12 Years of ToolGuyd in Numbers
Number of Published Posts: 7,352
(Some posts have been removed over time, and so the real number is a little higher.)
Number of Comments: 154,824
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Number of My Comments: 15,731
Number of Comments by fred: 6,168
Number of Readers Who Lost Commenting Privileges: 6
New Visitors: 32,128,715
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Sessions: 57,509,946
Pageviews: 103,003,003
Major Life Changes: 3
Did I Make the Right Choice?
Yes?
The Number of Times I Have Regretted Launching ToolGuyd: 0
I don’t have regrets, but I do sometimes wonder if all of this is what I was meant to do. I mean, I didn’t work hard for my physics and materials science & engineering degrees to be a “blogger,” it just kind of happened.
This is not the path I set out for, but it’s the path I found myself on.
Out of the MILLIONS of people who have read ToolGuyd over the years, surely my efforts have helped or benefited some of them, right? Thinking about this helps to shut down a lot of my what-if questions.
As an aside, I should add at this point that ToolGuyd isn’t a 100% individual effort, as Benjamen, Ben V, Andrew, and others have contributed to ToolGuyd over the years. Benjamen’s efforts have especially been considerably impactful. Beyond his 300+ posts over the past 6 years, Ben has helped with editing and also lends his much-valued and appreciated ear and voice to behind-the-scenes matters.
While ToolGuyd is my full-time job now, this wasn’t always true. I gave myself an ultimatum at the start of 2013, just after I earned my doctorate, where I would have one year to see if I could earn a living from my efforts here at ToolGuyd. I also did some freelance work for other magazines.
Could I grow ToolGuyd enough for this to be my career? I owed it to myself to try.
This (ToolGuyd) is what I wanted to do, and so I didn’t spend as much time or effort job-hunting as I could have.
Then, we had our first child in 2014, and the nature of my work here meant I could be there for every doctor appointment. It also meant that my wife didn’t have to recover from her c-section alone. It was great to be my own boss.
Then, the cost of childcare factored into things. Why pay thousands of dollars for childcare when ToolGuyd was flexible enough for me to also be a stay at home Dad?
This gave me an automatic extension on my “grow ToolGuyd into a business or get a job” efforts. I could look for a “real job” later on, right?
I changed diapers during phone calls, I took my son to media events and meetings. I worked until late at night, and went down after my son’s nighttime feeding.
Searching for and taking a research position in industry or academia would have meant 1) less time with my newborn/infant, 2) a lot of money spent on childcare, 3) time lost to commuting. Why change a good thing?
In 2016, we had another child.
Childcare was inevitable though, as small kids need to develop socialization skills with their peers, and being stretched in so many directions was starting to weigh on me. My son started nursery school at 2 years old, and my daughter at 18 months.
To be honest, I sometimes wonder what would have happened if I made different choices, if I had job-hunted with a little more interest and intensity, or if my wife didn’t support my efforts.
I can still look for a fitting research position now, pandemic notwithstanding, but I love what I do too much. Would a more traditional full-time career leave me with any time for ToolGuyd, especially now that I have kids?
The good part about transitioning straight into ToolGuyd is that I don’t know what I’m missing.
Why continue to do what I do? It makes me happy, and I like to think that I’m good at it. I wouldn’t be me and ToolGuyd wouldn’t be what it is without my background.
At a small product introduction meeting once, a brand manager commented about the breadth and depth of my insights compared to other reviewers and editors who are instead more narrowly knowledgeable. I took this as an indication that I was doing things right.
If you’re doing something you love, it’s not really work, right?
Am I as happy as can be? No, but I’m working on it. I’m fairly certain that I’m happier than I would be working anywhere else.
ToolGuyd would not exist without you, your comments, your emails, friendly conversations, and all of the readers who landed on their first ToolGuyd post and came back for more. I recognize that not every reader will always have something to chime in about in comments, but that doesn’t mean I appreciate you any less. Thank you everyone, for making ToolGuyd possible!
I didn’t see ToolGuyd being my business, or my career path. Who aspires to be a blogger, tool reviewer, or whatever title describes what I do? Am I a journalist? Writer? Please, whatever you do, just don’t use the “i” word. I somehow still don’t know quite what to say when I’m asked about what I do for a living, and that often leads to interesting conversations.
I am grateful for our readers, and am largely motivated by your support.
Is this what I will be doing 5 years from now? 10? I’d like to think so.
Every so often I also look at other media channels and outlets of the same age. Some companies have seen huge growth, and others are much smaller. More than a few no longer exist. I guess I could have hired staff and taken a backseat to things, but then what would I do? I’m not in this for fame or fortune, or to manage people, ToolGuyd exists because I want to write about tools.
ToolGuyd in 2021 and Beyond
I have a LOT of plans for this year, and hopefully you’ll like what you see.
I sometimes have a hard time believing that I have been at this for TWELVE YEARS. I’m not the same person I was at the start, or even when I decided to make a go at this full time. Still, my heart is in this. This is my passion. Who would have thought!?
But, things have gotten trickier and harder.
Many tool industry brands have been mesmerized by “social media and influencer marketing” trends, and this has led some of them to cannibalize and even effectively dismantle their former press and media communication efforts.
Basically, some brands have become very difficult to work with.
Mobile content consumption dominates the industry, and reading habits have changed. I have been working on ideas to redesign and optimize the ToolGuyd.com experience, or at least the front page. That’s a slow process, but it’s moving along.
The competitive landscape has also changed. Instead of there being a small group of content creators, there are now scores of “influencers” on social media and YouTube, plus many more with “influencer” ambitions.
When it comes to web content, there are hundreds if not thousands of websites that do nothing but scrape Amazon’s bestsellers list to create “best tool” rundowns. Google has given up trying to filter out such content that only exists to trick you into an affiliate link click.
Basically, it takes more to attract new readers, it is harder to keep readers on-site, and an increasing number of tool brands are either not willing or capable of meeting my editorial needs, such as with timely information and answers to typically media-type questions.
What I have realized is that I am more experienced at press and media communications than many of the junior marketing reps on the other side of “social media and influencer marketing” efforts. My practices and preferences, not to mention civility, were molded and influenced by adept individuals who were accustomed to working with channels such as nationwide newspapers, magazines, and the like, and these practices are no longer adhered to by an increasing number of tool brands.
On the business side of things, our mobile web layout has a strict self-imposed limit on banner ad size and placements in order to avoid detrimentally impacting the user experience. In general, advertisers are also spending more on sponsorship campaigns and less on banner ads. These changes tend to go hand-in-hand with the abandonment of traditional press and media communications norms.
I have been stubborn to recognize that industry norms have changed around me.
For the past 12 years, I have been guided by several unwavering philosophies. ToolGuyd is about informing readers, and I have built ToolGuyd to suit my own preferences as a reader. Because, if I wouldn’t want to visit ToolGuyd for tool news and reviews, why would you? This means no pop-ups, no sneaky advertising, no gimmicks, nothing I wouldn’t accept as a reader.
Some magazines and websites have gone in new directions, and they’ve lost me as a reader. Maybe it makes sense for them from a revenue or growth perspective, but I fail to see how lowering content quality is a good strategy.
If it’s not something I would want to read or watch, why would any of you be interested?
None of this will change for me.
I have one goal – providing you with timely, detailed, and insightful tool coverage. If a brand that I have worked well with in the past is no longer reliable and cannot or will not facilitate this, then why would I continue to treat them in the same manner as friendlier and more helpful brands that do continue to meet my editorial needs?
I get it, I really do. Social media and influencer marketing is the hot new trend these day. Some tool brands might feel that there’s less of a need for press and media communications, or that they don’t need my cooperation. With so many “influencers” on social media these days, why provide website like ToolGuyd with timely information and insights anymore? But, communication and cooperation is a two-way street.
I have tried to ignore how one-sided some of our press and media relationships have become, and then I tried to express my dissatisfaction about this, and other practices I considered objectionable, such as deceptive sponsorship and advertising practices I had witnessed. Some of these conversations were productive, others were not.
Expect to see more unapologetic candor. No brand can I say I didn’t try hard to be civil.
ToolGuyd is a business. YOU, dear readers, are my customers. My content, even though it’s provided for free, is my product, and you deserve the highest quality product. It seems that we’re having some issues with past “suppliers” that helped make the highest quality tool coverage possible.
I will not be accommodating if brands I have worked with in the past cannot satisfy my requests for timely information, timely insights and accurate answers, or other editorial resources, but then ask for my cooperation when it suits them.
As a “dad voice” needs to be firm in conveying the message made necessary by whatever invoked its tone, I must find an appropriate new voice for dealing with unamicable tool brands who have sacrificed their press and media communications in favor of social media and influencer marketing.
Readers, and readers’ interests come first. This has gotten ToolGuyd where it is today, and I see no reason to change that now. I have always been honest with you, and will continue with that policy. I will hold steadfast to the way I run ToolGuyd, and will do whatever it takes to ensure that you get nothing but the best tool coverage.
MT_Noob
Wow 12 years is a pretty big milestone. I for one would find it hard to imagine a world without Toolguyd. Thanks for all the hard work and effort you put into this!
Stuart
Thank you and everyone else for your kind words, I greatly appreciate it!
Leo B.
Stuart, thank you very much for your hard work on behalf of the readers. Although I can’t speak for all, I know that I appreciate it, and I’m sure many would agree. I always enjoy starting the day with an article or two from ToolGuyd, as well as everyone’s great comments. I’m looking forward to seeing what you’ll do in the new year!
Rog
This is far and away my favorite tool blog and will continue to be so. I appreciate that you don’t do paid shill content and that you’re willing to call out companies that participate in BS. Keep doing what you’re doing and I’ll keep coming every day!
Stuart
My stance towards sponsorships also has to adapt with the times, but I’ve been honing my guidelines.
Transparency is important, and I am happy that I recognized this from the start. When the same person wears “editorial” and “ad sales” hats, there needs to be a window that readers can see into, for your sake and mine.
Moving forward, by position is that sponsorship campaigns should involve above-and-beyond efforts that otherwise wouldn’t be possible.
Manufactured interest or excitement has always been and will continue to be rejected, as will any potential opportunities that compromise my quality standards. I rejected ad deals for brands and retailers I could not recommend, and for similar reasons I rejected an opportunity last year that started off interesting but ultimately would have tasked me with “sharing a video of myself shopping tool deals on a retailer’s website.” It all comes down to creating the type of atmosphere I look for as a reader.
There are very many great tool brands who continue to set a really high bar when it comes to communications and the availability of editorial resources and support. But for the others, it’s time I held them to the level of professionalism that I expect.
VJ1776
Congratulations on this milestone!! You provide a valuable service to this community. We truly appreciate it.
James Ouzts
Thanks for all the hard work. It’s greatly appreciated.
CountyCork
The only website I visit nearly everyday. The following you have speaks for itself. There’s a lot work that goes into a website like this so keep up the great work, it’s appreciated!
OhioHead
Congrats!
JamesR
Like many I’m sure, I have 4 or 5 sites I visit daily, and Toolguyd is one of them. I value *your* values Stuart. Thanks for the attention to details, breath of coverage, and ethical editorial policies. Here’s to 10 more years!
PS – Where *has* Fred been? I haven’t seen him commenting much lately.
Tom D
I love the format and the avoidance of depending on social media – which we’ve seen can result in your entire lively hood destroyed in an instant of Google decides it doesn’t like you.
Non video written content is what I prefer to consume and you provide it. Setup a Patreon or subscription service and I’d be there.
Mac
Influencer culture is a cancer. I hope it can be mitigated someday. I appreciate you. I appreciate your real insight and opinions to both positive and negative aspects of things, even if I personally disagree with a particular point. Honesty on the internet is like panning for gold. Despite your commission from sales, I never feel you’re ‘pushing’ the product. You just bring attention to the good deals and interesting finds. Toolguyd is a gem
Chris
Toolguyd for life!
fred
Thanks for the 12 years of keeping us informed and entertained. While I and your readers understand that the landscape of tool development and marketing continues to change for the better or worse – I’m glad to read that you plan to stick to your fundamental principles. Good luck in the future – and – God willing – I hope to still be reading and enjoying your insights 12 years from now.
ChrisP
@fred And I hope to still be benefiting from your experience 12 years from now. Thank you for your tremendous contribution to toolvuyd
Marc T
Congratulations! Your tool blog is the best on the internet. It is one of only a few tabs I leave open in my browser and I visit nearly every day. Love the straight no nonsense tool information and advice. And thank you for being so strict with your advertising content. I’ve left many a web site forever because of crappy pop up ads or ads that overlay the content, or in some way interferes with what brought me to the site. I’m fine with ads along the side or at the bottom of the web page. But when it interferes with my enjoyment of the site itself, it’s goodbye forever.
Adam
Keep up the great work! Here’s to another 13!
(celebrating 24 years seems a bit odd, or even I suppose)
Dan S.
Apparently I’ve been reading and appreciating this site from early on without realizing how long its been around. In my many years of reading, driven by a home purchase and reaserch into building a full tool kit, I dont believe I’ve taken the time to comment before, but felt the need to today.
This is by far the most informative tool review and news site I read. Your work and standards are top notch – thanks for keeping this going and great job. Looking forward to all the new comment in the years to come.
Plain grainy
From the Packout drawers, to the Diablo Amped recip blades. You have kept us all updated, and given pricing knowledge to boot. And much of it in the middle of a pandemic! Five stars for your great effort! Thanks!
Charles D
Thank you! I visit daily and value your blog for straight information, honest opinion, and also just because I enjoy your writing style.
Jp
Congratulations, what a great milestone. Funny I am nearing 20-years in allied health and often wonder about what could have been. I like the idea of being your own boss but I lack those skills. Anyway this place is entertainment and educational for me. I really live your site, so thank you. Your site is accessible for all types of professionals and that’s important.
JoeM
You’re missing a Stat: Number of Headaches caused by JoeM ranting.
How have I NOT lost posting privileges at this point? You deserve an award for putting up with me as long as you have, let alone juggling all this, AND nailing the Dad thing on top of it all.
If I ever achieved my dream of owning a Tool Retailer type Hobbyist business, I would definitely sponsor you. Not for advertising in our favour, but for IGNORING all the favouritism, thus educating readers about what tools are best suited to them, Thus inherently driving them toward businesses like the one I dream of running. No banners, no reviews of us, just… Setting aside some sponsorship money to enable ToolGuyd to remain independent. That would be like investing in growing my own customer base, by converting more people into the kind of customer that would shop at our store over a big box. Worth it.
But, that’s a hypothetical rant, just in the spirit of my comment. I’m glad you’re here. You’ve helped me through some really rough times in my life, and I will NEVER forget, or regret, all the benefits I’ve gained over joining in on this community.
Greg
I love this blog and love that it has written content – if I’m making a decision on buying something, or doing research, I don’t want to watch a video.
I’m grateful for all the time that you and the guys spend, as well as the community that provides thoughtful insight.
Aaron
Yes. Lots of video content anymore and for some things it’s great.. but I don’t want to watch a video with the sound on for comparisons on anything other than visual stuff.
Aaron
Congrats to fred, and congrats to Stuart for creating a persistent community of commenters. I’m in the habit of checking the same pages multiple times each day to see who has chimed in.
Mike (the other one)
Congratulations! This is by far the best tool blog on the ‘net.
Stacey Jones
A big thanks to you Stuart and the rest of the Toolguyd team! I’m glad you are able to make a living doing it and I do appreciate it, despite all the tools I bought and never used.
My personal favorites over the years are the screwdriver posts and of course the DIY grade power tools. I particularly like it when you explain what the tool features do. I learned a lot about ratchets from you. Finally, I love the what you want for Christmas posts and what tool/multitool kit would you put together with X dollars. Fun!
A few humble suggestions for what it’s worth. More pictures or diagrams. More feature breakdowns. I can usually figure out or Google these, but I was stumped looking at some simple pliers lately. Square cutout opposite the cutters. Seems like it was meant for something. It would be cool if readers could embed pics too. A general Q/A section would be cool too.Love those things. I’d be interested in doing an article sometime, let me know if interested.
rmkilc
I remember one time I made what I thought was an innocuous joke which was also the first comment on the article. I didn’t have notifications turned on and well over a year later, I stumbled upon the article again and noticed the comments had blown up into a big argument due to my comment and were now closed. But I’m not one of the lucky 6 so there’s that.
Koko The Talking Ape
Congratulations, Stuart! Here’s to 12 years more!
Scott K
I stumbled onto toolguyd via edcguyd – I think I was looking at knife reviews. I used to read your posts exclusively on my computer, but now I only use my phone. I check your site daily and rarely purchase a tool without quick search for your insights. You’ve also done a great job cultivating a sense of community as I find readers’ comments very educational. I greatly appreciate your effort, honesty, and reliability. Thanks and be well!
Jbongo
I actually learned a lot reading this post. Congrats on 12 years, that’s awesome. ToolGuyd is one of the few sites I consistently check for new content, and I’m very glad it’s written content. There are times that videos can be good, but I really do enjoy reading articles. (It also makes it easier to consume content when my wife or kids are sleeping!) I don’t currently buy a lot of tools, but I find the posts and comments engaging and appreciate the honesty of ToolGuyd. I don’t remember how I found it originally roughly a year and half ago, but I’m I did. Thank for such a great site, and I hope it continues to be successful for you.
Eric McCormick
Congratulations, I wish you the best in the future. I enjoy looking at your site almost every day! Thank you.
Steve
Congratulations Stu!
SteveS
Great site, my favorite tool blog – unbiased and intelligent. I’ve learned a lot of useful info from you and the commentators on my daily visits over the years. The only downside is to my wallet…I often discover a new and useful tool that I must have. Congratulations on your anniversary and please keep up the good work!
TonyT
Congrats on 12 years!
I came across Toolguyd doing a search a few years ago, and like it so much I’ve stayed 🙂
Kent
12 years – congratulations.
You’ve hit an interesting sweet spot in user interaction – big enough to have a large enough body of commenters that people stay to read the comments. But somehow, small enough to not turn into a swamp of spam and sh***y people saying terrible things about each other’s moms.
I don’t like everything you post (why cover Craftsman? lol) but I still come back *every day* to see what’s up, read some comments, and add my own on occasion.
You’ve done a remarkable job of keeping the site informative and somehow friendly – yet you’ve only banned 6 people?
Here’s to another 12 years, and never having a “real” job.
Jim Felt
“Craftsmen”.
Maybe because was the (once) gateway tool brand so many of us grew up with? ;-)~
Kent
I used to buy Craftsman tools as well, and yes they were a gateway. At this point, I’m sure it’s been 10 years since I have taken Craftsman seriously as a tool manufacturer or brand.
When new articles about Craftsman show up here, I skip and move on. They are junk until proven otherwise.
Stuart
A few years ago I implemented a “new commentors must be manually approved” policy, to cut down on spam. A series of spam comments would get through the spam filter, and then I’d end up with maybe 20+ comments to manually delete. So, I changed settings so that every first-time commentor comment had to be manually approved.
Even though most spam messages are successfully blocked or filtered out, this has cut down on the last bit of spam that readers might be exposed to.
But, it also gives me a chance to play gatekeeper when it comes to new commentors. I don’t approve messages when it’s obvious someone changed their name just to personally attack another reader, or when someone never read the post and simply wants to set up a soapbox and rant about brands or politics.
I believe that we do tend to attract fewer trolling-type comments than on YouTube and other publicly-accessible commenting platforms, and I tend to reject most of those that we do get.
As of today that’s 7 people I banned. One semi-regular commentor decided to leave 4 new comments and never even addressed the post topic, they simply left personal attacks and criticized others’ opinions.
I might change my mind on that 7th person, moving them to the moderation section rather than outright blocking them.
I have no tolerance for toxic individuals. If someone has nothing to contribute to a conversation than to criticize others or belittle others’ opinions, then their commenting privileges will be revoked.
I’m sorry, I’m still nostalgic about Craftsman. SBD has the potential to do great things with the brand, and I’ve allowed myself to be optimistic.
Thanks!
Despite the “not a real job” nature of what I do, it does take real work and a lot of hours. During the holiday season, for example, I have 120+ hour weeks. Even now, a 40 hour workweek would feel like a vacation. =)
Kent
Thanks for the reply.
I totally understand the Craftsman thing. They were my go to for decades, then things went south. I hope they can recover – by making quality tools in the US and charging a fair price. There’s still a ton of value in the name, which could be used for good or evil.
I mean no disrespect about a “real job”. It’s easy to go to an office or job site, put in your 8 hours and get a check. What you are doing takes a ton of drive and commitment.
Stuart
I appreciate it! I wasn’t sure what you meant, although I didn’t take it negatively, and clarified just in case.
One thing I keep in mind with comments is that it’s not just one person reading them. This helps me keep a cool head (most of the time) when responding to personal criticisms, or criticisms I take personally.
MFC
Your site is the only tool site I frequent regularly.
Good job for sticking with it.
Frank D
Two thumbs up from this daily reader.
Color me old fashioned, but I like facts, proper news, honest blogs & peer-to-peer web forums
And I probably on a weekly basis wish that all the fake review + AMZ doorway pages would go belly up and a lot of the social amped influencer/-ed yt/tweet/fb/insta stuff would get demeritted in ranking … the internet was alot better and more honest 15 years ago.
Anyhow.
Keep up the great work!
Aaron SD
Congrats on the big milestone. I really enjoyed your self-reflection and openness which is what makes toolguyd so great. It is the only website I go to many times a day and look forward to all the holiday deals you cover so well.
Thanks!!
James Davis
I wish you the best ! I check this site at least four times daily, and I like the discourse… It is worth noting, that I have spent thousands of dollars because of this site . AND I WOULD DO IT AGAIN ! I have loved every post that was read, because I trust your judgement and I believe you have an honest perspective. Cheers !
razl
Just wanted to pile on a Congratulations for the 12 years plus add another voice to the chorus and thank you, Stuart, for all the hard work!!!
Clay
Thanks for all your hard work on this site!
Plain grainy
Off topic; Milwaukee dealers have three level select bare tool sale. Highest is $150 off of $499 purchase.
Plain grainy
HD also has special buys tool sale. Dewalt planer at $549 I think. Many other tool combos also.
Plain grainy
HD also has three level Dewalt sale. Highest is $120 off of 3 tools.
Steve L
Only recently did I start looking for tool info and ToolGuyd quickly became part of my daily routine. Thanks for all you are doing. Thanks for being such a valuable resource.
A W
Thanks, Stuart, for your integrity, your hard work, and your great content.
I said something recently to my wife about Toolguyd, and she responded, “wait, you really do check that every day, don’t you?”
Please keep doing this long term. There is nothing comparable focused on tools.
Nathan
I have to say this site has been a very useful distraction for me. Thank you for the work and effort.
12 years has flown by. I got married, and have had 2 kids now in that time also. mine are 6 and 3.
I have spent a good bit of money because of this site and I think I’ve saved some of that money too because of this site. Regardless thank you and if you ever need help with reviews give a shout.
Charlie Stopczynski
No need to ask. YOU DID THE RIGHT THING!!!
Matt Roberson
Congrats “Tool Guy D”! (Sorry, I couldn’t resist, that still cracks me up when you told that story).
Thank you for the years of excellent content, and look forward to the years to come!
Stuart
A lot of people still see it that way!
And I still get comments about the logo hammer being backwards, and that never ceases to amuse me. Once someone sees it, it can never be unseen.
M Donegan
As a Canadian ‘handyman’ I find your info very ‘handy’! As some of the products are not available to handle in Canada.
The only non positive I have is – that a lot of the ‘special dated items/promos’ are announced in your news letter a day or more after the promo has ended! So why bother!
Most of those promos do not exist in Canada even though the manufacturers and retailers do sell here. But sending out a newsletter with that info, after it is discontinued, is a waste of your and my time.
Thanks
MikeD
PETE
ONLY 100M? Psh…. had you made stupid toy videos or video game videos and posted them to youtube you’d be in the upper 100b area! lol
In all seriousness- thank you for taking the time to help me spend my money.
Dennis Dennis GThurman
Congradulations, enjoy your tool blog. Here’s to many more years, stay
Safe..
Tim Moskal
Thank You for all the work you put into the site! I haven’t been here for the entire 12 years but I will be here for the next 12. Congrats and keep up the great work!
Dave Schwartz
Stuart, congratulations on another year of great content. Thanks for inviting us into your life and your workshop.
I hate social media and I have a hard time differentiating “influencers” and “shills”. We appreciate your integrity and candor.
Keep up the good work!
Joe
Congratulations 🛠 You’re the best
John
Congrats! Looking forward to many more years of ToolGuyd.
Tim B.
Congratulations, Stuart & Team! It has been a joy following your site, and it has been on my daily “must read” list of sites since the beginning… Though it is foggy in my memory, because I also remember reading your articles on Toolmonger=)
Here’s to many more years to come, and your continued success!
X lu
Congratulations. You bring a unique voice to this space and as we learned again last week, one of integrity. In our time of influencers willing to do nearly anything for a buck, it is noteworthy and the reason I buy using your click through links. Thank you.
David A
Stuart,
I thank you for your work and your commitment to integrity, honesty, and transparency. The great challenge of the post-internet world is knowing who to trust and finding reliable sources of information. ToolGuyd has been a site I visit nearly every day for the past 6 years because I know I can learn something useful, or find an interesting opinion about tools. As a DIY carpenter, woodworker, and tool-enthusiast I’m always hunting for new opinions and information, and I love discovering a new idea or having my views challenged by a post on ToolGuyd.
Please keep up the great work!
Graham Z
Thank you for all your hard work on this website. You’re thorough and intelligent tool reviews illicit respectful and interesting comments and responses. That’s what really makes this site so fulfilling to read.I for one will continue to be a loyal reader.
Grady
Congratulations to you and 12 years. I love reading your post, and looking forward to the future. Keep on going, you are the best tool blogger out there.
W00dy
Congratulations! I’ll keep coming back for a lot more visits. Really like how open you are about everything. And enjoy your vision and content very much! Keep up the good work.
All the best from Europe!
Matt J.
Congrats, Stuart…I’ve been here since probably 2010. While I’m not a constant commenter and my activity or even readership has waxed and waned at different times over the years, ToolGuyd has been the tool blog I always come back to when I need info and is one of the few places I trust for tool info. You’ve done a great job building this blog and community and I’m truly grateful for your integrity and transparency throughout the years. Hope you’re around for years and years to come!
Javier A.
Congrats on this landmark! Keep up the great work, this is one of my favorite websites. I check it everyday, and will continue to do so.
Mick
Congrats Stu. Toolguyd is an awesome read. I wonder how much has been spent on tools after reading Toolguyd. Out of the 25+ tapes I have, a dozen were the result of reading your reviews. And then there were the purchases after reading them thinking, “hmm, that could come in handy when…”
It’s usually after dinner I’ll start to chill, grab my iPad and open up to Toolguyd. I lift my glass of Crown Royal…here’s to another 12 years.
John
Thanks for everything you’ve done Stuart.
David A.
Congrats! Appreciate the clarity. As many others said, ToolGuyd is a daily visit for me. And I really appreciate the mobile platform, as that is how I arrive 99% of the time. Also, your style of writing keeps me reading all the way through the article. Last, great commenting crew!!
Mahalo
I can’t remember when I first stumbled upon ToolGuyd, but it might be pretty close to 12 years ago. I’m a mechanical engineer myself, and the insight you provide from your materials and physics academic background has always been what I was looking for. Some might call it minutiae, but I breathe minutiae, so I always come back for more haha. I have about 4 or 5 bookmarks on my browser–that’s probably been my limit for over a decade–and I can tell you that ToolGuyd is one of them. I don’t visit every day, but I visit often. Keep up the good work!
skfarmer
congrats stuart! this is one of my goto sites as well. here’s to many more!
Thom
Congratulations on 12 years and I look forward to many many more!
Jason S.
Stuart, I found this site maybe 5 years ago. I think it’s awesome. I don’t ever feel like you’re biased or selling me something. Sometimes you tools are out of my price range 🙂 but I think you do just an overall amazing job of sharing a variety of tools and brands with some fine research and thoughtfulness with your comments and feedback. Thanks for sharing this with me and others.
Yadda
Congrats on 12 years! Here’s to 12, 24 or even 36 more! Keep up the good work. I look forward to the changes you have planned. Good luck!
MichaelHammer
I just read Qualityland by Marc Uwe-Kling. It’s an hilarious take on the clickbait culture we are becoming and where content is an afterthought with Trumpian views on facts. I tire of wading the sewers of YouTube trying to find something more in-depth than an unboxing video. It’s unbelievable the amount of crap floating around down there.
And then there is Tool Guyd, where the air is clear and the days are sunny. I can depend on thoughtful and informative articles. The writing is honest and clear. Where if the writer doesn’t know something, he says “I don’t know.” Marvelous! Everyday I visit and everyday I say, “huh, what is this now?” And then I worry I’m going to be late for work, because I get pulled in not only by the interesting topics and good writing, but the community too. Because Stuart is intelligent and thought provoking, Tool Guyd has attracted an intelligent following. The comments here are worth reading. Stuart, your long hours and hard work are apparent with what you have created here. It is truly remarkable and I thank you. I pray that you will always have the capacity to stay above the clickbait fray and we will always have a place here to talk about what the hell B&D was thinking buying Craftsman.
James Moore
Out of all of the tool sites I have followed, visited, or regularly read this is the only one that has held my interest. I love how you try to stay as neutral as possible and that you think about what your righting and ask readers questions.
At one point I had a ton of “tool” review pages on IG but I dumped all of them as they just couldn’t hold up to your site. Keep up the good work we all appreciate it .