Teach Soap

Longish, rambly post follows.

Ok, so as a newbie I was wondering if there is a sticky or something that talks about board etiquette, generally? I sometimes read posts/strings by other noobs and think “Christ, I hope I am not being that annoying.” But it is hard to know when you are new what really is unthinkingly irritating/rude and what is OK. I have done so much searching over the last couple of months, and have been struck myself by the following (posters afflicted by what I have now come to think of as “raised in a barn” syndrome):

People saying: “how do I make [cp/lotion/b. butter/lip balm, etc., etc.”], clearly without having done even the most cursory search before;

People asking for recipes , without a second thought, for items which other posters have clearly worked really hard on and are selling (ie, I get that that is tempting, but at a minimum you would think that they would SAY “I bet you worked really hard at this and might not want to disclose the recipe, but hope you don’t mind if I ask and no hard feelings if you depend on it to make a living”);

People asking for help with a question, receiving detailed responses from people with a huge knowledge base and the patience/kindness to answer, and then not bothering to say thank you (Irena, if you read this post, you must get really sick of this one);

People who say “I started making soap a month ago and everyone tells me my soap is so great I should sell it, how do I start?” Two comments here: I think THE reason that soapmaking is so addictive is that it is relatively easy and quick to make a pretty, nice smelling soap - compared to, eg, raising a family, working two minimum wage jobs to make bills that month, going to med school, writing a computer program, ad infinitum – and that most of us got that electric buzz when we did it. And were told by the folks to whom we gave our soaps, free, that we should sell it. Having that “yay me!” feeling is great, and I revel in it every time I make a nice soap, but how can people not realize that it is kind of nutty to use those comments as a springboard to start a new career?

Also, it takes five seconds to do a search which makes it very clear that the mavens recommend NOT to start selling unless you have enough time under your belt to know that your recipe is pretty close to foolproof OVER TIME and that it is also not wise to jump into selling unless you have the patience and wherewithal to figure out and comply with all the boring administrative stuff – insurance, licensing, incorporating, registration, etc, etc.

As I said, I am a newbie myself, I am trying not to post too often in part *because* I know some of the stuff I would ask about is discoverable, even if it takes some time, through searching this and other forums. So I am not casting any stones at any one else in particular, just trying to find the best way for those of us who are new to gracefully join those of you who are not, as productive, appreciative members of the board.

*Edited for grammer mistakes, please ignore any others

In real life as on the net, it is always a good idea to have manners. Some people just don't think before they post or don't search this forum. Lots of good info here if you are willing to do the research. Believe me, there are some days that I feel like banging my head against the keyboard.

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

I can imagine! The wanting to head bang, I mean. My post was prompted by coming across a post from someone who asked for help on something, peevishly complained less than 24 hrs later when no one had answered, and then failed to say thank you or anything else when people, including you, offered advice. Sometimes I can't believe you (and the other long-timers who step in to offer advice) still do it after all this time/all those posts.

I think a lot of newer soapers come here because we tend to be nicer than some of the other forums and I am proud of that! We can always suggest searching or just post a link to the relevant thread, I have seen that done lots. I love that this is 'teach soap' and that we have so many kind, knowledgeable, helpful people here. I can work on making more beginner type sticky notes in each of the threads though! That is a fantastic idea and I know Irena has already made a few that are super helpful. =)

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

Yes, Irena must be a zillionaire at the soap karma bank

Bramble Momma, this forum *is* a lot nicer, kindler and gentler than some of the others, which is great. I just don't want you, Irena and the other folks who uncomplainingly provide such useful advice - for no reason other than the soapy fellowship - to burn out. And it really doesn't take much to say "thank you", you know?

I think that is my biggest peeve, I just wish people were more mindful of civility, both on line and in the world. And I think in some ways it is more widespread, if not as immediate, on line because (a) people are more or less anonymous and (b) some of them maybe do not write that much so don't realize how they sound (or don't sound in the case of not saying "thanks"). OK, time to quit my own peevish complaining, sorry, I have been a bit old-curmudgeonly lately.

First, let me say thank you to Irena and every other soaper who has ever answered my questions. I do try to remember to say thank you but if I have ever neglected to do so I am sorry and your answer was very much appreciated. I find this forum very interesting and helpful. Sometimes the question jogs my memory or reminds me of something I have forgotten. Sometimes it inspires me to research further. Most of the questions are from new members and new soapers. Without all the questions this would be a very dull forum. A question or a comment often starts a very interesting thread. Sometimes an older member that hasn't been heard from for awhile will comment on these threads and it is like running into an old friend that you haven't seen for awhile.
I really do miss those who stop posting as I have come to feel a connection to them. I would encourage anyone with a question to go ahead and ask. The questions often remind me of how much I didn't know a year ago and all this forum has taught me in the past year. I'm sure I asked questions back then that had been asked before and were graciously answered for me. So again thank you to everyone who has ever answered a question and please keep the questions and comments coming or there would be no reason to visit the forum.

MaryLou