On a personal note, after reading your responses to everyone on an advice thread that you started, it appears that you are very sensitive and do not take constructive criticism well. You posted a question on an online forum looking for help, and we took time out of our days to give you that help. You respond aggressively and defensively, rather than taking the advice/criticism/suggestions like an adult. We are nice people on this site, we aren't looking to offend you. This isn't Reddit. If you don't like what we have to say, either don't ask for help or grow a thicker skin.
And I would counter that my responses are phrased in kind. I must admit that I take particular issue with two types of responses which I've received in this thread:
Firstly, claims that it was a brewing error, with zero evidence or even suppositions that support an error which would result in such a huge loss of efficiency. Yes, there are optimizations left in my process, but in small increments, not on the order of a missing 50%. Still, I have done my best to incorporate the suggestions on here, despite the fact I do not feel they are make it or break it adjustments, and I feel the issue remains.
The second response I take issue with is that I've purchased inferior grain from an inferior vendor. In a way its belittling the exhaustive hours of google searches, forum browsing, research and speaking with the local brewing community. I have done my due diligence, and unfortunately the perfect combination of price, selection and proximity cannot be found in my area. I found purchasing my grains online from morebeer to be the appropriate compromise for my needs. And you called it poop.
I appreciate the fact that many people have tossed in their thoughts an opinions on a particularly vexing matter. I understand that these are real people who contribute to the community out of their own generosity. I appreciate all the comments made in this thread, including your own, because even if I don't agree with what is being said, it is food for thought. I feel that what you see as my inability to take advice/criticism/suggestions like an adult, is actually my unwillingness to back down to rude or unjustified comments. Any resistance to [un]constructive criticism was backed up with anecdotal evidence or support showing how the variable is either controlled, compensated for, or in my opinion, largely inconsequential. You're simply looking through whatever colored glasses suitably paint me as the jerk you think I am. Despite the fact that I live in the rudeness capital of the nation, its not the foot I lead with. Rather it needs to be coaxed out. If you wish to continue to coax it out, my PM box is nearly empty. Nobody needs to see us air our beer stained laundry out in here.
Still, I wholeheartedly thank you, sudbuddy, for your contributions in this thread, good bad or ugly. And a thank you to the other posters as well.
