On 27 Dec 2004 07:04:33 GMT, (GTO69RA4) wrote:

I'm sure a lot of people know what I'm talking about. Getting known among
friends as the guy with weird hobbies and tools.

I get that all the time. I kind of like it. I've met
a lot of interesting people, been part of some VERY
interesting projects, been offered the chance to be
part of some very oddball projects (refused, but was
left with funny stories to tell), and generally had
a pretty good time doing it. I designed and built
a sidereal clock for an astrologer, and designed and
built stage props for a magician. What kind of sign
do you put up to attract those sorts of jobs? You
just have to get the reputation as a guy who can
do anything, and among the mundane, are these gems.

Mind you, I wasn't trying to make a living doing any
of these hobbies -- I just enjoy having the tools
and skills to tinker at them -- so, these odd jobs
that find their way to me aren't getting in the way
of my livelihood.

There are a few people who abuse this, but not many.
Their projects seem to take a little longer to get
done, so the system is self-regulating to a certain
extent. So, I go on doing a little metal-working, a
little computer-guruing, a little internet-researching,
a little electronic/electro-mechanical design and
fabrication and any other odd jobs that people bring
me when their usual resources fail them. Like I say:
kind of fun, (and definitely good for the ego).

--
--Pete
"Peter W. Meek"
http://www.msen.com/~pwmeek/