LOL! I don't get a lot of free glass guys. I've received 3 rigs as gifts. 1 from Lev (the Megatube)... which no @#$%, I will be buried with. Its the most sentimental piece I have, we both helped each other thru a real crappy time. Lev was someone I put a lot of belief and faith into, when people thought I was crazy. I knew it was all he needed. He was right there, so close he could taste it... and life bit him in the ass, HARD. I can relate to that. Its a mutual respect piece.
Allison gifted me a small bubbler (gridded inline by Dave M), when she heard about my health situation, plus I was buying some other things. She actually sent my wife a necklace, that is probably worth more than the Travel Beaker AND the mini inline I purchased. LOL! Its beautiful, really. She also gifted me the 15" inline bubbler, I think mostly... because I never ask. If that makes any sense. I talk to her, 2 - 3 times a week and its rarely about glass, except maybe a comment or two. Usually, its the weather, our health, how Ray's handling the winter, her bead shop... kids. Life. Its a trip really... we're total opposites on probably every spectrum, but we just click as friends.
I know you didn't mean ill with the comment, but I know some people think I'm swimming in glass, because all these people give it to me. Naw. Hell, I still pay Mike at OGB for stuff. I get nice discounts, but honestly... they're repeat customer discounts. Mike was already gouging his own prices, I think my 2nd order from him, just because I ordered 3 items and was a repeat customer.
I think of and deal with these people, just like the artists they are. I respect that they know their business, better than me. I'm not shy about expressing my opinion, though. Some HATE that. Others respect it. Honestly, I think I'm doing the board just as big a favor, pointing out where the deals are.
Plus, I'm a @#$%ing sucker. If its pretty and bubbles nice, I'll give it a
. OK... OK, its a bit more complicated than that, I'll mention the things I don't like, I just don't focus on them. I prefer, appreciating the piece for what it is and can do.
As for Northwaterglass, I like that he has his own look. I like his little kettle with saw-blade perc.
As I noted, with almost every piece I've reviewed. I will point out flaws. Though, I'll also say whether they mean anything, in my opinion. My SSFG tube, for example. The inline is crooked. 4 degrees. That would bug the @#$% out of some people. Its noticeable and easy to see. Me? Psh... it works, exactly the same. I don't care. But, some rightfully do. For those reasons, I won't shill for someone. A review piece isn't going to get automatic warm and fuzzies. Destroys my credibility and more importantly my own personal honor. I live to be a better person, than I ever was. Being dishonest wasn't one of my problems, but being honest was. Because I was brutally honest. It slips every now and then... but it prevents me, from being a shill and I think helps me have a critical, but not cruel eye.
Besides, I'm working for something bigger. When they start sending me limos, bursting with a bevy of beautiful babes and chilled Champagne, taking me to my appearance at Super Glass Con... then.... I can be bought.
Personally, I think he should send YOU a piece for the work put into bringing him to our attention. I thank you.
