archibald Posted April 11, 2007 Report Share Posted April 11, 2007 Guys, I have no idea what to do next! Some bald guy has erased the part of my brain which stored information about where to buy replica watches! Next thing you know he's going to use the economic might of the Swiss luxury watchmaking industry's trade association to force China to make producing Big Bangs as subversive as practicing Fu Lin Gong--the Faux Lin Gong Proclamation of 2094. On second thought, as long as he doesn't do something really stupid such as producing a manufacture movement that the chinese can't copy, I'm not really worried about this thing. Admin, what about the ISP's that tell Sony, Paramount and Rupbert Murdoch to go [censored] themselves? I wonder if they're going to worry very much about Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Physher007 Posted April 11, 2007 Report Share Posted April 11, 2007 Andreww - that was a rhetorical question. I appologize if I offended you. I am trying to hold a dialogue in an attempt to inspire those watching to donate, not single you out. If the admins decided to go invite only, there is no doubt your name would be at the top of the list, certainly before mine. But what we have is a situation that is affecting everyone of the members of this board, VIP or not. And for those who can donate, should - more than anything, that will alleviate pressure on the Admin team. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andreww Posted April 11, 2007 Report Share Posted April 11, 2007 Andreww - that was a rhetorical question. I appologize if I offended you. I am trying to hold a dialogue in an attempt to inspire those watching to donate, not single you out. If the admins decided to go invite only, there is no doubt your name would be at the top of the list, certainly before mine. But what we have is a situation that is affecting everyone of the members of this board, VIP or not. And for those who can donate, should - more than anything, that will alleviate pressure on the Admin team. I understand completely, I am just saying that people should not be forced to donate. If a donation is forced it is no longer a donation, its a fee. but please, if you can, donate! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eddhead Posted April 11, 2007 Report Share Posted April 11, 2007 I would prefer a system where dealers shot 2 or 3% of every sale back to the board. bad idea. creates potential conflict of interest issues (real or preceived) and undermines the credability of board as non-biased. It will make us appear as though we only recommend dealers who contribute. This is the problem with RWI 2 in my view. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeeJay Posted April 11, 2007 Report Share Posted April 11, 2007 @teejay - how do you recommend approving of membership? Checking the names and locations of people who apply. See if that location tallys with their IP address, and being extra vigilant of IPs that could be from people like the Hublot CEO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cats Posted April 11, 2007 Report Share Posted April 11, 2007 I think we have to wait for a while and let's see what our moderators come back with. If everybody who's concerned about loosing the dealer and trading part spents 30 minutes thinking about a solution the "problem" will be solved soon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
COOP Posted April 11, 2007 Report Share Posted April 11, 2007 eddhead: RWI has changed their "5 star dealer" thing if this is what you are refering to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeeJay Posted April 11, 2007 Report Share Posted April 11, 2007 Do you have any idea what it costs to run a forum? Pay for storage/hosting? Now throw into the mix the legality issue we're currently facing, and consider the great risk and great wealth of information you've obtained here. If this place didn't exist, you would have probably bought crap from a scam site for $300 or gotten ripped a new one for $1k plus on another scam site. It's fair to say that this place has saved each one of us AT LEAST $100, if not more. And you aren't willing to pay $10? IMHO.... You have to pay to play. Have a nice day. I don't care what it costs to run a forum. No one made the admins start a forum. What legality? Sales of reps is illegal, so don't let ANYONE advertize ANY reps on the forum. Simple as that. That's all there is to it. If this place didn't exist, I would not have got ripped off, because I found my own dealer way before I found this forum. They charge way less than the Cartel, and I consider them a personal friend. The only thing I have gained from this forum, is information. Information I likely would have gained from gen forums, so rather than assuming anything about people's circumstances, try and look at things with a little objectivity. As I said, this forum has not saved me money, and there is no way I am going to pay to post on a discussion forum. I am certainly not going to pay to post on a forum that, untill today, continued to tollerate the Cartel Dealers. This is supposed to be a forum to educate and inform. It should not have ANY kind of links or dealer's sections whatsoever. They are unnecessary to DISCUSSION. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maximus Posted April 11, 2007 Report Share Posted April 11, 2007 I think that one can advise members not to mention the full brand name when discussing reps but using wildcards instead...the same goes to the dealers... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMK000 Posted April 11, 2007 Report Share Posted April 11, 2007 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andreww Posted April 11, 2007 Report Share Posted April 11, 2007 I think we have to wait for a while and let's see what our moderators come back with. If everybody who's concerned about loosing the dealer and trading part spents 30 minutes thinking about a solution the "problem" will be solved soon The solution is very simple, and I'm sure it is already being worked on. The site host must be changed. But then the way that we conduct ourselves must be changed as well, or we shall find ourselves in the same mess very quickly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eddhead Posted April 11, 2007 Report Share Posted April 11, 2007 eddhead: RWI has changed their "5 star dealer" thing if this is what you are refering to. So I hear. Thanks, I stand corrected. Still, the the pretinent point of my post still remains... dealer sponsorship is not a good thing Thanks again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin Posted April 11, 2007 Author Report Share Posted April 11, 2007 First of all, let me say that I'm amazed about this discussion. I specifically said that it was not a good idea to discuss our options in the open. Now we have 9 pages with posts about what to do and what not to do. On top of that, you are arguing about our VIP memberships and other minor issues I've been working with computers for several years and I've been using offshore hosts for several years. Offshore hosts seem awfully good on paper (or on your screen), but it's not until you actually use them you know how good they are. Most of the hosts located in countries where the laws are not enforced so stricly are also countries with terrible connections with the rest of the world (and I am talking about fiber connections here) = slooow connection. I've had 2 hosts that have actually changed their AUP after I signed up with them (after pressure from lawyers?) and had to move the server again. So the hosting bit is not as easy as it sounds. Anywa, we are looking into different solutions right now and will update you as soon as we know what to do. If you feel you have a really good solution or idea to contribute to this problems, feel free to PM or e-mail me and do NOT discuss it on the open forums! And for crying out loud, you can mention RWI all you want here and link to it as much as you want Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob_s Posted April 11, 2007 Report Share Posted April 11, 2007 was this threat a call, a letter, an email?? unless it came from a solicitors then it should just be the start of open dialogue (not open on the board lol) anyway, while some are making good points, much of this thread is now knee-jerk scare-mongering and i am starting to see it as some slight hasseling for donations (not just this site either) the only reason i havent donated anywhere is because i have previously been a paid up member on a number of forums and received nothing worth my money unfortunately even discussing making a forum pay-only is a turn-off. i am grateful for a number of nuggets i have learned on these forums, dont get me wrong, but google is my friend and you may alienate a lot of people here... leave it to admin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craytonic Posted April 11, 2007 Report Share Posted April 11, 2007 I don't think VIP Membership should be made mandatory for several reasons. I was one of the people lucky enough to get given a VIP membership as part of the birthday festivities, and all that afforded me, was the ability to edit my posts, larger message capacity, and access to a few extra forums that were actually of no use to me whatsoever. I have not renewed that VIP status, becausefirstly, the ability to edit my posts is not that important to me, and secondly, I was disheartened by the response to the recent issues with Cartel Dealers, and was not prepared to support a forum that continued to allow the Cartel to deal from here, and be respected here. This forum was indeed set up to allow people to discuss their interests in replica watches and prevent people being scammed. Proof had come to light of scamming, so those people should have been expelled. Simple as that. However, that is in the past, and this is about moving on. If people are known to be dealers, so be it, let people do business with them, but, having a dealer's section was asking for trouble. I've never actually used a dealer mentioned on this forum. There are sites like eBay where dealers are monitored and have to make good their promises. Okay, the reps might not be as accurate as some of the Super Reps, but for the prices they are costing, they are still better than some of the Canal Street Junk that the Real Scammer sites pass off. This is not the end of the world, folks. We can still display and discuss our watches, so that's all that matters Peace out. Not to make this a donation debate; but I think most of us dontate to support the site. I am not buying the VIP services, I give to help out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cats Posted April 11, 2007 Report Share Posted April 11, 2007 Clear as i said let's wait and be innovative ( not here in this forum ) MOD can't you delete this discussion ?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeeJay Posted April 11, 2007 Report Share Posted April 11, 2007 I have actually purchased 2 watches from dealers here (a third was a replacement for a defective watch). I have received several watches from members here in appreciation for artwork, or literary contributions. Beyond that, anything else I have was put together from bits and pieces. I've been a student, and I know thats tough. But, if you overspend, you go hungry. If I overspend, my children go hungry. Big difference. Couldn't've said it better myself. When my SMP arrives, I was planning on writing a review comparing it to my Submariner, a comparison of actual Bond Watches. Sure, there might already be the Submariner Vs Seamaster review (a piece I found incredibly informative, and contacted the author to express my appreciation for it) but, that is comparing 'like for like', I wanted to actually compare James Bond's watches. As you say, not everyone has the finances to donate, and that should not reflect on their membership. As I said, the only thing this forum needs, is discussion. Sales are 'icing on the cake'. If the sales are getting the admins in trouble, the obvious answer is pull the sales, and stick to discussion. Freedom of speech, and what-not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikebrooke Posted April 11, 2007 Report Share Posted April 11, 2007 The trading section has been removed. We had to do this to avoid having the website shut down by The Federation of the Swiss Watch. Also, all dealers will be removed as dealers and links to photoalbums, etc will be removed. We are sorry about this and will get back to you with more information. What do you think the Federation of Swiss Watch [censored] will do about E-Bay and their continued flouting of the rules pertaining to fakes? I'll tell you..... NOTHING!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seanf Posted April 11, 2007 Report Share Posted April 11, 2007 I'm confident that the admin team will find a good and workable solution here. But I do want to just clarify something that bothered me a little. I guess I am guilty of "hassling" people into making a donation. As I've said before, I don't believe in mandatory VIPs or contributions, as it really defeats the entire purpose of a forum like this. If this board had been pay only, I would have never joined to begin with. I made the decision earlier today that this forum is valuable to me and it is worth supporting financially. And I certainly respect the opinions of people like Andreww and TeeJay who have, for the own reasons, decided not to donate. And I wouldn't try to convince them otherwise. But my point-- and this is irrespective of any solutions the admins may be considering--is that all non-contributing members should take a look at their own situation, ask themselves how much they value RWG and The-Site-That-Dare-Not-Bare-Its-Name-But-Rhymes-With-Bark-Hide. If they find that they check the site routinely, and that they've gained some important information about reps, and maybe even saved some money, then I would suggest that maybe now would be a good time to make a donation. I don't know what the admin and mods are planning, but I'm sure they could use our financial support to do it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeeJay Posted April 11, 2007 Report Share Posted April 11, 2007 Sean, thanks for the backup now and earlier, it's much appreciated Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jens Posted April 11, 2007 Report Share Posted April 11, 2007 The solution is very simple, and I'm sure it is already being worked on. The site host must be changed. But then the way that we conduct ourselves must be changed as well, or we shall find ourselves in the same mess very quickly. Very well said. I might be too paranoid at times, but I find it somewhat freightening to see that a lot of people for sure underestimate our 'enemy'. People who think typing '*' into the brand names will solve anything don't have a clue about what kind of tools the authorities are using in their wars on economical crime (as reps. are). All as part of the war against terror, which justifies and has lead to a massive implementation of different monitoring systems, and information is shared between countries. These people are not stupid, and they have state-of-the-art technology available. An example is a system used by the tax authorities in six EU countries: http://www.wired.com/politics/security/news/2007/01/72564 Furtermore, there is an ongoing process in EU on new legislation, which without doubt will make it very risky to be involved. US/China ->WTO. +++ Do we need more proof that times are about to change? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seanf Posted April 11, 2007 Report Share Posted April 11, 2007 Sean, thanks for the backup now and earlier, it's much appreciated My pleasure, TeeJay. Least I could do after gaining so much information from you and other frequent posters here. Just trying to make it clear that I'm not trying to force my opinions down anyone's throat. Nor am I trying to tell the admins and mods how to do their jobs. All I'm suggesting is that if any non-VIPs were ever considering making a donation to any of the forums, now would probably be an ideal time to do so. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garethsm Posted April 11, 2007 Report Share Posted April 11, 2007 This is indeed sad... both the retraction of the trades, and the fact that it's possible replacements are being discussed openly for the Swissies to see!!! I still plan to upgrade to VIP regardless, though - this is a great forum full of information, and has guided me toward GREAT reps versus the 'just okay' ones I was buying before. It's just a shame I can't now sell my 'orphans' through here now, which I was planning this weekend simply to fund the next couple of purchases. Trading among members of the various forums keeps the industry alive! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeeJay Posted April 11, 2007 Report Share Posted April 11, 2007 My pleasure, TeeJay. Least I could do after gaining so much information from you and other frequent posters here. Just trying to make it clear that I'm not trying to force my opinions down anyone's throat. Nor am I trying to tell the admins and mods how to do their jobs. All I'm suggesting is that if any non-VIPs were ever considering making a donation to any of the forums, now would probably be an ideal time to do so. I for one, never got the impression that you were trying to force any opinions on anyone, just pointing out the that now would be a good time for donations. My primary objection to donating to be a VIP member, is I do not have to pay subscriptions to any other discussion forum, and the extra facilities afforded to VIP members, to be honest, I really didn't find of use. I'd much rather make a contribution to the community by ways of a review or any information I can share than to shell out $$s. To be honest, I would (and will) enjoy this forum just as much without dealer sections, as I did when there was a dealer section, as it was something I did not find usefull. To be honest, there is enough 'word of mouth' on the forums that dealers can be found without the direct links that were in their forums, and it also prevents dealers currying favor by paying subscriptions or donating to raffles, it will keep things purely academic and informative (obviously with a few laughs thrown in) and that's exactly how the forum should be. If I wanted to subscribe to something, I'd've found a porno site Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
klingsor Posted April 11, 2007 Report Share Posted April 11, 2007 some suggest: http://archives.cnn.com/2000/TECH/computin...alu.domain.idg/ http://www.marcaria.com/Tuvalu/Domains/dom...n-tv-Tuvalu.htm M Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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