HA .... that was funny reading the article and all the comments below it. Although to be totally honest most of the points do have some truth to them. The problem is that they're not giving ALL the facts and just trying to push people away from DIYing. It's a very obvious and blatant attempt at pushing their own juice sales. Too bad it wasn't a bit more unbiased showing both sides of the coin. Since I just started DIYing I can see what they're saying but the way they're going about it is asinine and self-destructive for their business. MORONS!!
1. Dangerous - Yes nicotine IS dangerous and I have read countless threads on the dangers as well as how to properly use and store it. So it's not a lie but a one-sided truth. They could have easily added info or links on how to safely handle nicotine. They do say this though
'So if you decide to mix e-juices despite our advice, keep that in mind and opt for a lower nicotine level at first.' which attempts to show some level of safety concern. Would have been better if they left out 'DESPITE OUR ADVICE'
- FAIL
2. Not Simple - Also somewhat true in context. I've read many threads and watched many videos that say this exact same thing. You need to learn how certain flavours work and what percentages to use. Also which flavours work well together and which ones don't. But like cooking or anything else new you need recipes and practice. There are tons of recipes online for DIY ejuice and practice just comes with time. So while the initial statement is true they don't suggest anything about online resources.
- FAIL
3. Won't Turn Out Good - Yup ... my first batches weren't amazing and some even kind of crappy. But of course I made small batches to test and am just learning and adjusting as I go. And guess what they're getting better with every revision. Also this may not be true for everybody .... some may follow some great recipes and/or just have a knack for it. But again just like cooking your first few recipes don't generally turn out that great until you understand how to use the ingredients. Most things that you just start learning take time so this is a ridiculous point.
- FAIL
4. Wasted Products - Now is when it starts to get even worse. Sure you may waste a few of your ingredients. Honestly I haven't wasted much at all as most of the mixes I've made are certainly vapable. They're just not great or amazing yet. But I have tasted far worse store bought juice than I've made so far. And if you don't like the juice you just started making you're out what - $.50 - $1.00
? (Which ties into their last point) -
FAIL
5. Not Saving Money - OK this has to be the dumbest point of all. I can sort of understand what they're saying but it's not hard to see into the near future. Sure you spend a fair bit in the beginning getting set up as you do with almost any project that you're trying to save money with. You don't necessarily have to though. It's not hard to realize that when you do start making a few good recipes you're going to save a ton of $$$ and easily cover your initial cost when DIYing. It's not overly complicated math to figure that one out. The last line is priceless -
'Just make sure you figure it out before you get too deep into the game.' The ONLY way that I can see that comment being of value is if you're planning to jump straight into your own ejuice business with no experience. I'm estimating that within the first couple of months I'll have made enough juice to cover my initial investment. And not only should I have some AWESOME recipes but I'll still have quite a few months of juice left to make.
- EPIC FAIL
So as I originally mentioned I can see a bit of truth to their initial statements but unfortunately they aren't offering advice on any of their points except to buy THEIR ... or at least store bought juice. I'm rather shocked that they thought people wouldn't see right through this. And from the comments on their site and this forum it seems that everybody has.
Man ... if they thought they had bad sales before....! I hope they all have backup employment plans.