Concerned for a friend.

cHk4 · 6 Dec 2011 at 10:41

I watched a documentary and the steps they are taking to do with certain scenarios.
It was funny most of them were not prepairing for the end of the world but the economic collapse. Some women was looking in to buying silver and it was like £20 for a 1/4 (American money) they were stock pilling all this food etc. He is not alone there are plenty of people stock piling it.

krooton · 6 Dec 2011 at 10:52

Cleeecooo said:
this.

investing in silver/gold is a very good idea IMO

Psychically owning the metals possibly, but having stocks/shares type investments in them would mean nothing if the markets all crashed and the financial system was in ruins.

UncleRuckus · 6 Dec 2011 at 11:02

Hope for the best prepare for the worst!

If it ever did hit the pan you know who to go to now.

Kenai · 6 Dec 2011 at 11:04

krooton said:
Psychically owning the metals

TBH if it came down to that, Uri Gellar has us all stuffed.

bsoltan · 6 Dec 2011 at 11:10

Can I be his friend?

Jay794 · 6 Dec 2011 at 11:12

I think he needs a few ounces of weed lol

TJM · 6 Dec 2011 at 11:16

Xiler said:
Wrong silver, gold and other metals are the only thing that keeps value. Currencies come and go but gold and silver has always stayed and ends up being used again till someone thinks making a new currency is a good idea.

'Precious' metals only have value in a society advanced and stable enough to have a political/professional class who want to make an outward display of their wealth. They'd be utterly useless in a state of anarchy, which is what the OP's mate is anticipating given that he's built a bunker and trained himself in using firearms. Theoretically, he'd be far better off investing in useful materials that others will want to barter for.

I say theoretically because believing this might actually happen and investing resources accordingly is crazy. Civilisation did not implode after the Black Death or countless other calamities; it will survive this recession.

Can anyone actually give an example of a stable society completely self-destructing and neighbour turning against neighbour? Sackings by invading forces don't count.

Telescopi said:
So long as he doesn't let it get in the way of real life then let him do whatever he wants, it's an unusual hobby but nothing more.

I'd say this sort of behaviour is indicative of a paranoid personality disorder. 'Normal' people don't spend time preparing to fend off their ravenous neighbours.

Firestar_3x · 6 Dec 2011 at 11:18

Does he look like this?

cHk4 said:
I watched a documentary and the steps they are taking to do with certain scenarios.
It was funny most of them were not prepairing for the end of the world but the economic collapse. Some women was looking in to buying silver and it was like £20 for a 1/4 (American money) they were stock pilling all this food etc. He is not alone there are plenty of people stock piling it.

I watched one about a nuclear disaster, was interesting to see how they presented this to the public.

PondPikey · 6 Dec 2011 at 11:20

Guy sounds like he's switched on to me.

I dont think people realise how bad things can and possibly will get. I have scenarios in place should the country go to the dogs.

I expect more rioting and I expect to see a lot of BIG social changes in the next few years, probably not for the better.

Take a standard family for example. Then place that family in amongst massive social unrest, unable to buy food, increased public strikes etc Few will be able to deal with it. And when the mobs come knocking. You had better be ready!

PondPikey · 6 Dec 2011 at 11:22

TJM said:
I'd say this sort of behaviour is indicative of a paranoid personality disorder. 'Normal' people don't spend time preparing to fend off their ravenous neighbours.

But you should at least give it some thought no?

Volitous · 6 Dec 2011 at 11:28

Come the apocalypse - lets just imagine; all the geeks on the survivalist forums somehow survive.

What happens when their glasses get broken?

Edit: and the spare pairs

ikillbears · 6 Dec 2011 at 11:31

Damien. said:
Didnt really want to say this but;

He's gone as far as joining a rifle club.

He is trying to build what he has called it, a life raft. Not an actual boat but a group of friends and family of different trades, ie carpenter, engineer, doctor etc.

It makes me sad to see such a good mate, go like this.

Please keep it serious too guys, I dont mind the odd joke but I am worried the thread will get derailed.

sounds like hes got his head screwed on to be honest

UncleRuckus · 6 Dec 2011 at 11:32

Volitous said:
Come the apocalypse - lets just imagine; all the geeks on the survivalist forums somehow survive.

What happens when their glasses get broken?

Edit: and the spare pairs

They would fix them with nettle bindings or carve a new frame with their whittling knife?

Robbo · 6 Dec 2011 at 11:33

PondPikey said:
Guy sounds like he's switched on to me.

I dont think people realise how bad things can and possibly will get. I have scenarios in place should the country go to the dogs.

I expect more rioting and I expect to see a lot of BIG social changes in the next few years, probably not for the better.

Take a standard family for example. Then place that family in amongst massive social unrest, unable to buy food, increased public strikes etc Few will be able to deal with it. And when the mobs come knocking. You had better be ready!

There are many people far more intelligent than us ensuring such 'things' aren't ever going to happen.

The Youtube experts really aren't worth worrying about, they just want hits for their videos. It does concern me just how many people fall for this nonsense though.

PondPikey · 6 Dec 2011 at 11:34

There are many people far more intelligent than us ensuring such 'things' aren't ever going to happen.

Please dont say the powers that be or the government.

Superman? I could buy that.

ikillbears · 6 Dec 2011 at 11:39

TJM said:
'Precious' metals only have value in a society advanced and stable enough to have a political/professional class who want to make an outward display of their wealth. They'd be utterly useless in a state of anarchy, which is what the OP's mate is anticipating given that he's built a bunker and trained himself in using firearms. Theoretically, he'd be far better off investing in useful materials that others will want to barter for.

was going to say, nicely put. I think monster munch is a better investment

wilber · 6 Dec 2011 at 11:46

Jay794 said:
I think he needs a few ounces of weed lol

I think he already has smoked them and some!

Seriously though. I don't see too much of a problem with your situation currently, there have always been eccentric people. As long as he's not getting himself into debt, and becoming a completely different person then don't worry.

Just keep doing your normal things together, maybe spend some more time together and introduce him to some new activities. All will help if his mind is starting to tumble down the rabbit hole.

Ahleckz · 6 Dec 2011 at 11:47

Your friend, others in here and PondPikey are insane.

Bunkers in your garden, stock piling water, having 'scenarios' and plans if the country goes to the dogs. Sheesh. Paranoid, crazy people all around me today.

kash786 · 6 Dec 2011 at 11:50

floatindolphin said:
Does he smoke weed?

I was just going to ask this.

Got this friend of many years, he started smoking the stuff excessively in college days (years ago), he eventually ended up in a mental institute, he get's paranoid very easily, is a bit scary to be around.

On the other hand, as others have mentioned, the OP's friend might not be mad, as it is a known fact, our currency is based on debt and we're currently up **** creek without a paddle, so to speak.

Robbo · 6 Dec 2011 at 11:53

PondPikey said:
Please dont say the powers that be or the government.

Superman? I could buy that.

No, Batman.