SOTD - To much info? Bragging?

I've gotten to where I'm not really much into collecting anymore. I do still purchase the occasional soap or razor but nothing like I did starting out. Now I just enjoy my shaves and gear.

A lot of the stuff to talk about has already been discussed and in the end there is really only so much that can be said before that poor dead horse is nothing. I find myself now lurking on sites more than participating in discussions for that reason. Also, no sense in repeating what 10 others before you have said.

I've gotten in to the SOTD aspect more to stay connected with the hobby and I just love taking pics in general. I enjoy seeing others SOTD and it also gives me ideas on my future pics as well as soap and splash combos I have yet to try.

That's the dumbest thing I've heard in a long time.  I've popped up pics with Cella, a not restored everready brush and a red tip SS.  Maybe $30 in gear total, if people are so insecure about themselves that they feel they must spend $200 on a razor just to post a picture of it, that person has some problems and it's not the site's fault.

Honestly, if you don't like them, don't go to the threads.  I personally hardly ever visit "the lounge", but others visit religiously.   I don't care for videos of people,shaving, others love them.  To each their own.   The idea of a shaving site not having shaving based pictures seems silly to me.

I have been on forums where gents admitted to buying a 200 dollar razor just to have a shave of the day photo that wouldn't get laughed at. Same with soaps or brushes.  Its ok to say you use a 30 year old vintage badger you found, but if it isn't a name brand like rooney or simpsons you better not show it. And same with razors. some forums don't make fun of the modern zamac groups of razors, or of old techs and the like. But don't put them into a SOTD photo.

Really? Not sure how or why it effects you that someone else spent $XXX just for a photograph, but I have never heard of anything like that.  As far as "bashing" of the photographs, I've never seen that, either. Ridicule of other members is fairly high on the list of rules for most of the major forums, and I have never seen people get ridiculed for their gear in an SOTD thread. On 1 forum in the newbie section, I saw ridicule over razor brand, but instead of starting a topic about how horrifying it was on a different forum, I stopped going to said forum. Seemed easier...

And as far as viewing these annoying photos and bragging shots.  Its easy. some forums have such limited amount of shaving generated shaving content, that if it wasn't for the SOTD shots, discussion of razors, soaps, shaving, would actually be outnumbered by threads concerning what did you eat yesterday, and what will you eat or drink tonight. Or ink pens.

I'm really not sure why you waste your time on any shaving forums. They are all the same...limited daily exchanges RE: shaving, multiple daily exchanges RE: every other aspect of life, including other hobbies closely connected to shaving.  Seems you might be less agitated if you avoided forum participation in general, but that's just my observation...

On theshavingroom.co.uk  if it wasn't for the daily shave pictures, and resulting comments. The discussion of shaving equipment would simply consist of people asking for opinion on the one blade and the crop of kick starter SE razors. And the forum for ink pens and photo taking would be the whole purpose of that site.

Again...seems you could save yourself a lot of high blood pressure issues if you avoided that forum. Why visit if it is nothing but an annoyance?

And for me it reflects the state of shaving sites.  Some are more educational based then others, and have managed to keep a more curious type of member. Compared to others that have members who reached the point of deciding exactly what they use, 20 years ago.

Here's where I get myself in trouble...

Every post you make is, to me, the problem with new technology. Everyone is an expert without actually being an expert. Everyone thinks their opinion is the only one that matters. Everyone thinks that everyone else is annoying whilst they are perfect.

Seriously...forums are what they are. They have been this way since they were just online bulletin boards with 3 days v=between respionses. If you aren't capable of participating in an enjoyable manner, why bother at all? They aren't going to change.

And for the record...ion my personal opinion...I would much rather look at a good photo of unobtainable gear I can never hope to own than read a bunch of whining about everyone else's choices from the same person over and over...

Slitism takes many forms. Some are elitists about using unobtainable, high dollar gear. Others are elitists by insisting that everyone else is ruining the hobby by not enjoying the same way as themselves. One is no better than the other...

Well said gentlemen! (Oops, did I just say gentlemen? Sorry...)

I've yet to see anyone get made fun of for posting inexpensive gear in a SOTD photo. Not here at least.

If you don't consider shave of the day photos to be bragging. Take an inventory of the items used for a month on any single forum.


Youll be surprised that less then 15% of the razors aren't stainless or artisan.

For how much people claim to love merkur and muhle and EJ on forums, they in a typical month will constitute less total photo appearances then the one blade razor.

Same for soaps and brushed.

This sounds like basic psychology to me. Those that have issue with others and what they do, trying to find fault, is usually based around a deep rooted jealousy and a wish to obtain or do the same. Most suffering from that will never admit it.

IDK if SOTD is all about bragging, but I know I'm one of those that hate to be taking SOTD pictures because I'm lazy to do that. Although I enjoy watching the SOTD thread and I appreciate the effort that others put into it, hope people would never stop posting in the SOTD threads, its the best way to see how the razor looks and how it performs I Could care less if the main driven force behind those pics is bragging rights, just keep the pics coming because it help us a lot with our future purchases

What?? Again?
Minuteshaver has "Forum Troll" under his empty avatar.
Mods, we are dealing with another guy like the one from last week DFS had to part with. It might be the same person.
Might be best to part ways rather than drag this out any further.

I take my SOTD photos, principally, for myself, as it is a lovely form of expressiveness, contemplation and sharing.  

I always look forward to your pictures.

I am certain for some people these pics are a way to show off gear as has been stated by a couple people.  But I those are a very insignificant minority of users.  People get to be expressive, get to do something that gives them a bit of pleasure with their hobby.  I don't understand why people who don't like SOTD pics go to those threads.  It's the same with the monthly haul thread.  If you don't want to see them, why go into them?

Thank you for your kind words, Doug, and I have to agree with your final comments. If someone does not appreciate a section of a forum, they should avoid it. It seems like quite a simple thing to do, or even better, if forums annoy those folks, they should just avoid them, all together. .  

Your pictures are ART , my good friend.Thanks for sharing them , as you do , in many wet shaving forums and communities.

I take my SOTD photos, principally, for myself, as it is a lovely form of expressiveness, contemplation and sharing.  

I always look forward to your pictures.

I am certain for some people these pics are a way to show off gear as has been stated by a couple people.  But I those are a very insignificant minority of users.  People get to be expressive, get to do something that gives them a bit of pleasure with their hobby.  I don't understand why people who don't like SOTD pics go to those threads.  It's the same with the monthly haul thread.  If you don't want to see them, why go into them?

I have been on forums where gents admitted to buying a 200 dollar razor just to have a shave of the day photo that wouldn't get laughed at. Same with soaps or brushes.  Its ok to say you use a 30 year old vintage badger you found, but if it isn't a name brand like rooney or simpsons you better not show it. And same with razors. some forums don't make fun of the modern zamac groups of razors, or of old techs and the like. But don't put them into a SOTD photo.

And as far as viewing these annoying photos and bragging shots.  Its easy. some forums have such limited amount of shaving generated shaving content, that if it wasn't for the SOTD shots, discussion of razors, soaps, shaving, would actually be outnumbered by threads concerning what did you eat yesterday, and what will you eat or drink tonight. Or ink pens.

On theshavingroom.co.uk  if it wasn't for the daily shave pictures, and resulting comments. The discussion of shaving equipment would simply consist of people asking for opinion on the one blade and the crop of kick starter SE razors. And the forum for ink pens and photo taking would be the whole purpose of that site.

And for me it reflects the state of shaving sites.  Some are more educational based then others, and have managed to keep a more curious type of member. Compared to others that have members who reached the point of deciding exactly what they use, 20 years ago.

Now I see why you have the badge of honor under your nick " Forum troll".... You only post for the sake of posting... What makes you think that people don't post their worn out old vintage razors or cheap zinc razors in SOTD just because they are ashamed of their gear?

We just dont post in SOTD because many of us are plain lazy to be taking pictures every day of the gear that we shave with and go trough the trouble posting in the SOTD thread, yes lazy even if we got no better thing to do. That's why we praise all the people that effortlessly post in SOTD thread. I will even go as far as praising Churchilafeme with his every day ASD2 Feather pictures haha, he just never stops but you got to give him the props for being so disciplined about it.

I don't post in SOTD because of laziness and not because I'm ashamed of my gear, but just to show you that you are not the only one that can wear the "Forum Troll" sticker with pride, I will troll you back with this picture.  You can freely post in SOTD even if you shave with a steak knife, no one cares....

 [Image: IMG_1091_zpsrxyiiekk.jpg]

I worked in photography and it's related industries for many years and while I don't take pictures ( I usually shave in the tub so it's not pretty)

The moderator team thanks you for your thoughtfulness.

Now I see why you have the badge of honor under your nick " Forum troll".... You only post for the sake of posting... What makes you think that people don't post their worn out old vintage razors or cheap zinc razors in SOTD just because they are ashamed of their gear?

We just dont post in SOTD because many of us are plain lazy to be taking pictures every day of the gear that we shave with and go trough the trouble posting in the SOTD thread, yes lazy even if we got no better thing to do. That's why we praise all the people that effortlessly post in SOTD thread. I will even go as far as praising Churchilafeme with his every day ASD2 Feather pictures haha, he just never stops but you got to give him the props for being so disciplined about it.

I don't post in SOTD because of laziness and not because I'm ashamed of my gear, but just to show you that you are not the only one that can wear the "Forum Troll" sticker with pride, I will troll you back with this picture.  You can freely post in SOTD even if you shave with a steak knife, no one cares....

The same reason I only occasionally share an SOTD photo...pure laziness. I can't be bothered to grab my camera at the end of the shave, set everything up, snap a few photos, process and post.

IF I post an SOTD photo, it is a quick "grab shot" with the cellphone, just to play along. I have never posted an SOTD with the intention of "bragging", because I don't own anything worth bragging about. I share SOTD photos when I want to participate a little more actively. I look through SOTD photos when I feel like looking at some cool compositions and shave gear.

Too much worry over everyone else, not even worry over one's own self. A common thread amongst the entitled citizens of the world today, regardless of age...

I take my SOTD photos, principally, for myself, as it is a lovely form of expressiveness, contemplation and sharing.  

I always look forward to your pictures.

I am certain for some people these pics are a way to show off gear as has been stated by a couple people.  But I those are a very insignificant minority of users.  People get to be expressive, get to do something that gives them a bit of pleasure with their hobby.  I don't understand why people who don't like SOTD pics go to those threads.  It's the same with the monthly haul thread.  If you don't want to see them, why go into them?

Thank you for your kind words, Doug, and I have to agree with your final comments. If someone does not appreciate a section of a forum, they should avoid it. It seems like quite a simple thing to do, or even better, if forums annoy those folks, they should just avoid them, all together. .  

Celestino, thank you for sharing your form of self expression through photography and this hobby with us. Your pics are a treat that I give myself at the end of the day, along with Chris's, Doug's Mark's, Luis's, Clint's, Freddie's, Freddy's, 120's, Primo's, Jorge's, Mark's, Jerry's, Bob's John's etc., (sorry I'm sure I've left some out).

I have never seen, once, anyone here get criticized for posting an SOTD pic with basic gear. Personally, I enjoy them every bit as much as the ones with the rare brushes and razors.

And so what if someone wants to show off gear? Good for them.

I once played in a pro-am golf tournament where one of the players in our group actually had gone out and bought a $20,000 set of Honma 5-Star Irons and woods. The poor fellow couldn't break 100 from the front tees if his life depended on it, but he wanted to show off. It was funny and sad, but he had more money than golfing skill, and he wanted to look like an accomplished golfer.

Do some shavers have expensive gear and less-than-stellar technique? I'm almost certain. Are there some with an old Gillette Fatboy and an Omega Boar that get shaves that would make most barber shaves look like a 5 o'clock shadow? I'm quite certain.

As long as we enjoy sharing our SOTDs and our shaves, I say great!