BBS uncovered

BBS (Bulletin Board System) is very very popular phenomenon in china. It's essentially what we know as forums... Out of the 200 million people online, 200million of them are a part of some BBS in one way or another. Whther its health BBS, Car BBS, Fashion BBS or what have you. When i first moved here, i never really understood the deal with it. How can one possibly spend SO MUCH time on a BBS.

Then about 6 months ago, i signed up for this very famous forum that discusses handbags. I am sooo hooked. It's become a daily ritual, just looking through pages after pages of information, learning about the favourite brands, pros and cons, leather quality, different designs, colours and who else has the same bag as you do. And also, i feel like I'm not alone in this obsession of handbags, constantly getting ideas on the next purchase (husbands beware).

To sum it up, it's like soccer for women.

Actually there's also another psyche of joining forums... The validation of others who are the "same kind", an ego boost. Once in a while, i'll post a couple of things and i'll feel very encouraged by the positive responses. But mostly i'm just a bystander.

Most of the women in the forum are really nice and helpful. However, like joining any social groups, there will be pitfalls. Like for example, say something bad and u may get ostracised? Or maybe u're not rich enough and u're just not INcluded to begin with? OR maybe... U got into an argument with an opinion leader and the group kinda divides? Some people really put up a fight, and some choose to call truce to avoid further conflicts (BORING)...

All these are harmless fun and honest exchange of opinions. Makes the forum lively and addictive. Like watching soap opera with live updates.

But honestly, i am a bit turned off by this one person . It seems to me that she's really loaded, successful, has everything she needs AND wants, and maybe even attractive. But too bad she's insecure and has this need to flex her million dollar muscles all the time. I mean come on, it's a bag forum. Show me ur gazillion collection of handbags and i'll be fine with it. Start showing other things like cars and i'll say, go to another forum.

But then again, the day I become a millionaire, i may save my porche till my pet tortoise learns how to drive.