Well, first of all, there are times when we can, at best, agree to disagree. That is to say, discussions in a thread can suddenly go off course after replying to a noob's question. The reply is usually a "whatever works for me," type of answer to their common problem that they weren't aware was not out of the ordinary. As for the sometimes heated discussions, we have to try and remember that not everyone arrives at the same destination by the same path. It's the differences in all of us that makes this site what it is. But through it all, I've learned to work through it and just have fun with it!
Homebrewers Sharing In A Global Community Spirit
The Family Spirit
OOOOK...having gotten that off my chest, finally...I've learned a few things from the old timers on HBT over the course of time. For example, to let the beer ferment away until it starts clearing up in primary. Hey, I was a beer brewing noob once. My family brewed more wine and distilled spirits over the last few hundred years than beer, for whatever their reasons may've been. Pop was the first to try brewing beer...I just refined it to an art by comparison. But seriously folks, I've found a second family on here, even though there are some discrepancies over my words sometimes. At least, that's the way it seems. I don't quote from books to get a point across. But rather, from my own experiences. The books or articles by others may refer to and contain explanations I didn't know as a non-scientist-type, or hadn't really thought of in such a way. Just reading others experiences can teach you a lot, if you keep an open mind.
Learning More Than Brewing
But the number one thing I think I've learned on here...which goes along with my laid-back self anyway...is PATIENCE. A home brewer MUST have patience. The old timers of HBT stepped right up to teach me that. Without hesitation, but with tact and goodwill. That's the mark of good people, certainly, and it definitely seems to be appreciated by many on here. So those of us that came along afterward tried to emulate that same je ne sais' quoi... that "certain something". That, to me, is what makes HBT such a good site! So in light of us all extending this friendly atmosphere, that same good will lives on. And sharing recipes we slaved over for months or even years to get just right in our minds and tastebuds. Just to share something really good...not so much for personal glory so much as sharing.
Understanding What Works....For You
C'mon, we all feel this at one time or another on this forum, don't deny it. It makes us feel ecstatic in the sharing, as surely as we breath. The science of home brewing is an interesting topic I've learned more about being here. But no, science isn't always correct. Science is one thing in this world that often times winds up correcting itself. Refining itself as new information comes along. As if to explain the Creator's works. So keep this in mind before criticising. What works for me may not work for you, but that doesn't make it wrong. The conditions I brew in may differ in certain areas than yours. Such things can make certain aspects of my brewing a little strange compared to yours.
Then of course, we come to the brain fade. Even though I deal with technical stuff everyday on here, or with the house or car, father time will not be denied. The aging brain still forgets things or mis-remembers. Hey, shizz happens sometimes, so point it out, but don't be politely venomous about it. Laughing it off is fine, making it part of life that we all do on occasion.
Brewing Ingenuity
I've also learned about different brewing styles and beers on here in the years I've been on HBT, like kottbusser. I hadn't read about that anywhere else, since I wasn't aware of it till reading the thread discussing it. Now I have another unique beer to add to my list. I got on this old beer styles kick, thanks to revvy and his PM that got me going on Burton ales. So this is another thing that happens when you join this site. There's so much to absorb from beer to wine to food...even labels. Then the thread I started when I got to wondering about how we all set up to brew. Ghetto Brew Rigs was born, fitting the American way of solving problems as perfectly as the concept of the hot dog and hamburger. The same as waffles being rolled into cones when the vendor ran out of containers for his ice cream. It's great to see new ideas pop up here for discussion, help and evaluation. Anyone coming to this site will definitely not be sorry about their decision! And having a few laughs along the way seems more like any family does on occasion.
Brewing Beer And Beyond
I've also gotten inspiration beyond the brewing of beer from fellow members. A science fiction author here on HBT inspired me to finally start writing the sci-fi book I wanted to since I was 8 years old. That was 51 years ago during the Gemini program. I'm now about halfway through book two of that series, re-writing my second home brewing book and even one about a real American tall-tale...John Henry. It's been interesting and gratifying creating stories and characters from that one inspiration from a fellow home brewer. I guess we're a pretty good lot by nature?
Even getting help with other things like the computer when it too has a brain fade, cameras for shooting pics or videos. Ideas about foodie stuff I haven't tried yet or thought about in ages. So much is shared on here, that you never really know what the tide will bring!
Homebrewers Sharing In A Global Community Spirit
The Family Spirit
OOOOK...having gotten that off my chest, finally...I've learned a few things from the old timers on HBT over the course of time. For example, to let the beer ferment away until it starts clearing up in primary. Hey, I was a beer brewing noob once. My family brewed more wine and distilled spirits over the last few hundred years than beer, for whatever their reasons may've been. Pop was the first to try brewing beer...I just refined it to an art by comparison. But seriously folks, I've found a second family on here, even though there are some discrepancies over my words sometimes. At least, that's the way it seems. I don't quote from books to get a point across. But rather, from my own experiences. The books or articles by others may refer to and contain explanations I didn't know as a non-scientist-type, or hadn't really thought of in such a way. Just reading others experiences can teach you a lot, if you keep an open mind.
Learning More Than Brewing
But the number one thing I think I've learned on here...which goes along with my laid-back self anyway...is PATIENCE. A home brewer MUST have patience. The old timers of HBT stepped right up to teach me that. Without hesitation, but with tact and goodwill. That's the mark of good people, certainly, and it definitely seems to be appreciated by many on here. So those of us that came along afterward tried to emulate that same je ne sais' quoi... that "certain something". That, to me, is what makes HBT such a good site! So in light of us all extending this friendly atmosphere, that same good will lives on. And sharing recipes we slaved over for months or even years to get just right in our minds and tastebuds. Just to share something really good...not so much for personal glory so much as sharing.
Understanding What Works....For You
C'mon, we all feel this at one time or another on this forum, don't deny it. It makes us feel ecstatic in the sharing, as surely as we breath. The science of home brewing is an interesting topic I've learned more about being here. But no, science isn't always correct. Science is one thing in this world that often times winds up correcting itself. Refining itself as new information comes along. As if to explain the Creator's works. So keep this in mind before criticising. What works for me may not work for you, but that doesn't make it wrong. The conditions I brew in may differ in certain areas than yours. Such things can make certain aspects of my brewing a little strange compared to yours.
Then of course, we come to the brain fade. Even though I deal with technical stuff everyday on here, or with the house or car, father time will not be denied. The aging brain still forgets things or mis-remembers. Hey, shizz happens sometimes, so point it out, but don't be politely venomous about it. Laughing it off is fine, making it part of life that we all do on occasion.
Brewing Ingenuity
I've also learned about different brewing styles and beers on here in the years I've been on HBT, like kottbusser. I hadn't read about that anywhere else, since I wasn't aware of it till reading the thread discussing it. Now I have another unique beer to add to my list. I got on this old beer styles kick, thanks to revvy and his PM that got me going on Burton ales. So this is another thing that happens when you join this site. There's so much to absorb from beer to wine to food...even labels. Then the thread I started when I got to wondering about how we all set up to brew. Ghetto Brew Rigs was born, fitting the American way of solving problems as perfectly as the concept of the hot dog and hamburger. The same as waffles being rolled into cones when the vendor ran out of containers for his ice cream. It's great to see new ideas pop up here for discussion, help and evaluation. Anyone coming to this site will definitely not be sorry about their decision! And having a few laughs along the way seems more like any family does on occasion.
Brewing Beer And Beyond
I've also gotten inspiration beyond the brewing of beer from fellow members. A science fiction author here on HBT inspired me to finally start writing the sci-fi book I wanted to since I was 8 years old. That was 51 years ago during the Gemini program. I'm now about halfway through book two of that series, re-writing my second home brewing book and even one about a real American tall-tale...John Henry. It's been interesting and gratifying creating stories and characters from that one inspiration from a fellow home brewer. I guess we're a pretty good lot by nature?
Even getting help with other things like the computer when it too has a brain fade, cameras for shooting pics or videos. Ideas about foodie stuff I haven't tried yet or thought about in ages. So much is shared on here, that you never really know what the tide will bring!