While the majority of commentors are well-behaved and provide much-valued opinions, input, experiences, and commentary, there has been a greater frequency of inappropriate comments.
So, as a reminder, here are some rules to follow:
- Be respectful towards others.
That is all.
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In the past weeks, there have been a couple of “you’re an idiot” type of comments of some commentors against others, one person calling another a vagina, and a couple of inappropriate comments of similar nature.
Disagreements can be good, because they’re opportunities to learn and grow. Even when someone is factually wrong, there are ways to politely disagree and offer a correcting view. When there’s a disagreeable opinion, there are ways to share opposing views.
Regular commentors are awesome. New commentors are awesome. For 10 years, I have been reading everyone’s comments on a near-daily basis, and they have been insightful and enjoyable. I know there are many others who also find commentors’ contributions extremely valuable and welcome.
For the most part, I have had to do very little moderation. There have been a handful of problematic commentors over the years, but I can name them all on the fingers of one hand. Ever since requiring all new commentors to go through moderation, many one-time offensive comments are never published.
The rate of one-time offensive and inappropriate comments have been increasing, and there were a few cases over the years where readers have changed their names, presumably in the belief they could do so to attack other commentors without rebuke.
A lot of websites don’t permit comments anymore, and others require user accounts or connection to established email or social media accounts. Personally, I prefer an open system, which I find is more welcoming to new readers with questions or helpful experiences, opinions, or information to share.
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I had to ban someone recently, a once-welcome regular commentor who kept taking things off-topic and whose comments against others resulted in too many complaints.
Today, he left this comment on our YouTube channel, and I felt the need to address it.
Toolguyd is racist. Stewart only allows comments that agree with him. He has shut off accounts from non whites. He is heavily sponsored by Chinese companies and regularly promotes China over American made companies.
First, this is libel and incredibly offensive. Long-time readers might know I have a proclivity towards USA-made tools when available.
Criticize me once in a comment, I’ll respond. Twice? That rarely happens, but I’ll take the time to reply. But when that becomes a daily occurrence, where there every comment is just a disrupting personal attack against me or their fellow commentors, enough is enough.
I won’t go into detail, but that disgruntled former commentor was banned from comments for off-topic accusatory comments of similar nature, and for the complaints I’ve received about their personal attacks on other commentors.
They weren’t banned at first, their comments were being sent to manual moderation, meaning they would only appear on the site after I read and judged whether a reply was warranted. In most cases, all that meant was a short delay before their comment was published. With a large majority of their comments going off-topic to criticize me and ToolGuyd, I felt that was fair. Then they tried creating new aliases, and continued with off-topic criticisms and even insults against other commentors, and so they were banned.
Now, if they changed their name and behaved themselves, commenting with respect, and sticking to the post topic rather than trying to criticize me or ToolGuyd at every turn, that would have been okay. But they didn’t, they kept on with their inappropriate behavior.
And after this, they’re not welcome to comment ever again. They were also kicked off the email newsletter list, and I’m considering an IP ban.
Frankly, it’s not important for people to agree with me about tools. As mentioned, different and even dissenting opinions are good.
But criticizing me and ToolGuyd in comments, and repeatedly and without respite? That’s off-topic and disruptive at best. Feedback is always welcome, but if I say “no,” it’s not open to discussion. With that commentor’s latest rant, they’ve showed their true colors. I should have stopped engaging with them sooner.
One of the motivations for starting ToolGuyd was having “my own place” where I wouldn’t have to worry about anyone removing my opinions and comments. I had been a heavy participant on a public tool forum, and entire threads were being deleted because of heated political discussions erupting from USA vs. imported tool arguments, and things like that. That helped fueled my motivation to create a platform for my opinions and reviews, where no external entity could have control over my words.
I know how important it is to have uncensored and free control over comments, and so I have been very light in comment moderation over the years. Regular readers and commentors have been awesome and civil, and so I didn’t need to do much moderation.
Post comments aren’t a platform which individuals with personal agendas or biases can use to criticize me, ToolGuyd, or their fellow commentors’ opinions or what they share.
I have my opinions about tools and tool brands, and I’m sure you do too. Feeling strongly about those opinions are a good thing. But please be respectful.
Mike
Racist? Wow, that’s out there. I agree a little banter (like a barber shop) is ok – personal attacks aren’t.
Keep doin what you’re doin man.
DannyK
That is strange. I’ve been reading this blog for 3 years, I don’t see how someone could make that accusation. I do get it that a few people can get offended that Chinese manufactured tools are automatically deemed inferior to USA / German / Japanese / etc… tools. A lot of made in Chinese tools are actually quite good, especially if you include Taiwanese. I suspect Chinese manufacturers make tools on demand by foreign distributors. The quality depends on what the distributors ask for at a certain price point. On the other side of the coin, I have strong reasons to support USA, Japan, Germany, etc. made tools because their manufacturers treat employees humanely. Not to say China can’t do that, too, they should, but their record isn’t too good.
Altan
You did explain it better than me, thanks
Andy
I’ve found the difference between China made and other country made tends to be quality control. It can be a lottery, you buy two at the same time from the same vendor one might be the best you ever used, the second might be junk. As I was always told you buy for you needs my multi tool on my belt is a Gerber flik (works well for me) , but a colleague used cheap Chinese multitool in the field, his logic was he tends to lose them well before he blunts blade they worked for him. I’ve seen people get riled up over the gerber Vs leather man Vs which ever brand and to be honest every one has their reasons for liking their brand I chose Gerber because I could access the tools I use often one handed (normally by the time I have reached to my belt for a multitool I have my hands full of what ever screw up has lead to me needing a tool, let’s be honest if planning played a part in the moment I would have a toolbox to hand) I get that leathermans are better built but one hand opening is more important for what I need day today. I guess the thing we all need to remember is “your mileage may vary”!
Bob H
Thank you Stuart.
I agree with Mike: “Keep doin what you’re doin man.”
Steve the Gullible
Thank you Stuart. Your openness is one of the things that makes your site so special beyond just the topics. Please know that it is really appreciated and enjoyed.
Peter Hammond
You’re doing a great job. Love your articles and posts. The Chinese thing is weird to me because you are always talking about USA tools. You mention other countries tools as well. I think you are like most of us. We just want top quality tools to get our work done, no matter where they are from.
Popgun42
I agree…
Ct
Iam sad to hear such things happen here as well.
It seams that all over the net its just pure negativity/hatred/disqust…
I always enjoyed the comments from folks on this site…
For what its worth you have an awesome site that I enjoy frequenting.
Bobby
Complete agree Stuart. You don’t have to put up with abuse, nor should you. You’re doing an amazing job, keep up the great work. I’m a daily reader and have bought tools after reading your reviews. Don’t let the negativity bring you down.
jason gloekler
This site is different than any other, and I believe thats why its popular.
You do great work, and I learn alot not only from you, but other wonderful members.
OhioHead
Well said & I 100% agree; thank you Stuart for this awesome blog!
Brian A
Thankfully you haven’t had to deal with problematic commenters that much, the net these days is full of people instantly attacking others, oh wait no its always been like that, just more people now LOL. Its inevitable you will have to deal with some, yes the openness of the site is great, too many logons in life.
Thanks Guys!
Nathan
Keep your head up and swing that hammer if you have to. I think you do a better job than most but unfortunately your site is probably getting a lot of extra play now . With popularity comes discord.
I like this place – I like the content mostly. and I have my disagreements but I hope I’m being civil. I tell people all the time – just because it’s the internet and people might not know you personally or be in front of you doesn’t mean you should type out anything you wouldn’t say to someone else’s face.
I however see this all the time on the internet forums I use for various products or systems. Good luck and keep on.
Albert
How did I miss that you had a youtube channel?
Just subscribed!
Craig
Same!
Altan
I just found out a week ago.
Stuart
Sorry, I/we are very slow to produce videos. It’s something I need to do more of, and get better at.
Jay
Jesus what a world. People must really have alot of time on there hands. Keep up the good work and remember the lower price tools for the beginning carpenter.
Eugene
I’d say an IP ban is probably your most effective way to deal with that kind of abuse. Good luck and thanks for updating this site regularly, it’s one of my favorite sources for tool news, reviews, and other opinions.
Tim D.
It just depends. Most people use multiple devices (cell, home isp, work isp). Most residential accounts don’t have static addresses, and vpn use is becoming very common.
Unfortunately just an IP ban isn’t very effective if someone wants to be a hassle.
That is a real shame, because I love not having to have my 187th login/id for yet another site. Hopefully it won’t become an ongoing issue and nothing will need to change.
The fact that anyone can call Stuart racist based on the content he posts to this website is just ridiculous. It’s nothing more than someone lashing out and grasping for any complaint they think might get attention.
Mopar
His comment on youtube doesn’t even make sense.
You’re racist and don’t allow comments from non-Caucasian people, but you heavily promote and are sponsored by companies owned and operated by non-Caucasian people?!?
WHAT?
Charles
Makes perfect sense, because one can tell by whatever screen name we decide to post under what our race is. Maybe Stuart activates the cameras in our computers to check our race before he “allows” us to post.
Drivel like that isn’t even worth a response – just a swift whack with the ban hammer.
If this guy was a long time poster, what could he have imagined that Stuart did to him to garner such a post. That fellow needs to see a mental health professional rather soon.
fred
I come here to learn and share what I can. I sometimes disagree with other’s comments – but more often than not I learn from them. When folks disagree with me – I like to consider that an opportunity for introspection and reevaluation – rather than a need to go to war. I’ve seen that you and many others who post here also take a patient and thoughtful approach when responding. Many times I’ve admired what I considered to be your extraordinary patience with, and tolerance of what looked like rants to me. I am reminded that we all have the right to our own opinions – but their are times when one needs to look in the mirror and reevaluate the underlying basis (or perhaps in extreme cases pathology) for those thoughts. I respect what you and others bring to the table and recognize that we should always be able to learn and express ourselves – but that ad hominem attacks are never productive. I understand and agree with the action that you took – but find it sad that it was necessary.
MichaelHammer
Well said, as always. There are a bunch of good commentators on here as well as content providers. We got a good thing going here. I thank every one of you.
gene colley
Stuart, thanks for the honesty. All of the bitterness does get old. Some of those people must hate themselves so much that they have to share………..
Thom
I’ve seen a number of posts here that were needlessly aggressive and angry over the years. It baffles me as to why tools can bring out such vitriol in certain individuals. I am glad Stuart has dealt with it.
PHILIP JOHN
The only colour that matters is yellow and red.
I could do with out blue baby blue orange green and the rest.
Most of them are tools anyway… pun intended!
Craig
Keep up the great job Stuart!
aerodawg
Unfortunately some people just aren’t right in the head….
Nathan
I thought about putting that iconic movie quote in place.
What we have here is a failure to communicate. . . .
MJ
I agree,keep up the good work.
Sam
Excellent post , Stuart.
Keep up the great work
Chris
Hey speaking of comments, does it work for anyone else when you check the box to be notified of follow-up comments?
Oftentimes I’ll ask a question on here and then check that box but forget to come back to see any answers. I don’t get notifications.
Hoser
You will get an email and then you have to confirm that you want to follow the comments. Check all you junk folders and make sure you click the confirm button in that first email.
Chris
I get the daily newsletter just fine. I’ve not once gotten a comment update email though.
Jim Felt
Exactly my reality too.
Stuart Young
Stuart, I only go to a few sites on a daily basis, and toolguyd is one of them. I won’t visit sites that go off topic or support personal attacks, so keep doing what you’re doing.
That said, I love your focus on QUALITY tools and innovative tools that don’t NEED, but WANT, so keep those reviews coming.
You must be doing a great job, because my wife thinks I buy too many tools…based on your perspectives.
Mike (the other one)
I’ve never seen anything vaguely racist here. Seems more like a troll than anything else.
Toolguyd is awesome, don’t let anyone tell you different.
Chris
The advent of social media has turned everyone into a keyboard warrior, unfortunately. Way more warrior than anyone is willing to even approach to someone’s face. Surprising how far social decorum has devolved in such a brief period of time.
Jim Felt
“National “enablement” syndrome.
Thank goodness Toolguyd isn’t a Twitter platform.
Charles
And now universities have to have classes on how to have a discussion with someone who has a different opinion.
Very sad.
Now let’s find an excuse to buy some new tools. There has to be a project around here somewhere that I don’t have a tool for…
Jason S.
Hey, you’ve got a good site. I’m not coming here to solve the world’s problems, I just like the tool reviews. I do think several of your commentators are long-winded and have sometimes crazy strong opinions about a hand tool. As with most of the crap on the Internet, you ca skip by these comments pretty quickly.
Jack
Realize that you’re doing us, your readers, a favor by taking the actions you did. It keeps us from wasting time on such nonsense and immaturity. Well done.
JR
So much anger in the world these days. Sad to see it roosting here, even if just for a short time.
I have always found your site useful and I could never detect a bias, whether it be towards people, countries, or tool brands.
Hoser
I tend to be blunt, mainly because that takes less typing lol. But I hope people see that those blunt comments are still trying to be helpful, informative, and overall productive. Sometimes commenters can be frustrating, and that’s why I don’t comment many times, but the attacks, cursing, and vulgarity have no place in a civilized discussion of tools.
Jim Felt
Or really much else either. Sad. But true.
Shan
Stuart:
I’m not a “regular” commenter, but have made several over the years – mostly tongue & cheek and lauding my favorite tool brand, the yellow/black. However, I am an every day reader and have been for many years (at least 7).
I mention it because as a mostly passive observer of the site I haven’t had any emotional investment in the verbal battles & insults that you’ve referenced. Instead, I’ve been fortunate to benefit from the wealth of knowledge, experience, and perspective that the site often offers readers on a host of topics from tool quality to practical tips on laboring with them. That’s valuable – at least from my perspective.
While it may be tempting to over react to unwarranted & disruptive attacks, please consider carefully the unintended change in atmosphere it may induce in the site. You’ve developed such an amazing place and it really IS appreciated by what must be thousands of readers. As others have said, the easy free flow of ideas makes your site unique.
Don’t feel unappreciated either. One ass a community of donkeys doth not make. So many of us remember, continue to see, and acknowledge the hard work and generosity you routinely offer up. Christmas gifts for your lucky readers out of your own pocket? I defy folks to find something like that elsewhere, and it’s just one of so many examples by which we, as readers, have benefited over the years. The intellectual generosity as well as practical labors & costs that have gone into creating & maintaining the site are no less inspiring. So, thanks – just in case you’d fallen under the misapprehension that your efforts weren’t appreciated as they should be.
Keep up the great work.
Evadman
I used to be a moderator on a very large forum, so I understand how nasty people can be. being online seems to remove a lot of common courtesy from people for some reason.
Everyone disagrees, nothing wrong with that. If someone has to go to name calling or being nasty, they are no longer useful to the community.
Cr8on
I whole heatedly agree!
Bob Hinden
“So, as a reminder, here are some rules to follow:
Be respectful towards others.”
Thanks, and a good philosophy for life!
abnormalist
In my home we sum it up as “Don’t be a dick”
Altan
We have similar one in my native language 🙂
Michael Tarpinian
Racist? Pro Chinese? Bunk. Any casual reader of Toolguyd knows that Stuart is a homer. Not that that is a bad thing. I am too. Given a choice between an American made tool and a Chinese one of similar quality and slightly higher cost, I pick American. Now, if the French make a far superior than any American brand, I go with quality.
Stuart, thanks for putting up with this occasional garbage. We appreciate it.
Haters gotta hate.
Adabhael
I have always appreciated the comments here: I am grateful that Stuart made a place that promotes this kind of discussion, that he exercises a restrained light hand in moderating them, and that in unfortunate situations like this one, he acts to protect the system when it becomes necessary. Thank you.
Kevin Franklin
Interesting and a very sad commentary on the state of some people’s outlook in general. Stuart, you have established an exceptional page relating to tool information and related technology and there is no place for antics of this kind. Good educated conversation and opinions are why most of us look forward to the daily post from you. There are so many obvious issues with the content of the original comment from the offender. Racist? That is baffling. I read this page almost everyday and that is one thing that I cannot see and to top it off, I have NO idea about your ethnicity nor do I care, so how does this person derive “racism” from your post? The reference of Chinese manufacturers is part of the global economy. That’s just how it is at the moment. Anyway, keep doing what you are doing. We love it!
John Robbins
I found this site a few years ago before I made my first legit tool bundle purchase. I went back through the backlog of information to read about brands, quality, types of products and so on and so on. In large part because of this site, I felt comfortable with my purchase and 3 years later I’m still on this site every day. Your site speaks in honest language that is makes it feel trustworthy and knowledgeable…but not arrogant.
I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this site and what it has meant for a guy like me who knew very little and was afraid to ask the “dumb” questions. So thank you for all the newbies out there who use this site to make informed decisions!
DC
This is by far the best place for me to learn about tools and I have always welcomed the genuine and respectful dialogue the comment section has always had. As a community we should always maintain that!
Alexey
This is the best blog I know about Made in US tools, and this blog, your posts and other posts and comments are the sole reason I mostly have Made in US tools in my toolboxes/garage.
Persons lying around about things they just dislike and trashtalking good people should be well known by their names so everyone could step away seeing them on the street.
TonyT
I thought there was a second rule:
No politics!
And as I’ve said before, this site has an incredible signal to noise ratio, so thanks to Stuart and all of the well behaved commentators.
FishStick
Sadly it comes with the territory now but just block them and move on. You’re doing an awesome job! This is one of a very few sites that I check everyday and look forward to reading the articles!
Jim Felt
Yes!
Dave P
Thank you!
I appreciate having a forum to discuss the objective pros/cons of various tools without the unproductive non-sense. I have tools from all of the quality manufacturers largely based on information shared on Toolguyd from Stuart or thoughtful contributors. I especially grateful that the information is shared without a paid subscription.
Nathan S
I’d say enforcing civility here is a somewhat patriotic thing to do. I wish most other sites would actively do the same. I think that much of the discord and division in present-day America is due to people practicing habitual hostility on the internet, where one can snipe someone else but be separated from any of the damage caused.
This site is yours, Stuart. It’s as if you’ve invited us all into your home or garage to talk tools. You pay the bills; you can ask anyone to leave at any time.
Thanks for hosting.
Fazal Majid
The crazy, it is strong in that one.
I’m sorry you had to endure that unpleasant experience, and hope you can return to a charmed life of troll-free commenting.
As others, I found the high quality of comments and the breadth of knowledge on this site invaluable. It would be a tragedy if you had to stop, or impose heavy-handed pre-clearance requirements due to the actions of a few bad apples.
Adam
That’s what I got out of the article. Obviously that commenter was a total #@&!$, but we will leave it at that.
Adam
Meant to be a reply to finding out there is a YouThbe channel.
The What?
And I thought that I was an a__hole. Or as Stuart kindly stated “difficult “. Some people take things way too seriously sometimes. There’s a difference between being highly opinionated and saying what that person said. How can anyone interpret the reviews, comments, and opinions on here as racist or anti American? Opinions shared on here shouldn’t be taken personally. Trash talking and competitive banter is all in fun until someone takes themselves too seriously. I don’t get offended if someone calls me whatever derogatory term they can come up with. Why? Well I learned to develop thick skin a long time ago and it ain’t like I know you personally. So why should it bother me. Plus I already know that I’m an a__hole. But libel accusations goes way too far. What that individual said is unacceptable and should not be tolerated.
Stuart
Thank you, I appreciate that!
You do tend to be passionate about your opinions, and sometimes that leads to a little heat in your language, but you have made efforts to contribute and be respectful.
I tried to understand where that banned commentor was coming from, but he’s just disgruntled.
al crespo
If you keep everybody happy, you are doing something wrong.
Jim Felt
Robin Williams had a great line to add to yours: “Joke’m if they can’t take a f**k”.
Matt Shellito
Just another one of those if I can not have it my way I will attack everyone that does not agree mentality. I really appreciate the reviews, opinions, complaints the page has. I have spent way to much money because of this page with the deals. Please keep up the good work
Jim Felt
To quote a once Fab singer “All things must pass”.
And so will this era of ugly Tweets and the subsequent degradation of civility fallout.
Now let’s move on to speculative Father’s Day discounts!!!
Ken
Agree. He is way out of line. Racist? Come on, man!
Good news is I learned you have a YouTube channel. Just subscribed.
Altan
This is a very good website which I try to check everyday, first of all I (and it seems some others) did not know Toolguyd has been active on youtube as well, that brings me to the conclusion that there is a level difference in behaviour between youtube and websites like this that you have to read and write and see a few photos, and I can see it is not just me, also others have come here to read and write and not interested in youtube part of the story.
The second thing I wanted to say is that We all know that Industry was more developed in some specific countries, North America, Europe, Japan and Partially Russia and recently Brazil, Korea, China and Mexico added, Chinese do produce very cheap products and some good products as well, but Western countries mostly make good quality products, that is the reason we (including me) are always looking for US or European made products, but when we find good quality products from the rest of the world we do buy as well, so what is wrong with looking for quality products?!!
Finally, if Stuart is sponsored with any US or Chinese companies what is wrong with it?! At the end we see he runs this website very well and fair, having equal distance to all brands, if anyone here has the mood, time and talent of doing a blog like this he/she is more than welcome! I don’t like to see whining people around me complaining all the time about others and mentally trying to hide their own unsuccessfulness to feel a bit better, “a real man would kiss the hand that can not bend it” can be a good answer for these people, I am not here to compare myself with anyone, first I came here to learn and by time I also started to write about what I know, and it has become a battle for me to fight against the mentality which supports cheap things (not just tools), it just makes me crazy that in every corner of this ducking (I hope Stuart would not block me from this blog 🙂 ) planet we are making junk, junk tools, junk houses, junk cars, junk food, junk appliances, junk clothes and etc, I would expect with this technological advancement we have now we do it better than the past, but rarely we pass this exam. Thanks to Stuart to give this option for us to have a word here and share with others, but I am still waiting for your post about DeWALT’ized Antex soldering tool for plumbing :)))
JoeM
I would like to take this time to apologize to everyone I have given headaches to via my long-winded responses. I would offer a hug, but it’s the Internet, so it’s kinda empty as an offering.
I have learned from so many of you posters out there, and I have been guided through all those things I’ve been curious about by the site itself. The site has blown my mind at times (Stuart has even used that as an opening joke to start an article, which I feel honoured beyond words for.) and I can honestly count some of the regular posters here as genuine mentors to me. Real tradespeople, around the world, who have taken time out of their busy schedules to show true compassion and interest in advancing my knowledge of things. If not an entire avenue of building, then putting a real word to things I never had words for before.
To Stuart, to his staff, and to all of you who regularly put up with my rambling… I thank you from the bottom of my cold, cold heart. This place has helped me in so many ways it is hard to fathom how I fumbled through things before reading it.
YouTube Channel you say? Well… I guess I’ll be busy this weekend. (Watching. I don’t comment on YouTube. Doesn’t feel good to me.)
Oh and, ONE piece of Politics? I’m NOT sorry for sticking up for Canada in the USA-Made debate… We Canadians don’t deserve the Hate thrown at us when the USA-Made fanatics start attacking all globalization of the tool markets. Someone has to stand up and punch that kind of bullying in the nose, reminding them that Canada is NOT your enemy in this.
Altan
Joe, sometimes I find you quite funny :))) , before you told me your age in your previous comment I thought you were in your 60’s, your writing language seemed quite mature, sometimes I like the way you fight for Canada and Canada made tools, I wanted to ask you if you are interested in drawings and stuff like that. Drawings for wardrobes and kitchen cabinets, floor plans, you are good with computer and also with tools and making and building things, why not put them together and make something out of it? If you do it with love you will make good money also.
JoeM
SPEAKING of one of said Mentors…
Hi Altan, I appreciate that!
To explain would break the site. There is, indeed, a filter (intentional or not) on messages that are just site-breakingly long. So, I’ll keep this brief, because my last 3 tries have, indeed, hit that filter and got a giant “Nope” on getting published. (A good filter to have! I wish it could be transferred to my brain, so I didn’t ramble all the time!)
Yeah, I used to teach CAD in High School. That was one of the fastest ways I learned. Unfortunately, leaving all details out, I have PTSD and don’t handle social interaction at all anymore. Some other health issues as well, so as a whole I’m on the Disabled list. And it is hard to start your own thing when you don’t come from Money like a Comic Book Superhero.
In fact, at one point I was doing exactly what you mention. Near the end of High School, I started up my own drafting and desktop publishing company. Sadly, due to a couple lawsuits from customers who didn’t think they were customers, I got sued, and lost my business license, as well as my College fund I had saved from working, when I did. Turns out, one should never, EVER, trust one’s sibling to interact with a customer, as lies can be told, communication not made clear, and contracts become lawsuits. Soon after this, the incident that caused my PTSD happened, I lived 13 years before having a full-on breakdown in 2014, and today I live with anxiety issues, and am heavily medicated. To the point one of my hands is beginning to tremor.
So, yeah, I would love to do what people seem to want me to do, I just have to fight a lot of barriers to do so, on a budget so tiny it might as well be called a budgie in a coal mine.
But I will ALWAYS appreciate ideas and trade info I never knew before. If I can get a hold of my crazy, maybe I can manage to do something with it.
Altan
Joe, you need to calm down really, I had a lot of issues similar to yours, I have learnt to do my best at any time and any condition and not think further to not get stressed, I have learnt to do what I am supposed to do with love and by time everything improves slowly slowly, the only think you should consider very carefully is you physical health as it is almost completely in your hand, to not add more stress on your mental health. That is what I do, I am very careful with my physical health now as I have damaged it before and it took more than 10 years to recover partially, I try to use the safest tools and use the tools (specially power tools) very carefully, I often try to reduce my speed with some tools as I have noticed the hunger for speed is the biggest reason for accidents. I am not in rush for my dreams. I was just thinking you might start to do online selling, on eBay small tool accessories with a little bit of investment, by time it can grow. I have checked eBay.ca and I could not find a good tool accessory seller to satisfy me, you need to dig this sector for a while, to learn about brands and products and prices also.
Chris
I’ve been a regular ToolGuyder for maybe 4 years? And I’m more than pleased with this Blog Stuart has provided us with. I sincerely thank you Stuart (and the other contributors, especially Benjamen) for all the time and effort put into these posts. They are helpful and informative when looking for new tools.
Stuart has also been very generous with giveaways in the past. I could never thank Stuart enough for what he’s done; not only for me but Everyone here. ToolGuyd is a really nice community to talk about tools *Tim Taylor grunt*
I would like to keep this privledge of posting without needing an account, so to those who want to harass others, please stop. On the other hand, accounts could be helpful. I.e. comment response notifications, profiles, etc. maybe as an option, it’s up to Stuart.
Once again, Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Stuart. I truly feel at home here, being able to enthustically talk about things I love…. tools.
Cheers!
Stuart
Thank you very much everyone!
Derek
I’ve been coming here for many years now and though I rarely comment myself I love reading other people’s comments almost as much as the articles. Unfortunately I think what happened here reflects a larger change in our culture, many other sites that I go to the comment section has become unreadable due to the vitriol. I honestly think of all the sites I frequent this is literally the only one left where I still enjoy the comments. Thank you for creating an incredible environment and investing the time not just for the writing but also for the moderating of your site!
Frank D
Toolguyd would not be the same without the readership at large that comments.
The lack of civility on the internet and in public is more and more frightening.
I hope for the wellbeing of mankind that people will start to recognize the destructive path of many decisions, and hope people will again set examples of even simple things, putting trash in the bin instead of throwing it out of the car, putting the phone down while driving, giving other people some space on the road and not getting t’d off for the smallest thing ……. be the example for family, kids, friends, …
Mark
Not much to add to the great number of positive comments with which I agree. You run a great Web site which we all enjoy. There’s no hate or bias here. Thank you for keeping it going.
Matt
Agree with everything. Unfortunate that you have to have that rule, explain that rule, and have to try your patience. That person has chosen to be poison. Go enjoy your weekend and don’t let their immature behavior get you down!
Adam
I’ll just second what everyone else has said.
You run a great site, with helpful and interesting articles. The user community is incredibly polite and helpful, even when there are strong disagreements about tool brands or techniques.
Enjoy your weekend, go play with your kids, and don’t let one jerk make you feel like we don’t appreciate everything you do to keep the site running.
A W
Thank you Stuart.
I’ve read almost every post for the last year or two and read quite a few of the comments.
I don’t want to read crap from divisive trolls, so I appreciate the occasional moderation to remove anything NSFW.
Kenneth Stephens
This is my favorite website and I check it several times a day. Keep doing what you’re doing Stuart. That guy was just clueless
Grady
Gr8 job Stuart, keep it up. There’s always going to be someone to throw a monkey wrench in the works of something good. Sorry that happened to you. Keep up the good work, and
THANKS!
Yadda
Wow! Just wow.
Jp
I’m always coming here. I can’t imagine you are racist. Luckily you are ver open and professional. This is one of the few examples where a few rotten people can’t ruin it for everyone. Now if only jobsites were impervious to rotten people, and their attitudes
Gerald
Wow, never thought I would have ever seen the race card thrown on here. I dont think I have ever commented but I have followed this blog for a good while and I dont think I have ever seen anything that would me to say it is biased in any way.
My only thoughts are, sometimes a persons life goes off the rails slowly, other times its a high speed come apart. I hope they are able to recognize there is something going on and get help, but regardless, this is a good hangout.
Thanks for keeping it going
G
James
Long time reader, first time commenter.
I will quickly remove a site from my reading list if I detect racism, aggressive political opinions, overly rude commenters, excessive ads, undisclosed paid content, and low quality writing. ToolGuyd has none of the above. Also, ToolGuyd is clearly driven by a passion for tools, rather than strictly by profits or other agendas.
Keep up the good work, and thank you for handling the trolls to make our experience more enjoyable.
Brian
Stuart, I’ve read your content for years but have never left a comment. Even if I didn’t care for your content, to claim your racist is incorrect. Terms such as racist, Nazi, hate, dictator have all lost their meaning over the years. If anyone is paying attention even remotely to current events, you’ll understand what I am talking about.
That being said, I’ve noticed WAY too many individuals are too easily offended, often over trivial matters. With some, If you think as an individual and not the way they, even if what you are saying is protected by first amendment i.e. not incitement of violence, defamation or provable targeted harassment, some seem bent in destroying others.
I’ll provide an example that is family friendly, advertiser/sponsor friendly and simply put I like Channellock more than Knipex. Now I would never tell others they aren’t allowed to buy this brand, how to spend their money. Frankly, I just don’t care, as I don’t want to control others lives or tell others what they are allowed to think either.
Several people I’ve told that to, have absolutely lost their minds over this and immediately thought I was “attacking” them for liking Knipex. Not the case at all.
Jim Felt
That’s both hysterical on the face of their reaction and truly sad. I think the internet has emboldened an entire subclass of “raw” emotional responses to nearly everything.
And yes I know there are powerful actor(s?) enflaming even our already heightened responses but ultimately it’s all a pile of hooie.
Prefer, love, fanboie/grrl, hate anything you want but act rational whether in person or online. Wouldn’t that be unique?
PS. I’ve both Knipex and Channellock and simply always try to acquire the best tool for the need. (And BTW both of these brands are “made” in multiple countries).
DRT
I agree with pretty much everything said here. Great site, and I always learn something, even when I disagree with a poster (Chevy vs. Ford, you know). Never let the losers get you down.
Aaron
Thank you Stuart!!
I really appreciate the amount of time and effort you put into keeping the site interesting, informative, and fun. I look at the comments as Special Forces – force multipliers adding more experience and insight to the reviews. It works since people generally self moderate. Thank you for taking the extra step and removing people and comments that go out of line. Keeping it free of politics and vitriol (which is sadly redundant today) makes me come back several times a day.
I love building things and the tools that make it possible. The only change I’d like is a like button to all the great comments, but now thinking it may turn into a competition.
Keep your values and standards high.
Thanks!!
Corey
As I’m sure many of us do, I frequent several tool review sites, and one phenomenon we can all attest to is that toolguyd is infinitely more populated with comments and engagement. It’s not even close lol the half a dozen other places I peruse will have a real hot post/topic if it’s exceeding 3 comments. I believe that this site’s exponentially greater engagement is entirely owed to Stuart’s vision and efforts in how the content is portrayed, how we the users are actively brought into the discussions he creates, and lastly by his perpetually friendly and respectful demeanor that he sets the example and standard for human interaction before all of us. I can’t overstate the difference between this page and others, and I’m not only grateful for its content, but genuinely happy to take part in its conversations. That said, I believe I’ve drawn into mild confrontations with said individual in the past lol and while I do hereby formally apologize for those, I do believe one particular one I always assumed would be taken down, stood for some time as it was aggressively in Stu’s defense lol I always hoped that wasn’t oversights fault, but I’d like to apologize for going against your more rational example. This site is the pinnacle of what I’d call successful, Stuart, please continue what you do for as long as you find it satisfying!
TonyT
Yes, often I’m amazed at how long and thoughtful Stuart’s responses are
Vards Uzvards
Thank you, Stuart!
Allen
Do the IP ban. I agree 100% with everything you said but this person clearly has an agenda and it sounds like some other issues.
Keep up the great work along with everyone else on this site!
Rx9
You may have figured this out by now, but in most cases nowadays, the accusation of “racist” has nothing to do with getting you to judge people by their character rather than their appearance. Instead, it is simply a convenient (albeit dishonest) method of intimidation used to extract concessions and tribute from men and women of your particular disposition. I’m glad to see you didn’t fall prey to this tactic. Kudos and keep up the good work, Stu.
Aaron
Wow racist? I dont see that, communist now sounds more accurate. Just kidding, tryin to lighten the mood a bit. That commenter sounds like a dueche im glad hes gone
Oleg K
Those with a below-average intellect often use race, gender and other popular, scandalous topics to drive their points home once they have no other arguments to present. I, for one, never noticed any racial bias. Furthermore, I made plenty of unpopular, negative comments over the years, mainly pointing out the hypocrisy of reviewing items one gets paid to promote, however, I have never been banned and none of my comments have ever been deleted or censored. I can only draw one conclusion: the moderators/owners of this blog are very tolerant and one must really write something incredibly offensive or nonsensical to piss them off.
Again, these are just my $0.02 but I have, in fact, been active on this blog for years and therefore believe that my opinion has merit.
Lyle
Interesting, I actually thought you were the one that got banned. You had a very negative remark recently and accused Stuart of pushing crappy tools on impressionable readers. I guess he really is tolerant. I wouldn’t have tolerated that.
Oleg K
Well, thankfully, unlike you, Stuart seems to be psychologically well-balanced, in also glad he respects my right to an opinion, however negative and outrageous it may be and also to whom the freedom of speech is evidently much more important than it is to you.
Whether you agree with what is being said or not, unless my choice of expression can clearly be defined as “hate crime” or “cyber bullying”, by sensoring my free speech you take away my right of expression and thus, however rude or untrue you may think what I wrote was, trying to ban me merely for not expressing my opinion in a way you’re used to or approve of is not only hypocritical but is also anti-constotutional.
Once again, it’s a good thing Stuart knows better and you’re not the one running this blog.
ToolGuyDan
Free speech is terrifically important, but it only protects you from retribution from the government. Stuart is free to do whatever he pleases.
https://xkcd.com/1357/
While we’re on the topic, quoting the linked comic’s title text: “Defending a position by citing free speech is sort of the ultimate concession; you’re saying that the most compelling thing you can say for your position is that it’s not literally illegal to express.”
CountyCork
One of the greatest values of this website is the commenters and the daily added content. Stuart does a fabulous job with the content and allows open discussion. The opinions can very greatly but it’s up to read, interpret and form your own opinion. There’s a tremendous amount of knowledge to be gained you just have to have an opinion mind.
ktash
Your site has given me a good education in tools and what to look for when buying them. I’ve saved countless dollars (and also spent countless dollars, ha, ha!) due to this site. It’s really great to find good tools that work well and will last. Without your site, I’d be reading Amazon reviews, which are not the best anymore, and never were, really. I’ve also learned from the many great commentors and you’ve made a good space for them, too. These are folks with experience in the field with these tools. Every once in a while there’s a bad apple, good to get rid of them. Thanks for all you do!
Mosh
All I could say is a big THANK YOU!!
Keep it up
“If You Want to Make Everybody Happy, Don’t Be a Leader. Sell Ice Cream”
But Please don’t change……
Jim Felt
This entire post and responses bring to mind the late Leonard Cohen’s anthemic “Hallelujah”.
In a very positive way.
Aaron
I can’t help but wonder if the person’s name who was banned rhymes with “KramerGo”
Big Richard
I was wondering the same thing, and I truly hope so.
Rick Owen
Racist? Wow, how do you get that from reading a post? I have no tolerance for racism but some play that card too quick and it hurts legitimate racist complaints. Chinese vs US. I’d buy US if practical to support US workers but not all Chinese is junk just as made in USA no guarantee of quality. Keep up the great work Stuart.
DC
Thanks for an awesome job on this very informative website. Racist towards chinese? I don’t think so since most of the tools, especially power tools you and I like are in fact, made in china. For hand tools, I love my Snap-ons and SKs.
Robert
I always enjoy the blog because you and Ben are intelligent and thoughtful in your posts. I don’t need my intelligence insulted by derogatory language.
I put videos on YouTube of a construction nature and even though I don’t have tons of people following I’ve had my share of “haters”. You put yourself out there and you’re bound to attract them.
Nice thing is that you have a million more behind you than in front so don’t worry about Mr. Got-No-Life.
Thanks again Stuart.
ToolGuyDan
I recently used the phrase “you’re an idiot”, verbatim, in a post. To be clear, my tongue was planted firmly in my cheek at the time–as evidence, in the same post, I stated that my EDC loadout included a 2-ton ground-attack weapon with an 8-foot-long barrel. If sarcasm was unclear from context, I apologize to anyone who felt confused or attacked.
You deserve to feel safe and to feel respected. Further, your site, your rules; you needn’t justify a damn thing to us, and it speaks volumes about your character–and at least this commenter really appreciates–that you choose to do so anyway. If at any point the problematic commenter resurfaces and you’re not able to successfully block them, or if you otherwise need technical assistance with the site, let me know. This sort of thing is, to put it mildly, my day job. 🙂
Jim Felt
You were too subtle for some… ;-)~
John
I did my apprenticeship in a factory where a lot of things were said, and some things done, that would make the modern day OHS officer go into convulsions. So some of what is said on the internet is ‘Water off a ducks back.’
But the following is way off base. “Toolguyd is racist. Stewart only allows comments that agree with him. He has shut off accounts from non whites. He is heavily sponsored by Chinese companies and regularly promotes China over American made companies. ” Total BS!
Neighbor Joe
Code of Conduct is a great idea. Overall this is a great site with plenty of info for DIYers looking for good tools. Rarely comment but I check in everyday. Malco eagle vise grips pending soon from Dewitt Nebraska plant is good example. Read it here first and looking forward to their release.
Andy Ringsmuth
Thanks for the insightful and informative post, Stuart. It’s sad that people feel so compelled to bring their personal, political or otherwise inappropriate views everywhere they go.
I have yet to find any tool in my garage that cares whether the user is black, white, male, female, Republican, Independent, Democrat, gay, straight, etc. A wrench is a wrench and that’s what we’re here to talk about.
DENNIS THURMAN
STUART KEEP DOING A GREAT SITE ,ITS SAD THAT TODAYS SOCIETY LETS THIS KIND OF BEHAVIOR
GO ON . PERSONALLY ID WOULD TURN IN TO
YOUR WEBSITE CARRIER AND YOU TUBE. GOD BLESS
YOU STUART.
jim
You would never think that this kind of behavior would find its way to a website that discusses tools, of all things.
Apparently the crazies are everywhere. You ban them, ignore them and get back to business.
This site is a great resource for information regarding tools. Any comments here should not be about any topic except tools.
I’m sorry you’ve had to deal with this.
Mr. Patrick Alley
It has become a kind of game for some to push the envelope on being discourteous and obnoxious. The fact that trying to ignore them seems to empower them is not a welcome result. What is happening to our society I don’t know but I do think that common sense and common courtesy are becoming more difficult to find because of the acceptance of those who are unable to articulate their thoughts in any way but insults and think of common sense as some kind of super power. We shouldn’t allow them to overwhelm us just because they can’t exercise self control and think through what is acceptable in civilized society. Taking away the platform for the diatribe is absolutely the best solution and will frustrate the offender to no end. Hallelujah!!
Gary
My sympathies There are a great many people out there who have little input but feel the need to say something and rather than show their ignorance of the subject, they choose to attach other commenters. Its sad. I’ve shut down many groups ranging from model railroads (I’m a huge hobbyist) to television product (design and support engineer for the last American brand of television) to electric garden tractors (designed and manufactured entirely in the Midwest) over the years because every time I banned a person like this, they changed emails and started all over. When the off color, off topic and downright insulting and threatening emails surpass the good posters and drive them away (or worse, stop their posting) there is nothing less to do.
But this format and your administration of it make it one the best “go-to” forums for tool related questions, answers and articles. Please take a deep breath and keep doing what you’re doing.
Ryan Jacob
I don’t comment often but I will have to say that Tool Guyd is one of the first places I go daily when I get on the internet and sometimes multiple times a day. I like to see what new tools, deals or cool projects that might get posted. I’ve been reading this blog for over 2 years and I’ve never seen any racist or otherwise comments by the editors or writers on this site. You do an outstanding job here and even though I may not always agree with your opinions, I still find them valuable. One thing I’ve learned about trolls is that because their own lives are miserable they want to try and make others miserable. The types accusations he has made are pretty commonplace today with absolutely no basis in reality. And you are right, this is libel, which is why I believe the laws dealing with libel and slander need to be strengthened. People should not be able to make false accusations and spread rumors without being held accountable. Keep up the great work and lets ignore the trolls!
Ed S
Do you think that if sites allowing comments, had ALL the info of the poster shown (Name, address, cellphone, IP, job status/workplace, age, race…) that anyone would post? Anonymity is an illusion (the sites sees your IP and can do a reverse lookup to see your ISP and endpoint IP addy. Even if you use a VPN, most don’t realize that certain laws require logs…and if you are that paranoid (or deviant) to double-hop VPN, its possible to block the IP ranges of those services. But some anonymity is welcome…
I am grateful for your tool site, and that you’re in NJ too (hey, what exit?).
I would like to see some more Pro-tools reviewed, but who can keep up (Festool, DeWalt 60V line, new surveyor tools, comparisons of brands, etc…).
Ever think about youtube reviews? WAIT! You HAVE a youtube channel??? Like other posters, HOW DID I MISS THIS???