MMM

[The Storyteller]

Thanks to those who pointed me in the direction of Mr Money Mustache (http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/forum/index.php). Lots of good stuff, there. I have been on the forum for just three days and have already see several references to YMOYL. The only references to it here I have seen lately have been about how outdated it is. Ironic, given it was the whole foundation for this board's mother board.

So, thanks. What a great resource!

[puglogic]

I had never explored the forum, just read the blog posts, but just spent like a half-hour on a single post about What Items You Need in a Mustachian Kitchen. That's not a good sign :D

I still find YMOYL a valuable resource (well, the original version with all the lists) but there are certainly other resources out there now that are more edgy. Having a community is a good thing too.

[Gregg]

I think what people are talking about in regards to YMOYL being outdated is mostly aimed at the investment vehicles referenced in the book, not the overall approach. I doubt anyone foresaw returns of .25%, but here they are. That just means we have to look for other options.

[Simplemind]

I had to finally jump over and check MMM. Wow, time flies when you are having fun. I jumped into the forums and found a thread that discussed a topic I was really interested in. I may have to borrow it and start one here. It was fun to see another approach to our similar topics.

[lhamo]

I really enjoy both MMM's blog posts and the forum. And I love the early-retirement.org forums, as well. It is interesting to me how different types of personalities are attracted to different communities. Each has its own style and tone. I thought the discussion of MMM that took place on the e-r forums after the Washington post article on him came out was surprising -- I hadn't expected people to be so critical/suspicious of him.

lhamo

[Alan]

You guys should mention us when you visit there. We could use some crossover badassity.

[fidgiegirl]

I have thought about that. I doubt it is kosher to put something in the signature, but I suppose mentioning it in posts, as happens here and there . . .

[Simplemind]

I didn't know about the early-retirement forums either. I guess I'm just going to have to spread out in my searches. I thought the feedback on the article was interesting too. I do know some people like the rest of you on this board but not many. Most I know are like those that gave the negative comments. They work so hard to justify their decisions and it really comes down to where you prioritize and what is important to you. What seemed like scrimping to my friends didn't seem like scrimping to me. I have never felt like I was doing without. They will always have more clothes, newer cars, eat out more....... and will be working and working. It isn't that I don't want to work, I don't want to have to work. The security of being debt free has allowed me to enjoy the simple things all the more.

[sweetana3]

Simplemind, I so agree. Once you have knowledge and control, you can make rational decisions. I always wanted the feeling of security and had the patience to put away the funds and let them grow.

[Selah]

"KosherBadassity.com," now there's a mashup name for an Israeli frugal living website if I ever heard one, LOL!

[rosarugosa]

When the MMM forums first started, I did see that some people mentioned they were from the Simple Living Forums. I enjoy occasionally browsing the MMM forums, but I've not really succeeded as far as engaging in dialogue over there. At least to me, it almost seems like there is too much activity and I don't have the same sense of discussion/community that I have here. When I've asked questions or made comments, they seem to have fallen by the wayside.

[fidgiegirl]

I agree, rosa. Either ignored or "facepunched!" Once I asked about how to go about getting started on planning to remodel our basement ourselves, a value that is espoused as something positive in that community, and it devolved into a mean discussion among 2-3 posters about some peripheral issue like hiring handymen v. licensed contractors. And the core questions I asked got lost in a sea of clever language, one-upmanship and swearing. :D I make it sound awful, it really wasn't, and I've had some good threads/responses too, but not like here, where it's safe and people really stop to read what you've said or asked.

I really do envy the strength of the journals subforum over there. I feel like here, people just start threads about whatever disparate parts of their lives are looming largest at present and it's hard to remember what the previous parts of the story were or who the whole person is, whereas a journal would allow new visitors to know what the heck was going on. Also, people really interact with the journal posters there and pay close attention to what they've been writing and give them feedback and thoughts. I gave it a go with my journal and there's been a bit of interest and a lot of views, but it's not like over there. And I am ok with that. Can't force a whole culture to change, and it's ok to be different. If I really want that journal experience, I know where to get it. Maybe someday I will start one on those boards but for now, having been scarred by the MMM basement remodeling thread :D, I'll mostly stick to posting here.

[rosarugosa]

I would love to see more people here populate info on their SLF profiles. Most of them seem to be blank. I especially find it frustrating when we're talking about seasonally-related stuff to not have any clue whether the poster lives in FL or MN, because it makes a difference!
Kelli, I've really enjoyed sharing your adventures in the remodeling of your lovely home via your blog :)

[leslieann]

Okay, I finally went to MMM and found the writing lots of fun; haven't spent enough time to know more but I did direct my adult sons there because one in particular would probably find it enjoyable and useful. Thanks for the nudge.

[happystuff]

I would love to see more people here populate info on their SLF profiles. Most of them seem to be blank.

Personally... guilty! Call it cautious. Call it gun-shy. Call it simply wanting the privacy. Sharing on the web is very hard for some people... I confess, for me! I think I have shared more - in posts - on this forum than on any others I participate in. While I would love to trust the whole world-wide-web or even the whole-world, for that matter... I can't/won't.

And - as negative as this may sound and I truly don't mean it that way - but what makes a person WANT to put their life/personal information out into the anonymous-ness of the world-wide-web? I can't help but think of "15 minutes of fame" syndrome.

And before anyone jumps all over me - really this is more a question - Why?... than a criticism. (sp)

[rosarugosa]

That is a valid question, Happystuff and I can understand the privacy concerns. I guess everyone has to make his/her own decision about what to share, but it seems to me that coversations are more meaningful if we have at least some general knowledge about each other.

[SteveinMN]

what makes a person WANT to put their life/personal information out into the anonymous-ness of the world-wide-web? I can't help but think of "15 minutes of fame" syndrome.

And before anyone jumps all over me - really this is more a question - Why?... than a criticism. (sp)
I'm not a great fan of filling in a box just because it stands blank before me. So I do consider what information I make available to everyone. For example, I don't believe I have ever actually named any of my employers in a post that anyone on the Web could find. I'll refer to them as "a Fortune 100 manufacturing company" or "a well-known international airline" or such. No need to be any more specific unless being specific establishes credibility in your response.

But I think a basic set of information is useful in a variety of contexts. For instance, I participate in a forum in which a particular brand of cars is discussed. Information sought and advice given really depends on which specific model car you have, so you can be "private" about not mentioning it, but it doesn't serve you not to. Gardening topics, questions about home repair, whether you have kids (or if they're adopted or grown) can all make a difference in some contexts. I find that very helpful in a medium that does not offer much in the way of non-verbal social cues.

[Rogar]

I visited MMM and actually thought it was pretty much like the SLF only with a glossy presentation and different players. Badasscity sounds like a biker hangout place, but I suppose catchy. They do seem to have more traffic from maybe a little more enthusiastic bunch, which I think is mostly just marketing a fancier package of the same goods. But it seems to be drawing some vibrant discussions.

I don't know what the pivotal platform for MMM is. I think for the SLF it was mostly YMOYL. With all the recent predictions of retirement being pushed further and further out on the age horizon, I see the likes of both forums having the capability of hot topics to discuss. We talked improvements for the SLF a few months ago and I voiced an opinion that a face lift was in order for the forums. I have and will continue to enjoy the discussions here, but with little recruitment of new members and old members gradually dropping out, I think the writing is on the wall.
.

[Tradd]

I guess I'm going to have to take a look over there.