Oh wow, another former optical lab tech in the wild.

I switched fields years ago and I’m glad I did. Visiting glasses shops today, there’s almost no on-site lab to speak of anymore. Maybe some finishing machines, but I haven’t seen a full surface lab in years.

I don’t have anything to add to the contact lens story except - wow, that’s nasty.

Lol, I used to do this as a kid. Didn’t steal anything, but I deliberately acted shady just to see what would happen. Nothing ever did.

I don’t think I’ve blocked anyone. There are plenty of users I disagree with on one point or another, but I like being exposed to different perspectives. I have to admit, I even like reading a spicy comment section sometimes (and by the up/downvote ratios on some threads, it’s clear that other people like reading them, too, even if they wouldn’t say so.) I know I’m not the only one breaking out the popcorn when I see a bigot getting torn apart in a comment chain.

If somebody seems to be trolling, I report them. But there seems to be a pattern of some trolls making accounts to spam, getting blocked by mods, and then popping up with a new username, so I don’t see much point in blocking individual accounts.

I’m far more likely to block communities. Not because they’re upsetting or offensive or anything, but because I either don’t care about whatever its topic is, or I don’t speak the language it’s written in.

I’m usually asked this at work, so my go-to response is, “Well, I’m here.” Which most seem to understand.