[dank.frank]

At Stank Bros, we do not think of tester genetics as a prequel to a specific release. While a test thread certainly does help showcase and “advertise” the ability of the genetics, their primary purpose is NOT advertising.

As we explore and develop different lines and work towards eventual goals, there are many, many plants that need to be checked and sorted. More often than not, the primary focus of a test hybrid is to help determine various filial contributions of the male, as many of the females used in our projects are either already proven winners from the known “elite” establishment or private selections which have been successfully used in previous hybrids.

The fact of the matter is, many test hybrids may never actually see the “retail” side of things. Tester genetics give those who choose to have a more intimate relationship with the Stank Bros projects a unique opportunity to have an insider view at the various progressions and pathways that we are exploring.

As a result of this base philosophy, Stank Bros tends to favor those who have previous experience with our genetics. This allows us to gain much better feedback, as we know the opinions shared are being subjected to previous criteria that remains relevant to the progression and improvement of our work. At the same time, it just so happens to benefit those who support our retail releases consistently; but so people understand…this inclination to favor previous customers does not stem from their financial support, but rather from their more intimate knowledge of Stank Bros work.

Tester genetics should not be an incentive to make frequent posts or become a loyal customer …we hope such loyalty manifests naturally as a result of your enjoyment of the various genetic lines Stank Bros offers.

All that having been said – At times it may be necessary to place restrictions on those various tester genetics. It wouldn’t matter at all if every tester was merely a prequel to a retail release – as the genetics would be available en mass regardless. However, sometimes, there may be testers we are not exactly proud of and would rather not have associated with the company name. There may also be situations that arise to where a test line may be released and then worked further at a later date for a retail release. In such a scenario, an individual testing such genetics would then be in possession of what could potentially become P1 stock. This requires a great deal of thought on my part in regards to the common sense of testers and the retail environment; however, I feel the benefits gained outweigh the potential risks.

I have noticed some rather harsh responses to vendors that express a desire to place strict criteria upon those testing their genetics and I feel as if I am walking on thin ice as a result. However, it makes perfect sense to be critical of those growing genetics you are hoping to gleam some sort of specific data from. If you are not willing to be exposed to the nuances of varying restrictions upon a few seeds, then I suggest you do NOT consider testing genetics for Stank Bros. These “restrictions” which could range from promising not to use/keep any males, not making early F2s or not sharing cuts of any females found until a given amount of time has passed from an initial retail release, etc. I do not feel making such requests is at all unreasonable when being given free seeds directly from the breeders personal projects, which again, may or may not be intended for future retail.

I hope everyone can understand and appreciate Stank Bros philosophy on “testers”.









dank.Frank