MichaelC[AP Moderator]
18871
The criticism of Ben Clymer is unfair.
May 13, 2021,15:03 PM
I met Ben maybe twice in my previous years covering AP events. The last time was probably around 2014 or so, in fact we sat next to each other at dinner. I have not spoken with him since.
Yes, Ben went to Columbia. My opinion after conversing for an hour+ was that he is an intelligent and rational individual. Just my opinion after discussing multiple topics. I liked Ben. I graduated the University of Colorado at Boulder, so perhaps I am not qualified to say, but I was not aware graduates of such institutions as Columbia must aspire for Pulitzers or try to save the world.
I look at Ben as a man who turned his passion for watches into a full time, and seemingly very successful, business. Is that not the American Dream for many? Good for him.
Is Hodinkee the same as WPS? Of course not. I don't think they pretend to be, and I don't think they really care what we do here. We have never been influenced by the brands we discuss, and have always maintained our independence. I just don't understand the hatred towards them. Is it because they skew their writings based upon their brand relationships? If folks go there and decide to buy a certain watch because of how they present it, seems like they have succeeded. That is on the buyer, not the seller.
We are not a business here. We are a Community united around our common interest in watches. 2 completely different entities. I am grateful to be here - since 2001 BTW - and have no interest to discredit Ben or his company.