blown out of proportion??
Like many others here mentioned, this is not my fight..and frankly i don't see it as a fight..but it is definitely a discussion/communication blown out of proportion.
I actually feel bad for Ralf cos he might have been taken out of context and i'm sure he regrets writing the bit about not buying stuff made in china no more. I guess he was trying to express his displeasure since he did spend good money on something he assumed would be bespoke and exclusive. It is fair to say an email from John would be in good order and might have avoided this whole fiasco.
That said, i don't think john meant any harm in his actions as we all know he is no copy cat or dishonest business man.
John thrives on inventing new constructions to cases, introduce new ideas and always tries to come up with something new and exciting. I really don't see that going around in the case making industry... Cue making, yes, more new makers come about often and it excites the community, but i rarely see new case makers doing the same. Let's face it, this industry needs people like him who's passionate about his work and doesn't sit on on his laurels...case making NEEDS to be lucrative inorder to lure more innovative and talented guys in so that we can have our good cases..
Now it might sound like advertising or i'm sucking up to him, i'm not. I'm just sharing a fact here. I've been wanting to say something here but i thought it would be best to let the dust settle. John may not be the best business man, most punctual on delivery, most organised person....like most of the complaints i read here (although i would beg to differ from my personal dealings). But if there's one thing i rarely see, people complain about his cases or want a refund. Why is that? Sure there are some post here that suggest his case cause problems, he defends them to the very last albeit not in the most subtle manner. Well that's his character, don't like it, well then don't support this fellow, let him suffer without your business and bring it to someone whom u think deserves it so you feel better too. But personally when i buy something thats defective or have an issue with it, i don't blast out, be presumptuous, shout out to the whole world... i would rather find out the root cause and see what can be done and if the seller is helpful in resolving my problems.
I have not heard a single complain about john's after sales service.
He may be eccentric, he maybe too enthusiastic about his stuff but he also makes good stuff and he stands by them.
I write this because i have dealt with him, am still dealing with him and i seriously don't see a problem. When i do have one, he never shuns.
Now, this is a forum. A constant exchange of words and ideas...some constructive some not...we're all here cos we are all passionate about the same thing...Pool...and we like the stuff it entails...we like our cues, we like nice cases...that is the only reason why so many are religiously stuck to this forum..it is a wonderful platform for enthusiast and learners(like me), so enjoy it.
John mentioned that he is to retire from custom case building UNTIL he sorts out his shop. Fair enough, since some guys here don't like him skiving into the forum when they have orders from him that are delayed. Fair point. I guess it's just too bad that his window of relaxation happens to be his working platform for everybody to see.
It's like a student mugging for an exam at home, he takes a break once in a while to read a book of his choice cos thats how he prefers to relax, but thats still reading and mummy would come in and assume he's lazing..
Anyway i do hope this whole thing could settle, and we can have an enthusiastic member back. Life is short...too short..enjoy it while it last. Don't hold on too things for too long guys...
)
It will definitely be a one of a kind!
