It does seem like it, doesn't it? But in fairness, this is a forum devoted to bitcoin, that is to say, to a kind of money (let's not quibble on technicalities). A forum devoted specifically to gold or any other valued commodity/currency might produce a similar focus on get-rich-quick type thinking and apparent greed. I've not visited such forums so I have no way to compare, but perhaps others who have could comment.
Perhaps we could broaden the comparison to message forums for collectible items of any sort. Would we be surprised if many of the threads on such forums were devoted to how-to-get-more of the collectible most efficiently, or persuade others to value the collectible more, or encourage others to participate in schemes and plans relating to profiting with said collectible items? In this context, I don't think the frequently scammy appearance of this forum is all that surprising, or unusual (though it is unfortunate.)
>A forum devoted specifically to gold
Do you have a link I could check out? Not baiting, honestly want to compare.
>Perhaps we could broaden the comparison to message forums for collectible items of any sort.
Beanie Babies come to mind. Collectibles I know are vintage cars, tube amps (HiFi & guitar) & guitars.
Can honestly say there's no comparison, even though music gear guys are notorious f*ckups. Vintage cars & audio gear isn't even in the same ballpark.
What sort of collectables were you thinking? (a link to a forum would help, if you got one)
BTW, do metals forums have ponzi & gambling sections?