Going Off Line? I'm Devastated

Yeah, I spotted that a few hours later when I visited the calculator side.

I don’t use the calculator myself. It’s 1 of 3 biggies out there, and does not fit my workstyle. Each of the 3 has something better than the other.

You might want to run like an anonymous questionaire on what users thought were the good, the bad, and the ugly if you want to keep it alive. What more or less they/we would want to drive engagement. Although I’m not a prolific poster, I won’t be doing a copy/paste on multiple sites.

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Hi All,

@Steampugs , Thank You for the update - really appreciate hearing a bit on the issues. Really.

I am not in the Vape business, I don’t work in a Vape Shop, so I won’t pretend I know a lot about the business as a whole, and the intricacies of operating a world wide website in today’s regulatory environment, but I’d like to voice a few thoughts please.

VC is not just a forum and database of information and cultural exchange. The views, exchanges, cultural commentary, narrative, and reviews and information exchange represent literally a cultural icon. We cannot lose this small treasure. I wish I understood more of what issues Grubby / @Grubby is facing. Financial? Regulatory? Medical/Age? (It happens – I just became a senior myself.) Desire to retire? Other? If we knew, we might have suggestions to offer.

Without knowing Grubby more personally, I sincerely hope that if the time comes where he no longer wishes to operate Vaping Community, that a succession plan is considered and begun. The culture history and information here should be preserved by a successor(s) with the same philosophies as Grubby and VC today.

On financials and the possibility of a subscription model, I hope actually that this is not the outcome. Grubby’s hard work on the recent redesign I speculate was in part done to help drive engagement? Moving to a financial model would need be analyzed on a cost-benefit perspective. If revenue does not go up enough to offset a loss of engagement of those unable/unwilling to pay, we’re back where we started. Perhaps a boost in advertising of and on VC, and more active promotion of a donation program might help, but the additional work might be asking too much of someone who has given so much. Additionally (and philosophically), the free exchange of views and information should be, you know, free. (Again, just my own view.)

I hope Grubby / @Grubby is well, and the Holiday Season finds him happy and healthy, but @Steampugs we definitely need to hear from Grubby, if he is able please? If I thought I could help I would offer to, but I’m not sure if there’s anything I can do to help.

Thanks for listening All.

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Thanks for sharing your thoughts, @CaptainKirk. You’re absolutely right—VC isn’t just a forum, it’s a treasure trove of knowledge, culture, and connection. Losing it would leave a massive void in the DIY community.

On the financial side, I think adding more ads could help bring in some cash. But here’s the thing—there are already two banner ads running right now. Has anyone actually clicked on them? Be honest, folks. If we’re not engaging with the ads that are up, it makes me wonder how effective that strategy really is.

What bugs me most is the type of ads we’d likely get. Let’s be real, most ads would be for disposables, and this community isn’t exactly the target market for that. We’re DIY mixers and builders, not disposable chuckers. It feels a bit off-brand, you know?

That said, maybe there’s another way. Flavorah recently acquired All The Flavors, so they clearly see value in supporting the DIY side of vaping. What if we reached out to them—or one of the other flavor houses? This forum has been instrumental in promoting their products. They might be willing to chip in to help save it.

Just a few thoughts. I’d love to hear what others think! And yeah, Grubby, if you’re reading this, we’d all love to hear from you when you’re ready. We’re here to help however we can.

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Well put, Kirk. I think it would be interesting to see the analytics of traffic to and from the site. If it’s viewership vs cost of hosting, maybe there needs to be an active member promoting the site on social media and google ads among other ways of generating revenue. It’s a Uk based site so having any reviewer/media type with a following to plant the seed that the site exists would be a win as well. Networking is a big part of these types of things and there are a number of shops like chefs and Dark star that may offer a link free of charge on their resource page on how to work with these flavourings in efforts to promote their own company.

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Good Morning All,

@OldGoat and @JoelSq, Thanks for your considered and thoughtful responses.

@OldGoat you might be on to something. Again, I’m not in the industry, however, disposables seem to be getting banned or restricted more and more. Affiliation with hardware and pod manufacturers might be something to target, however, a number of manufacturers are based in China. Again, I’m not in the industry, but receiving advertising funds from China could be a significant issue.

Clearly, one of the most important affiliations has been with @SessionDrummer - we can’t lose him from the Community. I’m also in the US, so I may not be tuned in to the UK base, however, I am aware that Vaping Bogan just relocated from Australia to the UK. Affiliations might be something to seek out, along with other leaders from YouTube and other places. This might however be part of the regulatory issues facing the Community - policy changes at YouTube. I seem to keep noticing that Reviewers are being policed by AI, and are receiving bans as a result. Imagine that - we’re getting policed by AI, instead of the other way around, but I digress.

Communities like this are the absolute backbone of the DIY community, and the backbone of that are the flavor houses and the DIY hardware manufacturers. Without them, DIY would not be possible. I believe this should be the focus, and I agree with @OldGoat wholeheartedly.

Again, I’m not in the industry, but I feel all possibilities should be considered. Folks, one last thing. If Grubby’s mind is made up and there is no way to work through problems and reverse the decision, perhaps a final alternative would be to sell the site to a new owner or ownership group. It pains me greatly to have to offer that suggestion, but there’s not a lot of time.

Again, Thanks for listening Folks.

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Well, how’s this for bittersweet? Today’s my cake day here on VC—two years since I joined—and now we’re talking about the forum shutting down. Honestly, it’s a tough pill to swallow. I mean, I came here as a newbie with a stash of flavors and way too much confidence, thinking I knew what I was doing. Turns out, I knew nothing.

This place? It’s been more than just a forum for me. It’s been a community of like-minded flavor chasers, DIY tinkerers, and straight-up legends. From the first “What am I doing wrong?” post to the back-and-forth about the perfect custard, I’ve learned so much here—and had a damn good time doing it.

The thing is, VC isn’t just a site you visit; it’s a place you belong. It’s where you can throw up a recipe, get brutally honest feedback (and some praise when you nail it), and feel like you’re part of something bigger. We’ve laughed, argued, and debated everything from the best vanilla custard to whether steeping is a myth.

And now? Now we’re talking about all of this coming to an end. It’s a gut punch, for sure. But instead of getting all doom and gloom, let’s keep this community alive as long as we can. Post your recipes, share your tips, and let’s go out with a bang.

Two years ago, I had no idea I was joining something this special. And yeah, it sucks that we’re here now, but at least we’re here together. Let’s make these last moments count.

Here’s to VC, the people, and all the madness we’ve shared. Keep mixing, keep building, and let’s do this thing right.

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Happy Cake Day @OldGoat.

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Copying and pasting the lede in my last review …

I’m adding this special note only here, on the VC review. It is with a sad heart, that I am posting, what may probably be the LAST review I post here, on the VC. I had thought at first, about not posting it here, and just continuing on and posting it on my other sites, but why ?? LOL. NOPE, it’s getting posted here, because it BELONGS here.

I was here from the beginning, and spent countless hours with Grubby, trying to hash out features, working out bugs, testing and much, much more. HE was the one sitting on the head end, and figuring it all out, and I just had the easy job of saying, “Hey, this is BROKE” !!! LOL, ok, maybe it was a little more involved, but you get the point.

In the beginning, there had been some “issues” and “fallout” on another site, and it seemed like creating an alternate site was needed, and it was done. The site, Grubby’s enhancements, and of course, the VCC Calculator !!!

I don’t think ANYONE could review like Paul (@Steampugs), with his wit, and rapidfire ani gifs !!! No one could replicate that level of insanity hehe. @woftam was always helping out, and taking on probably some of the less glorious tasks, but it just worked.

I salute the team here at the VC, and each, and every single one of the members. You guys all made this what it was, EACH, and EVERY one of you.

Semper Fucking Fi, and enjoy my review of the Vaperz Cloud Osiris Mini !!!

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I have been having a hiatus from forums lately mostly because of the loss of the use of my left arm (I’m left handed) and it’s long winded and tiring process of trying to type anything legible but when I read my email updates from V.C containing this thread I was horrified and had to share my thoughts and support so please bare with me for any mistakes.
This is such sad news especially after all of the hard work Grubby @Grubby has put into fine tuning this amazing forum and calculator for which I am extremely grateful. I am also very grateful to @Steampugs, @woftam, @SessionDrummer and everyone else who has worked tirelessly behind the scenes and to those that have contributed to making this the great place that it is by adding their content to the forum and calculator.
I am not very computer savvy or have any bright ideas to offer on how to save our beloved V.C but I would like to know why @Grubby has come to this very sad and final decision and I really hope he is okay. I very much agree with all that has already been said and the ideas that have been proposed, they all bare some weight and are worthy of serious consideration. I am going to miss you guys here on the V.C very much and the fountain of knowledge that this place has provided me with for which I am extremely grateful. I am so sorry that I can’t type much more but I wanted you all to know that I am behind you all on this and will be here in the background for the remainder of the time we have left together here on the V.C.

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Very well said @JimmyLee. Being a fellow southpaw, I’m very sorry to hear about your current situation, as I had no clue. I don’t know what’s involved, or the factors, but I wish you Godspeed on recovering.

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Good news, Thanks to @Grubby we are going to keep things up.

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Thanks to @cloudycaptain for taking this place on :beers:

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@cloudycaptain i think I speak for everyone here when I say ‘THANK FUCK FOR THAT’ :grimacing::scream:
Very happy that you decided to take it on mate, im sure youll get a warm welcome from this motley crew of reprobates :wink::ok_hand::ok_hand:

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Oh no, please tell me hanky is not here too!? :rofl:

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I think we’re actually safe there B :laughing::laughing:

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@cloudycaptain, VERY glad to hear that. Very glad indeed. Just made the Holidays, even better.

:slight_smile:

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WoW!! Well, first…welcome to VC, @cloudycaptain :wave:

And, secondly…THIS is awesome news! Really glad you’re coming aboard, to keep this ship afloat. We’ll be hearing more from you, I’m sure. You’ve got some big shoes to fill, bud. It’s a Christmas miracle. :grinning:

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Anchors up, cap’n

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VC is saved, baby! Just when it looked like the end of the road, the community came through, and now we’re here, celebrating what feels like the best Christmas gift ever.

Massive shoutout to @Grubby for everything you’ve done. You built VC from the ground up and gave us a home to share, learn, and connect. None of this would’ve been possible without your hard work and dedication. You’re the true OG of this community, and we owe you big time.

And a huge welcome and thank you to @Cloudycaptain for stepping in to take the reins. Keeping this place alive is no small job, but you’ve already shown you’ve got what it takes to carry VC forward. We’re all behind you, ready to keep this amazing vibe going.

I also gotta shout out everyone who spoke up in the “Save VC” thread. Every comment, idea, and bit of support showed just how much this place means to all of us. I’m sure all of that played a massive role in turning things around. It just goes to show—when this community comes together, we’re unstoppable.

Merry Christmas to all of you! Let’s keep making this place the best spot for mixing, sharing, and hanging out. Here’s to a bright future for VC. Cheers, my friends!

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