QB-GON Grinder

[vapen00b]

A stellar job of video enhancement, but .......

It all began with a huge post and dozens of images (some on the original post now have broken links, showing the images and posts are not being kept up with) in May 2016... just shy of a year.
@vapen00b ...about the wood.... while the varnish used on this (YES VARNISH!!!) it is claimed to be non-toxic. It's lack of toxicity does not preclude the risk of wood getting "gunked up" as you say... but, varnish is Varnish, toxic or not... and I do not want to inhales particles of non-toxic varnish.

Thanks for chiming in, Uncle Vito! Hope you and your lady are doing well.
I wasn't aware of the varnish... hmm, turns me even more sceptical on all this.
Still hoping those guys will proof us wrong - all the best of success.I mean it.

Would be nice to hear a word or two of 'em, officially.

 

[Vitolo]

I wasn't aware of the varnish.

Go back to the Original Post, and read all of the features, you will find it informative and enlightening.

Hope you and your lady are doing well.

Thanks... we are doing well.
Today we went back to the Police Department and got the rest of our stuff.
ALMOST all of it.
we celebrate this victory tonight!

 

[°k]

Funny this thread got updated during the night... I wrote them yesterday and got a reply within the day but since you guys have already buried them and are happily dancing on their grave, I'll let you enjoy yourselves.

 

[vapen00b]

Funny this thread got updated during the night... I wrote them yesterday and got a reply within the day but since you guys have already buried them and are happily dancing on their grave, I'll let you enjoy yourselves.

Hey man. If you're looking in my direction - which is totally cool and understandable as I didn't feel too confident about what I've been reading and not hearing back from them - I don't enjoy myself on this.. Not at all. as I wrote, I wish them the best of success for this. And I mean it.

If you have further info, please share with us!

 

[°k]

Hey man. If you're looking in my direction - which is totally cool and understandable as I didn't feel too confident about what I've been reading and not hearing back from them - I don't enjoy myself on this.. Not at all. as I wrote, I wish them the best of success for this. And I mean it.

If you have further info, please share with us!

I wasn't looking in your direction.

As for info, I got very little but what we know now is that their team has very recently expended with Michael taking care of the communication. And that the project is still alive despite even more delays than planned. I've been offered a refund and refused it because I believe that at some point I will get one QB in my hands. Also after a little bit of researching it seems the company is now based in Cyprus which from what I understand prevents issues with the Greek authorities (but don't quote me on that).
Some might think I'm too naive and that's fine. I don't really need a new grinder, I've done this to support someone with new ideas trying to make it in a difficult economy, if I give up on him now that's not how I see being supportive. I totally understand people being cautious about it until it hits the market, that's fair enough. What I find unfair is when someone not interested in the project comments negatively just for the sake of it.

Now while I'm at it, regarding it being a wood grinder, yes it'll require more tlc than an aluminium one, that's to be expected. I believe the word vernish was not employed properly and it's more like some bee wax with olive oil or something (would need to check earlier in the thread). I have a Lily, an Okin and for me it's not an issue to take care of those a bit more carefully than with other vapes. The QB to me is not the best grinder in the world in term of maintenance but that's not the purpose I expect to have for it.

 

[GreenHopper]

I wasn't looking in your direction.

As for info, I got very little but what we know now is that their team has very recently expended with Michael taking care of the communication. And that the project is still alive despite even more delays than planned. I've been offered a refund and refused it because I believe that at some point I will get one QB in my hands. Also after a little bit of researching it seems the company is now based in Cyprus which from what I understand prevents issues with the Greek authorities (but don't quote me on that).
Some might think I'm too naive and that's fine. I don't really need a new grinder, I've done this to support someone with new ideas trying to make it in a difficult economy, if I give up on him now that's not how I see being supportive. I totally understand people being cautious about it until it hits the market, that's fair enough. What I find unfair is when someone not interested in the project comments negatively just for the sake of it.

Now while I'm at it, regarding it being a wood grinder, yes it'll require more tlc than an aluminium one, that's to be expected. I believe the word vernish was not employed properly and it's more like some bee wax with olive oil or something (would need to check earlier in the thread). I have a Lily, an Okin and for me it's not an issue to take care of those a bit more carefully than with other vapes. The QB to me is not the best grinder in the world in term of maintenance but that's not the purpose I expect to have for it.

Glad you got your response in under 24 hrs, I had a different experience.

From my perspective I supported the project and was interested in the product (still am) but after not receiving a response from QB-GON for over a week and after several attempts at requesting info I felt I had no choice but to go the paypal refund route.

I know all about supporting startups, I bought 4x GrassHoppers and spent a year waiting for them. I didn't complain about the shifting deadlines or RMA requirements because the company at the very least continued to send out monthly updates. While many felt their comms were vague or even misleading I felt that as long as we were receiving comms the company was still alive and functioning.

You don't take someones money, promise a deadline, miss the deadline and then remain silent. All QB-GON had to do was send out a mailshot to those on the mail list (which I am) to inform them the grinder was still being produced but there may be a 1, 2, 3-10+, week(s) delay.

The failure here was in communications, I'm delighted to see Michael is stepping up but he was a week too late for me.

 

[vapen00b]

I wasn't looking in your direction.

As for info, I got very little but what we know now is that their team has very recently expended with Michael taking care of the communication. And that the project is still alive despite even more delays than planned. I've been offered a refund and refused it because I believe that at some point I will get one QB in my hands. Also after a little bit of researching it seems the company is now based in Cyprus which from what I understand prevents issues with the Greek authorities (but don't quote me on that).
Some might think I'm too naive and that's fine. I don't really need a new grinder, I've done this to support someone with new ideas trying to make it in a difficult economy, if I give up on him now that's not how I see being supportive. I totally understand people being cautious about it until it hits the market, that's fair enough. What I find unfair is when someone not interested in the project comments negatively just for the sake of it.

Now while I'm at it, regarding it being a wood grinder, yes it'll require more tlc than an aluminium one, that's to be expected. I believe the word vernish was not employed properly and it's more like some bee wax with olive oil or something (would need to check earlier in the thread). I have a Lily, an Okin and for me it's not an issue to take care of those a bit more carefully than with other vapes. The QB to me is not the best grinder in the world in term of maintenance but that's not the purpose I expect to have for it.

Thanks mate for all the info.
Hopefully Michael will get access to the @QB-GON account and keep us posted. There were times, when they were active here... Which would be a great sign to see them communicating.
About the location change to Cyprus - would be great if that'd bring cheaper shipping options too. 19€ within the EU is just crazy for an item of that size and weight.

 

[Vitolo]

Funny this thread got updated during the night... I wrote them yesterday and got a reply within the day but since you guys have already buried them and are happily dancing on their grave,

OB-GON communicated with me by personal message in early 2016, just as the campaign was about to begin. He extensively described his attempts to get in business, and from his conversation and description, and by the support that he asked of me, as well as the videos he sent me, I responded immediately that I was not interested, and I gave him many reasons why.
Beeswax and olive oil do not make it better... it is still substance that you can wind up vaping.
My disinterest stemmed primarily from the facts that:
you have to hand feed in herb a tiny bit at a time, and help it through awkwardly with your fingers.
The herb will be slid as it is chopped through many flat blades making contact with each other, and my knowledge of how herb acts between sliding surfaces (like the outer ring of any metal grinder.)
Dancing on it's grave is a rough description of what I see here.

1. I see people wishing the project well, but saying that they were "out" (not participating)
2. I see disappointed people not being communicated with and sharing their experience.

Those expressing disappointment, and relaying their experience is honest feedback, and not grave dancing.
Those that are skeptical after communications with QB-GON are in their rights to express skepticism.
Others that have gone through a half dozen crowd funding debacles and see the handwriting on the wall can express this also.
Others wear rose colored glasses and believe this will happen, and for them I wish them that their dreams come true and that they do receive what they hoped for.
Experience is the best teacher.
One member here has posted that others are "happily dancing on graves". That member is also allowed to express their hopefulness that they have not been bilked and that this will be a success. I do not believe that those that are being doubtful or negative are "Happy" about their experiences, so if they are dancing at all it is not happily.

I'll let you enjoy yourselves

Thank you... just as we will try not to rain on your parade... and just as I do....I am sure everyone here wishes for you to enjoy yourself also!

 

[mestizo]

All this conversation reminds me of this.

You enjoy myself.

 

[°k]

I'll update this thread if/when I get relevant news, until then don't count on me to keep such conversation going.

 

[Vitolo]

I'll update this thread if/when I get relevant news, until then don't count on me to keep such conversation going.

We won't count on it.... you made your resentment of the points of view here abundantly clear in both public posts and messaging.
This gave me pause to dig deeper, and speak with a family member from http://www.thecrowdfundingcenter.com/
(separate entity from Indiegogo or FundRazr)
They explained that in September of 2016 the goal of €33,000 was met.
There is no member here that is trying to rain on your parade, but we all are allowed to express our view, concerns, lack of communication, and money spent.
Nobody was counting on you to keep the conversation going, in fact nobody directly attacked you here.
I would hope you would be as tolerant of other members and our point's of view.
Please @°k do not stop posting your optimistic posts, just because others are concerned about there less than hopeful experiences to date.

 

[°k]

Alright, what is your point with your family member explanation?

 

[Vitolo]

Alright, what is your point with your family member explanation?

MY point is abundantly clear.
I have a large family dispersed all over the world.
My cousin works with the website and permitted me access to the campaign information.
I expressed my views, and others have expressed their views, lack of communication and other concerns.
You have expressed yours and done so clearly, including your refusal to participate furthter unless you had an update.... yet here you are.
I was planning to keep my true views to myself, even though I expressed doubts early on in this thread.

You are pushing so hard, that I will now share my 1st response to QB-GON after he privately solicited me for help with his campaign and on the thread. I actually tried to keep my entire view to myself... but your tirade of less than pleasant messages to me and your posts have made me feel I should share this return message I sent to QB-GON from well over a year ago.
My first communication with QB-GON was when he told me "Every QB-GON have 40 magnets we have to glue, doing this one by one can be challenging and time consuming."
That turned me off, thinking of all that glue, and how many of the 40 magnets might come loose.
I kept an open mind and I studied…. and even contacted a young couple in Greece to help me get the facts. I corresponded with them daily for 6 months as they helped me keep track of what details they could gather.
I am sorry to rock any boats here, but I have no choice to stand by my impressions from early 2016 and my return message to @QB-GON after he contacted me.
I will not share his part of the conversation (which was totally respectful and understanding of my position), as that is a violation of his privacy, but I can share my response:

I studied your video long and hard.
I also went and watched all of your videos on Youtube.
I have never been good at pretending, and I find the truth always the best course of action.

The OB-GON grinder is undoubtedly unique.
It is beautiful, and obviouslly made with care.
It is a collectors piece, with a wonderful artistic form.
It is innocuous in appearance to a casual observer seeing it on a shelf, and does not draw attention as Marijuana paraphernalia.
It is well thought out, and intricate in it's mechanism, which would appeal to any engineer.
I am fascinated by the workmanship, but not being an engineer, I primarily look at a device from the standpoint of a Medical Marijuana Patient.
From what I see in the videos I feel personally disinterested for the following reasons.

1. The fact that is can be balanced has nothing to do with function.
2. It it does not appear easy to hold by all hands..
3. It is very complex with many working parts.
4. Meds are not enclosed.. so unit must be held upright and carefully.
5. You must hand feed small amounts of meds at a time.
6. The meds that are hand fed into device must be poked down, and then tapped around to get into the machinery.
7. The clicks of the Device (you must turn it twice- once in one direction and once in another ) seem rough and awkward, using discreet/specific movements rather than continuous gliding motion.
8. It appears that it will require more time consuming cleaning than traditional grinders

My preference is that the grinder hold the meds well and enclosed, the turns of the unit should be able to be accomplished in one direction or in a back and forth direction…. and when back and forth it should work with any degree of turn (1/4 turn, 1/2 turn, or even a minute back and forth jiggle.
I do not like the idea of forcing small amounts of meds through and working them through, my preference is to place whatever amount I like in the unit, and be done with it.
The complexity is wonderful for the proud user with time on his/her hands, but I see great advantage in using a tool that is 2 parts: top and bottom.
After watching the videos repeatedly I have decided not to get involved with this.
I wish the OB-GON greatest success, and I congratulate the soon to be proud owners of these never before seen design of Herbal Preparation Implements.

P.S. @ºk yes.. I do find myself to be a protector and defender of the Medical Marijuana Community, and I found your description of me that was meant to be an insult (Knight in White Armor) very flattering.

 

[°k]

MY point is abundantly clear.
I have a large family dispersed all over the world.
My cousin works with the website and permitted me access to the campaign information.
I expressed my views, and others have expressed their views, lack of communication and other concerns.
You have expressed yours and done so clearly, including your refusal to participate furthter unless you had an update.... yet here you are.
I was planning to keep my true views to myself, even though I expressed doubts early on in this thread.

Well it's not exactly clear to me what you're trying to say but in case it is that basically the QB Gon maker is running away with the campaign money then you need to stop making things up, I gave you a chance in private to review your facts before posting them here but you've decided to ignore what I said. I'll explain it again here, maybe this time you'll understand (I'll put pictures for you).

They explained that in September of 2016 the goal of €33,000 was met.

The Indiegogo campaign never gathered 33K$, it hardly got 5K$ if I remember well, enough for the maker to get a first batch he said back then. Your "in the know " family member got nothing but an incomplete report of the campaign and you're then making assumptions based on these incorrect facts. The campaign was set with what they call a "flexible funding"

When setting up a campaign you also have to put a goal even with flexible funding, here it was 33K€. So at the end of the campaign it was considered to be successful despite not reaching that amount. What your informer most likely saw was that the campaign had been successful and its goal was 33K€, easy to assume all that money was gathered when you ignore that it's flexible funding. What he didn't see either was that IGG never gave the money and refunded every orders on Sep 13:

The QB Gon maker updated us back then regarding this unfortunate turn of event:

That's basically why they decided to go for pre-orders. Hard to run away with money you never got, right?

Now let's go back to a few points you've mentioned because this got way beyond my tolerance level to BS...

First of all, "raining on my parade". You are not raining on my parade, I don't have any, you're raining on the QB maker's; if it wasn't for the fact I can't remain silent when people keep attacking someone with the same repetitive or irrelevant comments then I'd just shut up and ignore what you and some other (not everybody) say.
You made it clear this is not, according to your grinder expert pov, a grinder for people with dexterity issues. And I can perfectly believe you on this, but how many times do you have to say it? After a while it's not giving your point of view or warning people.
Say what you want about your last few posts not being directed at me but I don't see anyone else but me being quoted in your replies.
The knight in armor wasn't an insult, just a way to show how it looks like you think you have to defend others, but you defended someone I didn't attack...

Last thing, I know everybody likes you here and I stand no chance as I'm going against what you're saying, but I don't care at this point because this has gone beyond ridiculous.

 

[Vitolo]

Hard to run away with money

I never accused anyone with "running with money".
I expressed well founded doubts in the usefulness of the product, and I expressed support for those concerned with no communication, and money spent.
I told you after your tirade of insulting messages and filthy language toward me, that if my views were that upsetting you could touch the "IGNORE" button on me. I still encourage that.

 

[°k]

I never accused anyone with "running with money".
I expressed well founded doubts in the usefulness of the product, and I expressed support for those concerned with no communication, and money spent.
I told you after your tirade of insulting messages and filthy language toward me, that if my views were that upsetting you could touch the "IGNORE" button on me. I still encourage that.

You bring a "fact", I show you how incorrect it is, now you're ignoring that fact, that's pathetically rich. You could have at least the courtesy to acknowledge when I reply to what you say instead you're telling me to hit the ignore button, I can see after today how you like to distort facts and words to suit your point of view so I indeed have no more time to waste with you, keep on rambling and chasing windmills (to remain on the knight in armour reference you like so much), you do that very well.

 

[FlyingLow]

Fact: pretty fucking ridiculous to stand in defense of this grinder or the company behind it.... if for no other reason than they have not had the wherewithal to bring this to market nor meet any of their timing goals. Thats failure in any perspective.

Its a fucking grinder, not a watch. Don't over engineer and make too complex what should be a simple wheel....

 

[Vitolo]

You bring a "fact", I show you how incorrect it is, now you're ignoring that fact,

Not ignoring anything.. I messaged back and forth with you in private messaging for a VERY long time, until your language and insults became too vulgar, and your wording became laden with profanity.
That alone was not my reason for publicly not responding... It became time for bed.
You have not shown me anything incorrect. You posted a couple of images of company hype and excuses for why nothing is happening yet. Many Manufacturers have sent out notes and comments on official forms to explain away their unreliability. Many people with hopes that they backed the right horse, are hypnotized by the "hype" sent out to explain delays and non-conformance to expected standards of doing business.
I told you of 9 failed Crowdfunding projects....
They all sent out "official" notices designed to distract backers from the delays.
For a guy that has repeated:

I can see after today how you like to distort facts and words to suit your point of view so I indeed have no more time to waste with you

and you keep saying you are not coming back until you have real updates, yet here you still are throwing insults and coming back and posting in spite of your verbalizing that you would not participate.
I do not know why you have chosen to zero in on my words so strongly.... I must have hit a nerve!

keep on rambling and chasing windmills (to remain on the knight in armour reference)

I do not care as much for the knight in armor analogy....
I prefer "white Hat!:

If you'll cop to being a white hat and dispensing that pile of stems to those in need

I am allowed to post my views, and my views match those of most posters in this thread.

Fact: pretty fucking ridiculous to stand in defense of this grinder or the company behind it.... if for no other reason than they have not had the wherewithal to bring this to market nor meet any of their timing goals. Thats failure in any perspective.

Amen

 

[Edward Hyde]

""
Hey there! It's been a while

Here at QB-GON, we finished team regrouping by late 2016 and took the necessary steps to prioritize quality over quantity. As of now, our production line is running smoothly. We'll soon update delivery estimation through our website and facebook page. Stay tuned! ""


they posted on their facebook some pictures from their workshop and some parts been proceced with this message as a caption. Looks like they aint dead yet

 

[lazylathe]

Looks like a general woodwork shop with a finished grinder placed on a table saw.
Two blanks for a grinder that are partially sanded as well...

So new pictures posted of a workshop completed late 2016 and it is SPOTLESS!
Not even one QB-GON decal on a wall or anywhere to be seen...

For such a basic workshop to take over a year to put together seems a bit intense for me!

And one last point to take note of...
Their website says:

PRE ORDER NOW
COMING JANUARY 2017

It's almost the middle of February and they just have their workshop ready for production???

Come on!!! You don't need to be a super sleuth to figure this one out...

 

[Vitolo]

Looks like a general woodwork shop with a finished grinder placed on a table saw.
Two blanks for a grinder that are partially sanded as well...
So new pictures posted of a workshop completed late 2016 and it is SPOTLESS!
Not even one QB-GON decal on a wall or anywhere to be seen...
For such a basic workshop to take over a year to put together seems a bit intense for me!
And one last point to take note of...
Their website says:
PRE ORDER NOW
COMING JANUARY 2017
It's almost the middle of February and they just have their workshop ready for production???
Come on!!! You don't need to be a super sleuth to figure this one out...

I did not even notice that part.. GOOD EYE, @lazylathe
What I noticed was that the videos were as they all were.. no real time action, just video magic making things move by themselves, and posts from people complaining and asking about money spent.

Looks like they aint dead yet

No... @Edward Hyde is correct. It seems like they are not dead. A devoted wood fancier/woodworker always has a shop that is functioning on some level, whether minor or major. It appeared that the shop was in USA, by the fact that every item in all images is in English. Every item also looks brand new. Even the Stanley tool belt did not have a notch mark in it yet from being worn. I also could not help but notice when I blew the images up to a giant size on photoshop, that the fellow with the smiley face covering his face had a very young looking chin, and his hands were also those of a young man.
I am still wishing QB-GON a smooth journey.. wherever they are going with their idea.

Here at QB-GON, we finished team regrouping

@Edward Hyde ... Congratulations on your escalation to part of "Team QB-GON"!

 

[Edward Hyde]

Maybe i did some mistake on how i copy pasted it or maybe u didnt read what i said or maybe u read it but had just finished a bowl... I copy pasted this from their facebook page so its me saying we... its me "" quoting QB-gon "" and then saying that they uploaded this message.

indeed they are young men and i am pretty sure all these in the pictures are like their new location or new set up or something.

 

[Vitolo]

so its me saying we... its me "" quoting QB-gon "" and then saying that they uploaded this message.

Thank you for clarification.
I do not think I misread. I believe you may have just copied and pasted their message without adding correct quotation marks or using FCs quote feature.
I apologize for my misunderstanding of how the post was written.
@Edward Hyde ... high in my esteem for rapid clarification!

 

[Mr. Gweilo 420]

Well this thread has deteriorated somewhat

 

[Vitolo]

Well this thread has deteriorated somewhat

True enough.
When a thread lasts this long without anyone having the topic of discussion "in their hands", the discussion can become distorted, since nobody has an in hand unit as point of reference.
Perhaps they would have been well advised to not appearing here hoping for funding.... and waited until things were tried and true before allowing this many disappointments, comments and opinions to mount up.