Ask The Experts, really, by who's standard?

[Kent C]

People use cigarettes in different ways, and for different reasons.

<snip>
Yes, it was an interesting idea, and a good experiment.
But it really is not as good, nor useful, as the New Members Forum itself.

I agree with the last statement based solely on the underlying priniciples of how the free exchange of ideas gives the best path to the truth. But... don't think the issues you bring up were not discussed. Since this excerpt is all mine I'll copy and paste a passage of what I wrote and you can take it for what it's worth:

==
For the model part, if the goal is not to show any bias, then any subjective descriptions of any model would be out, right? And we'd be reduced to a 'manual' or a description of parts - the regular battery is rated as 150mAh and that works out to be xxx . The atomizer has a resistance rating of xxx, so combining those two you would get so many hours of use.

So I'm assuming we don't want to be just a 'living faq' (I don't know, maybe that's what some intended), then someone would have to draw a line on how much subjectivism is allowed. 'Ease of use' 'most popular' or to state an contested phrase - 'the more it looks like a cigarette, the less it performs like one' or to 'it's a POS'. All are subjective, and the question is where to draw the line. I don't know - well, no profanity ;-)

Or we could leave all questions about models, brands, vendors for the other forums and just answer specifics on how things work, not how well they work. There would have to be a sticky to that effect so as to inform what type of questions are answered here. I think even that could be of some service.

Or we could tell the truth. "The people we call 'experts' are likely just people that have had more experience than the people asking questions - sometimes just by months. Some have tried various models but none have had every model available. They have their biases depending on their own preferences and habits, just as you will when you find the one that's right for you. Because they suggest one model doesn't mean that model would be the right one for you. But they're likely to be able to tell you a lot more about the model than someone on the other forums with 20 posts (although even that might not be the case ;-) ... and give a comparison to the models they've tried or read about, to where you can gather information enough to make a more informed decision than not knowing anything at all ;-) "
==

We got off to a rocky start but, imo, it's better now - not perfect. There probably should be some followup with feedback from the questioners to see if they were helped. I know one that wasn't. I know more that were. And if it turns out people aren't being helped then it should be scrapped.

I didn't ask for the job, I was drafted ;-) but I'll do my best to answer the questions that I can answer, and others more expert than I, can answer the ones I can't, and revise my answers where I was lacking knowledge.

 

[BigBaddBossyDogg]

Just read a question in the ask the experts section and was less than impressed with the answer given. The person was a noob asking about the mall brands and while the 'expert' did tell them to stay away from the mall kiosk which was right on target. In the next sentence he advises him to get a 510 which is one of the worst models out of the box! No other models were mentioned, or pro's and con's vs the cartomizers which many of us prefer after wasting our money on the POS 510 that you can't enjoy to it's full potential without modding it. I realize the 510 is popular among it's followers for reasons I will never understand, but that doesn't lessen the fact the 'expert' gave marginal advice with no other options presented. It didn't help that the 'expert' also had links in the signature for great deals on the 510! Being willing to pimp a certain model don't make one an expert. LAME.

Why try to tell a newby about mods? It's hard enough to grasp the e-cig concept without bloviating.

A 510 is a perfect choice for a newby. Sounds like someone is upset nobody thinks s/he's an expert. Deal with it, for Pete's sake!

I'm a newby and I LOVE my 510. So much I have a buttload of spare parts. Like 30 batteries and 50 atomizers.

 

[DonDaBoomVape]

VapeBoom:

articulateness at its best

you are the man

Oh, LightGeoDuck, you warm the cockles of my heart!

* Whatever cockles are.

...The people we call 'experts' are likely just people that have had more experience than the people asking questions - sometimes just by months. Some have tried various models but none have had every model available. They have their biases depending on their own preferences and habits, just as you will when you find the one that's right for you. Because they suggest one model doesn't mean that model would be the right one for you. But they're likely to be able to tell you a lot more about the model than someone on the other forums with 20 posts (although even that might not be the case ;-) ... and give a comparison to the models they've tried or read about, to where you can gather information enough to make a more informed decision than not knowing anything at all ;-)...

Now that is articulateness! [Although, in the first line quoted above, people are 'who' not 'that' ... and the parenthesis really should have been closed.]

 

[quasimod]

VapeBoom:

articulateness at its best

you are the man

Yeah, Don's more articilatednesser than most folks. He's got grammer and verbs and stuff up the wazoo.

Wait, I don't mean to say he's got stuff up his wazoo...

 

[Houdini]

Guys, the moral to the story here is that each "expert" will have their own opinion... If an "expert" thinks that the 510 is the best out there all around, they will suggest that to a beginner.

I really don't think one should criticize answers, because it's all opinion based. I personally think the 510 is the best overall model out there, so when "noobs" ask ME the overall best model, I tell them to get the 510 hands down.

You can say that if you have tried several different models. If a 510 is the only thing you've tried then you have nothing to compare it to. I have 801s 901s 401s 510s and a couple battery mods and IMO the 510 is not the best hand down. But that's just me.

 

[DonDaBoomVape]

Yeah, Don's more articilatednesser than most folks. He's got grammer and verbs and stuff up the wazoo.

Wait, I don't mean to say he's got stuff up his wazoo...

Smile when you say that, buster!

[And how do you know what I've got up my wazoo? Have you looked?]

 

[cliff5550]

I've read so many times over that every noob should get the 510 that I think I've built up a bias and wouldn't get one ... ever. But then I have nothing to go on because I started with an RN4081 and then found my M401 and I like it just fine.
Almost afraid to post for fear of getting blasted by the 510 fans.

 

[Mac]

Just read a question in the ask the experts section and was less than impressed with the answer given. The person was a noob asking about the mall brands and while the 'expert' did tell them to stay away from the mall kiosk which was right on target. In the next sentence he advises him to get a 510 which is one of the worst models out of the box! No other models were mentioned, or pro's and con's vs the cartomizers which many of us prefer after wasting our money on the POS 510 that you can't enjoy to it's full potential without modding it. I realize the 510 is popular among it's followers for reasons I will never understand, but that doesn't lessen the fact the 'expert' gave marginal advice with no other options presented. It didn't help that the 'expert' also had links in the signature for great deals on the 510! Being willing to pimp a certain model don't make one an expert. LAME.

You know not every single mall kiosk is a rip off. you should see some of the cheap DOA junk my customers have shown me that they got online. Not every mall vendor is the same. I realize that there are alot of bad vendors using kiosks but to say all mall kiosks are bad is no different then saying every black guy likes to break into people's houses or that every white guy is a KKK member. Before you go making general stereotyped sweeping statements about people I would ask you to consider this. Have you visited every single mall kiosk in the world that sells e-cigs? Have you bought from every single online vendor?

Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.

 

[Lightgeoduck]

..........................

 

[bigozone]

Just read a question in the ask the experts section and was less than impressed with the answer given. The person was a noob asking about the mall brands and while the 'expert' did tell them to stay away from the mall kiosk which was right on target. In the next sentence he advises him to get a 510 which is one of the worst models out of the box! No other models were mentioned, or pro's and con's vs the cartomizers which many of us prefer after wasting our money on the POS 510 that you can't enjoy to it's full potential without modding it. I realize the 510 is popular among it's followers for reasons I will never understand, but that doesn't lessen the fact the 'expert' gave marginal advice with no other options presented. It didn't help that the 'expert' also had links in the signature for great deals on the 510! Being willing to pimp a certain model don't make one an expert. LAME.

i didn't even read all of your post,, be even as a vaper of less than 6 months (who has read every post in the 'ask the experts' section),, and as a gerneral rule most answers were spot on,, but there were a few that were atleast somewhat wrong in theory if not totally wrong.

BUT I TOTALLY AGREE ABOUT PIMPING BRANDS AND BRAND NAMES... the whole point of the section was a place where those w/ questions could get unbiased info and not have FANBOYS promoting things they or thier friends have a vested interest in.

i see nothing wrong with suggesting model#s of standard ecigs or suggesting A MOD of a specific voltage range, but should they be promoting the 510 from one vendor verses another... or the mod made by mr so & so especially when HV is such a personal taste issue.

just my 2 cents and some commn sense thrown for good measure!

 

[Guineahill]

I realize I'm still pretty new to this whole thing, but I think the 510 is a great starter kit. It is easy to understand. Easy to refill. And easy to carry and use with the PCC.

I have several models and I find that different ones suit different situations.

I like the Kr8 when I'm driving and when I don't feel like messing around with stuff. It has become my 'go to' pv. However for many beginners it is more difficult to understand because the atomizer is hiding in the cartomizer. And refilling is a bit tricky.

I love the M4xx for when I'm sampling different flavors and when I want something elegant looking for dress up and such. But the cart holds very little and dealing with the paper clip is a bit much for many beginners.

I have a 905 that uses "regular" batteries with adapters just in case. I don't really like it for everyday use because it is bulky. And most beginners don't like it for the same reason.

And I have several 510's that I keep around and share with beginners. I always have one with me when I go out.

Most of the people I have converted have started with the 510. Some of them have moved on to other PVs. Some haven't.

 

[Kent C]

Most of the people I have converted have started with the 510. Some of them have moved on to other PVs. Some haven't.

The majority that moved to mods still use the 510 atty.

 

[Jim Davis]

You know not every single mall kiosk is a rip off. you should see some of the cheap DOA junk my customers have shown me that they got online. Not every mall vendor is the same. I realize that there are alot of bad vendors using kiosks but to say all mall kiosks are bad is no different then saying every black guy likes to break into people's houses or that every white guy is a KKK member. Before you go making general stereotyped sweeping statements about people I would ask you to consider this. Have you visited every single mall kiosk in the world that sells e-cigs? Have you bought from every single online vendor?

Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.

It's a shame Mac;
You have a never ending battle on your hands. Most people will take a first glance at you and say "There's one of those rip off artists". It's the ignorance of the uninformed, and you really have your job cut out for you.

The second part of the battle is from the people who over paid. Just because they over paid, they classify their e-cig as "junk". Personally, I haven't seen an e-cig model yet that couldn't be made to work. If I could get everyone to send me their "junk", I'd be set for life.

 

[Kilroy]

It's a shame Mac;
You have a never ending battle on your hands. Most people will take a first glance at you and say "There's one of those rip off artists". It's the ignorance of the uninformed, and you really have your job cut out for you.

The second part of the battle is from the people who over paid. Just because they over paid, they classify their e-cig as "junk". Personally, I haven't seen an e-cig model yet that couldn't be made to work. If I could get everyone to send me their "junk", I'd be set for life.

You know, I've not met an ecig that I didn't like. So many characters, so many personalities. I wake up and reach for a 510. My 901 hangs with me most of the day and when I'm going out the M702 package is in my pocket. There are different folks and different smokes. But thankfully, I've liked them all in their own way.

 

[Mac]

It's a shame Mac;
You have a never ending battle on your hands. Most people will take a first glance at you and say "There's one of those rip off artists". It's the ignorance of the uninformed, and you really have your job cut out for you.

The second part of the battle is from the people who over paid. Just because they over paid, they classify their e-cig as "junk". Personally, I haven't seen an e-cig model yet that couldn't be made to work. If I could get everyone to send me their "junk", I'd be set for life.

I overcome it day in and day out. Fortunately I have a really good reputation in this area. My price is very high. I am one of the most expensive sources for ecigs there is. But our warranty is insane. If it ever stops workin bring it back and heres a new one. I realize that online that isn't that exciting but if you live within driving distance of our store thats a hella strong warranty. I wish my cell phone and computer had that kind of warranty. There is something to be said for being able to try the thing first before you buy it too. Alot of people who buy from me would have never bought one online or elsewhere because they were so skeptical until they actually tasted it.

 

[MHR7331]

In the next sentence he advises him to get a 510 which is one of the worst models out of the box! No other models were mentioned, or pro's and con's vs the cartomizers which many of us prefer after wasting our money on the POS 510 that you can't enjoy to it's full potential without modding it.

I'm surprised you had such a bad experience with the 510. It wouldn't be such a popular model if it sucked ...