ONLINE BRIDGES TO OFFLINE EVENTS?

Wondering if other Crunchers would never trek through social media if it didn't lead to offline engagement?

For me being online in and of itself isn't compelling enough to capture my longterm attention if it didn't result in occasionally meeting new people face to face and handling some amazing watches as was the case last night.

I've come to realize that I use social media to stay informed on events and attractions and it has become the number one driver of where I go and what I do during my leisure time. A clearinghouse of sorts for restaurants, concerts, enthusiast gatherings and other attractions. I wouldn't say that being online has enhanced my quality of life in any real sense other than keeping me informed about the default world.

The number of YT channels I consume has really fallen off to the few with livestreams I participate in and creators who are responsive to their viewers. I've been fortunate to have now met many YT creators in person and some like Mark from Long Island Watches are even more authentic and interesting in person.

Sam from Casual Watch Reviews and I communicate regularly and though we're on opposite coasts we've talked about linking up. The connection feels real since it's anchored by a mutual desire to eventually meet in person.

Meeting watchmakers like Mike France of Christopher Ward and having him answer MY questions has also been the ultimate interactive face to face and impossible to replicate online. I feel like I've found my "tribe".

Last night I got to try on many watches including a gold Speedmaster, two Chopards and an amazing Urwerk C-3PO that is worth the price of a small house in the Midwest. It's owner generously insisted I hang on to it for awhile and give it a thorough once over. Vietnamese food and Japanese beer added to the conviviality and everyone was just so genuinely kind to each other.

I do get that social engagements are possibly an introvert's worst nightmare and for them I'm grateful that they can dwell online. How awesome it would be if I could get my people fix that way but we're all wired a little differently and we should all be true to ourselves.

I was exposed to watches at last night's gathering I wouldn't have handled otherwise and learned a lot from other enthusiasts who were just as interested in being part of an offline watch community as I am. No one felt the need to tell a proud owner that their watch "wasn't their cup of tea" or "a waste of money". If you can't say something nice...

Online dialog brings out the worst in some people. It's refreshing to see that the increased negativity really is an internet phenomenon and the world at large can be a healthier place.

There are still spaces were boundaries and manners exist and the person doing the talking doesn't have a monetary angle or a smug air of superiority. I don't mind a little salt now and then but at the end of the day I want to feel good about the environments I spend time in. Environments that help me grow and build up others too.

Last night Seiko mingled with King Seiko which mingled with Grand Seiko etc and all were made to feel welcome. No one apparently felt the need to be dickish to one another as collectors bought each other rounds and did as much listening as they did talking.

WatchCrunch has become the last social media platform still standing for me. In addition to meeting some good hearted Crunchers the caliber of Crunchers I only know through their posts (yes you @UnholiestJedi) makes me hopeful that our offline paths will cross somewhere down the line.

I'm encouraging those who are curious about enjoying their hobbies from somewhere other than their sofa do so. Hoping you meet some awesome enthusiasts like I have and perhaps even share a beer or cup of coffee with me someday regardless of what's on your wrist.

As always Your Wrist Your Rules. Do You!