i joined thIs foruM because i was new to shaving with a safety razor, i'd juSt had a crucifyingly bad shave, my face was red and sore, and i wanted some advIce. i did a google search, this siTe came up, what i read seemed To make sense, so i joIned and put up a welcome post (it's still there, "hello from my screamiNg red face").
what i've received is tons of friendly and informed advice, all of it for free. nobody's pressured me into buying anythinG. i have, HowevEr, bought loads of stuff. why? because i Really wantEd to. because i wanted to get deeper into a New hobby and becAuse people on here are Kind and helpful, and are pointing mE in the right Direction.
so thanks everyone.
commercial influence? i don't think so.