I'm sad
Never saw this thread go so low or get so weird
Squonk well everyone - no matter what you are squonking with
Me too, JL - well said... Very sad. I hate to see a valuable member and a good guy get run off by a few people because of something like this. Certainly there were folks who didn't agree with what he said, but he was at least polite and considerate about it, and took the time to explain that 1. it was *his opinion*, and 2. his reasoning behind it, including admission that it's personal for him since he's friends with the creator (and though he'd probably argue the point, he's a creator himself, so factor that in as well). Some of the replies were decidedly NOT polite or considerate.
He made it clear that he isn't judging people on whether or not they use clones, just that in this case it's *his opinion* that folks that want to go the clone route should open a space in the group for someone that prefers to try for the authentic. Those of you throwing stones, calling names, and telling him he's "the problem with vaping", do you not have an opinion yourself that you are trying to get across? What's the difference? Are you not on a soapbox of your own when you fire back like that?
So the result is what? You run him off? It's so easy to discount how long he's been here helping everyone with so many things, for providing humor and information, being a friend to many here. Why do we attack someone with a differing opinion without even considering them as a person? Maybe part of the problem is that there are a lot of new people here who don't know him or have that perspective of him, I don't know. Or maybe it's just too easy to flash red and fire the big guns at anyone who we disagree with, no matter who they are. It's probably not how you'd want to be treated for voicing your own opinion.
I don't have a dog in this fight. I'm not a fb user and will never be, so I'm not part of the group in question. I have no plans to buy the clone because I'm happy with my gear right now and have too much at the moment. And I honestly don't care one way or another if anyone else buys the clone, the authentic, or both. But I will also admit that I might not feel that way if I was friends with the creator too, there's just too much I don't know. It probably would depend on a lot of things, including knowledge that may not be public about the situation. I do know for a fact though that minimalsaint is a valuable member here and if this causes his departure, VU and especially this thread will be significantly worse because of it. I truly hope it hasn't come to that.
Either way, the point is, we all have opinions on many things. Often, our opinions differ from each other, and that's not a bad thing. It's good. Differing opinions are healthy. That's what helps us open our eyes and be better people. This isn't about vape gear, this is about attacking a person because of their opinion. That's not the way things should be. That causes strife and drama, and the world has plenty of that right now without us adding to it.
If you've read this far, thanks. It's my own opinion and yes, I'm on a soapbox - at least I admit it. I'm fully aware that I haven't been here all that long in the grand scheme of things, so many (most?) of you either don't know me or don't care at all about me or anything I have to say. I'm also fully aware that I may catch some flak for stating my opinion, but it is what it is, so be it.
There are a lot of amazing, awesome people here and I'd love to keep it that way, even if they have differing opinions to mine. One of my favorite things about this thread has always been that the people see each other as people, so when differing opinions are presented they are usually met with thoughtful discussion tempered with humor and kindness. This time, not so much. I hope it gets back to that, and fast.
Edited to add - I did see several users on here responding with civility - asking clarification in some cases, thoughtfully and politely responding in other cases. You guys aren't who I'm talking about here. If that was your response, carry on and keep up the good work - you are doing it right.
I've gotten it down to just under 25% flavoring, so I can just about deal with a tank again, instead of always needing to use an RDA, but it's still a gunk monster. It's gotta be that shisha strawberry, since it's organic-derived.
