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Which comment do you mean? Ctrl-F for "threshold" and "dressing to impress" didn't yield anything. Skimming the first three comments didn't either. Also what's

by erikb 11y ago

Which comment do you mean? Ctrl-F for "threshold" and "dressing to impress" didn't yield anything. Skimming the first three comments didn't either. Also what's the point? I don't really agree with "knowing <X> = privilege" but let's say it's true. Then what? Does that change what should be the best decision? Does it change how we react on incomplete information? Knowing that there is a threshold at which returns start to diminish is a good point, because it tells you to look for clues of when to stop spending on status symbols. Having an expensive watch might help you, but the $60k watch might not improve your situations 10x of what a $6k watch would do. Now if we add that the knowledge of the threshold is privilege, what does it change? Of course the person who has that knowledge makes better decisions. But knowing that it is a privilege to know that threshold doesn't give any more change to the decision making process. Or at least I don't see it.

semi-extrinsic 11y ago
This is just semi-anecdotal, but for watches I don't think there's really a lower threshold when it comes to price. My watch is the $90 (sadly out-of-production) Casio MDV-102 [1] which is a real cult classic. I have it on a black and grey Nato strap ($10) and it does get me compliments from watch connoiseurs from time to time. But I guess there's a definite knack to recognizing cult classics though. [1] http://forums.watchuseek.com/f220/review-casio-mdv102-duro-200-super-illuminator-diver-472351.html http://forums.watchuseek.com/f220/review-casio-mdv102-duro-2...
- dagw 11y ago
  People don't generally spend $60k on a watch to impress watch connoisseurs, but to impress people who know nothing about watches. The reason Rolex is so popular is not really because they are great watches (they are), but because everybody knows that Rolexes are expensive.
TheCoelacanth 11y ago
I think these are the comments in question: > Becca Mills > November 11, 2013 > I was thinking this, too, but then it occurred to me that being able to determine exactly where that line is (the line between looking comfortably professional and looking like a poor person trying to fake their status by flaunting an exorbitantly expensive bauble) is itself a matter of privilege. You might have to be “in the club” to be able to perceive the subtle messages various clothing/accessory choices, combined with the rest of your presentation, can send. Or at least you’d have to have studied “the club” from the outside with an unusually perceptive eye. > tressiemc22 > November 13, 2013 > Yes, Becca. If everyone knows where the line is the status symbol loses most of its utility.

by erikb 11y ago

semi-extrinsic 11y ago

This is just semi-anecdotal, but for watches I don't think there's really a lower threshold when it comes to price. My watch is the $90 (sadly out-of-production) Casio MDV-102 [1] which is a real cult classic. I have it on a black and grey Nato strap ($10) and it does get me compliments from watch connoiseurs from time to time. But I guess there's a definite knack to recognizing cult classics though. [1] http://forums.watchuseek.com/f220/review-casio-mdv102-duro-200-super-illuminator-diver-472351.html http://forums.watchuseek.com/f220/review-casio-mdv102-duro-2...

dagw 11y ago
People don't generally spend $60k on a watch to impress watch connoisseurs, but to impress people who know nothing about watches. The reason Rolex is so popular is not really because they are great watches (they are), but because everybody knows that Rolexes are expensive.

TheCoelacanth 11y ago

I think these are the comments in question: > Becca Mills > November 11, 2013 > I was thinking this, too, but then it occurred to me that being able to determine exactly where that line is (the line between looking comfortably professional and looking like a poor person trying to fake their status by flaunting an exorbitantly expensive bauble) is itself a matter of privilege. You might have to be “in the club” to be able to perceive the subtle messages various clothing/accessory choices, combined with the rest of your presentation, can send. Or at least you’d have to have studied “the club” from the outside with an unusually perceptive eye. > tressiemc22 > November 13, 2013 > Yes, Becca. If everyone knows where the line is the status symbol loses most of its utility.