In lieu of recent events.......

the B spot · May 14, 2007

In lieu of recent events, I would like to share my thoughts concerning this site.

Regardless of the exchange of money or advertising (upfront or covert) over the past years the Hair Transplant Network has helped countless sufferers like myself find a reputable hair transplant surgeon. Given the millions of dollars spent by chain mills to deceive the general public, I count this as a major coup, despite any rebuttal otherwise. I have stated innumerous times on this site and elsewhere that a large part of what drives my association here is saving at least 1 prospective hair transplant patient a month from choosing a chain mill, a poor doctor, or an otherwise unknown doctor. In doing this, I have met and spoken to countless people here in the States and many others from other countries, all tied by a common bond---- beating hairloss.

Hairloss is a binding issue that transcends skin color, religion, social status, country of origin and many other fractal denominators. It is here on HTN where a guy like me can read medical journals, articles, speak to doctors, speak to patients, and do everything in my power to acquire knowledge about this industry in order to help others. It is here where a lay-person can critique the work or philosophy of any given doctor and offer an opinion to others, in order to get a true read of how the abilities of a given doctor are being weighed and measured by US, the paying consumer. Let's not forget that it is us who drives this market--- we clamored for better results--- we got them. We clamored for larger sessions---- we got them. We clamored for thinner scars--- we got them. We clamored for larger, better, and cheaper FUE sessions--- we are getting them. For those that are "in the know" we are getting ALL of the things we desire, (with the exception of BHT--- jury is still out) so having a Coalition of doctors willing to rise to challenge of our demands is desirable and commendable at the same time.

It costs money to be in business, no doubt about it. Advertising and marketing costs continue to rise, along with technology and trained staff. It all adds up to quite a bit.

How do our Coalition Docs keep the costs down to a very competitive rate? Perhaps by belonging to an organization that allows them to display their talents for a nominal fee?

Certainly. However, understand that the organization is one that will at times be displeased with the level of work being performed and act accordingly. Consider Dr. Williams and Dr. DeYarman"???two very nice, caring men who do very good work, but several failures/less than stellar results prompted their removal from the Coalition. There is strength in numbers, so the advantages go both ways: We are a ready pool of potential consumers, but by the same token we also carry the loudest voice when something is not right.

I look at this site as a continued work in progress. Just a few short years ago it was vicious at times and shills ran rampant throughout, without care or concern for the lies and mis-truths they led others to believe. However, just as we demand that our Coalition Docs continue to refine their work, this site has refined itself as well. Look at the weblogs. Look at the level of patient education that is dispensed on a daily basis. Look at the sense of belonging and pride that our members and doctors alike have and should continue have.

We have made a difference. With 1 post, or 5000 posts your voice is now heard. In an unregulated industry that is not held to any real standard of excellence, the Hair Transplant Network has crafted a safe-haven for the uneducated and the educated to receive and share knowledge daily. It is truly remarkable what has been accomplished here and what will continue to be accomplished through working together. This site saved me from chain mills and enabled me to find Dr. Shapiro. For that alone, I owe a debt of gratitude. Many others probably feel the same way, regardless of if they chose a Coalition Doc, a Recommended Doc, or chose a doc armed with the knowledge they gleaned while reading this site.

Let's continue to press forward and continue to support the doctors who persist in meeting our demands...... The doctors who relish the opportunity to have their work critiqued by both the educated and the uneducated. Let's continue to call out or disassociate from those doctors who cannot or will not embrace the level of care we have come to expect. I want to thank all of you for giving your time and energy and making this site what it is today. I want to thank Pat for remaining strong and not folding in the face of adversity. Last, I want to thank all of you for allowing me the opportunity to voice my opinion. I wish you all well.

Jason

the B spot · May 14, 2007