Hey Ted,
I wasn't going to get too involved, because I have been know to just pop off at the mouth and it seems to make people uneasy, but you asked for criticism, so here is my .02.
First off, you still have not answered my question, what is the point of this thread? The news is out on the Morouga, as it has been for more than a few days, and you are now coming here and telling us the same thing that we already know. I don't necessarily think that we are "playing into your game", I actually think that you believe that THP is a place with people just like you....it isn't. I am sure that there are Ted lovers here, however, there are way more people who look at peppers, sauces, and growing with respect.
I take this very seriously, it is not a "Challenge" to me. You have every right to consider each pepper you eat a challenge. That is what sells, and that is what you are after. But this is a perfect example of how a "Challenge" seeker gets on Barbra Walters and nobody has ever heard of Beaglestorm. The biggest difference is the fact that I swear to you Beagle could care less if his videos are played on TV. What you represent IS the average joe. That is totally fine, but I am not the average joe. I am a chili grower who has a respect and borders on obsession with the hobby. There will be a lot of people here like me and it is insulting when you come here and throw up flashy ALL CAPS THREAD HEADLINES, and tell us nothing but how you got contacted and have insider information, or your getting threats from so and so. In all reality, if you ARE getting contacted by the heavies in the chili pepper industry, it is a sad day for growers everywhere.
Ted, I have about a dozen videos where I have reviewed chili peppers and have never received a single threat. But because of you the positive experience I have sharing the FACTS about the chili is skewed because I am berated with messages to "Eat Goldfish", "Eat a live scorpion", etc. They think all of us are like you, and that is something that you have taken away from me and the community.
Ted, among your first words in the original post is something along the lines of you are not looking for attention, but that is exactly what you are doing. If you would have just admit it, this would have played out much differently. I have no doubt that you share your chilis and have probably got a few people to like them, however, everything about you from your ALL CAPS NAME AND HEADLINES, to your ridiculous signature, to your first go around here on THP scream that you want attention. I am here to tell you that IT IS OK! You do things that most of the world would never do. That is a plus in my book. BUT when you compare you to me, you are way off the mark.
Ted, keep making videos, congratulations on the success, and I honestly think that you have a shot in the entertainment industry (look at those guys on heat seekers, you can eat everything they do), but if you expect to be welcomed with open arms by me I am sorry. You and I simply are in it for totally different reasons.
Good luck.
Matt