't think the medical comparisons is valid.
No one is going to die for buying the "wrong" diamond.
What makes PS unique and has is its greatest strength is consumers helping consumers.
The rules are written to limit trade members to an advisory/teaching role so consumers can shine.

Agreed not the same, but as an example of education/experience levels that can be very different and how you incorporate that info into your decision might be different depending on who you think gave it to you.. Never meant that the consequences were on par. No one will die, but it can still lead to a very costly mistake.

I am a bit anal about things, I want to know everything that I can before making a big decision. When making my ring, I was obsessive about reading everything that I could find (many were very old threads on PS). Not all consumers are that way and I just think it's good to be aware that when we post something, someone might take it as cold hard fact, when it may or may not be. Also, the threads are there and when looking at older threads, if you know nothing, it may not be clear that a poster is sharing their opinion as a fellow consumer as opposed to on elf the prosumers.

 

[AGBF]

@Karl_K is my new found resource, here, for me*, for pretty much everything, especially, step cuts.

Uh oh. There's a disaster waiting to happen.

Deb

 

[Octo2005]

Agreed not the same, but as an example of education/experience levels that can be very different and how you incorporate that info into your decision might be different depending on who you think gave it to you.. Never meant that the consequences were on par. No one will die, but it can still lead to a very costly mistake.

I am a bit anal about things, I want to know everything that I can before making a big decision. When making my ring, I was obsessive about reading everything that I could find (many were very old threads on PS). Not all consumers are that way and I just think it's good to be aware that when we post something, someone might take it as cold hard fact, when it may or may not be. Also, the threads are there and when looking at older threads, if you know nothing, it may not be clear that a poster is sharing their opinion as a fellow consumer as opposed to on *elf the prosumers.*

Seriously don't know how I missed that before hitting post I meant an experienced prosumer.

 

[Octo2005]

I see both sides of this subject.
I am not an "expert" in any particular field that exists on Earth.
I have worked in the Medical Field for 20 years...20 VERY LONG YEARS...
and to address your analogy above, I must chime in, putting my 20 long years of "non-expert" experience in the Medical Field to good use. Fellow medical professional here, glad to get to know a colleague!
I am a medical professional in the specialty of Endocrinology. One of the main diseases we treat is Thyroid Disease. Lab results are required in order to follow the patient's levels, to control their Thyroid function.
Primary Care Physicians, typically, are the basis of referrals to a Specialist. When someone calls to schedule an appointment with one of our Specialists, a lot of information is required in order to schedule their initial consultation. One of those pieces of info. is the Diagnosis or reason for the appointment. "Abnormal Thyroid Levels" is a popular answer. Next, the new patient explains that their PCP told them their levels were elevated & they need to see an Endocrinologist.
Note: Primary Care Physicians, and Endocrinologists are DOCTORS, and BOTH completed MEDICAL SCHOOL. Specialists decided to focus on a specific specialty, and study that specialty in order to be a Specialist.
That being said, one would believe that a PCP is perfectly capable of interpreting lab results the same way a Specialist can. Right? WRONG!
90% of NP's who send their lab results for their consultations have lab results that were MISINTERPRETED by their PCP: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Lab Tests are interpreted differently than other lab tests. If the value is reported HIGH by the lab, the value is ACTUALLY LOW, and Vice-Versa. Values that are BELOW 0.04 mean that the patient has HYPER (or OVER-ACTIVE) Thyroid. BUT the lab reported the level: LOW. Values that are ABOVE 4.5 mean that the patient is, indeed HYPO (or UNDER-ACTIVE) Thyroid. BUT, the lab reported the level: HIGH. There is an EXTREME difference between these two types of Thyroid Disease...and people are misdiagnosed EVERY DAY...by a MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WITH A DEGREE FROM A REPUTABLE MEDICAL LEARNING INSTITUTE.
What's my point? Subjectivity. Exposure. Education. Resources.
Gemology, and Diamond Education is susceptible to the same subjectivity, and errors...even by those considered "experts". It can't be helped, nor avoided; you're dealing with human beings, and evolving science combined with new, and improving technology.
People will share with others what they have learned, been exposed to, or interpret as fact. That information, as well-intended as it may be, could very well be a bag of misinformation, lack of the right education, or experience.
It's everywhere, which is why medical professionals who are licensed to treat people with life-threatening diseases have medical malpractice insurance.
It's to the gemologists benefit that their profession does not require them to be insured against diamond mis-interpretation or "FUBAR-Certification" malpractice....lol!!
As much as I agree that people should explain, prior to posting their OPINION, that they are NOT an "expert", there is no legal way to force someone to post a disclaimer on the internet, nor is it legal to prevent someone from posting erroneous, outdated, or mis-information.
I feel your frustration in regard to the increasingly inappropriate interaction between posters, old and new, on the forum. I'm not certain what can be done about that, but I do enjoy the peaceful, fun-loving, entertaining & friendly threads I have found across PS, during my stay, here. There is a lot of love & support, here. I do hope we can focus more on that, rather than feeding the egos of those seemingly intent with creating & spreading negativity on such a bright & bling-filled forum. I couldn't agree more. With everything going on in the world, social media discussions are unbearable, I have gravitated to checking in to PS much more than in months past. Really appreciate the content here, mostly civil and productive dialogue between people who happen to love bling!
Peace to you @Octo2005. I do believe your heart was in the right place, when you started this thread, and your intentions were well-meant. As much as I understand the points you have emphatically made, here, I just don't know if there are any solutions. It's clear you want PS to be a better place. Thank you & you too! I don't have a solution, just thought it was important for everyone to be mindful of how are comments are received. This thread is certainly a reminder that posts are not always perceived/understood as we intended them to be.
Side Note: as a newbie, I have learned to read, ingest, and repeat a lot of knowledgeable advice, rather than blabbing about things, of which, I know little or nothing. I'll be the first to admit that I am learning from ground zero about Round Cut Stones; I'm a Step-Cut girl all the way. I soak up as much knowledge about ALL Diamonds, now, and I only share what I've learned here, with newcomers seeking advice. @Karl_K is my new found resource, here, for me*, for pretty much everything, especially, step cuts. I tag him in threads on the regular to get him involved in matters I believe he will be most helpful AND to seek his approval of the knowledge I am sharing with a potential buyer. If I step out of line (get it? "Step" out of line! HA! ), I want him to call me out & educate both me, and the newcomer, seeking the advice.
I do try to be diligent on what I post, and to be certain to communicate FULLY, rather than leaving gaps; things can get so misconstrued, otherwise.
Perhaps the technology we so love to use as a tool to enjoy this forum is, indeed, also the means in which we lose touch with our natural means of communication as human beings: tone, and intent.
Articulation, and choosing our words more wisely in order to communicate may be ways to help improve the way in which we communicate with one another...
I apologize for the incredibly LONG WINDED POST, but I had a lot to say & several points to cover...lol!!

 

[Octo2005]

As other's have noted there are more important things going on in the world and I have taken up enough of everyones time. Again, I apologize if any of my comments felt judgmental or came across as they were meant to invalidate anyones opinions. I will leave the topic with just a reminder to all, myself included to be mindful of what we post, it is not always perceived as we intended. It has been a wonderful reminder that consumer's have many passionate advocates within the PS community.

I hope that everyone in the path of Irma has found a place for shelter or was able to evacuate. We should keep all of those effected by Irma and Harvey in our thoughts!

 

[marymm]

can I just say, absolutely love "elf the prosumers"

 

[jaaron]

I see both sides of this subject.

I am a medical professional in the specialty of Endocrinology. One of the main diseases we treat is Thyroid Disease. Lab results are required in order to follow the patient's levels, to control their Thyroid function.
Primary Care Physicians, typically, are the basis of referrals to a Specialist. When someone calls to schedule an appointment with one of our Specialists, a lot of information is required in order to schedule their initial consultation. One of those pieces of info. is the Diagnosis or reason for the appointment. "Abnormal Thyroid Levels" is a popular answer. Next, the new patient explains that their PCP told them their levels were elevated & they need to see an Endocrinologist.
Note: Primary Care Physicians, and Endocrinologists are DOCTORS, and BOTH completed MEDICAL SCHOOL. Specialists decided to focus on a specific specialty, and study that specialty in order to be a Specialist.
That being said, one would believe that a PCP is perfectly capable of interpreting lab results the same way a Specialist can. Right? WRONG!
90% of NP's who send their lab results for their consultations have lab results that were MISINTERPRETED by their PCP: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Lab Tests are interpreted differently than other lab tests. If the value is reported HIGH by the lab, the value is ACTUALLY LOW, and Vice-Versa. Values that are BELOW 0.04 mean that the patient has HYPER (or OVER-ACTIVE) Thyroid. BUT the lab reported the level: LOW. Values that are ABOVE 4.5 mean that the patient is, indeed HYPO (or UNDER-ACTIVE) Thyroid. BUT, the lab reported the level: HIGH. There is an EXTREME difference between these two types of Thyroid Disease...and people are misdiagnosed EVERY DAY...by a MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WITH A DEGREE FROM A REPUTABLE MEDICAL LEARNING INSTITUTE.

I know this is a big t/j, but I have to ask - is this really the honest truth? I have been hypothyroid since my first child was born and she's in college now, so you all can do the math , and while I can make a pretty good argument that there are a lot of pcps and even quite a few endocrinologists who could be better educated on thyroid disease and the finer points of treating with T3 or combination medications, rather than following standard t-4 only replacement protocols, I have literally never, not once, never ever ever, run across a pcp who didn't understand high TSH correlates with hypo, low TSH correlates with hyper. Is it possible you are getting the patients' interpretation of their doctor's statement that their levels were high, rather than an actual misdiagnosis?

I know there's an analogy for diamond advice to be found somewhere in that, but I'm too out of brain cells to come up with it.

Have a good day, everyone.

 

[Matthews1127]

In my experience, it has been very true!
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is also something that gets overlooked many times...
But that's a discussion that has no place on PS
The only reason why I use the analogy in the first place was to make the point that in a lot of cases when you deal with diamonds or anything else regarding human behavior, you're going to have to estimate subjectivity into the scenario.

 

[LLJsmom]

@Octo2005 I meant to comment. I think you bring up some valid points. If I were completely new I would not want bad advice even if a newbie commenting had the best intentions. And I would feel badly if I were a newbie and someone was super insulting about some inaccurate advice I provided. It's true people could be a bit gentler and it's true that newer people should be mature enough to be more circumspect when providing advice, in particular when suggesting/evaluating specific stones based on cut. Do they know what they don't know. I've been around for a few years but I'm still super wary about suggesting stones because for my standards I am not enough of an expert to feel confident enough to tell people how to spend a large amount of money.

Also, and this may be because I am just older, I think people can benefit from growing a little tougher skin. Or, don't take things so personally. "Frozen spit"? That's hilarious! It's clever and it gets the point across. Even though some posters can be blunt, let's face it. Some people don't have hat much time to provide two full paragraphs of explanations, exception cases, ask a ton is situation specific questions, etc. many people give a lot of time out of a busy schedule. So people just need to lighten up. If someonefeels insulted, just block that part out and focus on the facts and the point of the message. Take what is useful and leave behind what is not.

 

[AprilBaby]

As I said before, you need big balls to play here. Use your balls or ignore. Sometimes I play and sometimes I sit on the bench and watch.

 

[Calliecake]

@Karl_K You are correct. No one dies from buying the wrong diamond. I can safely say buying the wrong diamond can make one feel quite sick. It's never a good feeling knowing you spent a large sum of money on a stone you should have walked away from.

 

[Karl_K]

@Karl_K You are correct. No one dies from buying the wrong diamond. I can safely say buying the wrong diamond can make one feel quite sick. It's never a good feeling knowing you spent a large sum of money on a stone you should have walked away from.

That is true.
That is why I said earlier old hands are needed as well as new to best serve consumers.

 

[Calliecake]

That is true.
That is why I said earlier old hands are needed as well as new to best serve consumers.

You are so right @Karl_K I wish I had known about Pricescope years ago!
I would have saved a lot of money.

 

[AGBF]

I wish I had known about Pricescope years ago! I would have saved a lot of money.

Why is it that Pricescope makes me spend money?

Deb

 

[Calliecake]

Why is it that Pricescope makes me spend money?

Deb
[/QUOTE


Oh Deb it definitely has that effect on me too. I just would have a couple less pieces sitting in a safety deposit box that are NEVER worn.

 

[AGBF]

Oh, Callie, if jewelry that sits in a safety deposit box is a sin, I have only sins! But compared to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, my sins are absolutely nothing! That woman has tons of jewelry locked away and she never apologizes for it! Why not relax and enjoy the fact that joining Pricescope has brought you closer to what was probably a childhood fantasy: owning a treasure chest (or jewelry box) like that of a princess that overflowed with strands of pearls, diamonds, rubies, and emeralds?

Deb