# Hello from a hopeful skeptic **URL:** \ **Category:** Introductions - New Users, Say "Hello"!\ **Created:** [September 3, 2008, 3:49am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/hello-from-a-hopeful-skeptic/18729 "2008-09-03T03:49:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 16\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Sordid](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/pheromonetalk.com/sordid/32/2031_2.png) [@Sordid](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Sordid)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2008, 3:49am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/hello-from-a-hopeful-skeptic/18729/1 "2008-09-03T03:49:00Z")
Hello everyone. For a long time, I’ve followed the press surrounding human pheromones. I believe the science and I am intrigued by the idea of putting chemical secret agents to work on my behalf. I also believe the placebo effect and the power of suggestion so I’m also skeptical. Anyway, browsing and reading here for a few days has convinced me to part with some money and see what I might experience. A little about me: I’m a white anglo divorced professional man in my late 40’s living in the northeast US. I’m gay and in a committed LTR. Make that very LT. Medically, I’m healthy but no fitness geek. Normal weight, 18% body fat. I take a low dose med for BP and use 2.5mg testosterone patch daily. My education and career is scientific and technical. My job involves a corporate office, classrooms and short-term consulting gigs with individuals and small groups. 80% of my time is spent with new clients and the pace of personnel turnover in the office is faster. I’ve no reason to expect that to change. I’m considered an expert in my field – more of an egg-head usually. 🙂 I’m good at developing technical rapport, but I have always had to work at purely social interactions outside my own circle of friends. Inside that circle, I’m relaxed, open and they say I’m fun to be around. As I’ve gotten older, though, I’ve become more self-absorbed and reclusive. My goals or hopes for using pheromones: Faster development of rapport and trust. More positive first impressions. At work, create an aura of respect and authority more quickly. In social situations, put myself and others in more relaxed and open frame of mind. I’d not be opposed to a small boost in sex appeal or enhanced bedroom antics, but I’m not on the prowl and my partner and I are very compatible already. (_Hmmm, maybe all that was too much information. I’ll just relax here on the couch while you review my files, doc._ 😛) Based on what I’ve read, I was thinking to start my experiments with A314, [Instant Honesty](https://a314.com/product/instant-honesty/) and Instant Shine. Of course, I have lots of questions: Are these products regulated? How do I know the vial I’m buying contains anything other than common cosmetics? Who certifies concentration, purity, safety? What are the normal variations in concentration of active ingredients? How stable are the mixtures; what is their shelf life? Has anyone ever used the guarantee? Does anyone publish rigorous or fuzzy analysis of all the reports in this forum? I’m curious about statistical methods and the science. I expect I’ll find answers to most of these in different threads here, so I’ll keep reading. I’ll welcome any questions, comments or suggestions. My thanks to you all. S ---
**Author:** ![tfer15](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/pheromonetalk.com/tfer15/32/711_2.png) [@tfer15](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/tfer15)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2008, 4:00am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/hello-from-a-hopeful-skeptic/18729/2 "2008-09-03T04:00:43Z")
yeah dude i was skeptical at first. but Turn up the heat definately worked and knew after that all the products here are legit. should try mystery boy for urself. you work with bands that are new to the scene? are any of the bands that you consulted in main stream music? how is your ltr going? yeah u should use instant honesty, instant gentleman and also yes a314. all great products to start out with. but remember test each one by itself for one week to see how it works for you.we are all different. hope you have fun testing all the new products you get! ---
**Author:** ![remmy](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/pheromonetalk.com/remmy/32/2451_2.png) [@remmy](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/remmy)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2008, 4:01am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/hello-from-a-hopeful-skeptic/18729/3 "2008-09-03T04:01:49Z")
hi welcome! its okay to be skeptical before you start. i was just like you and thought it was some sort of a scam 🙂 but u’ll find that u’ll get consistent results with a LOT of products here! few words on the products you want to try: instant shine i found makes people aroudn me happy and it has some great self effects too. i think its a great product to start out 🙂 instant honesty, i have it in this special oil form and it really makes people bond with you more. anyways, i hope u have fun! ---
**Author:** ![Vman](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/pheromonetalk.com/vman/32/1347_2.png) [@Vman](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Vman)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2008, 4:31am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/hello-from-a-hopeful-skeptic/18729/4 "2008-09-03T04:31:35Z")
Hey and welcome to the forum. Don’t worry this stuff is real. I tested it myself. As i was skeptical as well. I hear A314 is the product to try around as I have yet gotten to it, but will sometime soon hopefully. Well good luck in your adventures 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![smiling\_ray](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/pheromonetalk.com/smiling_ray/32/1314_2.png) [@smiling\_ray](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/smiling_ray)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2008, 4:55am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/hello-from-a-hopeful-skeptic/18729/5 "2008-09-03T04:55:20Z")
Hi Sordid, welcome to the forum. Everyone here started as skeptics. The only way to know for sure is use the products yourself to see and feel the results. A314+Instant shine is an awesome combo. Just make sure you start with lower doses first. Less is often more in many cases. I think Tisha will be able to help you more about the many questions you have on the products concentration, purity, reporting,…etc. ---
**Author:** ![Sordid](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/pheromonetalk.com/sordid/32/2031_2.png) [@Sordid](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Sordid)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2008, 6:13am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/hello-from-a-hopeful-skeptic/18729/6 "2008-09-03T06:13:59Z")
Wow everyone, you all work fast 🙂 I appreciate such a warm and reassuring welcome. @tfer15. My slang might have misled you. My current job is all industrial consulting and education now. Odd coincidence about your question though, I did work in the music industry **ages** ago. All country and gospel sounds with heavy vocal harmonies. Probably no bands you’d know; the closest I got to mainstream was with a band that did backing vocals for Elvis. My LTR is amazing. Thanks for asking. It’s been well over 15 years and he still keeps me guessing. Before this one “long term” was a second weekend. 😛 Thanks for the recommendations. I’ll add them to my list. I considered instant gentleman. I’m guessing Mystery Boy might not be for the office, right? @remmy Thanks. PPL like you are making this fun already. 🙂 I’m definately intrigued by IS effects ppl report on themselves. Do you think [Instant Honesty](https://a314.com/product/instant-honesty/) in oil is better? I’m guessing it works slower/lasts longer that way? @Vman I hope my results with A314 will make me a converted skeptic like you. I’ll let you know. thanks for the good wishes @smiling_ray Thanks for validating and your reminder to test each individually and start with low doses. Do you have advice for the order, like A314 for a week then IS or ??? ---
**Author:** ![tisha23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/53a042/32.png) [@tisha23](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/tisha23)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2008, 3:47pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/hello-from-a-hopeful-skeptic/18729/7 "2008-09-03T15:47:49Z")
Hello Welcome to Pherotalk 🙂 Lookie, they saved all the hard questions for me LOL 😉 I will do my best to answer some of your questions but for a more in depth explanation please call the office. Number is at the top of the page. If the CS rep cant help you she will take your number so Steve can contact you. Are these products regulated? **No they are not regulated by the FDA as pheromones, no pheromone product is, they fall under the category of cosmetics and those regulations on safety and purity are followed.** How do I know the vial I’m buying contains anything other than common cosmetics? **You dont, It would not benefit Androtics to just sell common cosmetics as pheromones. You wouldn’t get any effect from them and customers would not return to purchase more. While some of the molecules used in each formula are revealed Androtics never reveals the full formula in the store or on the forum. After all it is a business as well as a research facility.** Who certifies concentration, purity, safety? **Smartmones is the storefront for Androtics [Pheromone Research](https://pheromonelabs.com/), An American based lab certifies the safety and purity of all chemical compounds and human musks used. We do not release the name of the lab on the forum. Please contact the office for more on this.** What are the normal variations in concentration of active ingredients? **+ or - 5%** How stable are the mixtures; what is their shelf life? **Extremely stable, Shelf life on products can range because some products are oil based. Kept in a controlled environment ( sealed, cool dark place) they can last 20 years. Generally we tell people 2 to 5 years here on the forum because most people do not store there products in a controlled environment. Again call the office for a more detailed answer.** Has anyone ever used the guarantee? **Yes pheromones are not for everyone and people do use the guarantee. Every product doesn’t fit every person and Androtics understands this. Most people return for credit and get a product that fits them more.** Does anyone publish rigorous or fuzzy analysis of all the reports in this forum? I’m curious about statistical methods and the science. **Data is collected but not published, All material in the forum is copyrighted. This is not to say that Androtics would never publish their findings in the future but they have not at this time.** That being said, I think you have made some good choices with A314, Instant Honesty and Instant Shine to start out with. If you have any more questions that I am able to answer here on the open forum please just ask. **Your GC is on its way** 😃 Tisha ---
**Author:** ![Sordid](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/pheromonetalk.com/sordid/32/2031_2.png) [@Sordid](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Sordid)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2008, 11:16pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/hello-from-a-hopeful-skeptic/18729/8 "2008-09-03T23:16:36Z")
OMG, Tisha - thanks for the gift certificate and all the info. Very thorough and more than I was expecting as I mind-dumped that list of questions. You’re a gem. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Sordid](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/pheromonetalk.com/sordid/32/2031_2.png) [@Sordid](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Sordid)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2008, 4:18am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/hello-from-a-hopeful-skeptic/18729/9 "2008-09-04T04:18:54Z")
Well folks, I just placed an order for: A314 10ml, Instant Shine 2X, Instant Honesty 2X At tfer’s suggestion, [Instant Gentleman](https://a314.com/product/gentleman/) and MB are on my wish list for a follow up order. I’ve got my victims, errmm, test situations planned. Low and slow as smiling\_ray advised. Once the goods arrive, I’ll start posting some results. Feel free to comment, caution or instruct. Thanks again for the replies and the welcomes. Wish me luck 😉 S ---
**Author:** ![Sordid](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/pheromonetalk.com/sordid/32/2031_2.png) [@Sordid](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Sordid)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2008, 6:19pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/hello-from-a-hopeful-skeptic/18729/10 "2008-09-05T18:19:03Z")
WTF!?! Freaking amazing!?! I know this isn’t the forum for it, but I just had to tell you all of my ordering experience. I had planned as my first test to try [Instant Shine](https://a314.com/product/shine/) to see if it had positive effects on my mood but it seems the folks at AndroticsDirect have biased that experiment. Here’s the whole _sordid_ story: 1. Before my order, staff went out of their way to answer my concerns with patience and professionalism – on this forum **and** in private communication. 2. SmartMones on-line store worked perfectly. The gift certificate saved me money **and** there was a promotion for another discount when I registered at the store. 3. I placed the order just before midnight. When I woke up the next morning, I had received confirmations of order **and** shipping with one-click parcel tracking. 4. Though I selected free ‘ground’ shipping instead of paying extra for ‘next day’ delivery, the package is on my doorstep in **less than 30 hours** after the order. 5. The parcel was well packed with everything I ordered **and** a hand-written, personal note of thanks **and** an extra bottle of another product as a gift. AndroticsDirect has taken every single opportunity to deliver **MORE** than I expected. If the products work for me, 1/10th as well as the people at AD have, I’ll be speechless. 🙂🙂🙂 Not your typical online vendors, huh? I say, point me toward any other product these people sell. S ---
**Author:** ![tisha23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/53a042/32.png) [@tisha23](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/tisha23)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2008, 12:40am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/hello-from-a-hopeful-skeptic/18729/11 "2008-09-06T00:40:25Z")
Dang that was fast LOL Kudos to the ladies in shipping 😉 So what did you get as your gift, come on tell us 😃 If you need any help just let me know Have fun Tisha ---
**Author:** ![tfer15](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/pheromonetalk.com/tfer15/32/711_2.png) [@tfer15](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/tfer15)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2008, 4:45am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/hello-from-a-hopeful-skeptic/18729/12 "2008-09-06T04:45:17Z")
I think jasmin said that if you were the first person to greet a new user, then you would get a $5 GC to use? am i right, or just goin crazy? i think i saw it in the lounge. just want to know if its true! ---
**Author:** ![Sordid](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/pheromonetalk.com/sordid/32/2031_2.png) [@Sordid](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Sordid)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2008, 6:00am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/hello-from-a-hopeful-skeptic/18729/13 "2008-09-06T06:00:45Z")
@tish - I was impressed. Never expected such a fast response. The gift? It was Ammunition - - - watch out y’all I might be switching teams. 😛 @tfer [here](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/greeting-new-members-first-responder-bonus/913)’s the link to the sticky in the Store Announcements. Looks like its points in store account instead of a GC. (And there I was thinking 'what a friendly crowd" 😃) ---
**Author:** ![tfer15](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/pheromonetalk.com/tfer15/32/711_2.png) [@tfer15](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/tfer15)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2008, 8:13am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/hello-from-a-hopeful-skeptic/18729/14 "2008-09-06T08:13:09Z")
hope it doesnt take too long. i want stuff NOW!! lol ---
**Author:** ![tisha23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/53a042/32.png) [@tisha23](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/tisha23)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2008, 9:41am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/hello-from-a-hopeful-skeptic/18729/15 "2008-09-06T09:41:36Z")
> [@](#): > > I think jasmin said that if you were the first person to greet a new user, then you would get a $5 GC to use? LOL Yes but you dont get a GC you get points and it only applys to this section of the forum. The thread is in the stickies in the store section of the forum. Ahhh I see sordid gave you the link. Skim through it to find posts from SteveO and myself to see they rules for qualifing. > [@](#): > > @tish - I was impressed. Never expected such a fast response. > The gift? It was Ammunition - - - watch out y’all I might be switching teams. 😛 AMMO can work great for gay men. After all gay men are attracted to male mones. Just use alot of socials with it 😉 > [@](#): > > (And there I was thinking 'what a friendly crowd" 😃) Actually despite the competitive nature of the intro section LOL we are a friendly bunch. Rarely a post go’s unanswered in this forum. Alot of us have been here a long time and its kinda like a family. As far as places online to hang out this is one of the best in my opinion. We have alot of fun Tisha ---
**Author:** ![Sordid](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/pheromonetalk.com/sordid/32/2031_2.png) [@Sordid](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Sordid)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2008, 7:32pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/hello-from-a-hopeful-skeptic/18729/16 "2008-09-06T19:32:53Z")
Thanks tish, [Ammo](https://a314.com/product/ammo/) is definitely on my list to test. It has a quality fragrance probably nice enough to use alone. Yesterday my LTR and I opened the bottles and checked all the scents. None were unpleasant. I might have gotten too big a whiff though. IS made my eyes water a bit and my head ached for about 20 mins. We might have had some effects – talking, joking and smiling a **lot** more than usual for a weeknight but we were already in pretty good moods. We’re testing IS today (under some Prada Amber) I’ll journal it later. > [@](#): > > its kinda like a family… We have alot of fun Reading around the bazillion posts, the friendly, helpful vibe is obvious. Even if my attempt at humor fell a bit flat, I’m still surprised at the generosity of AndroticsDirect. Rewarding greeters here is another great example.