- Joined
- May 19, 2015
- Messages
- 11
- Points
- 0
At the risk of being cliche, I figured I'd just come right out and say it: I've always been a function-over-form kind of guy and I think the most interesting aspect of lasers is the ability to transfer directed energy at range without all the fury and noise of firearms and flamethrowers. I generally feel that lasers with sufficient power to cause permanent eye damage should be treated as firearms while being handled, meaning that things like "muzzle" control and "trigger" discipline are necessities. And unfortunately for my reputation on this particular forum, I feel that lasers with the power to burn stuff make for irresponsible toys but interesting weapons. Weapons are a viable and satisfying hobby and with the advent of relatively cheap, high-wattage diodes, lasers are on the path to becoming viable, satisfying weapons.
There. I said it. I'm sorry.
I didn't want to come here and give pretenses of being interested in high-wattage lasers as high tech versions of long-stem barbecue lighters--but I also didn't want to be that FNG that comes off as an irresponsible pyromaniac. In short, I want to come off as an intelligent, practical, responsible DIY scientist and weapon enthusiast. Is that fair?
With all of that being said, I also don't want to appear as uppity and hostile, but I understand my interests are counter to the culture of this forum, so I'm going to be as honest and upfront as possible about my own brand of interest in lasers. I will absolutely respect the community's own interest and opinions of lasers and only ask that the same courtesy is extended to me.
I understand it's the norm to introduce oneself on a personal level and that it's intended to offer a sense transparency and honesty. Unfortunately, I really dislike disclosing more personal information than necessary on public forums. I understand the mods will be able to look up my IP, etc, but I don't enjoy the general populace being able to look up my personal address, phone number, place of work, and family members with a few simple Google searches. With that disclaimer, here's a few (non-personally identifying) tidbits about me
While in college, I got a degree in English Lit because I was generally jaded and wanted an easy four-year degree. I definitely enjoy literature, TV, and movies, but the hobbies I've been most passionate about have always been very scientific or mechanical in nature. I like working with cars, building circuits, and together with my wife I own a vape shop with 5 employees. Since getting into the e-cigarette world, my respect for the power of the new LiMn 18650s has started pushing my interest into hand held, high-power electronics, and thus, my long-time interest in lasers has been reignited. I've never owned anything more powerful than a 5mw laser, and honestly, I'm pretty scared to buy one (yes, yes, I'll get the goggles ). However, I also have a tendency to take my hobbies to extremes and experiment with pushing limits that most people don't think about. As such, my first post here was pretty over-the-top and led several members to suggest I get settled in before I start digging in that deep. I love thinking about and discussing the feasibility of extreme technology, even if I'm not likely to put that information to work, so please read all my posts through that lens.
One unlikely fact about me that is actually true: I used to be a deputy coroner, which was a very strange job.
Lastly, I'd just like to thank all the vets and mods for generating and maintaining a very cool and valuable forum. Hope I don't step on too many toes!
There. I said it. I'm sorry.
I didn't want to come here and give pretenses of being interested in high-wattage lasers as high tech versions of long-stem barbecue lighters--but I also didn't want to be that FNG that comes off as an irresponsible pyromaniac. In short, I want to come off as an intelligent, practical, responsible DIY scientist and weapon enthusiast. Is that fair?
With all of that being said, I also don't want to appear as uppity and hostile, but I understand my interests are counter to the culture of this forum, so I'm going to be as honest and upfront as possible about my own brand of interest in lasers. I will absolutely respect the community's own interest and opinions of lasers and only ask that the same courtesy is extended to me.
I understand it's the norm to introduce oneself on a personal level and that it's intended to offer a sense transparency and honesty. Unfortunately, I really dislike disclosing more personal information than necessary on public forums. I understand the mods will be able to look up my IP, etc, but I don't enjoy the general populace being able to look up my personal address, phone number, place of work, and family members with a few simple Google searches. With that disclaimer, here's a few (non-personally identifying) tidbits about me
While in college, I got a degree in English Lit because I was generally jaded and wanted an easy four-year degree. I definitely enjoy literature, TV, and movies, but the hobbies I've been most passionate about have always been very scientific or mechanical in nature. I like working with cars, building circuits, and together with my wife I own a vape shop with 5 employees. Since getting into the e-cigarette world, my respect for the power of the new LiMn 18650s has started pushing my interest into hand held, high-power electronics, and thus, my long-time interest in lasers has been reignited. I've never owned anything more powerful than a 5mw laser, and honestly, I'm pretty scared to buy one (yes, yes, I'll get the goggles
). However, I also have a tendency to take my hobbies to extremes and experiment with pushing limits that most people don't think about. As such, my first post here was pretty over-the-top and led several members to suggest I get settled in before I start digging in that deep. I love thinking about and discussing the feasibility of extreme technology, even if I'm not likely to put that information to work, so please read all my posts through that lens.One unlikely fact about me that is actually true: I used to be a deputy coroner, which was a very strange job.
Lastly, I'd just like to thank all the vets and mods for generating and maintaining a very cool and valuable forum. Hope I don't step on too many toes!
