Why would you hesitate to buy from me? Specifically?
I mean if that's the case then you want to tell me that you do research on every person or company whose products you are considering and judge them before purchasing their products?
I sincerely doubt that you do that.
What specifically have I done that is so bad you wouldn't buy a case if you and I have otherwise not had any personal run ins?
To that I want to also say that over the years it's been refreshing to get emails where people applaud me for standing up for what I feel is right in the face of criticism. So I guess I will have to live with the idea that some folks are turned off to my product because they don't like me and be comforted by the fact that many people are turned on to the product because they do like me, and they tend to be repeat customers.
And you know the best part?
I have some customers who were Barton-haters and when they got my cases and inspected them they sent me an emails that have basically said, "everything you have been saying is right, sorry for being an ass to you". And I have customers who disagree with some of my views and still we get along.
I would rather be MYSELF on here and give this community the real John Barton than to be some mouse in the corner afraid to speak up for fear of losing a potential sale. Potential sales are fantasies anyway. A sale happens when someone actually purchases something. My observation is that a person who chooses not to buy a case for whatever reason is not a customer anyway.
I have never had a single person withdraw an order because of what I have said on AZB. Not one. Ever.
So I focus on those who are actual buyers and not the potential buyers. Potential buyers get to read all about my product and my views and make their decisions as they wish to.
I am not a big fan of trying to control people by waving the "potential buyer" card. Sorry you don't get to tell me how to act NOW because of some vague promise of what you might do in the future.
Now if you stepped up and sent me a check for $1,000,000 to buy my brand under the condition that I quit AZB - sorry AZB I can be bought.