I have read many posts here that deal with a woodturning subject with
more clarity, information, innovation and general helpfulness than many
articles published in woodturning magazines or presented as demos at
symposia, and that without any pictures here. I have seen photos of
turned objects on your websites that rival or exceed the work of
"experts" pictured in magazines or presented at meetings. The work, not
the experts.


Somehow, our colleagues that publish articles in magazines or speak to
large groups 'appear' to be more accomplished and authoritative turners
than many of you here, but that's not necessarily so ....and it's
certainly not their intent or that of the publishers.


You are welcomed, even urged to offer articles for publication and
volunteer for demos and yet you choose to post here instead. I wonder
why and if any of these reasons might explain your preference.


Internet exchanges are easier and less time consuming than print? You
enjoy the camaraderie and instant give & take of net groups? You count
rcw more useful and important than periodicals? You are tired of the
sameness of content and the same ole, same ole pictures of 'signature
pieces' in magazine ads and articles and have no desire to perpetuate
the boredom. You are awed by those no better at turning or writing
about it than you are? You lack the drive, the need or the ambition to
be viewed as an expert and/or be paid for it? None of the above!

My take may or may not be valid or even pertinent. Whatever the reasons
that you competent turner/writers post here with relative anonymity
instead of seeking the "acclaim of being published" may be, I would
appreciate your thoughts.


Turn to Safety, Arch
Fortiter


http://community.webtv.net/almcc/MacsMusings

Isn't that true of a lot of fields of endeavor?

Some people can sing great but never become rock stars.
Some people can play sports really well but never go pro.
Some people can build complicated structures but never become an
engineer.
I knew a great painter once but he hated the idea of painting for a
living.
I knew a great photographer that didn't have any rapport with people.

Sometimes it is a lack of time.
Sometimes it is a lack of confidence.
Some of us are just late bloomers.
Sometimes it is simply all the things that life throws at you.

I think everyone is capable of great things but not everyone is
destined to greatness in the eyes of others.

Just some thoughts that initially come to mind,
Ted J.

"Arch" wrote in message
...

I have read many posts here that deal with a woodturning subject with
more clarity, information, innovation and general helpfulness than many
articles published in woodturning magazines or presented as demos at
symposia, and that without any pictures here. I have seen photos of
turned objects on your websites that rival or exceed the work of
"experts" pictured in magazines or presented at meetings. The work, not
the experts.


Somehow, our colleagues that publish articles in magazines or speak to
large groups 'appear' to be more accomplished and authoritative turners
than many of you here, but that's not necessarily so ....and it's
certainly not their intent or that of the publishers.


You are welcomed, even urged to offer articles for publication and
volunteer for demos and yet you choose to post here instead. I wonder
why and if any of these reasons might explain your preference.


Internet exchanges are easier and less time consuming than print? You
enjoy the camaraderie and instant give & take of net groups? You count
rcw more useful and important than periodicals? You are tired of the
sameness of content and the same ole, same ole pictures of 'signature
pieces' in magazine ads and articles and have no desire to perpetuate
the boredom. You are awed by those no better at turning or writing
about it than you are? You lack the drive, the need or the ambition to
be viewed as an expert and/or be paid for it? None of the above!

My take may or may not be valid or even pertinent. Whatever the reasons
that you competent turner/writers post here with relative anonymity
instead of seeking the "acclaim of being published" may be, I would
appreciate your thoughts.


Turn to Safety, Arch
Fortiter


http://community.webtv.net/almcc/MacsMusings





A lot of people are far better than they think they are.
A lot of people are not as good as they think they are.

The former tend to hide their light under a bushel while the latter shine it
right in your eyes.

Arch,

To answer your question:

You count rcw more useful and important than periodicals?

Absolutely rcw Is more useful. It's there all the time 24/7/365, you
can ask specific questions - basic or advanced, get the information
you need when you need it, you get a variety of viewpoints both expert
and less so and as you point out the magazines are less than advanced
and cover the same stuff over and over. Even books are of limited use
and very repetative. How many chapters on choosing a lathe, which
tools to use, holding wood does any turner need? Don't get me wrong, I
have a fair number of books, but carefully chosen. I find them in a
book store and examine them carefully for utility. Having looked
through dozens and dozens I saw a lot of repetative filler.


You lack the drive, the need or the ambition to
be viewed as an expert and/or be paid for it?

Nope. I have the drive, need and ambition to be recognised. The
problem is I'm fussy and take my time. Too much so to do production
work of my bowls & boxes. Selling through galleries is out of the
question (at least in my market, in this economy). Instead I offer
individual instruction and sell by word of mouth to collectors. I've
recently started a venture with the maker of a specialized garden
tool. I'm going to be making a special limited edition, signed, dated,
and numbered version of his tool, using his blades, but with exotic
wood handles rather than the molded plastic ones that he uses. He's
putting the special edition on his website along with a link to my
site. I'm hoping that I might get enough "curiosity hits" to generate
a few custom orders. If you feel like it take a look at my site and
let me know what you think of my work. The url is http://www.eskimoblueday.com

Larry

P.S. I always find your posts to be interesting and very often
inspiring. Keep on musing!