: The short answer is: It is a more fun way to make a living than working as an
: engineer for the Navy. But this doesn't really answer why this particular
: way.

: I started this path because I had designed some boats for my own use which I
: thought were good enough that other people would like to build them. I
: continued because I enjoy the design process. I also like figuring out how
: to do things. And once I've figured it out, I don't think there is any
: point in keeping it a secret. Any positive value of this bulletin board
: and the other resources are really just side effects of following a series
: of whims.

: I can not say I had really altuistic reasons for doing this. I started the
: bulletin board because I like talking about kayaking and building kayaks.
: Other places for such discussion got too busy with other topics so I
: started my own. I would like to say that I do this for other peoples
: benefit, but I really do it for my own selfish enjoyment. And I thought a
: BBS would be a good way to get people to come back to my site more than
: once.

: I learn a lot from everyone else on the board. Just look at which way the
: information flows. I post less than 1% of the messages. That means over
: 99% of the time someone else is posting information and I am doing the
: learning. Often times this information includes new ideas and techniques.
: All I need to do for this benefit is pay a relatively small fee for a
: internet server, delete the occasional spam and a couple times a year do
: some maintanence. The relatively small effort is worth it.

: Because of the questions and information that comes through this bulletin
: board I learn what people have trouble with and I see when people have a
: better idea. As a result the boats I build are significantly better than
: they used to be. It helps me make a better product.

: I am glad that other people enjoy and benefit from my whims and selfish
: pleasures. I am lucky that there are so many people out there that share
: similar interests.

This website is HUGE in my book! I live in an area where boats are either pirogues or big bass rigs. I get, sea kayak, what is that for? My point, I had never even seen a sea kayak before coming to this site, so if it inspired me to build one (okay 3), it is a powerful place indeed! Thanks to all the info and the contributors, and Thanks to Nick for having us around his place.