The Magnet Ban Dishonesty Parade (Uncut) - CPSC & Washington Post

[@rjeffjamieson]

If it's any consolation regarding that 18 voters thing at the end, maybe take solace in knowing the Washington Post really struggles with numbers. I just cancelled (specifically because of this garbage reporting) my $4/mo subscription, and while doing so, they asked whether I would be willing to reconsider if they "lowered" my price to $80/yr. First of all, no, this is about quality not cost. Also, no, I made up my mind, stop trying to change it. But just while we're on the subject, how is 80 less than than 4x12? So that one tiny part of the story, writing 18 instead of 2, might have not been personal. Math just isn't their strong suit, clearly.

[@ronbozoid]

DON'T GIVE IT UP YET! Just take a little break, recharge your magnets, and get back in the game!

[@YoyoBandalore]

I have so much respect for you and Zen Magnets fighting the CPSC all these years. I agree the CPSC has a grudge against Zen Magnets because they would not cow down to their "power". They are embarrassed and angry because they were beaten at their own game. I also understand being tired. You can only fight "The Government" and their unlimited resources for so long. It's a sad commentary on our society and how we have reached this Nanny State. The only thing the CPSC wants is a WIN. They don't care whether it's fair or just, so long as THEY win. You have GONE AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT, so YOU MUST PAY! The more I think about it the angrier I become. I truly hope that Zen Magnets will somehow survive. However, should the worst happen and the CPSC finally delivers the death blow, I want to wish you all the best in your future endeavors. I have no doubt you will succeed at whatever you choose to pursue. BEST of LUCK!!!

[@liamjensen7775]

You are completely correct, I also hope that they somehow survive as well.

[@AlanJaffray]

You are an American hero. Not joking, not exaggerating. I hope you're wrong and Zen Magnets can continue to exist, but if not, I wish you the best of luck in whatever you decide to do next. Peace.

[@listlessh]

For real. I've been watching this whole clusterfuck unfold since day 1 and am amazed that Zen Magnets isn't covered in dust and debris by now. Hats off.

[@Hexbet]

For goodness sakes when on Earth are we going to hold parents responsible for what their children do.

[@SlenderSmurf]

This is so hard to hear. There is just no justice in America. You have a long life ahead of you Qu, I'm sure you'll find success and some day this will all seem like a bad dream.

[@whos_.eric.]

I like how other company’s don’t put any warnings on their products and the people who do put warnings get blamed for it

[@Nadav3.0]

This situation sucks so much. It seems like you are one of the only people who genuinely cares about the outcome of this genre of magnet, yet you have to suffer because of petty regulations that are itself countaditory. Not only that, but you yourself care about the quality of the product and how people use it (ie not ingested). Your story is a perfect example of an underdog and you could have profited so much more if it weren’t for illegal activities made by Amazon. Plus, you are the one that gets criticized the most. This story must be shared. It shouldn’t be this way! Anyway, the video inspired me to purchase another high-quality product from this wholesome company and I used the coupon code which did give me a discount of 1 cent! I will cherish this company being up-and-running for the rest of its life, and I hope it doesn’t have to end as quick as the CPSC wants

[@zenmagnets]

Thanks Ariel. We had expected Zen Magnets to die like five times in the past, so we're well in bonus time anyways. Can't fight forever. At this point it's not so much about saving the business as it is getting the truth out there.

[@Nadav3.0]

Hey that’s respectable as all hell. Zen Magnets fought the fight and it is not worth the time and the investment anymore. It sucks that this has happen to people like you. This situation is not unlike what happens to perhaps thousands of companies. It’s so easy yet so hard in America to start a company and keep it running. I’m glad you made this video because what you’re saying needs to be said

[@luke.rademacher]

ARIEL. WHAT CAN I SAY...

[@RyanKirk99]

Trying to explain something to a government agency is like talking to a drunk person.

[@1CherryTree]

Might be worse than actually.

[@listlessh]

Just wanna say thanks for being awesome, and also would like to brag that I have TWO entire human toddlers who have survived in the presence of a bag of Zen Magnets that is several years older than they are.

[@Dfw579]

Noooo! Please say they won’t be banded AGAIN 😠

[@TheyMightBeBricks]

I still have my small Zen Magnets kit I bought in 2015. I guess I should plan to buy more soon. Maybe get some chopsticks along with it...

[@volkischfrau2957]

Not again! Banning anything is stupid!!! I bought your magnets and got more for Christmas from your site🙂 I am a responsible adult and don't need to be told how to store them and keep them away from children and idiots. Keep fighting, banning items and speech will never be a solution to anything. What's truly lacking, is common sense, and either people have it, or they don't. That said, I would be tired too.

[@davidcwalls]

It would be great to have a version of this video geared toward an audience who knows nothing about the issue - one that would present the case to, e.g. our reps in Congress (I'll send the link to mine), so they could see the real face of the supposed evil-magnet-industry, and learn how you have been doing more to protect children than the CPSC. On the other hand, you've probably spent enough time, effort, and money trying to benefit a public that doesn't seem to want it, so maybe you should put the time into starting your next business and go make your fortune. Good luck in your future endeavors, and thanks for all the efforts on our behalf.

[@hypedemerald]

Many people are just commenting on the potential ban so here are some of my thoughts about the question posed at the end: - I think you should go back to “plain” packaging for the Neoballs. The vibrant colours from some of the sets that I’ve gotten would definitely attract a child into exploring what’s in it. I’m not sure if it was a promotional thing, though. I’ve had a couple close calls before I found a place to hide it where my nephew picks a tin up while I’m looking up something and not expecting him. Thankfully, he at least could understand ‘no, this isn’t a kid thing’ and is a noisy little guy. - Definitely make the packaging harder for kids to get into. Maybe look at some pill bottles for examples there? - I think that your 14+ age limit is a good starting limit. By then, a person has a good grip on what is and isn’t safe. It could then be adjusted later down the line. However, I recommend putting it on the top of the page(s) instead of the bottom. (Unrelated, but the Neoballs site’s header doesn’t work that well for mobile) - Possibly add a page on proposed regulations for people to view on the site? Right now, from a consumer standpoint, it would help to show what exactly you want from this and what you’ve proposed in the past. Finally, I have to note that I never bought the magnets off of Amazon specifically because of the ‘for kids’ marketing, and potential quality issues.

[@1CherryTree]

I have to chuckle at your reference to pill bottles as examples. Have you never heard the saying "if you have trouble opening a child-proof medicine bottle just give it to a toddler and they will have it open in no time." It is true.

[@hypedemerald]

1CherryTree It was the most stubborn thing that I could think of at the time, and I haven’t heard that expression before. Could be because we were taught to keep away from it.

[@1CherryTree]

@@hypedemerald Exactly! We were taught to keep away from dangerous things. Teaching and watching. Parents being parents! There would be no need for government interference if parents would do their jobs!

[@N0xious]

Don't give up brother, you stand for more than just magnet spheres now.I purchased several mandala sets many years ago and have been following and supporting the fight. Perhaps we can change some legislation to impose rules on the PPs to do their job evenly and consistently? "Vow to Fight Take this as official notice that Zen Magnets LLC is going All-in, and taking “Door #2” as described above. We will not settle for any sort of stop-sale of magnets that are perfectly safe when not misused ... We vow to continue this legal, awareness, and lobbying battle, until our very last drop of cash-flow blood. We will combat the CPSC’s magnet prohibition until triumph, or until a glorious death of insolvency on the legal battlefield ... Magnets must be respected, but need not be feared. -Shihan Qu Founder, Zen Magnets"

[@iROMine]

This is kinda like how Tide feeds kids Tide pods with forks!

[@nextofkin2321]

Ughhhhhh ffs hope it goes well

[@tend2it]

Shihan and the Zen Magnets family have been a shining example of a wonderful American company who actually supports their artistic community (with many ways to earn free magnets). I fear that the revenge-driven CPSC loss fueled the Washington Post article to once again tarnish the Magnet industry to put the final nails on the coffin. I've been using Zen Magnets since 2011 and safely allowed my 6yr old son play with and even place 2nd in one of their monthly contests. It is an abomination that a government agency responsible for Consumer Safety believes that warning labels for Magnets are ineffective, while ignoring deaths from balloons, guns, knives, detergent, etc. I wish you all the best of luck in the future and will sorely miss your wonderful daily Gallery accepts, monthly contests, and most importantly, your high quality products and videos. Be proud that you were the 1st to successfully engage and win against the CPSC's prejudice on Magnet safety (on the first go around) and have provided a fun artistic outlet to people around the world.

[@Mike-iz9kh]

Hey, Qu, DON'T GIVE UP THE FIGHT. I agree with you that warnings DO work. Your warnings are impossible to miss. Don't cave in now! You CAN fight forever. And you SHOULD! No one holds magnets in such high esteem as you do, and you are leaving a legacy of safer magnets (via workable warning labels) AND a legacy of many people getting to try this fantastic building and sculpturing tool which would otherwise be impossible and illegal. Please DON'T give up! If it's a personal matter where you feel you're just "losing steam," there are solutions for that. Check out Grant Cardone. But don't give up!

[@TheMountainWulf]

Not to mention, his magnets are the highest quality by a mile. You'll never be able to get good magnets like his again if his company goes under. That, and the CPSC shouldn't be allowed to win like this.

[@spacemango3277]

in nanodots packaging WARNING: DO NOT EAT WARNING: DO NOT EAT WARNING: DO NOT EAT WARNING: DO NOT EAT WARNING: DO NOT EAT WARNING: DO NOT EAT WARNING: DO NOT EAT WARNING: DO NOT EAT WARNING: DO NOT EAT WARNING: DO NOT EAT WARNING: DO NOT EAT WARNING: DO NOT EAT WARNING: DO NOT EAT

[@kami1725]

Damn Qu... You're a fighter and I admire that, it sucks that fighting The Good (Magnet) Fight can't lead to a fair and reasonable conclusion. I'm sorry you have to deal with this bull. The CPSC (and WaPo) has really screwed everyone here. I'll miss you guys.

[@peterbaione1014]

They don't want kids to figure out all the potential applications for magnets. It's a huge threat to entrenched power players in energy monopolies and aviation for a start.

[@juhoosifrat]

You are truly an amazing person. Thank you for all the effort you have put forth in this fight. I love my Zen Magnets. Fuck the CPSC!

[@AMWoll]

Yoyo pretty much nailed it on the head. This is just disturbing. I hope nothing but the best for you and the Zen Magnets company!

[@brishonmartin2032]

The Washington Post in OWNED BY THE OWNER OF AMAZON.COM

[@StankLip]

I want to buy another set just to use that coupon code! You've fought the good fight long enough. Best of luck in what you do next. As for the warning, how about "Parents, do your damn job." I think the warnings have been sufficient and you have done more in this area than others -looking at you buckyballs.

[@Mikey_Likes_It_Too]

Thank you so much for everything you've done for the industry and population of kids at heart (older that 14 of course) who need the tactile sensation Zen Magnets provide. A few points to ponder...the data provided in the article states there were an estimated 1,580 magnet ingestions last year (note: the article doesn’t specify what type of magnet, it just assumes they were all rare-earth magnets) but a study by the American Family Physician (way back in 2005) stated ingestions of [all] foreign objects was over 182,000 with approximately 1,500 deaths. So, magnets represent less than 1% (~0.87%), and that's comparing ingestion data that's 15 years old, no doubt the total number of ingestions is significantly higher today which would bring magnet ingestions even lower. Oh, and point of fact, coins were the number one item ingested but they aren't being banned. Final thought/question, have you considered marketing Zen Magnets as office supplies, like staples or paperclips (which are also easy to swallow)? I often use spherical magnets to hang notes in my office proving they have practical applications too.

[@zacharyschmidt5699]

I will be buying the mandalas set within the week

[@1CherryTree]

My thoughts? Parents need to parent.

[@TylrVncnt]

It really is amazing that fireworks sellers & chemical distributors truly do NOT envy your situation and what you have to deal with in relating to “safety”.... And we’re talking about *magnets* here, like, let that just sink in... This whole thing would be solved by mandating the warnings/packaging suggestion you *already laid out* and also maybe making it so that the images of these products themselves have clear and serious warnings ⚠️ (with short message like: NOT for children, Potentially FATAL if SWALLOWED) in the pictures for every advertisement/listing with embedded link to a product page (looking at you, Amazon...) Lives would then be saved... It’s the dangerous ‘no name’ ‘fake brand’ millions of Amazon listings that are to blame... I wonder what the data looks like for what % of magnets that resulted in an injury or death were purchased from Amazon... 🤔 [*who also just happen to own Washington Post*, btw... nbd, nothing to see here, move along...] I wouldn’t be surprised *at all* if the results were staggeringly weighted to Amazon... Oh & LOLLL loved that line of BS - “can’t tell what brand magnet it is when you pull it out of someone” purrrre GOLD... like, what..??! Are you trying to tell me that the parent or ‘whoever’ wouldn’t be able to recall *where* they bought or *how* they acquired the “deadly” destruction-bringing-spheres-of-Hell that injured (or worse) their loved one from/when..?? Like, what....?? There are so many things just plain fundamentally wrong with that *EXCUSE* (or ‘cover up’..) but really, is he seriously expecting anyone with *half-decent reasoning skills* to actually believe his made up “fact”.... WTF... I feel insulted from that statement and I’ve never heard of these magnet balls until *today*. Shakes me to my core how wrong this entire situation is... I can’t imagine how you feel if I’m infuriated just like this...

[@JohnDobak]

Qu seems like he would be a fun guy to drink and argue with.

[@jwoo110]

John Dobak he doesn't drink but is definitely fun to hang with

[@FlareHeart]

I'm so sorry this is happening to you guys again. I have been following the magnet sphere stuff since they first appeared. I own way too many zen sets already. I love them to pieces and I absolutely will not give mine up.

[@BlameDavid]

"The pp's" nice one

[@jwoo110]

Love you brother.

[@RationallySkeptical]

Great video, great content, and thanks for informing us. One thing though... I was listening to this on my lappy without headphones outside and even with speakers maxed there were parts I simply could not hear (and my hearing is perfect.) You should seriously consider boosting your dB. Edit: I could actually hear the part where your mic was "off" better than when it was on, although I'm sure thats an artifact of the laptop speakers. Your regular speech just isn't loud enough (unless listening in complete silence.)

[@ShardsOfObsidian]

Fake news isn't just for politics. Outrage marketing for everyone..... Sorry to hear about this, Zen Magnets.

[@Zebombaci]

I've been collecting zen magnets since the beginning, they soothe my adhdness lol. I try to pickup a few sets each year when the holiday sales come around. I have about 30 sets of them together and with 2 small children they stay in a clear lock case at the back of my mantle. I'd understand them making it 18+ to buy strong magnets or regulating them more, but to ban them is just pure ignorance.. There are so many other things that should be worried about or banned way before magnet balls. Wtf.. Let's be real here.. Good luck, yal have always been very professional with excellent customer service.

[@paeonia321]

Can they be coated, during manufacturing, in a substance that would make a child immediately spit them out? (Pets, too.)

[@parryhotter2319]

got my zen magnets in the mail yesterday and i cannot stop playing with them

[@MagnetWorld]

Someone can explain for me what happening?

[@zenmagnets]

The government and safety lobbyists are trying to ban magnets right now, and will probably succeed because most of the magnet ball fans have no idea it's even happening. Can you help?

[@MagnetWorld]

@@zenmagnets That sure. All they put on is the safety of children. This is correct, but you cannot ban all families from not using cutlery because they are sharp. Magnetic Balls too, they are great for entertainment, not for eating. We also have children, and we absolutely separate them. Magnetic Balls is a 13+ game, like a lego, that you can't touch when you're too young.

[@MagnetWorld]

@@zenmagnets That sure. All they put on is the safety of children. This is correct, but you cannot ban all families from not using cutlery because they are sharp. Magnetic Balls too, they are great for entertainment, not for eating. We also have children, and we absolutely separate them. Magnetic Balls is a 13+ game, like a lego, that you can't touch when you're too young.

[@orangepentagon9730]

#SaveOurMagnets

[@tylermittermueller8427]

This video made me immediately go to your website to buy two Mandala sets, but they're sold out. Will more stock be coming in soon?

[@fearkratos444]

Wait their gonna ban magnetic balls again in 2020 NOOOO!

[@liamjensen7775]

I ordered a set, they’re on the way! Thank you, I’ve played with some and loved them, and I appreciate your hard work and am very glad that you have powered through these retards bullshit. I love this company and I hope you keep selling and that this CPSC doesn’t continue trying to take you down. I am really sad that you want to take down Zen Magnets, but I understand why. Good luck. p.s. I think you’re right about the age and safety requirements, 14 is a obviously reasonable age to be mature enough to play responsibly, if they eat them, you’re not at fault.

[@EckmanJones]

Higher, more around 75-80 years old.

[@dostovkara9481]

Even reading the article sounded like most quotes were cut in half or follow-up statements were left off. The article was pretty hefty to have minimal information as well as using "oh my god" news from years ago. This looked to be a greatly generalized commentary that you could slap most products in place of magnets and say "this is why it is bad", I mean how many kids or adults(idiots, in this case) ate frikkin tide pods? I do want to note that when you mentioned the part about manufacturers and industry... The article did say "magnet manufacturers or had ties to industry", instead of ties TO THE (magnet) industry. This to me actually sounds worse as they are saying that anyone who had business relations at all were only trying to push this through. I work for a company that sells parts so I guess if I was on this roster I too would have been pushing for my own wallet even though I have nothing to do with magnets....uh, what? Good luck and enjoy what you have been able to share, hoping Zen can keep going and the fakes finally get slapped down.

[@lazerhawks]

2:51 - 3:06 seems to be the crux. If you guys are the only ones with good warnings but you don't run the market in terms of volume, then the warning label isn't getting a fair scientific test.

[@prototypep4]

It's hard to hold the market when all the competitors are selling illegally

[@lazerhawks]

@@prototypep4 right, and hard for anyone to compete with Amazon. Just sucks that the little guy happens to have the best magnets and is the only one trying to play by the rules.

[@coreyjones6320]

Is there anything we can do to help? I love these magnets

[@MrDarren690]

It's a grim outcome for a grim timeline. Try buying one or two of their sets. I don't know if you can donate directly to them. Also spread the word! If we can make this go viral in 6 months for magnets, we can probably push things back.

[@coreyjones6320]

@@MrDarren690 did they end up getting banned?

[@danielgoodman3578]

You expected more from WaPo?

[@fearkratos444]

Exactly why would they banned magnetic balls again on 2020

[@jezarius]

Guns = OK for sale Magnets = Outright ban Hmmm

[@joegalvin6244]

Well, maybe Shihan should make magnetic railguns, then they'd protect 'im. 'merica!

[@carisanichols1888]

Possible Warning: Do you and/or the intended user of this product think swallowing the magnets is a good idea? If you answered yes, do NOT use the magnets. If no, please enjoy the magnet world.

[@jorbore1413]

Add the warning: "Eat it and DIE"

[@ANGELM73350]

I really have no knowledge in this kind of stuff, but isn't it possible to just move the company to another country that isn't problematic? I don't really see it happening, but i still want to have some hope Because if the company disappears, what do we buy, then?

[@snabbott]

This sucks. :'(

[@BlameDavid]

ffs again?

[@Fahrvergnugn]

Why aren't they trying to ban Tide Pods?

[@mobilecont2737]

Because they own them most likely

[@rasyaalbysulistio8910]

i,m shop to you and shop 11 magnetis 😅 oke👌👌👌👌👍👍👍

[@og7heads]

Is it to late to save 5mm magnets?

[@seyymon986]

Actually sir your product is cool instead of using it for kids cause it can be swallowed by them but for adults it is so cool your magnets are awesome ireally want the manda set but its too expensive to buy ,but someday ..... like ur products

[@ChachaNuVaughn]

Here's an archive of the article, since WaPo doesn't deserve any adclicks or whatever: archive.md/DstxR It's a really awful situation. I've gotten a set of Zen Magnets and Neoballs before, and they're great desk toys (ya know, NOT for kids). I really hope things go in your guys' favor, though...

[@fearkratos444]

Makes no sense

[@BlameDavid]

14:00 bruh

[@Sausketo]

yea that happened, not as bad as it could have been

[@EskiloTheGamer1410]

Ya boi got more beard since he debunked buckyballs

[@rasyaalbysulistio8910]

i,m shop you and shoopy to 1 July 2023😅

[@LMahesa]

14 is too young; they may have little siblings, and tidy 14 year olds are few and far between. I say military age, or even drinking age. Combine that with seriously difficult to open packaging that's covered in warnings. Pricey, though.

[@herbalgiles9468]

This is so funny lmao

[@_mr3_]

I love you man, but I'm going to be honest with you here. The actual WP article doesn't seem to warrant this kind of response from you, at least not one where you decide to alter your company's future plans. I see how the timing of the ban vs statistics contradicts some of their conclusions. I do see an obvious level of ignorance involved regarding the CPSC's powers and their actions on record. And yes, I do see a lot of apparent bias without much factual to back it. At the same time, their concerns seem to be focused more on CPSC and advocacy group powers vs industry than anything else, and much of those concerns may be satisfied with little change to the current state of things (and just some increased awareness of them). In the long run, if those facts gain exposure then the WP's bias will be obvious. Also I think the issue about whether adults should have access to magnets is one that can be fought on a public scale because of things like what you mention--the same logic that would ban magnets would apparently ban everything from use of poisons to guns to alcohol. Your voice just needs to be joined by enough of the public, us. We just need to stop being so unengaged in doing our jobs to manage our governance. Maybe if you do more videos highlighting the facts and details involved then it can help too.

[@prototypep4]

1) the Washington Post is notoriously bad at biased reporting and do so to follow an agenda. 2) it's 2020, unless it's gun rights no one in america cares what gets banned. Most of the world actually for that matter.

[@fearkratos444]

Unless this a lie than I'm gonna be pissed

[@wep4968]

Understanding magnetism and fields is a threat to "established" science, hence the need to control it. The magnets are a superior learning tool.

[@prototypep4]

Wut? How are they a threat to established science?

[@Metalman38]

Boo hoo.

[@mobilecont2737]

I think we found one of those magnet eaters

[@sonict210]

@@mobilecont2737 😐

[@bootwhistle]

Wow, it's just so hypocritical when gun regulation is fought against tooth and nail, I guess magnets are dangerous.

[@NoNameC68]

The CPSC would ban guns a thousand times over if they could, but they don't have any jurisdiction over firearms.