As a newbie I find this thread vaguely rude. Yes, I did my research and came up with my own recipe and Lord knows where anyone finds a soap recipe measured in volume, but heck, people have to start learning somewhere. And if they're asking, then at least they're trying to learn from their mistakes. I'm sure I've asked or said something deemed stupid on here by someone, but I asked; and now I know. Everyone has been helpful. I truly don't think there's such a thing as a stupid question & saying there is might hinder people from asking for help in the future. As for people that want to sell right away, they're probably not going to listen to opinions telling them not to regardless & they either will or won't. Soaping is exciting, but people that truly have a passion for it will outlast those that don't.
I was going to stay out of this thread until I read this. I need to correct a couple of misconceptions for you.
Yes, they are learning. Yes, we understand that. Yes, we are patient and thorough with the people who truly want to learn and demonstrate that with at least a rudimentary knowledge of any part of soapmaking. See the many, many threads that we repeat the same information over and over as proof of this.
Even if someone comes brand new to the forum with
only the willingness to learn, we will step up and help. I will go dig out every last video I found helpful and link every sticky of the forum I know they need. And I am not alone. Most of us are more than happy to help! You just would not understand the rush I get when someone makes that first batch of soap that turns out well, and I know I had some small part of helping them learn.
However, we have had a few people lately that are not really wanting to learn. They want us to tell them how to fix a bad recipe, and nothing else. Then, when we explain the whole of what is wrong with what they did, they do not take it well. And then they call us names, or make baseless accusations that are patently untrue. Usually these are spread out a bit more, but we have just had some too close together.
Worst of all, however, are the ones who absolutely refuse to learn. After asking us to help, and asking our opinions, they refuse. There's not much we can do to help those. Unfortunately, those are the very ones who think they can crank soap out and make LOTS OF MONEY RIGHT NOW!!!
The OP of this thread is a brand new soaper(who hasn't even made a batch yet!) who took the time to do the research to avoid asking questions that have been answered over and over. Kudos to them! We can wish for many, many more of those types of folks! Until then, though, we would prefer to help those that truly want our help.