“I kept on pushing myself to go forward, to not stop, and to not give up, as I was one small independent creator racing against giants" --Cecile Zarokian, Perfumer Pushing when you want to give up is where "unshakeable strength" is born. When you feel overwhelmed, remember that success is often "just around the corner" of that intense desire to quit! Keep moving forward guys and #EnjoytheJourney

I came to work today and was going through my normal daily routine. Made my SOTD post and replied here and there when I had the chance. I had NO Idea what was about to happen. I am never one to chase "levels". I just want to learn from the greats in the brotherhood and provide whatever value I can. I come back to make sure I respond to my SOTD post and BOOM!! My Notification box had blown up!! 💥 I can't that you all enough for your support and friendship and all of the wonderful Rabbit Holes I have fallen down either with you or because you (you know who you are)!! 🤣 But I especially want to call out @James Milson for starting the Train today and getting everyone to rally around me. @Brian McGuire , @Jeff Beason , @Raymond Reeves , @Julio Gutierrez @Sean Kavanaugh @Gunny Khan @Justin Tillery @Lon Chaneyfield @Paul Bartnicki I'm sure I've left some out, but please don't take that as I'm not thankful. This group has been amazing, and helping a relative newbie learn and grow and feel welcomed is amazing!! THANK YOU!!!

— Inexcusable Evil by Toskovat' is an Aromatic fragrance for women and men. Inexcusable Evil was launched in 2022. The nose behind this fragrance is David-Lev Jipa-Slivinschi. Top notes are gunpowder and Ozonic notes; middle notes are Blood, Iodine, Flowers, Copaiba balm, Cypriol Oil or Nagarmotha and Guaiac Wood; base notes are Concrete, Rain Notes, Incense and Sandalwood. — “Today I remembered destruction. The pain of life often makes me forget the more disgusting pain of having it taken.Fallen buildings on the news, crying babies, burnt flowers.Memories lost, tears drowned, coffees never shared…At least I have iodine on my wounds and crutches left to use, but what about those that don’t?The next war will decide not what is right, but what is left. Hate all governments & love all people.”

A lot of people who only post cheap Middle Eastern clones seem more into the value side of the hobby than the fragrance side of it. They like getting something that smells close to a popular scent without spending much, and there is definitely a market for that. For some, it is about building a big collection cheaply. For others, it is about performance. And for some, it is just the thrill of finding a bargain. I also think clone content gets easy engagement because more people can relate to a $30 to $60 bottle than something niche or expensive. That is why feeds get flooded with “better than the original” and “hidden gem” type posts. Not always, but a lot of the time it feels like people are chasing price-to-performance and hype more than originality, quality, or learning the art behind fragrance. There is nothing wrong with enjoying clones, but when that is all someone talks about, it usually means their focus is on affordability and volume first. On the other hand, someone who mostly explores niche and artisan fragrances usually seems more interested in the fragrance itself than just the price or hype around it. It comes across like they care more about originality, composition, quality, and the personality of a scent. They are usually looking for something distinctive, well-crafted, and memorable rather than just something loud or easy to like. It also suggests they are more interested in the artistic side of the hobby. They seem more open to learning different house styles, noticing details in blending, and appreciating fragrances that feel unique rather than familiar. To me, that feels less like just buying bottles and more like actually developing taste over time. Having gone through these different stages myself, and now seeing the same pattern with a lot of newer brothers and even some older brothers who still seem satisfied with “bigger equals better,” this is how I see it now: To me, clone buyers, designer buyers, and niche/artisan collectors each reflect different priorities in the hobby. Clone buyers often seem focused on price, performance, and getting something familiar for less. Designer buyers usually come across as appreciating quality, versatility, and fragrances that are polished, appealing, and easy to wear. Niche and artisan collectors tend to seem the most invested in originality, craftsmanship, and the artistic side of fragrance, where the goal is less about hype or mass appeal and more about finding scents with real character and identity.

Hey, all — It just came to my attention that our good friend and supporter @Jeffrey Plotka is only 895 points from reaching the top. Let's join together and push Jeffrey over the line to Level 9 today, shall we? For newer brothers, it is as simple as going to @Jeffrey Plotka;s bio page and begin Liking all of his posts and comments. As well as any others you may wish to help along the way. Let's go!! 😀