Why do people post sightings?

Recent quote on the Spotter's Thread:
"Saw a pearl colored Gallardo Spider passing through the intersection at 12th and "G" Street in DC yesterday at about 3:30-4pm."

I have to admit that I don't understand the value of these posts on the Spotter's Thread. There may be a useful purpose, but I'm not sure what it might be. Do people tabulate these sightings and create a database of where the cars were seen. Do the sightings, at some point, get converted into a census of how many of a certain model are still on the road? Is it simply that people hope that they'll be seen and then mentioned on this thread? Is it a long-cherished tradition started bacause....

If someone could explain the underlying idea that makes this thread so popular, I'd be appreciative. Thanks very much.

 

I think your over thinking it...it's just something car guys do.

 

you will notice some people post there more than others(NOAH). by the way, saw a bmw 325 on the beltway today.

 

Black Honda Accord 4dr, chiptoles parking lot? Anyone

 

I post in this thread just for fun but i look at the other posts to see what kind of cars live near me and where to see cool cars.

 

I heard Noah once saw a Mercedes SL somewhere in PA. Gosh, I wish I was there!

 

yeah?
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I have never understood the thread either. It is usually guys w/o exotics that post in there...

 

I just happened to see this thread.

In the North Midwest section (my home area) this is most of the activity.

I have no idea why it's important to tell the world (besides the person next to you) that you saw some car (usually nothing special).

 

elitist snob

 

I think part of the idea is to catch some truly exotic cars "in the wild". That is, not gathering dust in some locked garage of a very wealthy person but rather being used for its intended purpose, which is, to be driven.

The problem is, of course, what defines "truly exotic". For me, an interesting post of a car being spotted actually being driven in our geographic region would be something like a 250 SWB, 250 TdF, 250 GTO, P4, F40 LM, etc. For other people, it is the BMW 325's, Honda Accords, etc.

Now that cell phones with cameras and point-and-shoot digital cameras are so common, it would be a lot nicer to see a photo of the spotted exotic cars.

For example, here is a picture of the local red Enzo many of us saw "in the wild" at Summit Point last time. (Also, the aluminum trailer was pretty interesting too).

(Note that this was lifetime post #667 for me. Glad I'm past that last number. )
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I'd say that rim in the foreground is slightly bent...

 

Nothing JohnnieDents couldn't fix in a flash!

 

I saw Jon (Turbos7903) out of captivity yesterday afternoon. Rare sighting as they don't let him out much.