Your preference isn't their preference.

[Dancing Fire]

I have my own MRB preferences and cheat sheet. If a newbie came here and asked for opinions then I'll give them mine. If all they care about is the other 3Cs then I think they came to the wrong site. Too many cut snobs here...

 

[John P]

There is something both paradoxical and elegant about a forum that assists diamond shoppers "in the blind..." I believe it's those last three words, coupled with some glaring industry issues and today's internet, which cause a need for this thread.

Our job is to educate people and help them make the best decision for them, not for us. (the collective)

Consider this context:

EGL Example

Many of you will recall when the market was rife with EGL graded diamonds. That has diminished now - thank you Martin Rapaport - but newbies used to come here regularly posting up EGL Mars/Venus/Jupiter grading reports and asking for opinions. Reactions varied... Some folks would hiss and splash holy water on those threads. Others explained the practice of over-grading and advised caution. Still others would patiently answer the newbies' hypothetical, hopeful, pleading, vacillating - perhaps never ending - questions. Some people got drawn into rationalizing (albeit hopelessly in the blind, bless their hearts) how maybe, possibly, perchance the price might be okay..."...if the stone is only 2 collective grades off instead of 4 or 5 grades off..."

Even if such dialogue was hopeless, and required time and energy, it was educational for the consumer as well as future readers of the thread.

OVER TIME: Social media makes answers shorter. The twitter-like reaction to EGL blind-spots is to dismiss any report outright, with no meaningful discussion, and link to something known to be "safe." That does overcome the unknowns, but it doesn't create dialogue. It doesn't educate the poster or future readers. It doesn't sustain Pricescope.

Cut Quality Example

Strict color and clarity grades are reliable. "F" is pretty specific. So is "VS1". Any pro or consumer is pretty safe recommending a GIA or AGS color or clarity grade with a reasonable idea of what it means.

Cut quality is different. Even a top cut grade spans a range of visible differences. Like an EGL Israel F (which could potentially be G,H,I,J...) a given cut grade hides many potential visible characters and qualities. These blind spots are why dialogues about cut historically dominated Pricescope threads. Before social media those dialogues often grew long and strong in the tooth, whether pro to pro...pro to consumer...consumer to consumer... Newbies learned about different character flavors (ideal v 60-60 v trans v shallow v deep), the physics of basic light return, trade-offs going from one geometry to another, specifics for given cases they put forward in many shapes, the implications of high 3D optical-precision, etc. 10-12 years ago principals from three major diamond grading laboratories read Pricescope daily because of the rich engagement.

OVER TIME: Social media makes answers shorter. The twitter-like reaction to cut quality blind spots is to dismiss unknowns outright, with no meaningful discussion, and link to something known to be "safe." That successfully overcomes the unknowns, but it doesn't create dialogue or explore options.

Perhaps more importantly: It doesn't contribute to the body of meaningful discussion that's sustained Pricescope for nearly 20 years.

If someone wants a D, even if a G looks very white, let them but a D. If someone wants a clarity enhanced diamond and has gotten informed about them, let them buy that CE diamond. If someone cares about carat than anything else, let them but that small facing asscher. If someone wants a gia XXX that's 62.7% deep because they can't see the difference? By God let them have it. Like the Kenny's of the world say, people vary. As long as they are making an informed decision, let them make their decision.

100%. That is the spirit which built Pricescope.

We still have the opportunity to do that in this place, where the internet "noise" has not become so impersonal. Pricescope is still a community where regulars and visitors all have the ability to learn, as well as contribute. That begins with dialogue, not instructions.

 

[Rockdiamond]

People are allowed to buy diamonds that don't meet the "ps approved" specs.
People are allowed to buy VG cut diamonds.
People are allowed to value other Cs over cut.
Cut is King is an opinion, not a fact.

I could not agree more.
In fact, I've been saying this for almost 20 years here.
In another recent thread, someone suggested the OP consider a VG cut grade diamond. They were advised that they should make sure to tell the OP what they'd be sacrificing.
There is a common thought that a VG stone will "automatically" exhibit some visible defects. This is not the case in real life.
There could easily be clearly visible differences in cut between two stones having nothing to do with the cut grade.
Things like proportions that can influence spread.
LGF% differences that can influence the type of light performance you'd see.
Hypothetically say we are comparing a 6.35mm H&A style EX to a well cut 6,5mm VG cut with narrower arrows.
That's a personal preference decision.
There's another current thread about how today's diamonds compare with those of 20 years ago.
The bottom line is that increased technology means that cutters can cut to a more precise degree, which can be demonstrated using measuring devices employing increased technology.
That's simply another way of saying that you need special tools to see the difference between the best cut stones of today, versus the best cut stones of 20 years ago. If one needs a tool to see it's better, maybe the information the tool is providing is not crucial to everyone's decision.

As a sponsor I deal directly with the owners of PS. IMO they have no agenda whatsoever in promoting any specific type of cut.

ETA- posted while John was- As usual, thanks John for an eloquent description of the amazing discussion we've had over all these years.

 

[valeria101]

10-12 years ago principals from three major diamond grading laboratories read Pricescope daily because of the rich engagement.

PS has all this history !

There was the H&A et al., then, the other rounds - precise (OEC) or downright random round-ish objects nobody is counting the facets of - and they are loved for being diamonds graded for laughs. Taste is not a trade-off - neither are these other things fudges of the H&A RBC. How to talk of them ...

 

[Karl_K]

I'm not going to quote it but this is a reply and somewhat a continuation of Sir John's post.
The forum is ever evolving and changing.
Sure having experts discuss for the time cutting edge things was fun but it also was getting to the point it was drowning out the consumer voice.
There would be 10 pages threads where I would be the only consumer posting.
The owners had a choice rein in the trade or lose the consumer voice.
They made the right decision to rein in the trade members.
The forum evolved and survived.

Much of what we discussed and fought about is more or less settled science now instead of cutting edge.
The debate centered around RB diamonds and honestly they are pretty well understood by now.

edit: Sir John some of us have always not been long winded *grin*

 

[gm89uk]

Personally I'm grateful for the zeal offered about cut here.

In the UK I was initially offered an 'GIE' certificate 1.0ESi1. I was told there wasn't much difference between GIA and GIE, that getting one over the other was like a non branded T-Shirt and the other being a Ralph Lauren, they both did their task.

Then I had that diamond compared against an IGI 1.3HSI2. The GIE diamond was exactly the same colour, upside down and side by side. This was done to assure me H and E are identical, and there was no need to go with a higher colour (despite being different reporting labs).

I then came across PS after putting down a £2k non-refundable deposit with an HCA 5.3 (I thought it was refundable at the time due to misunderstanding). Following which was very tough to read about the dislike of >5HCA stones (despite me thinking the stone was beautiful), but the jewellers would tell me "don't be silly you really think you'll notice 1.2degrees here and there, or a few 10s of a % here or there', these people are crazy".

This is the kind of pressure and 'education' people get all over the world in many B&M stores. Without such a passion about the cut that's found here, it would be taken with a pinch of salt against what is fed to many consumers.

I was only presented the stone in strong halogen lights and outside on a bright sunny day. I eventually bought an ideal cut stone from JA, and the performance difference with the stone I originally thought was the epitome of quality was staggering. I was blown away with a new stone.

I'm glad I was told how it was, most of the info wasn't from my thread, but reading others. I needed to read the hard truths, repeatedly, to make an actual informed decisions vs the absolute rubbish I was being fed for the sake of a sale. I've ended up much better off.

 

[John P]

...Much of what we discussed and fought about is more or less settled science now instead of cutting edge. The debate centered around RB diamonds and honestly they are pretty well understood by now.

Maybe they are understood, but they're not accounted for. That's the crux Karl...

Consider these 'understood' discussions you reference. You and I implicitly know what 56/40.8/34.5 EX/0 implies vs 58/41/35 EX/2 vs 56/41.4/36 EX/5. We 'understand' geometric character and quality differences. We 'understand' the aesthetics of optimizing compound mirrors. We 'understand' subtending of light, fire vs flash scintillation, spectral fans, etc...and are working to 'understand' stereovision. But Karl...NONE of the things in this paragraph are accounted for in current lab-assessments or even remotely reflected on grading reports. That's what creates the 'blind spot' I described.

I'm sensitive to what Niel is saying about the "twitter-like" (my term) reactions here... That shortcut is to punt all exploration and education and just recommend a known performer.

edit: Sir John some of us have always not been long winded *grin*

Touche' But I wouldn't change a thing. Communication styles differ. Some of us learn visually, some aurally, some kinesthetically. You know, I remember this character...some "strmrdr" weirdo (I pronounce that "STERM-urder" by the way)...who, as a consumer poster here, doggedly pursued the whys and wherefores of step-cut aesthetics and selection. Through obsessive participation, analysis, criticism and suggestion this one character radically shifted the way a dozen selling organizations fundamentally selected emeralds, asschers and other step cuts. That guy was not long-winded, but he fostered improvement and was a blessing to those looking for guidance. He was never "twitter-like" in his replies. He created awareness and change through ongoing discussion and education.

I'm glad I was told how it was, most of the info wasn't from my thread, but reading others. I needed to read the hard truths, repeatedly, to make an actual informed decisions vs the absolute rubbish I was being fed for the sake of a sale. I've ended up much better off.

Nail, meet hammer. Future readers will not benefit if the only replies in threads are marching orders. They benefit from the process of open dialogue and education. The end result is not nearly as important as the steps the journey takes.

 

[Matthews1127]

Personally I'm grateful for the zeal offered about cut here.

In the UK I was initially offered an 'GIE' certificate 1.0ESi1. I was told there wasn't much difference between GIA and GIE, that getting one over the other was like a non branded T-Shirt and the other being a Ralph Lauren, they both did their task.

Then I had that diamond compared against an IGI 1.3HSI2. The GIE diamond was exactly the same colour, upside down and side by side. This was done to assure me H and E are identical, and there was no need to go with a higher colour (despite being different reporting labs).

I then came across PS after putting down a £2k non-refundable deposit with an HCA 5.3 (I thought it was refundable at the time due to misunderstanding). Following which was very tough to read about the dislike of >5HCA stones (despite me thinking the stone was beautiful), but the jewellers would tell me "don't be silly you really think you'll notice 1.2degrees here and there, or a few 10s of a % here or there', these people are crazy".

This is the kind of pressure and 'education' people get all over the world in many B&M stores. Without such a passion about the cut that's found here, it would be taken with a pinch of salt against what is fed to many consumers.

I was only presented the stone in strong halogen lights and outside on a bright sunny day. I eventually bought an ideal cut stone from JA, and the performance difference with the stone I originally thought was the epitome of quality was staggering. I was blown away with a new stone.

I'm glad I was told how it was, most of the info wasn't from my thread, but reading others. I needed to read the hard truths, repeatedly, to make an actual informed decisions vs the absolute rubbish I was being fed for the sake of a sale. I've ended up much better off.

I'm terribly sorry this was your experience at a B & M establishment. Some are only concerned with lining their pockets, rather than earning the pride that accompanies an honest, and happy sale. Repeat business should be at the forefront of their minds, not for the immediate & "now" sale.
I, too, have learned so much from PSers & experts, alike.
Unfortunately, this evening, I had a rather sour encounter with someone who seemed to jump to the conclusion that my mere observation of a diamond viewed only via amateur photo & video was somehow an attempt to "bash" the stone.
These are the incidents that make me evaluate whether or not to even contribute to a simple conversation.
The title of the thread invited both expert opinions, and lovers of a particular Cut of diamonds. I'm no expert, but I am a true lover of the Cut mentioned, so, I participated. Does my observation have no merit? Especially, when I expressed true sadness in what my eyes witnessed?! Does the fact that MY eyes detected an issue really equate to "bashing" a stone?! SERIOUSLY?
I now understand why so many take a break from PS & spend time away. If my opinion has no value, then, I suppose, even after I'm invited to give it, I'll reserve it.

 

[John P]

@Matthews1127, for what it's worth, your post on page 1 resonated with me. I'm admittedly becoming (have become?) old guard. Part of that involves thicker skin. As the 'net grows in reach it becomes less polite.

 

[Matthews1127]

@Matthews1127, for what it's worth, your post on page 1 resonated with me. I'm admittedly becoming (have become?) old guard. Part of that involves thicker skin. As the 'net grows in reach it becomes less polite.

Oh, @John Pollard,
I have some really tough skin. Takes a lot to ruffle my feathers, but when someone makes clearly false accusations in a passive-aggressive manner...that crosses my line. I'm not a hateful, nor envious person. I have never presented myself in a manner to indicate, otherwise. I have integrity, and compassion. To be falsely accused of "trashing" someone's diamond selection? Now, that's going to motivate me to re-evaluate my own participation on PS, in the future...and ruffle my feathers...just a tad.
Edited for addition:
I am happy to have made an impact with my initial post on this thread. I truly believe that people hide behind a keyboard and find a pair of balls they typically wouldn't have IRL. Somehow, anonymity seems to give some a false sense of invisibility. Those people, are all the more transparent. "The pen is mightier than the sword" roughly translates, in today's society, "The stroke of a key is mightier than the sword". Words can hit harder than fists, sometimes. Once they're out, they can't be taken back.

 

[Karl_K]

Touche' But I wouldn't change a thing. Communication styles differ. Some of us learn visually, some aurally, some kinesthetically. You know, I remember this character...some "strmrdr" weirdo (I pronounce that "STERM-urder" by the way)...who, as a consumer poster here, doggedly pursued the whys and wherefores of step-cut aesthetics and selection. Through obsessive participation, analysis, criticism and suggestion this one character radically shifted the way a dozen selling organizations fundamentally selected emeralds, asschers and other step cuts. That guy was not long-winded, but he fostered improvement and was a blessing to those looking for guidance. He was never "twitter-like" in his replies. He created awareness and change through ongoing discussion and education.

Sounds like a nice guy *grin*
Without the forum owners empowering consumers it would have never happened.

 

[Karl_K]

I now understand why so many take a break from PS & spend time away. If my opinion has no value, then, I suppose, even after I'm invited to give it, I'll reserve it.

That would make me sad.
To me, your and other consumers opinions are more important than mine.

 

[Matthews1127]

That would make me sad.
To me, your and other consumers opinions are more important than mine.

I appreciate that, @Karl_K. However, I hold your knowledge & advice in very high esteem. I admire what you say, and I have learned a great deal from you, in particularly. Your experience is invaluable to me. Ironically, just about everything I have read that you have posted makes sense, and is easily understood. I seek your opinion pertaining to specific subjects (as I'm certain you have noticed, since I have tagged you in threads...lol!). If anyone could convince me that my opinion has merit, it's you.

 

[mochiko42]

You know, I remember this character...some "strmrdr" weirdo (I pronounce that "STERM-urder" by the way)...

Huh...I immediately read that as 'Stormrider'!

 

[Matthews1127]

To include: the online experience DOES remove all true understanding of tone, and intent; MUCH is left to interpretation that CAN lead to misunderstandings. It is important to acknowledge when such things occur. I believe in my situation, this evening, that is indeed what transpired. I have no animosity. I hope the other party is in agreement, as my actions may have been misinterpreted....

 

[Rockdiamond]

Matthews1127- I completely understand your initial frustration- and I apologize for my part in it.
I'm definitely still a NEW YAWKA
Thank you so much for also being understanding and nice

 

[John P]

Huh...I immediately read that as 'Stormrider'!

Oh you read it right. Karl's consumer nom de plume was Strmrdr. My pronunciation is tweaking his tail for the "long winded" comment... 13 year old inside joke.

 

[LLJsmom]

I seldom ever make recommendations of diamonds on RT threads because I know I am not knowledgeable enough about cut to feel confident about recommending how someone should spend a large amount of money. And I would feel very badly if I recommended a stone that I wasn't quite sure about it being the highest quality cut. I guess I have drank the Kool-aid and I do think that cut is most important factor to make a diamond beautiful. If I don't recommend a really beautifully cut stone, I would not know what the potential buyer would want. There is a very big range of stones between top cut and "ok, as long as it's big". I would have no idea what "ok" is, or good enough for the price, or good enough for the size. I would imagine that everyone has a different threshold, just based on their individual preference, which is what Niel is trying to say I guess. I am glad there are so many true cut experts here who can dig into the details and analyze all the angle combinations, and other details that will result in that perfect combination of characteristics that these new diamond buyers are looking for. I will continue to read and learn.

I will say that after reading many threads about helping new buyers choose diamonds that the advice all comes from a good place. Many members are very experienced diamond buyers and have years of examining a variety of stones and can tell the difference between various cut qualities. I think they are well intentioned and mostly want buyers to get the most beautiful diamond for their money. They have seen how many diamond enthusiasts' tastes have changed and developed over the years and just want to prevent them from potentially having any future regrets of not going for a top cut.

 

[Matata]

Karl's consumer nom de plume was Strmrdr.

I was a member here for 2 years before I noticed the 2nd "r" so I thought he was Storm Doctor and I wandered in the wilderness for a long time wondering why that was significant to him -- then I got a pair of reading glasses....

 

[SurfFL]

I'm new here and am no means a expert infact know very little about all of the technical aspects and pricing of diamonds or colored stones. I found PS while trying to get ideas for resetting some of my grandmother's diamonds into something I could wear. I have an interest in jewelry so I started to read multiple threads and have found there seems to be some people here who actually listen to what some is asking/ saying and try to guide them, while others seem to do the opposite. I have seen what the OP is talking about, to a newbie it seems like blatant disregard for what the the OP of the threads is asking. I have seen threads where someone wants a specific size, color, cut, in a price range and maybe has a couple of stones posted asking for opinions on price and say which would you say is the best price or stone for the price, some people respond with (for example) a/for that reason or b/for this. But then I have seen just as many post another stone that's not what the OP was asking about for one reason or another and say this is the stone to buy the other are garbage. With little or no explanation why.

In the thread I started I gave as much info as I could on my stones, likes and dislikes, and as I thought of things I added them. I was given some ideas that really went along with what I had said, and others that seemed like the poster didn't read my original post at all. I understand we all have different tastes and expectations, but I feel you should really pay attention to what the OP is asking. Today I commented on a post were someone was asking for opinions between 2 settings. I gave my opinion, made sure the OP knew it was only my opinion based on my likes and dislikes and gave an example of something I liked as an idea in case the OP and seen or thought of that style yet.

I think from a newbie/novices point of view we come here for ideas and/or opinions and may not understand the reason why someone who is more knowledgeable is saying no or what you picked is garbage. I'm sure it gets tiring repeating things but explaining would help a lot more than just stating this is what you should get. I will say that I have seen people on here that take their time and explain, give options, and listen to what others say and ask.

 

[AprilBaby]

Oh, @John Pollard,
I have some really tough skin. Takes a lot to ruffle my feathers, but when someone makes clearly false accusations in a passive-aggressive manner...that crosses my line. I'm not a hateful, nor envious person. I have never presented myself in a manner to indicate, otherwise. I have integrity, and compassion. To be falsely accused of "trashing" someone's diamond selection? Now, that's going to motivate me to re-evaluate my own participation on PS, in the future...and ruffle my feathers...just a tad.
Edited for addition:
I am happy to have made an impact with my initial post on this thread. I truly believe that people hide behind a keyboard and find a pair of balls they typically wouldn't have IRL. Somehow, anonymity seems to give some a false sense of invisibility. Those people, are all the more transparent. "The pen is mightier than the sword" roughly translates, in today's society, "The stroke of a key is mightier than the sword". Words can hit harder than fists, sometimes. Once they're out, they can't be taken back.

I have found over the years one needs big balls to stay. Don't let other people bother you. If the discussion turns bad turn off and tune out. I wanted to explode during political season but I just kept it to myself. I'm not going to engage with anything that upsets me. One can stay and enjoy ps if you don't feed the troll. ( didn't read that thread and not pointing fingers)

 

[AprilBaby]

I was a member here for 2 years before I noticed the 2nd "r" so I thought he was Storm Doctor and I wandered in the wilderness for a long time wondering why that was significant to him -- then I got a pair of reading glasses....

You mean it's not storm murderer?

 

[PintoBean]

You mean it's not storm murderer?

Now I can't unsee stormmurderer!

 

[Karl_K]

grumble we need a not like button!
"stormmurderer" well I just..............
busted up laughen!!!!

 

[Karl_K]

SurfFL
Great post, I would love to see more explanations of why a stone, setting or vendor is being recommended or may not be a good choice.
I do understand that it can take a lot of time to do so however.

 

[Bette]

I agree with OP. I've been lurking off and on PS for years, but only recently started an account. I've found that some PSers are very good at assessing a newbs or posters wants and giving unbiased opinions of the choices presented or staying within the posters set specifics. Then there is the middle crowd that explains a bit more, then the type that, as explained above, doesn't even seem to read the thread, doesn't even try to stay within any set parameters and basically implies, if not outright says "your diamond is crap, go to whiteflash, here's one that's (usually smaller than OP is looking for) got a superior cut, it's also 4 color grades lower, but that's fine you won't notice."

I think it could all be a bit more helpful if right off that bat it was asked of the OP what's the most important to them/their SO. And if even after some education, it's still a higher color grade or bigger carat or the piece of mind of getting a VVS1 or above stone to just stop trying to convince them otherwise, and be helpful.

Color sensitivity seems to be handled gracefully, for the most part on RT. Clarity, as long as it's eye clean or easily hidden by prongs is often sacrificed, but it's a cardinal sin to suggest anything but what's PS approved as an excellent cut. I've seen on a recent thread someone say "Stop giving bad advice" to another PSer who was suggesting non-perfectly cut diamonds but well within what the OP was looking for. And clearly not frozen spit. For someone who won't upgrade every 5 years and won't continue to look at diamonds in this way (the vast majority of people who probably stumble here) they probably would have been perfectly lovely choices. There should be an entire thread dedicated to "better than a mall store, but not PS approved top cut."

At the risk of repeating myself from another thread (different from the "stop giving bad advice" thread), there is a place between cut to perfection and frozen spit. And I've seen more than one OG PSer, in more than one thread imply (and you'd have to be a toddler not to get the implication) that the diamond chosen or being leaned towards after pages and pages of comments (ie, education and informed opinion), is trash. The addition of emojis actually makes some of the meaning clear! Well, if you're happy. Or well, that wouldn't be my choice, here are 5 diamonds from whiteflash even though you've stated multiple times you can only use X vendor for your upgrade.

It seems to drive a few very active posters crazy when someone makes a choice they wouldn't or don't approve of after they gave out precious knowledge. Whether that's out of a list of diamonds posted, or whether it's sacrificing cut as opposed to another C. I don't understand it. If you truly want to educate people, great! Do it and hope they take it and get what's best FOR THEM. If you only want to educate them if they become cut enthusiasts and pick what you suggest, I don't even know why you'd waste your time? At the end of the day an informed decision is what counts, not an informed decision as long as they decide cut is above all else, and if not they are purchasing utter garbage that will undoubtedly look like crushed ice with black tar.

 

[missy]

I didn't read all the replies and I apologize for that but running out of time this AM. I just want to say that the best PSers can do is help inform newbies so that when they do make a purchase it is an informed and educated purchase. So if someone decides something is more important than let's say for argument's sake cut- that is OK. As long as they have the complete picture of why PSers say Cut is King. It is about informing people and then it is up to them to determine what is most important to them when choosing a diamond.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and everyone is a bit different and that is OK. But let's face it many of us have made uninformed and uneducated choices before we found PS and finding PS taught us how to find the most beautiful (objectively) diamonds and the subjective that is up to us. But we had to learn before we could make those informed choices. Because what we thought was beautiful to us before PS probably changed after we researched and learned from PSers.

IOW we didn't know what we didn't know until we found PS and read and learned more about diamonds in general.

 

[Matthews1127]

I have found over the years one needs big balls to stay. Don't let other people bother you. If the discussion turns bad turn off and tune out. I wanted to explode during political season but I just kept it to myself. I'm not going to engage with anything that upsets me. One can stay and enjoy ps if you don't feed the troll. ( didn't read that thread and not pointing fingers)

@AprilBaby
That issue is resolved; a mere misunderstanding. The www eliminates some very personal features such as tone & intent, which complicated my issue, last evening. All is resolved & squashed.

 

[Matthews1127]

Matthews1127- I completely understand your initial frustration- and I apologize for my part in it.
I'm definitely still a NEW YAWKA
Thank you so much for also being understanding and nice

I apologize if I was misleading, and I appreciate your honestly about the whole thing. So happy to have come to good terms, and squash the matter, entirely!! Many thanks for your understanding!!! *Waves Back*

 

[yennyfire]

IOW we didn't know what we didn't know until we found PS and read and learned more about diamonds in general.

I remember finding PS after a disastrous experience with an unethical vendor in NYC (def NOT a PS vendor). I didn't even know how to search PS for the threads that would properly educate me. Thankfully, several long time members very patiently spoon fed me what I needed to know and helped me make the most of a terrible situation (I was stuck with that vendor). I sold that stone because the whole experience was tainted for me, but my point is that PS can be overwhelming. Newbies don't know who the well educated posters are (hopefully, they can infer that to some extent from the poster's designation, but not always) and therefore, may have a difficult time weeding through the info they are given. Like @LLJsmom, I don't feel like I understand enough about modern cut RBs or fancy shapes to be helpful. I will chime in about old cuts, though I'm by no means an expert. It is a big responsibility that we have here and I think that sometimes, those of us who have been here for years, forget what it was like when we arrived as newbies.

Great thread @Niel!