Appreciation Post

[mbwatch]

This is just to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who hangs out on this forum. I was browsing one of the bigger watchmaking Reddit subs today and was struck (as usual) by just how comically bad the advice tends to be over there, and how poorly researched or formulated so many of the questions are. What a difference here on this old fashioned web forum.

I've been around here about two years now and every time I arrive with a question, I get a bunch of thoughtful responses from experienced hobbyists and working professionals, without any snark or condescension. For years, I was a major contributor (still on some global leader boards!) on the computer programming site Stack Overflow; the techies here know what I mean. That place is famously unkind to new members and non-professional programmers, with required adherence to a bunch of strict community customs and no tolerance for questions from people who just don't know yet what they need to ask. In fact, a lot of others in my specific areas of specialty over there really disliked me for wanting to take time to tutor novices.

It's such a different world here. Any little watchmaking hurdle, no matter how commonplace, begets a stream of really helpful advice that solves the immediate issue and then anticipates the next one. It's been great for skill building. And without the peanut gallery of redditors who mostly don't have a clue what they're talking about. Thanks so much to all of you.  

[Bonefixer]

Agreed. This is pretty wholesome place to hang out. 

[oldhippy]

That is very nice to know and carry on enjoying this great friendly forum.  

[thor447]

Well said.  I've found if I am searching for answers to a problem I've encountered, many times there's already a thread about that topic with good advice offered.  I've thoroughly enjoyed being here, and more than got my money's worth in taking Mark's courses (I wasn't complete beginner but I thought taking a few courses from a trained professional might be worth it - and it certainly was!) and then continuing my growth with the help of this friendly and knowledgeable forum.

[Neverenoughwatches]

8 hours ago, mbwatch said:

This is just to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who hangs out on this forum. I was browsing one of the bigger watchmaking Reddit subs today and was struck (as usual) by just how comically bad the advice tends to be over there, and how poorly researched or formulated so many of the questions are. What a difference here on this old fashioned web forum.

I've been around here about two years now and every time I arrive with a question, I get a bunch of thoughtful responses from experienced hobbyists and working professionals, without any snark or condescension. For years, I was a major contributor (still on some global leader boards!) on the computer programming site Stack Overflow; the techies here know what I mean. That place is famously unkind to new members and non-professional programmers, with required adherence to a bunch of strict community customs and no tolerance for questions from people who just don't know yet what they need to ask. In fact, a lot of others in my specific areas of specialty over there really disliked me for wanting to take time to tutor novices.

It's such a different world here. Any little watchmaking hurdle, no matter how commonplace, begets a stream of really helpful advice that solves the immediate issue and then anticipates the next one. It's been great for skill building. And without the peanut gallery of redditors who mostly don't have a clue what they're talking about. Thanks so much to all of you.  

We certainly are a good old bunch, a lot of it could be attributed to the nature of the hobby, apparently a calm and peaceful pastime taken up in our mature years . 

[mbwatch]

4 hours ago, Neverenoughwatches said:

taken up in our mature years

A few years ago when I got initially transfixed by Mark's videos (having just stumbled onto them) I told my wife I know what my old-man-hobby is going to be! But I only made it into my forties before I couldn't resist any longer.

4 hours ago, thor447 said:

I wasn't complete beginner but I thought taking a few courses from a trained professional might be worth it - and it certainly was!

If you are who I think you might be (and have an Oklahoma accent to go with your Location) I have seen your work and you are doing amazing stuff now.

[Neverenoughwatches]

34 minutes ago, mbwatch said:

A few years ago when I got initially transfixed by Mark's videos (having just stumbled onto them) I told my wife I know what my old-man-hobby is going to be! But I only made it into my forties before I couldn't resist any longer.

If you are who I think you might be (and have an Oklahoma accent to go with your Location) I have seen your work and you are doing amazing stuff now.

 He joined not long after me. Videos are top notch Adam well done matey keep em coming

[thor447]

3 hours ago, mbwatch said:

If you are who I think you might be (and have an Oklahoma accent to go with your Location) I have seen your work and you are doing amazing stuff now.

Very kind of you to say, thank you.

[RichardHarris123]

I'm lost, no idea who is being talked about. 

[Neverenoughwatches]

Just now, RichardHarris123 said:

I'm lost, no idea who is being talked about. 

Without checking the old youtube , i seem to remember it's Weekend watches,  I'll send my PR invoice in the post Adam

2 minutes ago, Neverenoughwatches said:

Without checking the old youtube , i seem to remember it's Weekend watches,  I'll send my PR invoice in the post Adam

Haha i was close its weekend watch repair,  I'll send a discounted invoice instead

[GuyMontag]

4 hours ago, thor447 said:

Very kind of you to say, thank you.

Yeah, your videos have great production value, the lighting and camera footage is top notch. I'd love to see your lighting/camera setup.

[thor447]

1 hour ago, GuyMontag said:

Yeah, your videos have great production value, the lighting and camera footage is top notch. I'd love to see your lighting/camera setup.

Thanks.  It's been a work in progress.  I knew absolutely nothing about cameras or lighting when I started recording my escapades.  It has gradually improved over time.  I don't broadcast the channel here.  I just like to come here to visit with like minded folks, pick up a trick or two, and provide help when I can (which isn't often considering the amount of collective knowledge on this forum).

[Terrinecold]

Just to add to the initial poster. I am new and have been in this forum since I started a couple weeks ago and everyone has been incredibly helpful and nice.  Thanks

[Knebo]

I agree, this place is incredible!