My answers/replies are spontaneous.
(1) ALL WATCH RELATED (even 0.1%), 100% of what I posted here within the pages of the forum are/were then accurate and truthful.
If otherwise, it was due to scientific revelations or industry released info which made the post an error.
There should be NO FEAR or doubt when you read ANYTHING I wrote here about watches. Because this is why I joined this site..watches.
(2) Prices and any rules I broke. Unintentional, and careless. I take full responsibility.
(3) Motivation.
Many years ago, and this is still my motive. I found that his forum was a place where I can tell the truth, share a hobby. It is a reflection of a Shangri La.
The reason why I began this post, and this is about watch collecting, was to make readers who wanted to add a little thought into why we are passionate about watches and why we frequent this site. It is because the purists must remain gentlemanly, kind, truthful and constructive.
I wanted, with this post, to make people think deeper into the value of building passion around whatever you do.
I quoted the prices in my enthusiasm and hit the post button and I forgot, and simply went on with my life. I apologize for that.
(4) Payments of ANY kind. I believe that I personally, not everyone, should NOT be paid or given special treatment, and there are brand owners here, journalists, wiki people and both Nat Geo and Discovery people who have interviewed me about this.
WHATEVER is given to me, I NEVER ask for. I would accept it, and as soon as my finance girls complete the quarterly accounts of my companies, they would estimate the value of these items, perks, travels, dinners, and make 3 specific donations to 1 the bone marrow foundation, 2 Wild Rice, a play and drama group in Singapore and 3 The Red Cross.
I named them for those who care to check.
WHY? Because paying someone, should be reserved for making him/her do something that is NOT at the top or near the top of his/her enjoyment list.
If I was paid, it should only be because I do not enjoy posting. So....I should not be paid.
I am truthful 100% on all watch related matters. However, for NON watch related....and here is a REAL example: I was asked by the wife of a collector if he came to MY dinner with another woman. I lied to preserve his marriage, which anyway is now over...this was in 2006.
Right or wrong...I did not wish to hurt another marriage, plus I could have got the wrong idea. I posted this post, because I think many of us do the same.
Maybe I am wrong, judging from the responses. It seems VERY few people lied before. I am NOT being sarcastic. Just look at the responses.
(5) Any of you who have met me personally will go back with 2 or 3 judgments of me.
1 I am not realistic in my goals but I am an idealist.
2 I do not have an abnormal ego.
3 I don't plan and connive.
I am also EXTREMELY polite, and I am also VERY forgetful.
(6) I value the purists. Because it is a place I find to be GOOD. And also it tries very hard to have ideals, good ones. Especially that here, people don't treat the rich in a better way than the poor or less fortunate.
Of course, people make mistakes. BUT...I think the purists have a GOOD thing going.
(7) I find that the moderators here are GOOD hearted. They always mean well.
Sometimes...they may get it wrong. BUT..I feel that makes this site REAL.
Finally. WHY have I apparently upset so many people here? Plus...the use of strong words like BULLSHIT to label me was a tad strong, and I was sad with that. Not angry...but saddened.
I was very depressed when I was described as being tolerated. When all I wanted was to share. And share openly.
On reflection, I guess I am still in the wrong...because I upset people here. I don't like to do that.
This site is privately owned by the powers that own it. I wish to stay.
But if you wish me worse...and kick me out.
I have to accept that I was wrong BOTH in my perceptions and also in my actions.
I am NOT a malevolent person.....and ban me with no fear. I will continue to praise and promote your site.
I just wish to have collectors see what I see in watch collecting, that's why I use stories and pictures to illustrate my posts. Or else, I will not be contributing the reasons WHY I bought so many watches.
And it will be sad not to see what makes watches emotional and intellectual and poetic.
That's about all.