As an official "Old Fart", I was pondering the other day as I was reading different posts around the Internet. You can ponder when you're an old fart! I read 98% of the time and post the other 2%, which in my opinion after reading some of the posts out there in cyberspace, more people should adhere to. By the way, this is the only site where I actually post, because I have found it to be the most helpful and authentic and I only joined recently so I could start posting. I've been reading for quite awhile!

Anyway, and I guess this is more of a statement than a question, but I thought it may be good for some of the younger folks out there or those just getting bit by the lifting bug to read and think about. When surfing the Internet for information regarding "Supplements", how do we know what we are reading is from an authentic, informative, professional source? We don't! So keep this in mind:

The human body is the most complex machine ever! Even though we should all have the same parts to work with, those parts all absorb, react, grow and function differently for each one of us. Another words, what works for one may or may not work for another. The best we can do is be as informed as possible and maintain a "Trial by Error" mentality. When trying out new supplements, give them a chance, but if it's not working do something different! I see so many posts by people ragging out products as being worthless, then the same person posts their workout and I have to laugh. Nothing "supplements" correct work, diet and rest! (That's a play on words!)

On the other hand I see a plethera of posts claiming the next miracle pill! I'm not against supplements, I currently take a low carb whey protein (low carb due to my age), creatine, fish pill, Gluco-Chondroit-MSM mix, and Maximum Pump (which I'm about out of). So I'm definitely pro-supplement! My point is, after reading so many posts by our younger generation and new lifters, I believe they might be better served if they concentrated on workout, rest, diet and a whey protein product before they start spending the college or rent money on more complex assistance.

My next point, and this is relevent to everyone when joining or viewing a message board that is new to "You". Take your time and read, especially if your new to all of this. I know we all get excited about new products, I still do! By being patient and reading the different posts by members, eventually you will find out who is informed and knowledgeable. It's kind of like finding a movie critic that you like. There are many informed people on this forum that when I see making a post, I sit up a little straighter and pay a little more attention to. (No, I'm not sucking up so forget about it!)

Even at the age of 46, I get confused by all of the products out there. I want to feel good, look good, get ripped too! I see a new product and google it, read about it, digest all of the comments on it, and then sometimes I'm even more confused. Especially regarding the comments on products, which takes me back to my first paragraph. How do we trust the source of the information. It's the cyberworld. We don't really know most people personally in a forum. How do we know that the person extolling a product isn't a salesperson for that product? Or how do we know that someone that's ripping on a product isn't a salesperson from a competing company? It comes back to patience, "Grasshopper". (That's from the old show "Kung Fu" for you youngins) Patience, and go back to those comments made by people in a forum that you have come to trust. Better yet, send a private message to someone you trust and ask a question! They WILL respond!

In conclusion, keep in mind the part about everyone being different. You might get lucky and the first thing you try will work. (I doubt it, but maybe) Then you're body will start changing and you'll have to try something different. The body adapts to change quite wonderfully, so keep trying new things!

I hope this is helpful, that is it's purpose.