Every once in a while, I’ve been known to blast out an article that has some longer-term repercussions…you know, like creating a controversy or sparking some dissent or even outrage in some corners of internet-land.
Today might be one of them (although, usually when I preface my blog with such an intro it seems to minimize the nasty responses for some reason…)
A couple of days back, I was speaking with a fairly well-regarded reef aquarium figure and erstwhile inventor, about a new product he was trying to bring to market. It was- is- a VERY cool product with a solid practical function, real science behind it, and lots of work and research to back it up. And it will make reef keeping a lot easier for a lot of people (Sorry, the proprietary nature of the product prohibits me from disclosing information about it, or the person or person(s) involved with its development). He’s close to releasing the product, but is scared…yeah, scared.
Why? Is he afraid that it might fail? Well, every entrepreneur is, to some extent. That’s normal. Is he afraid that his product is no good? Not really…it’s darned good.
What’s he afraid of?
He’s afraid of the withering attacks that almost anyone who introduces something new and different to the hobby faces from certain corners. Afraid that he may not be able to get traction for his product before some of the wannabe critics let him have it online, potentially making his product “toxic” to the retail world before anyone understands it for how good it really is.
They're out there...waiting to pounce.
I’ve seen this before.
I remember a similar sentiment being felt by another aquarium product manufacturer some time back, when his product was introduced. Obviously, there was much to learn about the product, and there was some healthy criticism and skepticism shown by some very smart people who had some interesting things to say. However, there were an equal number of people who came on out of their internet troll-hangouts and just had open season on the product and concept…Some of these people had advanced degrees in the field in which the company operates, which definitely gave them a leg up on the rest of us, and put them in a position to ask some good questions and create insightful discussions…
But that isn’t what happened initially.
What happened with some of these folks was that they simply pounced, with fangs gnashing and the claws out- and turned an introduction of a cool product into a rather distasteful, loud, personal attack on the people involved, and insinuations that, because someone released a product in “their wheelhouse” without their tacit “seal of approval” (‘cause they were experts, of course) that it was incorrect, wrong, misleading, etc…
It was awful. Childish, immature, and just plain mean.
Look at me! Listen to me! I'm an expert and it's not fair that you figured out a way to make money off of this stuff! It won't work. It's stupid. Look at me! Look at me!
What came to pass was that there was finally some healthy discussion, and apparently, an understanding about more of the specifics of the product, and it went on to great success…But only after a very nasty “gauntlet” of criticism and attacks by some (I might add-very highly educated) “armchair quarterbacks” who really left one with the impression that they were insecure because someone was using something familiar to them for economic gain- and that they didn't invent the idea. They justified their criticism under the guise of “consumer protection” or some such lofty virtue, when it became very obvious to anyone who saw it from an objective standpoint (especially the guy's legal team) that it was really more of a case of low self esteem, dogmatism, and…fear from the parties involved which led to such viciousness. Fear of- what?
I’ve seen many examples of this in the hobby over the years. That’s just one story.
Which brings me back to the person I told you about at the beginning. Yeah, you could say lots of things like, “Hey, if you can’t stand the heat..”- and that would be correct. Success requires us as business people to stand up to scrutiny, push back at inaccurate assessments, and answer tough questions from critics…However, it shouldn’t be such an expected norm in reef keeping culture to know that you’re going to get “troll-wacked” that it actually inhibits creative thinking.
Fortunately, there are business strategies around this process, like simply running the idea by some of the people most likely to pounce on it- which can have good or bad consequences..And lots of other ways to approach this that any good product development person, PR professional, or marketing expert knows. Disarming the enemies of free thinking, if you will.
There are proactive measures you can take to thwart trolls...
But it is tough to think about sometimes. I feel for these entrepreneurs.
What it all boils down to, however, is that, in my opinion, reef keeping culture needs to look at itself a bit more closely…I mean, skepticism is super important. We should never, ever take anything as the last word on reef keeping, and we should investigate any and all claims that seem too good to be true. However, what we should NOT do, in my opinion- is create an atmosphere of such negativity, such fear, such contempt- that it actually inhibits progression and the creative process.
You see it on a hobby level when someone puts out a new idea on a forum or wants to try something a bit different than the generally “accepted” norm in the hobby- people come out of the woodwork with negative attacks…Now, not everyone, of course- but often just enough people- with just enough intensity- to stifle some great ideas…again, often under the guise that these people “know better” because they can type more eloquently, respond more quickly, and attack via internet with lots of baffling scientific references that would seemingly quash anyone’s idea before it ever gets traction…or worse, intimidate other people from joining a discussion that could lead to a hobby progression…And some of these people don’t even seem to be “practicing reefers” (Ie; don’t have a tank)…Not everyone has the time, inclination, or even the stomach to go head to head with these trolls…and that’s a real loss for the hobby.
"I'll fix that guy...here's a dozen obscure academic references that will leave him so intimidated that he'll never even think of trying that idea! Mwuuu-haahha!
I wonder how many cool hobby ideas, or even potential breakthroughs- were never even discussed for fear of the aggressive attacks that come from the dark corners of the internet by gangs of thuggish “experts” who know better because they- hmm, because, well- why?
Does this sounds like a lot of whining and some sour grapes or something? Maybe? I dunno, but I am just a bit tired of hearing from reefers with cool ideas that are simply afraid to proceed for fear of criticism..Maybe it’s a job for therapists and these people have some underlying issues- but really, that’s not what I’m getting at.
What I’m getting at is that we as a hobby need to have a greater tolerance for “new”, and a more nurturing environment when it comes to discussing progressive reef keeping concepts and ideas. Because if we don’t, we just become another “good ‘ol boys club” of cretins, trapped in our little bubble of self-perceived superiority, and not progressing at all.
"I'd like to buy the world a Coke..."
Look, I’m not suggesting that we simply sit around the fire and sing “Kumbaya” with everyone who comes out with a new idea, just because- that would be as stupid as the aforementioned behaviors…What we should do, in my humble opinion- is gently ask questions, ask for clarification, foster amicable and productive discussions. Get some clarification (I said it twice.) Yes, bad ideas are bad ideas, and in the light of constructive criticism and discussion will either evolve or simply wither and die (as perhaps some should). But to create an atmosphere of adversarial behaviors and unleash criticisms without fully understanding something is just plain…well, stupid.
I love an underdog…The “everyone’s reefer.” The kid from nowhere who follows a dream. The gentle hobbyist with a passion and a great idea. I hear from reefers every day who want to start reef related businesses. It’s super inspiring. I love these folks. And I hate seeing them blindsided by mean-spirited jerks.
So, the next time a reefer- or anyone, for that matter, “runs an idea by you”- be honest. Yeah, if it sucks, don’t hold back, but don’t summarily dismiss something on the basis that it’s “wrong” until you thoroughly understand it..or maybe just ask questions that help the person proposing the idea develop it more.
Just play nicer. Most of you do…but to those that don’t (well, you probably don’t read my “fluffy” stuff anyways)- just consider what I’m saying.
There is amazing talent, intellect, and ability out there in Reefkeeping Land…And we are better with you than without you…when you play nice.
Stay skeptical, but stay civil.
Stay enthused, but stay supportive of others.
And most important…
Stay Wet
Scott Fellman
Unique Corals
Today might be one of them (although, usually when I preface my blog with such an intro it seems to minimize the nasty responses for some reason…)
A couple of days back, I was speaking with a fairly well-regarded reef aquarium figure and erstwhile inventor, about a new product he was trying to bring to market. It was- is- a VERY cool product with a solid practical function, real science behind it, and lots of work and research to back it up. And it will make reef keeping a lot easier for a lot of people (Sorry, the proprietary nature of the product prohibits me from disclosing information about it, or the person or person(s) involved with its development). He’s close to releasing the product, but is scared…yeah, scared.
Why? Is he afraid that it might fail? Well, every entrepreneur is, to some extent. That’s normal. Is he afraid that his product is no good? Not really…it’s darned good.
What’s he afraid of?
He’s afraid of the withering attacks that almost anyone who introduces something new and different to the hobby faces from certain corners. Afraid that he may not be able to get traction for his product before some of the wannabe critics let him have it online, potentially making his product “toxic” to the retail world before anyone understands it for how good it really is.
They're out there...waiting to pounce.
I’ve seen this before.
I remember a similar sentiment being felt by another aquarium product manufacturer some time back, when his product was introduced. Obviously, there was much to learn about the product, and there was some healthy criticism and skepticism shown by some very smart people who had some interesting things to say. However, there were an equal number of people who came on out of their internet troll-hangouts and just had open season on the product and concept…Some of these people had advanced degrees in the field in which the company operates, which definitely gave them a leg up on the rest of us, and put them in a position to ask some good questions and create insightful discussions…
But that isn’t what happened initially.
What happened with some of these folks was that they simply pounced, with fangs gnashing and the claws out- and turned an introduction of a cool product into a rather distasteful, loud, personal attack on the people involved, and insinuations that, because someone released a product in “their wheelhouse” without their tacit “seal of approval” (‘cause they were experts, of course) that it was incorrect, wrong, misleading, etc…
It was awful. Childish, immature, and just plain mean.
Look at me! Listen to me! I'm an expert and it's not fair that you figured out a way to make money off of this stuff! It won't work. It's stupid. Look at me! Look at me!
What came to pass was that there was finally some healthy discussion, and apparently, an understanding about more of the specifics of the product, and it went on to great success…But only after a very nasty “gauntlet” of criticism and attacks by some (I might add-very highly educated) “armchair quarterbacks” who really left one with the impression that they were insecure because someone was using something familiar to them for economic gain- and that they didn't invent the idea. They justified their criticism under the guise of “consumer protection” or some such lofty virtue, when it became very obvious to anyone who saw it from an objective standpoint (especially the guy's legal team) that it was really more of a case of low self esteem, dogmatism, and…fear from the parties involved which led to such viciousness. Fear of- what?
I’ve seen many examples of this in the hobby over the years. That’s just one story.
Which brings me back to the person I told you about at the beginning. Yeah, you could say lots of things like, “Hey, if you can’t stand the heat..”- and that would be correct. Success requires us as business people to stand up to scrutiny, push back at inaccurate assessments, and answer tough questions from critics…However, it shouldn’t be such an expected norm in reef keeping culture to know that you’re going to get “troll-wacked” that it actually inhibits creative thinking.
Fortunately, there are business strategies around this process, like simply running the idea by some of the people most likely to pounce on it- which can have good or bad consequences..And lots of other ways to approach this that any good product development person, PR professional, or marketing expert knows. Disarming the enemies of free thinking, if you will.
There are proactive measures you can take to thwart trolls...
But it is tough to think about sometimes. I feel for these entrepreneurs.
What it all boils down to, however, is that, in my opinion, reef keeping culture needs to look at itself a bit more closely…I mean, skepticism is super important. We should never, ever take anything as the last word on reef keeping, and we should investigate any and all claims that seem too good to be true. However, what we should NOT do, in my opinion- is create an atmosphere of such negativity, such fear, such contempt- that it actually inhibits progression and the creative process.
You see it on a hobby level when someone puts out a new idea on a forum or wants to try something a bit different than the generally “accepted” norm in the hobby- people come out of the woodwork with negative attacks…Now, not everyone, of course- but often just enough people- with just enough intensity- to stifle some great ideas…again, often under the guise that these people “know better” because they can type more eloquently, respond more quickly, and attack via internet with lots of baffling scientific references that would seemingly quash anyone’s idea before it ever gets traction…or worse, intimidate other people from joining a discussion that could lead to a hobby progression…And some of these people don’t even seem to be “practicing reefers” (Ie; don’t have a tank)…Not everyone has the time, inclination, or even the stomach to go head to head with these trolls…and that’s a real loss for the hobby.
"I'll fix that guy...here's a dozen obscure academic references that will leave him so intimidated that he'll never even think of trying that idea! Mwuuu-haahha!
I wonder how many cool hobby ideas, or even potential breakthroughs- were never even discussed for fear of the aggressive attacks that come from the dark corners of the internet by gangs of thuggish “experts” who know better because they- hmm, because, well- why?
Does this sounds like a lot of whining and some sour grapes or something? Maybe? I dunno, but I am just a bit tired of hearing from reefers with cool ideas that are simply afraid to proceed for fear of criticism..Maybe it’s a job for therapists and these people have some underlying issues- but really, that’s not what I’m getting at.
What I’m getting at is that we as a hobby need to have a greater tolerance for “new”, and a more nurturing environment when it comes to discussing progressive reef keeping concepts and ideas. Because if we don’t, we just become another “good ‘ol boys club” of cretins, trapped in our little bubble of self-perceived superiority, and not progressing at all.
"I'd like to buy the world a Coke..."
Look, I’m not suggesting that we simply sit around the fire and sing “Kumbaya” with everyone who comes out with a new idea, just because- that would be as stupid as the aforementioned behaviors…What we should do, in my humble opinion- is gently ask questions, ask for clarification, foster amicable and productive discussions. Get some clarification (I said it twice.) Yes, bad ideas are bad ideas, and in the light of constructive criticism and discussion will either evolve or simply wither and die (as perhaps some should). But to create an atmosphere of adversarial behaviors and unleash criticisms without fully understanding something is just plain…well, stupid.
I love an underdog…The “everyone’s reefer.” The kid from nowhere who follows a dream. The gentle hobbyist with a passion and a great idea. I hear from reefers every day who want to start reef related businesses. It’s super inspiring. I love these folks. And I hate seeing them blindsided by mean-spirited jerks.
So, the next time a reefer- or anyone, for that matter, “runs an idea by you”- be honest. Yeah, if it sucks, don’t hold back, but don’t summarily dismiss something on the basis that it’s “wrong” until you thoroughly understand it..or maybe just ask questions that help the person proposing the idea develop it more.
Just play nicer. Most of you do…but to those that don’t (well, you probably don’t read my “fluffy” stuff anyways)- just consider what I’m saying.
There is amazing talent, intellect, and ability out there in Reefkeeping Land…And we are better with you than without you…when you play nice.
Stay skeptical, but stay civil.
Stay enthused, but stay supportive of others.
And most important…
Stay Wet
Scott Fellman
Unique Corals
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