I've been diabetic for 37 years. I've had 4 generations of Minimed pumps before the 670G. Been on the 670G since 2017. It is by far the worst device I have ever used. Constant alerts and beeping, needing to hit the button at least three times for every activity. The senors are always off by between 20 and 40 mg/dl. The menu system is the worst I have ever seen, the most commonly used functions are three layers deep. The pump is significantly larger than the outgoing Paradigm model. It has cracked or malfunctioned on several occasions and I am now on my second replacement pump. I have one year left until the warranty is up and my insurance will let me switch to another pump. I'll never buy another Medtronic device again. I curse the thing every day. I'm hopeful that the t:slim and control IQ can be better.
Hi Tommy! I have been a t1d for 15 years. I had a Minimed for 13 of those 15 years. Medtronic had amazing pumps at the beginning of their journey into insulin pumps. However, I agree with you that the newest pumps have really disappointed many. I had the worst luck with my pump, I finally left Medtronic when my insurance changed, and pump renewal was up for the warranty. Like you, it was the most aggravating part of being a t1d. We already have enough to deal with, but add in numerous alerts, cracks, dents, and malfunctions and then you have a perfect storm of one angry t1d! Last July I got the tslim x2 with a Dexcom 6, I have and never will look back. Give tandem a call to see what they can offer you, I highly recommend it! Also, to anyone out there reading, look into the Facebook group The Diabetic Journey, it is one awesome group, providing great information and a place to vent when needed!! (Because let's be honest we are not perfect!)
Thank you! I can’t give personal advise but soon we will start a private exclusive channel membership where we will respond to questions anonymously by creating case scenarios based on questions we get. Stay out. Be well. Thank you for the question.
I've been a T1d for a long time as well, I gave up on Minimed a long time ago. I'm part of some other t1d groups, so I've had a chance to experience them again, I will honestly never go back to minimed/medtronic. The T:slim and dexcom g6 with the control IQ has dropped my A1C to the low 6's, which I've never achieved with any consistency before. It's amazing. It's not like you can just plug yourself in and "ta da" you're all better...but it makes it a lot easier than it's ever been.
Tandem is by far superior to Medtronic. My son's A1C has been cosistently around or below 7! He was never able to get there on Medtronic. The Dexcom sensor is sooo much easier to use and together with Tandem, this has really been life changing. Their upgrades are super easy to install as well.
Why do video makers insist on putting music background on while they're talking? FOr a person like me it makes it impossible to hear what the person is saying.
Great video. I have used both Tandem is by far the best, easiest to use and most accurate. Calibrations in the clinical laboratory is very important, I believe Dexcom has engineered their system so that calibration is rare or not needed at all. Very accurate. Matching with the Tandem pump makes this a game changer. My medtonic had many issues with the CGM, it didn’t work well at all.
Medtronic sucks sooo much. My old Endo talked me into Medtronic and their harpoon sensor several years ago. I quit using it and went with Animas. Animas went out of business so I now have the Tslim X2 Control Iq and LOOVE it!! No idea why anyone would want a Medtronic or why any doctor would recommend it. So many people hate the Medtronic system.
Thank you for the comment! We appreciate it! Please feel free to share this content with more people for them also enjoy and learn. Also please visit our Facebook page facebook.com/sugarmdsonline and website(sugarmds.com) for more educational content.
I'm surprised to see negative comments on Medtronics. I have had excellent service from them. Started using a Medtronics pump in 1985 and abandoned it after several years but before the Teflon cannula was developed. Returned to a newer model in 2004 and have never stopped. I'll admit the first CGM sensors had very long insertion needles but the Guardian 3 system is much shorter and more comfortable. Very much like the 670G and the Guardian CGM system. I have found the continuous feedback loop system very useful.
Thank you for sharing. We love hearing from you guys always. Reminder: you guys help a lot when you watch the video in full length including ads, like, and share. When you do that UA-cam starts serving more people who are probably in great need yet can't necessarily find our free diabetes educational videos among millions of other videos on youtube that are less pertinent or less educational to them. Remember this is the only diabetes channel that is created and supported by an endocrinologist who sees diabetic patients every day. Thanks for your support! Dr.Ergin
Yes Medtronic and Guardian sensors are fantastic, IF YOU DON'T MIND having a sensor glucose that is always 50 lower than a finger stick reading. Keep in mind 70 to 120 bg target for good numbers IS 50 points. 670G is garbage.
Something to keep in mind. Five years ago Medtronics had 80% of the insulin pump market. Now they are down to 50%. People are bailing because of the alarms you can't turn off and high sensor falure rate.
I’m getting my 3rd replacement on the Medtronic. Between the battery cap malfunctioning and the cracks on the battery side, my A1C has been a roller coaster this past year. I’m thinking I want to tandem
As a Medtronic 670g, 770g user, you have the option of insulin sensibility and you have the exercise feature so it keep your blood sugar to 8.3mmol/l instead of 6.3
Dr. Ergin, can you recommend the best closed loop system for visually impaired individuals? My wife is a type 1 diabetic from childhood, and has been using the Medtronic pump, but she is losing her vision due to a combination of diabetic retinopathy and MS complications. We are frustrated that pump manufacturers do not address this issue, especially since vision loss is a common factor in the diabetic community.
My dad has used Medtronic forever. However, his vision is decreasing so much. Any idea of how low vision patient reviews with t-slim? Wondering if that would be a better pump for him at this time.
𝐁𝐮𝐲 𝐒𝐮𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐌𝐃 𝐍𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭, 𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐕𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐍, 𝐖𝐄𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐔𝐋𝐀-𝐅𝐀𝐓 𝐁𝐔𝐑𝐍𝐄𝐑 sugarmds.com/ 𝐁𝐔𝐘 𝐃𝐫. 𝐄𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧'𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤- Discounted 50 percent for the new year- offer ends at the end of January! sugarmds.com/product/the-ultimate-diabetes-book-hardcover/
Love Medtronics customer support. Only company with a truly 24 hour support team and next day replacements. I think if your looking at a new pump keep in find the difference in support at hand
wow - you are the first person I have ever heard that from, They have made me cry more than once. So polite, but beyond that cant fix a problem, only work of a script. I have had 2 640 pump become faulty - one just stopped working, apparently a known fault. I was told they were out of pumps and I would have to wait weeks/months for replacement - TWICE. I have yet to talk with a customer support person that has any real insight to the product or diabetes. Fingers crossed Dexacom will be better.
@@kathlynch100 Tandem and Dexcom support is a million times better than Medtronics trust me. I've had a few faulty sensors with Dexcom and they were quick to replace and the costumer service was out of this world. For me Tandem/Dexcom are the best in the pump business right now
If you have no knowledge and need minimal help, Medtronic is fine. If you have a complicated issue, good luck. They are worse the Microsoft Tech support.
So now you have had your Tslim have you been disappointed as the one comment said. A lot of other "longtimers" seem super pleased with their Tslims. How's the dexcom working?
The tslim x2 from tandem is absolutely life changing. Do not listen to that hater. They’re mad they probably can’t get a pump and like to take it out on others. Control IQ is a whole other world I’m about to start but the pump alone is so good it’s crazy. Peace of mind
I had Medtronic, the sensor was horrible. My pump clip broke all the time, and so did the battery cap area. Horrible pushing all the buttons 3 times each for one function. Plus the sensor was NOT accurate it would be suspended insulin for a low and my sugar was 220. I went on injections until my pump warrantee was up and and getting the t slim now. I love my dexcom!! I would rather be on MDI then use a Medtronic pump!
I have a Medtronic pump. Soo disappointed I cannot get any of my reports because I do not own a computer. Cannot even go to library, they dont have correct programs. I also do not own a new I phone. I have a 6S. Is there any pump that is compatible with IPad or older IPhone?
I am thinking the T Slim is a good pump but some of the things you say about the Medtronic are incorrect, specifically about not being able to adjust basals etc. 11.37 minutes in, around there ... it says you cant adjust your sensitivity rates. on Medtronic. This is all incorerct. It also says your basal rate is not modifiable. This is completely incorrect. I am probably getting the Tandem T Slim next, but dont like some of this inacurate info here.
@@SugarMDs I agree with Katie. You CAN adjust your basal rates, sensitivity and carb ratios with a 670G. I am a T1d of over 53 years. Pump user for the last 20. I am also an RN for the past 40 years. It doesn't help to be "arrogant" with your knowledge. Accept that there IS the ability to modify the settings on the pump and move on.
You have several statements about the Medtronic system that are completely false! I have been on the 670G for the last 4 years (with a total of 30+ years on Medtronic pumps). The target BG is a range that can be set by the user, with a high and low setting between 60 and 250, with different ranges available for different time periods throughout a day (also fully adjustable). You are NOT tied to a setting of 120 at all. The insulin sensitivity is also fully adjustable in the 670G, as that is a vital factor in determining bolus amounts. There is a Carb ratio as well as a "mg/dl per Unit", or "sensitivity" factor that is necessary for determining the amount of a carb bolus or BG adjustment bolus, respectively. Basal Rates are also completely modifiable, assuming you are not using Auto mode. As soon as you are out of Auto mode, the pump reverts back to the manual basal rates that must be set when setting up the pump. It does NOT use the previous 2 days of basal delivery for basal rates unless you are in Auto mode.
I am a doctor who treat diabetes with medtronic pumps daily and handle and adjust at least over 10 pumps daily. So let’s keep our places. I know exactly what i am talking about.
@@SugarMDs Wow!! Someone has a big head! I have decades more direct experience with Medtronic pumps than you do. You are posting videos with untrue statements in them. I am simply letting people know that some of the statements you made in this video are false. Do some more research before posting these videos, as people are looking at them to make decisions about their treatment.
Well, he is comparing two 'closed loop systems' - so to me it is quite obvious that he is describing the settings IN the Auto mode. Of course you can turn it off. But that would be beside the point, wouldn't it? Other than that I don't appreciate the condescending answer you got. I feel that could have been handled more polite and informative...
𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐒𝐮𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐝𝐬.𝐜𝐨𝐦 𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐭𝐬𝐲.𝐜𝐨𝐦/𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩/𝐬𝐮𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐝𝐬 (𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐧𝐨𝐧-𝐔𝐒𝐀 𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬) 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐮𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐌𝐃 𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐠𝐥𝐮𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭, 𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭, 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞.
I've been diabetic for 37 years. I've had 4 generations of Minimed pumps before the 670G. Been on the 670G since 2017. It is by far the worst device I have ever used. Constant alerts and beeping, needing to hit the button at least three times for every activity. The senors are always off by between 20 and 40 mg/dl. The menu system is the worst I have ever seen, the most commonly used functions are three layers deep. The pump is significantly larger than the outgoing Paradigm model. It has cracked or malfunctioned on several occasions and I am now on my second replacement pump. I have one year left until the warranty is up and my insurance will let me switch to another pump. I'll never buy another Medtronic device again. I curse the thing every day. I'm hopeful that the t:slim and control IQ can be better.
Hi Tommy! I have been a t1d for 15 years. I had a Minimed for 13 of those 15 years. Medtronic had amazing pumps at the beginning of their journey into insulin pumps. However, I agree with you that the newest pumps have really disappointed many. I had the worst luck with my pump, I finally left Medtronic when my insurance changed, and pump renewal was up for the warranty. Like you, it was the most aggravating part of being a t1d. We already have enough to deal with, but add in numerous alerts, cracks, dents, and malfunctions and then you have a perfect storm of one angry t1d! Last July I got the tslim x2 with a Dexcom 6, I have and never will look back. Give tandem a call to see what they can offer you, I highly recommend it! Also, to anyone out there reading, look into the Facebook group The Diabetic Journey, it is one awesome group, providing great information and a place to vent when needed!! (Because let's be honest we are not perfect!)
Thank you! I can’t give personal advise but soon we will start a private exclusive channel membership where we will respond to questions anonymously by creating case scenarios based on questions we get. Stay out. Be well. Thank you for the question.
I prefer tandem and dexcom for people who are looking for less alerts.
I've been a T1d for a long time as well, I gave up on Minimed a long time ago. I'm part of some other t1d groups, so I've had a chance to experience them again, I will honestly never go back to minimed/medtronic. The T:slim and dexcom g6 with the control IQ has dropped my A1C to the low 6's, which I've never achieved with any consistency before. It's amazing. It's not like you can just plug yourself in and "ta da" you're all better...but it makes it a lot easier than it's ever been.
Tslim is soo much better. I am a former Medtronic user and hate that system. I am so happy with my Tslim!
Tandem is by far superior to Medtronic. My son's A1C has been cosistently around or below 7! He was never able to get there on Medtronic. The Dexcom sensor is sooo much easier to use and together with Tandem, this has really been life changing. Their upgrades are super easy to install as well.
Why do video makers insist on putting music background on while they're talking? FOr a person like me it makes it impossible to hear what the person is saying.
We're getting older🤯
I agree, plz leave the music off
Tandem also has the best customer service and service I have ever experienced in life period. It’s crazy!
Great video. I have used both Tandem is by far the best, easiest to use and most accurate. Calibrations in the clinical laboratory is very important, I believe Dexcom has engineered their system so that calibration is rare or not needed at all. Very accurate. Matching with the Tandem pump makes this a game changer. My medtonic had many issues with the CGM, it didn’t work well at all.
Thanks for sharing
I had the dexcom pump and it was really bad for me and had my sugars very high...But I hear great reviews about their CGM
Tandem is the best one on the market and there customer support is amazing
Medtronic sucks sooo much. My old Endo talked me into Medtronic and their harpoon sensor several years ago. I quit using it and went with Animas. Animas went out of business so I now have the Tslim X2 Control Iq and LOOVE it!! No idea why anyone would want a Medtronic or why any doctor would recommend it. So many people hate the Medtronic system.
Thank you for the comment! We appreciate it! Please feel free to share this content with more people for them also enjoy and learn. Also please visit our Facebook page facebook.com/sugarmdsonline and website(sugarmds.com) for more educational content.
Yeah my doctor, did the same. I was pissed.
I miss my Animas!!! :-(
@@SugarMDs
I'm surprised to see negative comments on Medtronics. I have had excellent service from them. Started using a Medtronics pump in 1985 and abandoned it after several years but before the Teflon cannula was developed. Returned to a newer model in 2004 and have never stopped. I'll admit the first CGM sensors had very long insertion needles but the Guardian 3 system is much shorter and more comfortable. Very much like the 670G and the Guardian CGM system. I have found the continuous feedback loop system very useful.
Thank you for sharing. We love hearing from you guys always. Reminder: you guys help a lot when you watch the video in full length including ads, like, and share. When you do that UA-cam starts serving more people who are probably in great need yet can't necessarily find our free diabetes educational videos among millions of other videos on youtube that are less pertinent or less educational to them. Remember this is the only diabetes channel that is created and supported by an endocrinologist who sees diabetic patients every day. Thanks for your support! Dr.Ergin
Finger stick twice to calibrate is the drawback. Something that goes away once Guardian 4 system approved.
Yes Medtronic and Guardian sensors are fantastic, IF YOU DON'T MIND having a sensor glucose that is always 50 lower than a finger stick reading. Keep in mind 70 to 120 bg target for good numbers IS 50 points. 670G is garbage.
Something to keep in mind. Five years ago Medtronics had 80% of the insulin pump market. Now they are down to 50%. People are bailing because of the alarms you can't turn off and high sensor falure rate.
I’m getting my 3rd replacement on the Medtronic. Between the battery cap malfunctioning and the cracks on the battery side, my A1C has been a roller coaster this past year. I’m thinking I want to tandem
Thank you for sharing
@@SugarMDs You’re welcome! I’m waiting on my Tandem to come in sometime in the next week. I’ll post my opinion of it in the comments
I did an appeal and won. I just started my tslim today and got rid of that 670G.
What appeal? Can you explain I'm on a 670g and I hate it
Just started the 670g today, so far so good, needs to be calibrated another day
Part 2? Make sure you add the link in description and put it at the end of the first one. Is there a two?? Or not yet?
Tandem Control IQ vs Medtronic 670g | Which is better? [Episode 2] ua-cam.com/video/kRZmFWEXzCs/v-deo.html
As a Medtronic 670g, 770g user, you have the option of insulin sensibility and you have the exercise feature so it keep your blood sugar to 8.3mmol/l instead of 6.3
SugarMD, any plans to do a comparison of the Medtronic 770g and the T-slim Control IQ? I'm tossed up between the two for my daughter.
Dr. Ergin, can you recommend the best closed loop system for visually impaired individuals? My wife is a type 1 diabetic from childhood, and has been using the Medtronic pump, but she is losing her vision due to a combination of diabetic retinopathy and MS complications. We are frustrated that pump manufacturers do not address this issue, especially since vision loss is a common factor in the diabetic community.
I agree, non of them have a solution at this point. I am sorry about that.
My dad has used Medtronic forever. However, his vision is decreasing so much. Any idea of how low vision patient reviews with t-slim? Wondering if that would be a better pump for him at this time.
Will be getting the 770g soon...
𝐁𝐮𝐲 𝐒𝐮𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐌𝐃 𝐍𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭, 𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐕𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐍, 𝐖𝐄𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐔𝐋𝐀-𝐅𝐀𝐓 𝐁𝐔𝐑𝐍𝐄𝐑
sugarmds.com/
𝐁𝐔𝐘 𝐃𝐫. 𝐄𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧'𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤- Discounted 50 percent for the new year- offer ends at the end of January!
sugarmds.com/product/the-ultimate-diabetes-book-hardcover/
Love Medtronics customer support. Only company with a truly 24 hour support team and next day replacements. I think if your looking at a new pump keep in find the difference in support at hand
wow - you are the first person I have ever heard that from, They have made me cry more than once. So polite, but beyond that cant fix a problem, only work of a script. I have had 2 640 pump become faulty - one just stopped working, apparently a known fault. I was told they were out of pumps and I would have to wait weeks/months for replacement - TWICE. I have yet to talk with a customer support person that has any real insight to the product or diabetes. Fingers crossed Dexacom will be better.
@@kathlynch100 Tandem and Dexcom support is a million times better than Medtronics trust me. I've had a few faulty sensors with Dexcom and they were quick to replace and the costumer service was out of this world. For me Tandem/Dexcom are the best in the pump business right now
If you have no knowledge and need minimal help, Medtronic is fine. If you have a complicated issue, good luck. They are worse the Microsoft Tech support.
@@kathlynch100 for the most part Medtronic dose not ship for two weeks not the next day. I too and hoping for better days when I switch to Dexacom.
Thanks! Just ordered the TSlim today and so excited. I had one when I was younger but the technology has advanced a lot!
Thanks for the comment! Enjoy your pump :) let us know if you need our services
You going to be so disappointed, sorry.
@@shilobenzeev1439 wait why?
So now you have had your Tslim have you been disappointed as the one comment said. A lot of other "longtimers" seem super pleased with their Tslims. How's the dexcom working?
The tslim x2 from tandem is absolutely life changing. Do not listen to that hater. They’re mad they probably can’t get a pump and like to take it out on others. Control IQ is a whole other world I’m about to start but the pump alone is so good it’s crazy. Peace of mind
I had Medtronic, the sensor was horrible. My pump clip broke all the time, and so did the battery cap area. Horrible pushing all the buttons 3 times each for one function. Plus the sensor was NOT accurate it would be suspended insulin for a low and my sugar was 220. I went on injections until my pump warrantee was up and and getting the t slim now. I love my dexcom!! I would rather be on MDI then use a Medtronic pump!
I have a Medtronic pump. Soo disappointed I cannot get any of my reports because I do not own a computer. Cannot even go to library, they dont have correct programs. I also do not own a new I phone. I have a 6S. Is there any pump that is compatible with IPad or older IPhone?
unfortunately not
do you have an opinion between 780g and the tslim?
How to order Tandem pump online, because it is not availbale in my country.
Hello Dr.
Please give us some knowledge about TRT, I don't know if you did one before! Ty
Background music is distracting!!
My apologies.
My hba1c is at 9.9.. i will get the Control-IQ soon and hope to get a better hba1c (greatings from germany ^^)
how has your experience been with control IQ? where you able to bring your A1C down?
I am thinking the T Slim is a good pump but some of the things you say about the Medtronic are incorrect, specifically about not being able to adjust basals etc. 11.37 minutes in, around there ... it says you cant adjust your sensitivity rates. on Medtronic. This is all incorerct. It also says your basal rate is not modifiable. This is completely incorrect. I am probably getting the Tandem T Slim next, but dont like some of this inacurate info here.
Katie, I do this every day. What is your credential? Knowing a little is worse than knowing nothing. You do not even know what you don't know.
@@SugarMDs I agree with Katie. You CAN adjust your basal rates, sensitivity and carb ratios with a 670G. I am a T1d of over 53 years. Pump user for the last 20. I am also an RN for the past 40 years. It doesn't help to be "arrogant" with your knowledge. Accept that there IS the ability to modify the settings on the pump and move on.
You have several statements about the Medtronic system that are completely false! I have been on the 670G for the last 4 years (with a total of 30+ years on Medtronic pumps). The target BG is a range that can be set by the user, with a high and low setting between 60 and 250, with different ranges available for different time periods throughout a day (also fully adjustable). You are NOT tied to a setting of 120 at all. The insulin sensitivity is also fully adjustable in the 670G, as that is a vital factor in determining bolus amounts. There is a Carb ratio as well as a "mg/dl per Unit", or "sensitivity" factor that is necessary for determining the amount of a carb bolus or BG adjustment bolus, respectively. Basal Rates are also completely modifiable, assuming you are not using Auto mode. As soon as you are out of Auto mode, the pump reverts back to the manual basal rates that must be set when setting up the pump. It does NOT use the previous 2 days of basal delivery for basal rates unless you are in Auto mode.
I am a doctor who treat diabetes with medtronic pumps daily and handle and adjust at least over 10 pumps daily. So let’s keep our places. I know exactly what i am talking about.
@@SugarMDs Wow!! Someone has a big head! I have decades more direct experience with Medtronic pumps than you do. You are posting videos with untrue statements in them. I am simply letting people know that some of the statements you made in this video are false. Do some more research before posting these videos, as people are looking at them to make decisions about their treatment.
Well, he is comparing two 'closed loop systems' - so to me it is quite obvious that he is describing the settings IN the Auto mode. Of course you can turn it off. But that would be beside the point, wouldn't it?
Other than that I don't appreciate the condescending answer you got. I feel that could have been handled more polite and informative...