The blog has evolved over the past few years.
When I first started I'd post a single picture and a paragraph of copy. Two smaller posts per day.
A single blog posts now has as many as nine pictures and twice the copy as before.
In all honesty, I'm not making any money from the blog.
The ads don't bring in enough to justify the amount of time spent.
Lately I find myself spending too much time preparing posts!
It's a great diversion away from music and when I'm not doing shows.
So if there is only one post per day - don't complain.
There have been complaints:
"Why don't you do more MPR and less LPR?"
"You repeat yourself too much."
"Why do twenty posts on a simple 3FNC model?"
"You took my picture at the club launch, why wasn't it in the blog?"
"Your grammar sucks!"
"How do I do this? How do I do that?"
I can't build your model by email. I can help, but that's about it.
It's simple, do a search. All the information is out there, much more information than I had building rockets in my teens.
My favorite comment:
"That's not the way I do it!"
Fine - then do it your way!
No two people build the same. I never claimed to be an authority.
The blog started as a record of my builds.
Hopefully I've saved a few readers frustration or steered them away from a marginal product.
To some who complained, I've suggested they start a blog to present their methods. Those new blogs only last a few posts.
If you've learned something here or a post got you through a rough spot - GREAT!
It's simple to support the blog and keep it running:
Join Patreon or buy an Odd'l Rockets product.
The bottom line, the blog is free - It doesn't have to be perfect!
I've always enjoyed your blog! I don't read it every day, I don't have time. The frequency of posts have never been an issue - nor the content. I enjoyed reading about your (mis)adventures in Mexico just as much as your build articles.
ReplyDeleteI do some things differently - not because I think my way is better, but mostly because I've not thought to do it your way! And I enjoy seeing different techniques. It's a great way to learn :)
Thanks Sasha -
ReplyDeleteGet ready, I'm going back to Mexico in June, for two months this time!
LOL Good luck!
DeleteI agree with Sascha. I do read it every day, and there are many tips and techniques I have learned. Your content or frequency hasn't been an issue. I do click on the ads, and I have purchased Odd'l Rockets products. No, it's not perfect-nothing is. If somebody doesn't like your blog-they are free to stop reading it anytime. Once again Sascha summed it up best-different techniques, new methods to try. I may not agree with all of your methods, but more often than not, they teach me something. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteLUV your blog, I've learned LOTS of great tips in finishing/building rockets, and I will order one of your Pigasusessss, so there!
ReplyDeleteFirst thing I read every day, from Tom K in Massachusetts
don't worry chris, your blog rocks just the way it is!
ReplyDeleteI am always amazed by people who think they can complain or criticize something they get for free. I built a race car several years ago and blogged it. People that had no intention of ever doing the same thing, criticized me for not doing more/less/the same/differently. I finally decided to pity them: they are spending their valuable lifetime throwing tomatoes at someone who is doing what they can only dream of doing. Thanks for whatever you feel you can put into your blog.
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain.
ReplyDeletebradycros
You do great things in promoting the hobby and helping us hone our skills, Chris. Let the naysayers be - I learn something valuable on every one of your builds.
ReplyDeleteDean B
Chris There are people out there that will complain if it's Friday,Payday and have the day off.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy reading your post every day. I have a friend that wanted to build a Saturn V but saw this build as a mountain to tall for his skill set. I forwarded you blog to him and as a result he built the model and did a very good job. All thanks to you posting of your build of the Saturn V.
Keep up the good work. Thanks John
I've had kits that seem overwhelmingly big, but the way that Chris breaks the build down into bite-size chunks really makes even the most complex of kits easier to handle. And even if he hasn't built the particular kit you have sitting in front of you, seeing similar builds going step by step really does help.
DeleteThanks to all -
ReplyDeleteI didn't make this post fishing for compliments. It seemed that lately more email responses were negative. Thanks to all for your support.
I love this blog! I've gotten away from Rocketry this last season (been busy with work and some other hobbies) but I don't think I've learned more about the actual building techniques for beautiful model rockets anywhere than I have right here (and your associated input at YORF). And since I'm more of a model builder than a flier, that's brought a huge amount of joy to my BAR experience in the hobby. Plus, I've applied some of your techniques and materials to my other hobbies - even as far as making decals for a restoration of a giant SHOGUN WARRIOR toy!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy the blog and the eye opening ways you solve problems and upgrade builds...........There are many ways to do things ....sharing information only furthers the end result/hobby/goal........ as a modeler and a hobby nut , I thank you for all the info I have gained here ....the reviews ....the tips...the pics.... I check here often to see what problems you have solve and how you did it.... Thank you .....
ReplyDeleteI read this blog all the time. I have picked up a lot of great stuff here and love the build series. Keep up the great work.
DeleteYour blog is important to me. I took up the hobby/obsession a couple of years ago at age 50. I found an article by you on the basics of rocket modeling ("howtobuildmodelrockets...), which is no longer available (can it be found somewhere?). You are a master builder and we are lucky for your generosity and hard work in sharing your expertise. This blog matters to many people. Don't stop! My heartfelt thanks.
ReplyDeleteI found your blog recently and it is the single best model rocket building resource on the web. I am reading the whole blog from day 1 -- it is fantastic. It keeps me motivated to finish my models and I have learned how to make them look "professional" using your techniques. You're right up there with G.Harry Stine!
ReplyDeleteThanks Eero!
DeleteI appreciate the comments. I would never put myself in the same league as Harry Stine. I had the opportunity to meet him a few times years ago. He was always "Paying it forward". The blog is one way for me to do so.