Who I am

Mike Yasin

Mike Yasin

Supporting Member
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Hey all,

I'm sure some (most) have seen posts by me both here and on FB. I don't necessarily care to want to change the opinions others have of me. I am a pretty authentic person - what you see is what you get. I care about lots of things, and for those things I care deeply about, I can be pretty rigid. I've received a few messages recently highlighting my perceived demeanor, so just to simply state facts - I think this hobby is incredibly rewarding and my belief is that we should all take seriously this privalage, and strive to be excellent keepers and guardians of these precious animals we keep in our glass cages. A life is a life after all, and we should treat coral with the same love we treat our furry friends.

This hobby is also incredibly expensive and there are many pieces out there that are out of reach for some. I believe in sharing good fortune, but only among those who promise to take these lives as seriously as I do - I would otherwise not care and simply sell my coral frags to anyone; when. instead, I much prefer to trade and share. The DBTC program is wonderful in this regard, but I don't think its for everyone (or at least my pieces are not), the program should be more than just encouraging hobbyists to join and pay a fee with the promise of free coral, hence, the stringent (RIGID) rules I have put around my shares, and the expectation that those who sign up meet my qualifications. There are some very hardy pieces out there that are very good candidate for beginners, and we all should be cognizant of who signs up for what and try to be good coaches to the newest among us, even if it's having to say "no". None of us are entitled to experiment with a life by virtue of throwing $30 into a bucket.

I hope to encourage all of us to be better - including myself, and very sorry to those I may have offended by my terse responses.
 
Last edited:
Mike Yasin said:
Hey all,

I'm sure some (most) have seen posts by me both here and on FB. I don't necessarily care to want to change the opinions others have of me. I am a pretty authentic person - what you see is what you get. I care about lots of things, and for those things I care deeply about, I can be pretty rigid. I've received a few messages recently highlighting my perceived demeanor, so just to simply state facts - I think this hobby is incredibly rewarding and my belief is that we should all take seriously this privalage, and strive to be excellent keepers and guardians of these precious animals we keep in our glass cages. A life is a life after all, and we should treat coral with the same love we treat our furry friends.

This hobby is also incredibly expensive and there are many pieces out there that are out of reach for some. I believe in sharing good fortune, but only among those who promise to take these lives as seriously as I do - I would otherwise not care and simply sell my coral frags to anyone; when. instead, I much prefer to trade and share. The DBTC program is wonderful in this regard, but I don't think its for everyone (or at least my pieces are not), the program should be more than just encouraging hobbyists to join and pay a fee with the promise of free coral, hence, the stringent (RIGID) rules I have put around my shares, and the expectation that those who sign up meet my qualifications. There are some very hardy pieces out there that are very good candidate for beginners, and we all should be cognizant of who signs up for what and try to be good coaches to the newest among us.

I hope to encourage all of us to be better - including myself, and very sorry to those I may have offended by my terse responses.
Click to expand...
Totally agreed
 
Well said mike. I know some of us can come off as rude etc sometimes. I like that you explain where you are coming from. It’s not about being a jerk, or exclusive, etc. it’s about caring and improving.
Like you said, lots of captive prop corals to cut your teeth on. Work your way up. When you’ve learned enough, ideally shared some things and knowledge, and shown some success, that’s when the higher end stuff should, and will, come.
 
Coral reefer said:
Well said mike. I know some of us can come off as rude etc sometimes. I like that you explain where you are coming from. It’s not about being a jerk, or exclusive, etc. it’s about caring and improving.
Like you said, lots of captive prop corals to cut your teeth on. Work your way up. When you’ve learned enough, ideally shared some things and knowledge, and shown some success, that’s when the higher end stuff should, and will, come.
Click to expand...
Amen. Self discovery and awareness around where you truly are - both very important virtues to have in general
 
Mike Yasin said:
Hey all,

I'm sure some (most) have seen posts by me both here and on FB. I don't necessarily care to want to change the opinions others have of me. I am a pretty authentic person - what you see is what you get. I care about lots of things, and for those things I care deeply about, I can be pretty rigid. I've received a few messages recently highlighting my perceived demeanor, so just to simply state facts - I think this hobby is incredibly rewarding and my belief is that we should all take seriously this privalage, and strive to be excellent keepers and guardians of these precious animals we keep in our glass cages. A life is a life after all, and we should treat coral with the same love we treat our furry friends.

This hobby is also incredibly expensive and there are many pieces out there that are out of reach for some. I believe in sharing good fortune, but only among those who promise to take these lives as seriously as I do - I would otherwise not care and simply sell my coral frags to anyone; when. instead, I much prefer to trade and share. The DBTC program is wonderful in this regard, but I don't think its for everyone (or at least my pieces are not), the program should be more than just encouraging hobbyists to join and pay a fee with the promise of free coral, hence, the stringent (RIGID) rules I have put around my shares, and the expectation that those who sign up meet my qualifications. There are some very hardy pieces out there that are very good candidate for beginners, and we all should be cognizant of who signs up for what and try to be good coaches to the newest among us, even if it's having to say "no". None of us are entitled to experiment with a life by virtue of throwing $30 into a bucket.

I hope to encourage all of us to be better - including myself, and very sorry to those I may have offended by my terse responses.
Click to expand...
Sharing the passion was what I have said and will still do that. I have had own shares of opinions that have offended people. What I learned from doing one thing and then doing it different, I can never win on this forum. Some people will understand you, majority just won't. Honestly, if I didn't meet Robert when he had his store by the Great Mall in Milpitas when he first started, I wouldn't be here. He was the one who introduced this club to me. Some people will say, once you meet me, you'll change your ways of how I am.

I don't really know, but personally, there is some kind of mind-set that members have on this forum - like your privileged. I don't feel privileged, i feel honored to be here not only to interact and gain knowledge, but also meet new people who also shares the same passion.
 
jhuynh said:
Sharing the passion was what I have said and will still do that. I have had own shares of opinions that have offended people. What I learned from doing one thing and then doing it different, I can never win on this forum. Some people will understand you, majority just won't. Honestly, if I didn't meet Robert when he had his store by the Great Mall in Milpitas when he first started, I wouldn't be here. He was the one who introduced this club to me. Some people will say, once you meet me, you'll change your ways of how I am.

I don't really know, but personally, there is some kind of mind-set that members have on this forum - like your privileged. I don't feel privileged, i feel honored to be here not only to interact and gain knowledge, but also meet new people who also shares the same passion.
Click to expand...
navigating forums like this can be a minefield. You’re upfront about your experiences, and it’s clear you’re here for the right reasons: passion, connection, and learning. The vibe you’re picking up—some folks acting like they’re above others—can be frustrating, but it’s real. Not everyone’s going to get you, and that’s fine. Keep doing you, sharing your perspective, and engaging with those who vibe with your passion. The ones who get it will stick around, and those connections are what make reefing worth it.
I must say tho. There are a bunch of really nice people on here that have really helped me out over the years, especially when I needed it. So yeah. I hear you with the good and bad.
 
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