Wow...I think defensive is not the correct term. I know there are plenty of ways to say what she said without sounding remotely snarky. And, since I posted this, I have done TONS of research, made many test batches, and would NEVER try to sell something just to sell it. I would NEVER want to give my stuff a bad name. I am a research and experiment addict. I want to learn all the ins and outs, and I am totally, 100% groovy with constructive criticism. Who takes snarky criticism well, I mean, really? "Oh, no! You should never substitute anything without first doing ample research on it", or "If a recipe calls specifically for SL, then that is what you should use. There are times when you can use table salt, like in brine soap, but only if it is called for." Either of these comments relays the same thing, but neither of them is in the least bit snooty.
And, I HAVE got a clue. I do read, watch videos, experiment, re-experiment, watch more videos, ask questions, read blogs, books, and anything else I can get my hands on. Simply because I asked about doing something I haven't read a lot about at the time does not mean that I am senseless, will nilly, rude, defensive, or any of the other things use to describe me here. Dang, ya'll. How's a person to learn if they do not explore and ASK QUESTIONS? Getting responses like these are great ways to encourage people new to the craft to ask questions, right? "Sodium lactate is the only sensible choice of the two for this particular recipe.", "And that you have a pretty thick skin about criticism, especially when it's constructive", "Your selling of your soap make me quite uncomfortable." (Haven't even mentioned selling them. Only ASKING for so I can be more KNOWLEDGEABLE about the hp and my fIRST time tying it...months ago, I just recently posted the pics.), "Insulting those who are willing to help you improve because you aren't happy with their tone is your choice, but in my opinion it's the wrong choice." (Still missing where I "insulted" anybody by asking my question, then getting snarky remarks from others...), and this one KILLS me, "And you are selling soap when you haven't got the faintest clue about basic soapmaking, SMH."
It makes NO sense to me that someone asking a question would get comments like these, and yet they are who is being rude? I appreciate all the actual constructive responses, those WERE helpful. Perhaps when I said, "Oh, and I had to use salt instead of sodium lactate, and turmeric instead of spirulina powder", I don't think that implies willy nilly, only that that and the coloring were the only things I changed.
And, lastly, I totally get waiting a year to sell my soaps. I understand the experience, knowledge, and learning that is needed before selling...hense my asking questions. I hope that when I post questions in the "BEGINNERS SOAP MAKING FORUM", others comments are aimed more are the question at hand and not "SMH" posts.
One of my very first post on here and I get my butt handed to me, dang.