I don’t know about you, but I think part of the fun of this forum, is the fact we are from all-over the world.

I am an old phart, and fascinated that someone from one continent can help answer a question from someone from another continent. Then someone from a third continent, or country adds even more help. All in a matter of minutes (+/- a time zone or two)

Not linked because we are all working for one company, or government or even club. Linked by our interests, PBP (and electronics) and the desire to help others.

This may be the future of the electronics enthusiasts. Exchanging ideas, help, arguments via the internet. We don’t live next-door to each other but we are a neighborhood of “think-alike-s ” (or think-somewhat-alike-s). Not alike in geographical, political, other terms but alike in specific interests.

Interests that we choose to spend our spare time doing. Sure there are professionals on here, that’s the best part. The pros are as interested in the fun of electronics as the hobbyist. That’s what make this work. The rest of what makes this work, is the hobbyist, asking questions one month and helping the next.

I think that is what makes us less tolerant of a “school project” or a “copy / paste” DMX code questions. These type of posts look like the post-er is mostly interested in the final product, the “destination”. Our ilk (type) seem to “enjoy the journey”. If we don’t know how we got there, we are not happy. We go back and try it again, just to understand. The school project” or “copy / paste” DMX code people tend to be hit and run forum people.

Of course, along with this internet rant, is the issue of buying electronic components online. The neighborhood stores are becoming extinct, true. eBay and online suppliers are filling the gap. I bought electronic parts from local stores in the 1950’s. In-case you don’t know or remember, everything was in black and white, in those days. We never saw color before it was invented in the 1960’s. It was interesting to find out what color my clothes were!

Web pages of electronic projects and ideas may be the future hobby magazine.

So it looks like the future of the electronics hobbyists may be shifting a bit but the neighborhood just got a lot bigger.

2cents,
-Adam-