Recent transactions with Aura Lens

[glassfreek]

I have been getting my glasses from Mike at Auralens for the whole of my 15+ years of glass. The first pair I bought is still in service today, scratched due to my clumsiness but totally serviceable. I remember the struggle many years back, and that was just that, many years back. I am not seeing late orders or long term waits in the years since. I have referred all of my students to him for coverage for the last 10 years.

Sure, he is feisty, however I have never seen him go off without a provocation in many many years. There are professional ways to bring light to an issue, and that is always the most productive route. If you come at him crazy, you are probably going to have that served back to you. Most of the supplier's company owners got some feist. None got here without being able to push back. It is simply the spirit of entrepreneurs making a path in an industry in its infancy. There are small businesses in our community that do not play the big bucks advertising game and we come face to face with you in forums instead. I think being accessible is important. Yes, getting Mike riled up can happen, but he has improved in large strides in the last 5 years. I think he struggles a bit with walking away from a scuffle, but so do the opposing parties that he can scuffle with, or there would be no one to retort to.

He was there for us before so many others got in the game and got it right the first time on protecting our most valuable asset as artists. He does not cheap down the product to make it less effective and more budget friendly, he is only willing to sell a product that does the real job. Cutting corners is not his style. That is what counts here, our protection.

I ordered a pair for my son this past week. Ordered on Thursday and had them in hand by Monday. Exactly what I ordered, with cases, lanyards, and all the paperwork. I can't wait for next week to level up my son on his big day. He has been using cheap Phillips glasses that are leaving him with eyes strain. I am up for a new set with my changing prescription, and that will be Mikes order to fill as well. I don't trust any other filter company to be as on top of the coatings and the quality control. My last pair of scrips were better than the ones my local optometrist had made. I need trifocals with astigmatism correction, and that is a tall order in small frames that fit my face. You will never see 3 different shades of shade 4 with Mike, it will be the one top notch shade. I only have one set of eyes, and they are in his hands. I have never been let down or disappointed. He has my trust.

[Jason Lindquist]

As a relative newcomer to the world of glass, I wasn't around when the turmoil surrounding Aura Lens was going on. However, during my 8 months of preparation prior to lighting the torch, I did a lot of homework. The lion's share of that homework consisted of reading every single sub-forum on TMP from back to front. Every thread, every post. (As well as large portions of Lampwork, Etc. and other media.) So, I'm fairly familiar with what went down.

Things got pretty heated. There were a lot of hurt feelings, and a lot of folks feeling like they had been cheated and treated poorly. A lot of harsh words were said. It's completely understandable for some of those that were directly involved to have lingering animosities towards Mike. He's a passionate guy, and sometimes that personality trait can lead to things getting... passionate.

I've owned a small construction company in the past; I know what it's like to find yourself in the weeds, where you're hopelessly behind and have angry clients coming at you from all sides. It's a difficult situation to be in, and doesn't tend to bring out the better angels of your nature.

So, all that being said, I'll just say this:

When it became obvious that corrective lenses were going to be necessary, I took an objective look at the quality of protection being offered and never really had to think twice about choosing Auras.

Last spring, during the four hour drive to Mike's shop so that I could try on some different frames (I have a hard time finding off-the-shelf frames that are comfortable.), I couldn't help wondering what I was in for. All of that past drama was messing with my head.

I needn't have worried.

Mike gave me the nickel tour of his shop, spent time showing me the spectrum analysis charts of his new DASH 40 filter, and helped me find a comfortable pair of frames. We inked the deal, and I drove away pondering how much longer I was going to have to get by with my crappy Phillips specs before I took possession of the new pair.

Again, I needn't have worried.

My order arrived in just over a week, despite the bottleneck in production due to transitioning to the new base glass. I love my Auras! The shade 5's are a little too dark so I'll be ordering some 3's when I get my tax refund.

Maybe Mike has mellowed with age? Maybe he's found a balance between production and demand? I dunno. I had a very positive experience, and I'll most likely cover my eyes with Auras from now on. At least until the patent runs out, or until they cover my eyes with coins to pay Charon his porterage.:dieslaugh

YMMV

[oG Glocc Coma]

Purchased Glass During Nov. Sale 2015

Had my Glasses 2-3 weeks later(before christmas even!)

Communication: 5 out of 5, Got emails when order was first received, being processed, and then another before they shipped. Mike was super helpful on the phone when choosing what shade would be best for my working style. We settled on a Shade 4 because I felt my shop was too dark for Shade 5's. He answered all questions through the forum and FB really fast.

Overall Experience: 5 out of 5. As this was my first purchase from Aura I have no complaints and nothing I could list that they could have done better during our transaction


I understand the feelings of some that have been dealing with issues while a small company that was experiencing growing pains. It seems like he has listened to these complaints and made his process better over time but I must say as my only experience being very recent I have absolutely nothing to complain about from a customer standpoint.

[Simian]

Love mine, got em straight from Mike. Super fast and great quality.

[HumanLathe]

I just messeged mike through email to call me and I recieved a call within 10 minutes and had ordered my glasses. I have always had great service from Mike. When I wanted a split lens on a a pair of biker sryle sunglasses mike took on the challenge 15 years ago. Nowadays it's no big deal back then it was a super pain in the ass. But what I recieved in the mail was nothing but a top notch product that I used up until losing them on a trip 2 weeks ago. We are all passionate about what we do and some are more hot headed than others. But when you are doing something that protects people's eyes and you are the leading company doing so you have earned the right to have your voice heard and your thoughts and expertise respected.

[Mac Maestro]

I broke my glasses. Tried to call Aura a couple times with no answer I was thinking "here we go"

HOWEVER! I emailed mike - He replied promptly. Had my glasses sent out and just got them back fixed. I'm super happy with the warrantee program and the email customer service.

I've been critical in the past but I have nothing but good things to say in the present. Thank you mike @ Aura!

[Silly]

Ordered some Aura glass's for my prescription
Order was done fast with excellent communication

Unfortunately the glass's were damaged in transit and Aura did an amazingly fast job no questions asked to remidy the issue with a 1 day turn around.

Could not ask for better personal service


BTW I have a tough prescription to make and they nailed it dead on. Glasses are fantastic for my clear boro work. Will be getting everyone in the shop a pair


:)

[wesleypipes]

I just wanted to thank mike for some great customer service. Got some replacement glasses quick and easy with no charge.

[Mike_Aurelius]

Glad to help you out!

[Trevor]

I recently ordered some auras. They shipped the next day. They came with a quality metal case which was a nice surprise. I got 4/6 splits and I'm really happy with them so far.

[Hayes]

No reason not to chime in...I ordered legend wraps a week or two ago, shade 5 with AGW-250. They arrived promptly in excellent condition and feel amazing on my face. Thanks Mike.

[Mike_Aurelius]

You are both very welcome!

[apophasis]

Called to order a set of goggles, no call back for two days so I sent an email inquiring... I said I had some questions about fit, etc, and also some concerns about service based on the feedback I'd read online. I was polite, friendly and respectful.

Mike responded to me with a complete dismissal, saying that I was trying to "push his buttons", I guess because I had the temerity to mention that there had been some issues and I wanted to make sure they were cleared up now... I said I absolutely wasn't trying to push any buttons, just had some questions and concerns before placing my $500 order. I asked him to call me the next day. Basically, I tried to give him a second chance. Instead, Mike responded with an email calling me a "troll", saying that because I don't have a website I'm "nobody" in the glass world, and asserting that I "live in my car and drink my own piss" and that nobody gives a fuck about me or what I think.

Seriously. That was his response.

He "checked around" online, and says he talked to several people in my state, (!) and because I'm not a big-name glassblower, I guess he doesn't feel like he has to give me basic human respect, let alone decent service. Really? He accused me of lying, essentially, and doubted my very existence, then totally dismissed me. I guess he thinks I had no objective but to annoy him, and I guess he thinks that somebody inquiring if his well-documented service issues are a thing of the past is unacceptable and offensive. And he thinks the way to react to an inquiry is with a volley of insults and gross disrespect. I guess he expects customers to come crawling and kiss his ass, actually. No, thanks.

I'm appalled, and I'm done. I'd never deal with Mike, no matter how good his product might be. His attitude is ridiculous and totally unprofessional, personally insulting. He seems actually mentally unstable to me, paranoid and somewhat delusional. Get some help, Mike, seriously. And get somebody else to do customer service, is my advice, not that you care about service, obviously...

I wish there were more options for eye protection, and maybe I'll buy a used pair of Auras, but I'd never give my money to somebody who abuses a potential customer like that. Just thought I'd share my recent very unfortunate experience, and recommend that anybody contemplating ordering from Mike give him a call or two, feel out his attitude before plunking down your cash. Obviously, if there was an issue with an order, he would not offer service with a smile, seeing as he viciously attacked a potential customer and killed a sale, for no reason whatsoever... What a bummer. If you're in business, you really need to be professional, polite, and cultivate your people skills... Unless you have a complete monopoly, I guess.

[Mike_Aurelius]

Let's be perfectly honest here. The following is a direct copy of his first e-mail to me:


Hey Mike (and company)-

I hear your shades are the absolute best. I also hear you're super hard to deal with, or have been. Well, I want the best protection for my eyes, and for my students' eyes. However, I also want prompt service with a smile, if at all possible. Do me right, and I'll be happy to promote you on the fora and elsewhere. Take care of me, and I'll sell your product. Do me wrong, and I'll spread the word. Your call, here I am for the first time. Waiting for you to return my call and answer some questions... I want to be happy, and I want your product. Meet me at least halfway, and don't make me buy Philips, okay?


My response to this was the following:


That's kind of an odd way to start a relationship. I don't work well with people who try purposely to push my buttons. It usually doesn't turn out well.


To which he responded with:


Really? I have concerns, and you don't want to address them? Okay. I guess you're not willing to meet me halfway, and that's a deal breaker for me.

If you change your attitude, and want to return my calls and answer some questions, as well as assuring me that the service nightmares others have experienced are a thing of the past, please drop a line tomorrow.


Not trying to push your buttons, but you have a bad rep, which you are right now conforming to me personally.


Wow, what a bad way to deal with a potential customer.


One last time...


And I sent back:


You've made claims about my attitude and business model, yet you apparently have not done any research on any of the available glassworking forums in the past 3-4 years. Had you done so, you would find the information you seek about my business and attitude.

You strike me as a high-maintenance potential customer, and I have neither the time nor the energy to deal with a lot of hand-holding. I have hundreds of other customers who don't need to be coddled in order to buy product from me.

Which brings up another point: who ARE you? I spent a fair amount of time last night looking for an on-line presence for you in the glassworking world and found...nothing. You claim to have students in your first e-mail, yet you don't advertise for classes. The only internet record of you about glassworking appears to be two comments from you on a YouTube video.

I discussed this last night on Facebook with a lot of folks who actually live in New Mexico, and they've never heard of you. And a few of them are quite well known in the glass world, and 2 or 3 of them actually teach.

All of this leads me to one conclusion: you are a troll. Normally, I put you on my 'High Flame' setting, but I haven't got time -- I've got a business to run with real customers and real orders to fill.

Good day to you sir. And "Nice Try"

Mike (from home)


And it went downhill from there:


You're an asshole. I don't care how good your product is; I'll never buy from you. I'll spend the rest of my career dissuading others from buying from you. And I'll let everyone know that your attitude problems continue to the present day.

See, that was my concern; that you're an asshole. And you are, obviously.

As to who I am, I'm a customer with money in hand, but not for you. Troll? Dude, you're the troll. I wanted to see if you had a professional attitude. You don't.

Fuck off, Mike. You're a goddamned troll, with a new enemy, because of your ridiculous attitude.

Fuck off.

Bye.

"I don't work well with people..." -Mike Aurelius

You said it.


and:


Hey jackass- I didn't make any "claims;" just told you what I heard in my rather extensive research. Lots of people hate you personally, and lots of people have had problems with your service, and your attitude. Now I see why. You're a fucking asshole. Now, not four years ago.

I'm high-maintenance because I have questions? Okay. You don't want my business, you don't have to answer calls or have a businesslike professional attitude? Fine. You strike me as the kind of stuck-up prick I absolutely refuse to do business with.

Yeah, I don't really have a web presence. How is that relevant to anything? Do I need to be famous to get a civil response from the great Mike Aurelius, or something? No, you don't know who the fuck
I am. But I know who and what you are. I gave you a chance, and your decision is going to cost you quite a bit of money. But then, you don't really care about the money, do you? No, you care about being a dick. Yay, you win! Now fuck off. You will come to regret being such a prick, but by then it will be too late...


And it went downhill from there. So, this wasn't JUST a nice calm friendly request for some help, this was an in-your face, do me right or I will fuck your business up e-mail. I ain't got time for that.

Take it as you will.

[Bodie]

Hey Tor, your first e-mail to Mike was NOT polite, friendly or professional. You started with accusations, and a confrontational attitude. Don't poke the bear then ask him to give you his picnic basket! Mike delivers the best products in a timely manner and is a very respected part of the lampworking family! THANKS MIKE!!!!!

[Simian]

Called to order a set of goggles, no call back for two days so I sent an email inquiring... I said I had some questions about fit, etc, and also some concerns about service based on the feedback I'd read online. I was polite, friendly and respectful.

Mike responded to me with a complete dismissal, saying that I was trying to "push his buttons", I guess because I had the temerity to mention that there had been some issues and I wanted to make sure they were cleared up now... I said I absolutely wasn't trying to push any buttons, just had some questions and concerns before placing my $500 order. I asked him to call me the next day. Basically, I tried to give him a second chance. Instead, Mike responded with an email calling me a "troll", saying that because I don't have a website I'm "nobody" in the glass world, and asserting that I "live in my car and drink my own piss" and that nobody gives a fuck about me or what I think.

Seriously. That was his response.

He "checked around" online, and says he talked to several people in my state, (!) and because I'm not a big-name glassblower, I guess he doesn't feel like he has to give me basic human respect, let alone decent service. Really? He accused me of lying, essentially, and doubted my very existence, then totally dismissed me. I guess he thinks I had no objective but to annoy him, and I guess he thinks that somebody inquiring if his well-documented service issues are a thing of the past is unacceptable and offensive. And he thinks the way to react to an inquiry is with a volley of insults and gross disrespect. I guess he expects customers to come crawling and kiss his ass, actually. No, thanks.

I'm appalled, and I'm done. I'd never deal with Mike, no matter how good his product might be. His attitude is ridiculous and totally unprofessional, personally insulting. He seems actually mentally unstable to me, paranoid and somewhat delusional. Get some help, Mike, seriously. And get somebody else to do customer service, is my advice, not that you care about service, obviously...

I wish there were more options for eye protection, and maybe I'll buy a used pair of Auras, but I'd never give my money to somebody who abuses a potential customer like that. Just thought I'd share my recent very unfortunate experience, and recommend that anybody contemplating ordering from Mike give him a call or two, feel out his attitude before plunking down your cash. Obviously, if there was an issue with an order, he would not offer service with a smile, seeing as he viciously attacked a potential customer and killed a sale, for no reason whatsoever... What a bummer. If you're in business, you really need to be professional, polite, and cultivate your people skills... Unless you have a complete monopoly, I guess.

Man. Your initial threat got a response that was far more diplomatic than it should have. No one should pander to that kind of shitty attitude.


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[Mute]

I thought this place was about blowing glass, not this shit.

[Simian]

You would also think a thread entitled "transactions" would be about someone that actually did business with someone and not about their threats getting the cold shoulder.


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[Charles_marble]

Ha. Watched that whole thread go down. Courteous and professional is not what happened.
Poke the bear is a very apt analogy.
And yeah he got served with a lot more professionalism than most would offer.

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[Mike_Aurelius]

Thanks guys.

[CrystalDToys]

I understand customer service BUT I also understand that I want the very best available to me when I am looking for eye protection! Mike has never been anything but prompt and courteous to me, even when asking questions that probably most of you would have already known. I even ordered the lens kit for my Iphone and love it! I think most anyone would have bristled when reading an email such as you sent, maybe its your communication skills that need a little work?

Shellie

[Mr.P0rn]

@apop - You say "His attitude is ridiculous and totally unprofessional, personally insulting. He seems actually mentally unstable to me, paranoid and somewhat delusional." ......I think this is more true about you than it is about him. How was your initial response not exactly ALL OF THESE THINGS? Unprofessional, personally insulting, paranoid, delusional. I can't imagine that in the real world, you deal with people with veiled threats, semi veiled insults, and an overly self righteous attitude. If you do, I would love to see the response you get from people who treat all other people the same. In any case....I have no idea why you thought your initial inquiry was acceptable, but it wasn't. If i had been Mike, I'd of been really offended, too. You say that when you are in business, you need to be professional, polite, and cultivate your people skills. Are the students you are teaching part of a business you operate? Because you seem to have completely failed to act professional or polite. I also can't imagine that starting a business relationship by threatening the owner of the business you want to work with could be considered "people skills". No one would appreciate a customer that acted like you did, and your actions are not excusable by the fact that years ago Mike had some issues (a time when i suspect you probably didn't even blow glass, because your approach and seemingly lack of knowledge about mike and his CURRENT reputation (since you said his reputation is bad), seems to imply you might be new to the industry.)
And after all of that, and him basically telling you to go fuck yourself, which you deserve with your "Hello, I am a seemingly polite customer, please do me right or i will fuck you big time" attitude, you say that because he didn't eat your shit, that you will "dissuade people from buying his products and tell them about his attitude" Where can I talk to your business partners and students about your heady rich kid entitled attitude, and lack of respect for other people? People who want to work with you might want to know about your shitty behavior. I know I wouldn't do business with you after seeing how you acted towards Mike. You threatened him in the first message, and the threats even continue now. Your response to his response is unreal.

Story time - I thought I might give you a little bit of helpful advice Apop. I blew glass when Mike had issues, and I saw first hand how people had had trouble. Since then, I've seen him make an admitted return to the industry, and I've seen him patch up relationships with pretty much everyone. I had the same concerns you did, and you know how I handled it? I messaged Mike, and I talked to him. I didn't threaten him, he didn't owe me anything, and I didn't try to bend him over a barrel, We just shot the shit. He clearly cares about his customers and his business. He has personally helped me with non-glasses related topics more times than i can count, for free. He has helped me set up probably 4 studios now, with one of them being a giant commercial space for a BUNCH of people. He did it for FREE. So that I (and my students!) could be safe. He's never asked me for anything in return. I've bought at LEAST 4 pairs of aura lens in the last two years from him, and everything has went well. Now you know how i feel about Mike? I like him, respect him, appreciate him, and I'm not worried about him. That's how you treat someone when you have a concern, like a person. Had you of had even a little respect for him as another human being, and not threatened him, you likely would of got a response from a totally different person. Even now, your threats persist. You're going down the wrong path in this industry. The one thing I can say is that after all the help Mike has provided me, the least I can do is speak out against people like you when they pop up.

[snoopdog6502]

Mike way way more then nice, the initial email basically was to the effect.. "I hear you are an asshole but you should kiss my butt for money."

Getting personal is not how you do business, say what you need, get a quote, pay the bill and go away happy is how it should work. Get a clue dude.

I know I would have not been so kind as Mr Aurelius.

[Mike_Aurelius]

Apparently Mr. Matson has a long history of abusive business relationships:

https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/110261008798348537607/reviews/@38.944564,-91.3632896,5z

(I actually didn't know you could look up a person's Google review history. Interesting.)

[Mike_Aurelius]

And this e-mail arrived about 10 minutes ago:


You’re fucked up, guy. What the hell is this piss-drinking thing? Is that just a random insult you like to hurl, or what?

Guys like you always cry that they’re being “threatened”. I am going to laugh my ass off when you go out of business. That’s not a threat. That’s a promise.


Along the way, if there’s anything I can do to hurt your business, I’ll probably do it, honestly. I’ll steer everyone I can away from you, and I’ll talk shit about you to anyone who will listen. And if I can help a competitor of yours, I’ll do it, provided one ever appears… Man, there’s a market space there, just waiting to be filled by a non-asshole company… Hmm.


You’ve generated ill will, senselessly and singlehandedly. You're happy about that? You think that’s fucking funny? Then laugh it up, motherfucker. You’re a fucking asshole, and I’ll laugh when you go under. We’ll see who’s laughing in a few years, Mike. I’m going to cost you a lot of money, starting with the $500 you just lost, today. I just posted a “NO AURALENS” sign in my shop. You happy? You think that’s funny? Laugh it the fuck up, dude. You just made an enemy of another human being, for no good reason. You’re a bad person, Mike. You think that’s funny? You’re sick.


And if it makes you happy to believe that I don’t have a workplace or a torch, or students, then be happy. I have nothing to prove to you. Quite the reverse. You needed to prove to me that you’re worth doing business with, and you just failed. I’m too demanding as a customer? Great! You’re a shitty supplier. Later!


Thanks for demonstrating that you are, in fact, a complete fucking asshole. That was my main concern. That’s what I wanted to know. Now, excuse me while I spend my money elsewhere. Yeah, I know, you think I don’t actually have any money, and I was just here to annoy you. You don’t believe I really exist. You might want to get those delusions and paranoia checked out, buddy, because you are fucking crazy, and not in a good way.


Yo, reality calling- I’m a potential customer you just alienated for life, and irritated, to boot. Two days ago, I wanted to buy your goggles, but now I want to hurt your business, because you’re such a fucking prick. Great social skills there, Mike. Great business skills, too. Wow. Obviously you don’t need the money, because you inherited enough from your daddy that you don’t need to be a real businessman, nor a human being, and you can act like a piece of shit to anyone you choose. That’s clearly your attitude. Well, fuck you and everybody like you, Mike. The second a competitor appears, you’re done. Count yourself lucky you have a monopoly for the moment, mr. big-fish-asshole in the small-glass-glasses pond.


You are such a dick, dude. Even if I am "nobody in the glass world”, even if I did live in a car and drink my piss for whatever reason, you really ought to be nice to potential customers, or at least professional. Your rep online is really bad, personally and professionally, and potential customers have a right to ask if you’ve gotten your shit together… Which clearly, you haven’t. I guess you think you only need to be nice to big-name “somebodies”… Sad. And hey dumbass- I might be the biggest glass shop in NM next year. I might be starting up. Did that ever occur to you? Guess not.


Whatever; you’re an asshole and you’re never, ever, getting any of my money, even if your product is the absolute best. I’ll buy a pair of Aura’s used, if Philips don’t make me happy, but I will never, ever give you a dime, because you’re a fucking asshole. We done yet? Now please shut the fuck up, and quit emailing me.


Happy online stalking, fucktard. I don’t live online. I think you might have me confused with somebody else, but I truly do not care what you “think” about me, or anything else. You probably ought to shut up and just make glasses, if you can do that well, and refrain from dealing with people. You suck at it. But thanks for the critique of my social skills. Coming from you, it means… Nothing, actually.


Bye.


PS- since I’m so “boring", please quit rapid-fire emailing me. Find somebody else to obsess on. Seriously, you’re disturbed. Your reactions are not normal. Personality disorder, I think.


PPS- I’m not an “internet” anything, Mike. I’m a real human being, who lives in the real world. You have just insulted and offended me, and there will be multiple consequences for your actions. This isn’t a fucking game, bro. I don’t know who the fuck you think you are, but you’re wrong. Very wrong. Needless to say, you better hope you never meet me in real life. We’re a long way apart right now, but if you ever tried to disrespect me like that in person, well, I guess I’d probably bounce your skull off the pavement a few times, most likely. But I doubt you’d talk your shit in person. You’re a coward and a bully; same thing. I know your type. Now fuck off.


PPPS- I bet you’re so fucking stupid and belligerent that you don’t understand that I’m helping you right now. You’re welcome. Bye.

[istandalone24/7]

holy fucking shit. psychotic.

[cheesebox]

This whole thing is pretty sad, he definitely needs to seek some help

[Simian]

Can we ban this savage from the board already?

[FifDeez]

Wow it's amazing how many people that "attempt" torching at some point in life seem to need therapy.

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[snoopdog6502]

Truly some people have nothing better to do. Hard core substance abuse and alcoholism make people act like this. You can bet their personal relationships are a disaster too.

We will see how my finances go but Next month Id like to get some Aura clip-ons and be confident I have the best eyeware in the industry.

The rantings of a kook always backfires. I vote with my wallet and if I dont like something for any reason I dont buy it and move on..

[dplaza]

Mike called it... troll. And seriously if 500 bucks is a large amt of money your not a glass blower, this game ain't cheap.

[Greymatter Glass]

So... without making a final call on it, here's my thoughts:

Apophosis approached this wrong from the state, and has a clear online history of being a contrarian... he might not be the nicest person online, at least with his reviews... the jury's still out. Mike has every right to defend himself and his business, but please, Mike, consider that posting long chains of email only serves to incite more drama... we get it, the guy's a dick... enough.

There are certainly issues of professionalism here, but as it affects the forum... there's nothing I see here worthy of a ban.

Thanks to everyone who reported this, let's move on....

[zelis]

Humans are so funny. I respect anyone who deals with young stoners Daily for years on end.
Took me a couple pair of phillips before I got some Auras. Never going back.
Thanks Mike for not giving up and for dealing with all us crazys glass heads...

[Mike_Aurelius]

Doug - point taken, thanks. I did it mostly as a cautionary tale for anyone in NM who might do business with this guy. I received several PM's from other wholesalers/dealers/manufacturers cautioning me to be very careful with him -- as his rants grow in intensity, so do the threats of physical violence. I know you and Rashan can take care of yourselves, but its the other folks in The Land of Enchantment that wouldn't know to be cautious.

[Joe Userton]

I can say one good thing about this whole thread, it's served as a reminder to me that I really need to rethink my eye protection.

My current setup involves a pair of didymium glasses followed by shade 3 clip ons followed by my regular glasses perched out at the end.

As you might imagine, this is as ridiculous looking as it is poorly fitting.

I've been going through all the options on your web page, and I think I've got it down to 2. I just don't have the budget to get a pair done with my prescription, so I'm comparing the fit overs to the clip ons. I'm leaning toward clip ons due to lower weight, but I'm not sure if there are any other pros and cons between these options I might be missing.

Thanks.

[Mike_Aurelius]

Fit overs are going to block any extraneous light coming in from above, below, and sides due to the way the frame is designed. It's a big, wide frame and can accommodate many different Rx frame sizes and shapes, while a clip on is going to be limited pretty much to what you have right now. Additionally, clip on frames don't work very well with semi-rimless (string mount) frames or drill-mount frames.

The only drawback to either choice is that there is no availability of split lens designs. I made this decision on purpose due to not being able to guarantee that the clip on or fit over is going to fit so the split lens line is straight across both eyes in the same position. There's nothing worse than a split lens where the line doesn't line up between the right and left eyes.

[Greymatter Glass]

I know you and Rashan can take care of yourselves...

Just to clarify, I no longer work with Rashan and will not vouch for him, I kicked him out over 3 years ago.

[Simian]

just to clarify, i no longer work with rashan and will not vouch for him, i kicked him out over 3 years ago.

lmao.

[Swampy]

Use your beautiful mind to uplift our civilisation, just imagine what would happen when you put your lifetime experience and creativity into that.

That's what this forum has always been about; sharing our knowledge in a respectful and business-like manner.

Everyone deserves a second chance, don't fuck it up though.



snip>
Called to order a set of goggles, no call back for two days so I sent an email inquiring... I said I had some questions about fit, etc, and also some concerns about service based on the feedback I'd read online. I was polite, friendly and respectful.

Mike responded to me with a complete dismissal, saying that I was trying to "push his buttons",
<snap

TL/DR; hostile witness

[PyroChixRock]

apophasis, do you realize that if you ever really did cost Mike any customers or money that he could sue you for libel/slander, and that he's already won based on the multiple threats you've made to attempt to hurt his business. None of us will take you seriously anyway so you might as well find a different way to spend your time.

You were given an infraction by a member so I can't infract you again without deleting his, so instead consider that infraction an official warning even though it didn't come from a staff member. I have taken note of your personal attacks. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the Terms of Service (http://www.talkglass.com/forum/showthread.php?13-Terms-Of-Service-all-members-please-read) here which you agreed to during the registration process. Personal attacks and attempts to disrupt the forum are not welcome here.


Also, on a personal note, friends don't let friends wear Phillips. :tongue2:

[Simian]

apophasis, do you realize that if you ever really did cost Mike any customers or money that he could sue you for libel/slander, and that he's already won based on the multiple threats you've made to attempt to hurt his business. None of us will take you seriously anyway so you might as well find a different way to spend your time.

You were given an infraction by a member so I can't infract you again without deleting his, so instead consider that infraction an official warning even though it didn't come from a staff member. I have taken note of your personal attacks. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the Terms of Service (http://www.talkglass.com/forum/showthread.php?13-Terms-Of-Service-all-members-please-read) here which you agreed to during the registration process. Personal attacks and attempts to disrupt the forum are not welcome here.


Also, on a personal note, friends don't let friends wear Phillips. :tongue2:

What she said. [emoji3]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Mike_Aurelius]

apophasis, do you realize that if you ever really did cost Mike any customers or money that he could sue you for libel/slander, and that he's already won based on the multiple threats you've made to attempt to hurt his business. None of us will take you seriously anyway so you might as well find a different way to spend your time.

You were given an infraction by a member so I can't infract you again without deleting his, so instead consider that infraction an official warning even though it didn't come from a staff member. I have taken note of your personal attacks. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the Terms of Service (http://www.talkglass.com/forum/showthread.php?13-Terms-Of-Service-all-members-please-read) here which you agreed to during the registration process. Personal attacks and attempts to disrupt the forum are not welcome here.


Also, on a personal note, friends don't let friends wear Phillips. :tongue2:

Just to note, I did not use the infraction button on his post. I figured my e-mails to him were punishment enough :devilish:

[Joe Userton]

The only drawback to either choice is that there is no availability of split lens designs. I made this decision on purpose due to not being able to guarantee that the clip on or fit over is going to fit so the split lens line is straight across both eyes in the same position. There's nothing worse than a split lens where the line doesn't line up between the right and left eyes.

Thanks. I think weight is a big concern for me because I can really feel the pressure on my nose after a few hours from what I'm using now. I'm basically blind as a bat without my glasses, so my lenses are pretty thick, and then the filter lens tends to be pretty thick. The fit overs I have tried before have been heavy.

If I don't mind just picking a frame size and sticking to it, are clip ons likely to be my most comfortable option? What about the clip on flip up option you have?

I need to order some new prescription glasses online again anyway, they are cheap enough that I don't mind picking out an extra pair with whatever frame will work best, if you have any recommendations.

Thanks again.

[Mike_Aurelius]

The flip clip is definitely going to be a more universal fit as it mounts near the bridge of the nose instead at the sides of the lens. You could certainly use the Flip Clip on semi-rimless and drill mount frames.

Weight is always an issue, the size of the frame dictates the weight, more lens area, more weight. The frame adds very little to the calculation.

[Real Potency]

Hi,

i buy balboa fit over 250-3 for nov sale, and I am very happy with the purchase,
They weigh more than my others waleapparatus fit combo,
But the great difference is the fit perfect and the pressure is on sides,
the nose and eyes is very relax for me,
the view is on point,clear
fast service, international ship 20 days to my house
gracias!

[aglassworkorange]

EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE!! THANKS, MIKE!

We recently did the trade in for my glasses. Mike was more than professional despite our changes. Sadly there aren't more companies in this industry that are conscious of building brand loyalty or even care! Mike definitely is one in very few who accomplish this.

[Mike_Aurelius]

Thank you!!