Yes, you're absolutely correct. She did say Maestro at $100 instead of the Encore which is now $130. See, accuracy is important.

For an absolute *n o o b* (or newbie-never sure which to use these days), I'd say CG is a better starting point than HB.

I think that she did a decent job, though not up to geek standards, but when you're talking to beginners, you don't want to scare them off (or maybe you do-some geeks want to keep the priesthood intact, not matter which geekdom you participate in) and you can only spoonfeed them a little info before their eyes start glazing over.

Besides, do you really want the invasion of Mansome newbies (or n o o bs) over here?


Note: edited to correct the autocorrect settings on this forum.

GVDub wrote:For an absolute newbie (or newbie-never sure which to use these days), I'd say CG is a better starting point than HB.

I think that she did a decent job, though not up to geek standards, but when you're talking to beginners, you don't want to scare them off (or maybe you do-some geeks want to keep the priesthood intact, not matter which geekdom you participate in) and you can only spoonfeed them a little info before their eyes start glazing over.

Besides, do you really want the invasion of Mansome newbies (or newbies) over here?

+1

The issue isn't about total newbies or geeks. It's about presenting/reporting the correct information as effectively and as efficiently as possible. It wouldn't have taken any longer to say the right words.

Even though most of the regular posters here are somewhat "experts", wouldn't we have wanted someone to help us along by giving us accurate information when we were newbies? How many of us would have saved time, money and frustration?

I believe a total newbie SHOULD come to HB to find what they're looking for. That's easier said than done given all the info here especially if they're not following directions and reading the suggested "guides" first but if they have half a brain and do some reading on their own before asking questions, they will be better off here than other places.

Do a Google search of "home espresso" and see what comes up. Seems like an uninformed pro barista who's giving advice about home espresso and doesn't mention HB.

It's pretty obvious that none of you critics are in sales, or any endeavour where you're trying to convince someone to attempt something they've never done before. Bungee jumping, anyone?

The video hits all the right points, is relatively entertaining and suggests upfront that you get online and talk to people in the same situation. Most importantly, it doesn't offer BAD advice.

I don't recommend HB to first time enquirers either, when they're just at the point of dipping their toes in the espresso waters. Having them run away screaming doesn't help future income.

Alan

HB wrote:Of course her biggest gaffe was not recommending Home-Barista.com.

RapidCoffee wrote:C'mon, Dan - she did recommend CG.

Just in case you guys missed the smileys...

Alan Frew wrote:Most importantly, it doesn't offer BAD advice.

I disagree; the equipment recommendations they made were bad, i.e., not all espresso machines below the (overpriced) Rancilio Silvia are junk. If you're into cappuccinos, there are better and less expensive choices than the Quickmill Alexia (e.g. the Quickmill Silvano).

Alan Frew wrote:I don't recommend HB to first time enquirers either...

I cannot decide whether to be insulted or grateful.

HB wrote:I cannot decide whether to be insulted or grateful.

Spend a half hour reading through posts on CG. You'll be grateful after that.

Nuprin wrote: Seems like an uninformed pro barista who's giving advice about home espresso

+1, The heart of the problem with the video. I wish shops would take a little more effort in informing themselves about home espresso, and home preparation other than buy a baratza grinder, a hario kettle and a silvia. With the exception of the grinder there are better options.

HB wrote:I disagree; the equipment recommendations they made were bad, i.e., not all espresso machines below the (overpriced) Rancilio Silvia are junk. If you're into cappuccinos, there are better and less expensive choices than the Quickmill Alexia (e.g. the Quickmill Silvano).

I've had both the Alexia and Silvano at my shop and would choose the Silvano for the PID and $200. If HB isn't for newbies then why the video series Dan just put out? For this site to thrive, you also need an injection of fresh blood from time to time.

I tell every customer who's been fully converted to "good" coffee that it's now their duty to convert/introduce someone else to so that we can continue to have great coffee and great places that serve them.