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Post by Ozarks Tom on May 24, 2019 0:32:36 GMT
I've been a member of this forum nearly since it started. I was very unhappy with the way Homesteading Today was treating their members, and when Melissa started this board (I never know if forum or board is the proper nomenclature) I was very happy to talk with others whose interests were simpatico to mine. We've got a very little homestead, but make every square foot count. We're preppers, doing canning/dehydrating/storing and so many other members here have so much knowledge more than we do, I look forward each day to reading things that forward our progression. This is a great place!
But, I've been noticing over the past few months less and less participation. Looking at the numbers at the bottom of the main page I see 95 members have visited in the past 24 hours, with 348 "guests". I know many of those guests are bots looking for keywords and such, but a huge majority are members just checking in to read what others might have said.
Personally, I learn something new nearly every day here. But what a wealth of homesteading information, for one reason or another, isn't being posted here where it could help people? I'm betting everyone who comes here has an expertise in something, be it building raised beds that last, to helping a sheep have her lambs.
So here's my plea: Let's all do our part in keeping this board alive. It helps so many people with their dream of successfully homesteading. Even if you don't think your comment might not be stunning/super informing/even big news, I'll bet someone will take what you said and go further with your thoughts. I know a lot about a little, and a little about a lot, so do you. Participate please.
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Post by farmchix on May 24, 2019 0:57:37 GMT
I have been lax lately. My struggle is with posting pics. I feel like if I were able to post more pics, I could be of more value.  |
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Post by tenbusybees on May 24, 2019 1:57:44 GMT
I agree and guilty of more reading than typing. I'll try to correct that. Starting now!  |
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Post by Deleted on May 24, 2019 2:03:20 GMT
Just busy and kind of burned out with the homesteading online thing. Been doing it most of my life, still doing it but "new homesteaders" don't want to hear how it was done and is still being done by the old timers. Life is simple the old way, the new way needs to be fun and interesting, interesting today means you need all the bells and whistles like everyone else, kind of like shopping is fun and interesting, bigger, better. NOT. Homesteading today is like an old hat, time for something new to come along and replace it....James
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Post by Ozarks Tom on May 24, 2019 2:27:58 GMT
@jwal10, To a certain extent I have to disagree, when we started homesteading 18 years ago on our little place we wanted to start with chickens. I did some searching online for information as to coops/runs/etc. That's how I came across HT, and learned a lot. We'd bought a book on raising chickens, but I learned a whole lot more from the folks at HT.
There are a lot of people moving rural who would rather learn from people who've been there, made the mistakes the books don't tell you about, and become successful in their endeavors doing it the right way, not necessarily the book way.
We have good gardens every year, our animals are healthy, and we're enjoying being homesteaders. It's asking questions and listening to people like the members here that does that. Yeah, we're older than most (I was a busboy at the Last Supper), but people appreciate wisdom at any age.
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Post by MeandTK on May 24, 2019 4:03:02 GMT
Ozarks Tom, I don’t know enough to say much. @jwal10, I Love simplicity. Too much is complicated these days. Give me solid instructions in print over bells, whistles, kits, and videos any day. I try to garden. I’ve not enough property of my own to raise stock. My gardening is poor, because ministry is first; so weeds often get the best of me. Nevertheless, I’d truly love to learn more littleby little.
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Post by Jolly on May 24, 2019 13:51:19 GMT
Just a general word about boards/forums/whatever...I bounce through HT about a week ago, glancing at the general homesteading forum and a couple of the sub-fora like construction...It's much, much slower than it was just a couple of years ago. I don't know if it is due to a migration to Faceypage or that many people now hunt for homesteading stuff on Youtubz.
I do know that this type of interaction is better at answering specific questions.
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Post by feather on May 24, 2019 15:21:50 GMT
My lack of participation is personal. I know I have always been too sensitive but it’s who I am. I was personally attacked. I have tried to move on .... forgive and forget .... but, unfortunately the wound is too deep. Even though Melissa commented the situation was the worst she has ever seen, there was no further action. Whenever I visit here, the wound re-opens ..... This family unit no longer feels secure .... I had forgotten ..... ITS THE INTERNET .... Being sensitive is a good quality. And you are going to find jerks just about everywhere. The world in general would be a better place if there were more sensitive people. 'Its the internet' is really no excuse.
Don't hesitate to put the bullies and jerks on 'ignore' and sail right past their posts. The more you ignore the ignorant posts, and immerse yourself in the positive posts, the stronger the positivity grows in the group and for each participating member.
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Post by Maura on May 24, 2019 15:58:22 GMT
Okay, Tom. I'll go now over to the sheep board and post some info there.
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Post by Deleted on May 24, 2019 21:06:03 GMT
@jwal10 , To a certain extent I have to disagree, when we started homesteading 18 years ago on our little place we wanted to start with chickens. I did some searching online for information as to coops/runs/etc. That's how I came across HT, and learned a lot. We'd bought a book on raising chickens, but I learned a whole lot more from the folks at HT. There are a lot of people moving rural who would rather learn from people who've been there, made the mistakes the books don't tell you about, and become successful in their endeavors doing it the right way, not necessarily the book way. We have good gardens every year, our animals are healthy, and we're enjoying being homesteaders. It's asking questions and listening to people like the members here that does that. Yeah, we're older than most (I was a busboy at the Last Supper), but people appreciate wisdom at any age. These days, someone has to come on and tell you how you are doing it all wrong. Everything I do I do my way, anything I share is just what I do. I don't care how others do things. Their way is fine with me, just not how we do things. I don't get asked many questions here but get a fair number of likes....James |
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Post by feather on May 24, 2019 21:18:17 GMT
@jwal10, I love hearing what and how you do things. Ozarks Tom, you too! Geeze, now I left people out, I like reading all the stuff everyone takes the time to post. |
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Post by wally on May 24, 2019 21:47:44 GMT
I sign in daily, a lot of times I have nothing to say or start a thread..I really enjoy reading about success and failures on the homestead..don't enjoy the drama about personal life
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Post by Daniel on May 25, 2019 4:00:35 GMT
Tom, I'm guilty about not posting much. I want to, I'm not one that really doesn't have a lot to say  . I visit often, but truth is I've been Ill and down right depressed. I'm going to make myself contribute more whether my fingers want to cooperate or not, they can use the exercise. |
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Post by Mari-in-IN on May 25, 2019 4:12:34 GMT
Tom, I'm guilty about not posting much. I want to, I'm not one that really doesn't have a lot to say . I visit often, but truth is I've been Ill and down right depressed. I'm going to make myself contribute more whether my fingers want to cooperate or not, they can use the exercise. Hey there Daniel... I just wanted to tell you that I always enjoy your posts on the "funny for the day" thread... you amuse me so! Take care, Mari |
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Post by Maura on May 25, 2019 4:44:33 GMT
Sometimes I will post how I do something. It doesn't mean that somebody else is doing the same thing "wrong". It's just nice to know you may have a choice.
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Post by spacecase0 on May 25, 2019 4:51:57 GMT
I have been shown lately that I am not dependent on anyone
I will answer questions anyone has that I know answers to.
but am less likely to start any threads
I tried a blog for a year with every day activities of what I do here
but I only had 2 people read it...
just not worth the effort
I have told people that I want to teach farming to them..
my former blog does not work for them
others have told me that my gardening guides are "just text"
that really zapped my motivation to share much of anything
I have been gardening for about 40 years now,
been trying to make a living on it for 7 years now
my advice is that others undermining you is a sure fail
as far as posting, it is likely just like the rest of my life,
willing to answering things,
but hard to start topics that have not been covered before
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Post by Jolly on May 25, 2019 14:16:34 GMT
Do like a good lawyer and ask questions you already know the answer to.  Seriously, even if it is well-trod ground, folks can sometimes glean something new in the conversation. And somebody dropping by that is new to the lifestyle will certainly find a nugget or two to keep. |
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Post by ceresone on May 25, 2019 14:23:40 GMT
Well, let me tell you what I did!!! lOL
My Daughter, granddaughter and a friend came down several weeks ago, to help me fence my garden,electric fence, done it for years, was teaching them how to install.wrapped the wire around insulators, because if you just hook, it will get torn off. Showed the how, every so offer ,I run a wire up and down, to help energise it, Ran heavy wire out to the post, installed the fencer, got the ground wire tightly connected, and fixed a cover over the unit, so it would stay dry. Next few weeks, I have got all my plants and seeds in the ground.
So, I m mowing, as I get close, hear the clicking, all is as it should be.... But something I had seen kept niggling at my brain,next round, I looked closer, wondering what my brain had registered wrong, when I couldn't see anything.
Tried to figure out what I had seen, and what it was! Before I made the last round, I realized..there was no wire going FROM the unit to the fence!! Wonder how many varmints left the garden alone because the remembered the hot wire from last year !!
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Post by MeandTK on May 25, 2019 15:23:17 GMT
My lack of participation is personal. I know I have always been too sensitive but it’s who I am. I was personally attacked. I have tried to move on .... forgive and forget .... but, unfortunately the wound is too deep. Even though Melissa commented the situation was the worst she has ever seen, there was no further action. Whenever I visit here, the wound re-opens ..... This family unit no longer feels secure .... I had forgotten ..... ITS THE INTERNET .... I agree with feather, ignore the harsh critics. You’ve much to contribute, and are needed. |
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Post by AD in WNC on May 25, 2019 15:59:54 GMT
Tallpines HUGS! Cruelty should never be allowed! Especially in print where it can be reread and cause pain more than once. Please stay there are quite a few of us who are not cruel and who value you and your contributions. Ozarks Tom like you I came over from HT and I started homesteading (mini farming) 17 years ago. Unfortunately I don't have the time to do as much as you do - I still work full-time. What can I teach? I crochet (blankets and hats mostly) I sew (not quilts mostly costumes) I raise meat rabbits (no one on this forum is interested in them and our processor went out of business). I have a green thumb, but can't tolerate summer heat, so I don't do much gardening. I wish that I could live seasonally like @jwal10. I love hearing about how that works. feather your cheese adventures are wonderful. I want a cheese cave and the time to make cheese. My point is that as a community we all have something to share and we all need to post more often. To everyone I didn't mention, I am not intentionally ignoring you all. I post from a cell phone and can't look back at the previous posts.
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Post by Mr DAVID In Wisconsin on May 25, 2019 16:21:31 GMT
I post to hear myself talk.
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Post by Ozarks Tom on May 25, 2019 16:55:33 GMT
AD in WNC, We also raise meat rabbits, New Zealands to be exact. We process them ourselves after asking a neighbor to show us how. We started by giving them a whack on the neck, but that wasn't nearly as efficient as a .22 pistol. We cool the carcass in ice water for 24 hours before bagging them in Foodsaver bags after tying the legs together. The killing/skinning/cleaning takes about 5 minutes each. Oh, we use a tree branch lopper for the head and feet, too much time and work to separate at the joints.
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Post by AD in WNC on May 25, 2019 17:01:48 GMT
Ozarks Tom my rabbits are silver fox. The can get fat living on the weeds in the yard, in case pellets aren't available. They seem to mature better for me than the more traditional breeds. I use a 22 rifle on the rabbits. I put them in a dark box to keep them calm, then pull the trigger from 3ft away.
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Post by katievt on May 29, 2019 16:19:10 GMT
Ozarks Tom, AD in WNC, my husband and I raise meat rabbits. Had crosses, but are switching to purebred Champagne d'Argents. Love the breed and hope to sell some pedigreed breeding stock to supplement feed costs. My husband processes ours using the "broomstick" method. Since we're in town, we can't use guns.
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Post by bluemingidiot on May 29, 2019 19:07:01 GMT
Farmchix why can't you post more pics? Your quilts are true art. They elevate the forum. If I can post pictures anyone can.
James is one of the most interesting posters and has one of the most unique and fascinating lives I know of. He should really have a food blog.
The world is full of wonder, share the natural world around you. I.e., we had a noisy frog in the front water feature. We named him Kermit. Kermit has been silent lately. I am a afraid Kermit's noise did him in. Sunday we found a small frog in the back water feature. He couldn't get out so we built up some rocks for him/her to climb up on. Since we didn't know the frog's sex, we named it Cooper, since that could go both ways.
People are interesting. I.e., I was in the HEB express checkout line a few hours ago. There was a 30s-ish Hispanic lady behind me. I set a divider behind my stuff so the lady behind me could start unloading her stuff. Then I moved the other divider as far back as it would go. Evidently, her experience is that a lot of people don't do that, so she said "thank you." It wasn't much, so I just nodded my head. She didn't see me nod my head, so she then said "Thank you for doing that." I was embarrassed and quickly replied "You are welcome."
This lady had two pieces of chocolate cake, two gallons of vanilla ice cream, a 12-pack of A&W Root Beer and a couple of other items. First thing that came to mind was cake and ice cream but I quickly realized that wasn't going to work. I then commented to her, "Looks like you are getting serious about root beer floats." She said, "They are for my child's end of school party. I'm going to be first in line. I've never had one." "You've never had a root beer float," I asked incredulously. "I've never had a root beer," she replied. "It just wasn't something we had," she added. I smiled and said, "You've got a whole new world opening up!"
My first root beers were Mason Root Beer which came in a dark brown bottle just like Jax and Falstaff. (I understand Mr. David skipped root beer and went straight to the real stuff).
If you write about something that was significant for you, I promise your post will connect someone else with something significant in their life. And the most significant things in most people's lives are not what's in the news, or on the talent shows, or what celebrities do. I hope no one on this board connects with the Housewives of anywhere. I'm beginning to think that the people who climb Mount Everest and do similar things are egotistical idiots. To me, Farmchix and James' have much more desirable and rewarding lives. And even if your life isn't all that interesting right now, I'd bet it has been.
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Post by midtnmama on May 29, 2019 20:47:59 GMT
Just about everything we have done on our farm came from this forum and the one before. I think it is always good to find out how others do things. Some of us have more money, or more time, or more space--all factors that make us choose different paths. There are many ways to say, grow tomatoes, or can something. The conversations are absolutely wonderful--especially when they show different approaches.
As for something having been answered before - We always say on the tightwad tips thread that even if you think everyone knows it, there are always new members, or old member may now be ready to hear that tip, or may have forgotten a particular tip. Repeats are great!!
Keep posting, everyone!
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Post by Deleted on May 30, 2019 21:31:49 GMT
James is one of the most interesting posters and has one of the most unique and fascinating lives I know of. He should really have a food blog. Food blog, doesn't sound appetizing. I don't use a camera or cell phone. Taught myself to type and use a computer for work because my writing is so bad. Went to training for water distribution with a co-worker, it was all on a computer. I was embarrassed, went home and started with a couple online farm forums, found HT. Learned to post and look where it has gone. The next training I had it figured out, co-worker was so surprised. Finally got my own smartbox, this chrome book. Never thought I could type with my useless fingers in the way, (use the ring finger on left hand and hunt and peck with my right index). It works....a lot better than my printing. Never learned cursive. I cook without a recipe. I see what I have and make a meal. Simple doesn't need a recipe. 1-2 or 3-4 ingredient meals, done that way all my life. Mom and Grandma did it. No complete meals, all the food groups in a day, Nibble, nibble. Root beer. Dad made it a few times, a few would explode sometimes. A&W was the only I ever knew. The real thing without fizz. A couple years ago I tried a Henry Weinhards orange cream float. My new favorite. A little fish house in Nye Beach at Newport Oregon has them on the menu. OHHHh so good....James |
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Post by dustawaits on May 30, 2019 21:59:54 GMT
My so called knowledge comes from long ago.
Milk goats, beef and dairy cows, pigs, then rabbits.
Starting with 10 went with partner to 200 does.
DVMs sent others to me that had questions.
DVMs gave me medicines to treat animals belonging to
other people whether hogs or cattle when the owners refused veterinary help.
This prevented infectious diseases from spreading.
Then a few years later same scenario again. Dairy goats milk and beef cattle
and another 100 rabbits and the trust of DVMs. Horses were added this time
and sheep......
But though I have been only 8 years from this intensive style of small farm living
my experience is considered obsolete.
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Post by midtnmama on May 31, 2019 19:27:27 GMT
My so called knowledge comes from long ago. Milk goats, beef and dairy cows, pigs, then rabbits. Starting with 10 went with partner to 200 does. DVMs sent others to me that had questions. DVMs gave me medicines to treat animals belonging to other people whether hogs or cattle when the owners refused veterinary help. This prevented infectious diseases from spreading. Then a few years later same scenario again. Dairy goats milk and beef cattle and another 100 rabbits and the trust of DVMs. Horses were added this time and sheep...... But though I have been only 8 years from this intensive style of small farm living my experience is considered obsolete. No, not obsolete. Tell us what you know... |
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Post by sugarspinner on Jun 18, 2019 1:10:16 GMT
I sign in daily, a lot of times I have nothing to say or start a thread..I really enjoy reading about success and failures on the homestead..don't enjoy the drama about personal life Yes, yes, yes. Homesteading information, successes and failures, "here's what we tried" -type comments, all get my attention. With female granddaughters, we get all the drama-queen stuff I need (and then some!) Most of my family avoid Face Book and all that rat-a-tat because of our dislike of the personal drama, so I don't appreciate seeing it here. |
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. I visit often, but truth is I've been Ill and down right depressed. I'm going to make myself contribute more whether my fingers want to cooperate or not, they can use the exercise.
