My two cents as a consumer...
To be clear, I do not sell. Soaping is a hobby, not my livelihood. Therefore my perspective is that of a consumer. Some people antique. I enjoy art festivals, craft fairs, and farmer's markets. I did so long before dipping my toes into the craft and continue to do so now. I feel like most of the misunderstanding in this thread arises from perspective bias and posters addressing questions other than those asked.
1) The OP's original question was:
Why the hostility from cold and hot process soapers?
I can attest as a consumer that I have often been misinformed by crafters of all disciplines about their products. That being said, I typically receive more misguided propaganda from M&P purveyors than those that employ hot or cold process. The most likely explanation is that there is a lower knowledge threshold. Please do not misinterpret my meaning. There are obviously a number of skilled and knowledgeable artisans that manipulate their medium in fascinating ways. Nonetheless, it takes significantly less research to complete your first batch of M&P or to start selling. Because of that, I have been subject to many claims regarding "lye-free", "pH-neutral", or "organic" soap. While you may not be guilty of any of these transgressions, the prevalence of this misinformation tarnishes the reputation of M&P crafters.
2) Much of the debate has centered around the terminology that M&P is sold under. It appears that no one is disregarding the technique and time involved in complex M&P designs, just that it is accurately represented. It's the same reason that contestants on Top Chef are penalized for using a boxed mix, frozen wings, or pre-packaged pasta. Regardless of the quality of the final product, it is disingenuous to utilize pre-prepared components in a cooking competition as there IS a distinction to be drawn. No one disputes the work involved; it is just a matter of adult responsibility and fair business practice to accurately represent what you did when questioned by those unfamiliar with the process. A quality product is always impressive. In this regard, I feel that The Efficacious Gentleman has been exceedingly articulate.
3) Another point of contention is relative "quality" between the processes. The reality is that there is spectrum in either. I would prefer a quality M&P base over a high coconut oil CP/HP recipe (unless it is a salt bar). That being said, many people that enter into soap making do so out of a desire to control the ingredients utilized. With the number of exposes on corporate labeling (Honest Company, anyone), it is understandable that even the most conscientious M&P crafter is dependent on the credibility of their supplier (assuming you are not making your own like lsg). A CP/HP soaper has the advantage of working with the raw materials.
4) TVivian and Miz Jenny brought up the issue of price disparity. On this, I respectfully disagree. The market is a pretty formidable mistress and I tend to think that items are worth what people will pay for them. In Miz Jenny's example, the seller was capitalizing on the adorableness of a little kid. While a bit exploitative, its not that different from showcasing clothes on a gorgeous model or soliciting a celebrity endorsement. When customers ask what the difference is, tell them. It does not denigrate the other seller to relay factual information. As a consumer, I LOVE to know what separates you from the crowd. Do you grow your herbs, infuse your oils, or have a point of view that I might appreciate (choices on palm, phthalates, EO's, eco packaging). I often readjust my verdict of "fair" when I have more information. I was once condescending and dismissive regarding some $12/lb sea salt in the bulk aisle at Whole Foods. A stockist overheard me and explained that they had some much more reasonable options. The expensive stuff was hand-harvested by indigenous people in frickin' baskets
It's on my counter now and clearly labeled so I don't use it indiscriminately.
5) A final issue appears to be the relative "worthiness" of the processes. I find this argument to be largely pointless as it depends on your priorities. If I want a soap for my personal use in the bath, I usually reach for a CP salt soap. My preferred facial soaps are ridiculously expensive syndets that are manufactured by a cosmetics company. If I am grabbing hand soaps for the guest bathroom, some artfully rendered M&P could be multi-purpose: cleansing, decorative, and fragrant.
To summarize, I understand your frustration with the scenario provided in the original post. It was unforgivably rude for someone to publicly denigrate a product that you had lovingly conceived and purposefully created. I do not feel that much of the angst towards M&P is warranted, but it is not completely without cause. Hopefully, some thoughtful analysis will allow you to circumvent the mistakes that other soapers have made. Honestly representing your own products and skillfully plying your craft will garner the respect of fellow crafters. There will always be naysayers in any discipline. (CP/HP soapers have to consistently defend their products against those who feel soap is destructive to the skin's acid mantle.) The more informed you are, the less prevalent those detractors will be.
FYI - Please do not judge my ridiculous organizational system for dry goods. The labeling is a sickness. No sane person uses such pretentious adjectives as "Autumn Blend" on their lentils. Sadly, it is less embarrassing than my alphabetized spice rack or soaping supply system. I promise that I am really a good person that fosters stray animals and volunteers to help refugees. You should in no way see this as symptomatic of serial killer tendencies.
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