6 ms·

So wouldn't all of those reasons also apply to this chemistry set as well? What is it about this one that would mitigate the same concerns as applied to other

by cjfont 13y ago

So wouldn't all of those reasons also apply to this chemistry set as well? What is it about this one that would mitigate the same concerns as applied to other sets?

solarmist 13y ago
That's the whole point of this set it to allow you to do the "dangerous" (read: interesting) experiments. None of it is illegal, but it just discards the last 50 years of increasing concern for allowing children to do dangerous things. So yes it's a risk and it can be used to make illegal/dangerous substances, but none of it is illegal, just risky. Just major companies don't want to take on the kind of risk that comes with it. Whereas boutique shops have a lot more freedom because they're selling to self selecting audiences, which (generally) understand they're taking on additional risks with the increased benefits.
- mildtrepidation 13y ago
  Whereas boutique shops have a lot more freedom because they're selling to self selecting audiences, which (generally) understand they're taking on additional risks with the increased benefits. They may take advantage of having the same freedoms that larger companies just don't exercise, but the idea that their audience is "self-selecting" likely won't hold up or protect them from the kind of litigation that means this is (in practice) a bad idea (from a business survival standpoint). I see the set as a good thing, but I don't think saying they're protected in any way or that the concerns of larger companies don't apply is accurate.
  - solarmist 13y ago
    That's exactly my point. Won't help them in the slightest, but they're willing to do it anyway and I applaud them for it.
  - fnordfnordfnord 13y ago
    They aren't as attractive a target for lawsuits because of their size.
  - CamperBob2 13y ago
    The guy with the Kickstarter runs a science supply shop/museum called the "H. M. S. Beagle," in Kansas City. He's already no stranger to risk. I need to do some more research to make sure I'm not supporting some sort of kook, but I like what I've read about him (and from him) so far. If he checks out at face value I'll participate in his Kickstarter at a higher-than-strictly-necessary level, just to support what he's doing.
    - noluckatall 13y ago
      I've met the guy; he's legit. My wife and I stop by every time we visit KC because it's such a neat shop. I've looked for a store like his in the NYC area without success.
  - SamuelMulder 13y ago
    Well, every major shop sells knives which will mess you up and you shouldn't let kids play with unattended without some training. I don't see why the chemicals are such a big deal. Should be an opportunity to teach responsibility.
fnordfnordfnord 13y ago
I don't think it was ever made illegal to have or sell these things, just very inconvenient to sell them.

by cjfont 13y ago

So wouldn't all of those reasons also apply to this chemistry set as well? What is it about this one that would mitigate the same concerns as applied to other sets?

solarmist 13y ago

That's the whole point of this set it to allow you to do the "dangerous" (read: interesting) experiments. None of it is illegal, but it just discards the last 50 years of increasing concern for allowing children to do dangerous things. So yes it's a risk and it can be used to make illegal/dangerous substances, but none of it is illegal, just risky. Just major companies don't want to take on the kind of risk that comes with it. Whereas boutique shops have a lot more freedom because they're selling to self selecting audiences, which (generally) understand they're taking on additional risks with the increased benefits.

mildtrepidation 13y ago
Whereas boutique shops have a lot more freedom because they're selling to self selecting audiences, which (generally) understand they're taking on additional risks with the increased benefits. They may take advantage of having the same freedoms that larger companies just don't exercise, but the idea that their audience is "self-selecting" likely won't hold up or protect them from the kind of litigation that means this is (in practice) a bad idea (from a business survival standpoint). I see the set as a good thing, but I don't think saying they're protected in any way or that the concerns of larger companies don't apply is accurate.
- solarmist 13y ago
  That's exactly my point. Won't help them in the slightest, but they're willing to do it anyway and I applaud them for it.
- fnordfnordfnord 13y ago
  They aren't as attractive a target for lawsuits because of their size.
- CamperBob2 13y ago
  The guy with the Kickstarter runs a science supply shop/museum called the "H. M. S. Beagle," in Kansas City. He's already no stranger to risk. I need to do some more research to make sure I'm not supporting some sort of kook, but I like what I've read about him (and from him) so far. If he checks out at face value I'll participate in his Kickstarter at a higher-than-strictly-necessary level, just to support what he's doing.
  - noluckatall 13y ago
    I've met the guy; he's legit. My wife and I stop by every time we visit KC because it's such a neat shop. I've looked for a store like his in the NYC area without success.
- SamuelMulder 13y ago
  Well, every major shop sells knives which will mess you up and you shouldn't let kids play with unattended without some training. I don't see why the chemicals are such a big deal. Should be an opportunity to teach responsibility.

fnordfnordfnord 13y ago

I don't think it was ever made illegal to have or sell these things, just very inconvenient to sell them.