Steve, I was just being a smart a**... LOL
I do know that you love to make your patterns for everyone and want to keep things free.. and I for one very much appreciate it.. I have learned so much from you directly, and from the members here on this forum too.. that it would be impossible to put a money value on it all.
I do wish that more members would help you out with more donations than they do.. (I'm guilty myself)..
Even if we were to figure at a rate of a $1.00 for each of your patterns that we download and use.. I think I'd own you my first born.. LOL
I didn't intend to 'hi-jack' this thread.. but in all seriousness, if the members of your email blog group would consider offering a $1 for each pattern they download, I'm sure you would be much better off than you are now.. Heck, many of us pay $5 to $8 for one pattern... and I'm sure many of them are not nearly as good as what Steve GIVES to us every day... (well, almost every day.. LOL).
Bandwidth and server space costs money.. the programs you bought to run the forum and to make the patterns cost money.. your equipment from video cameras to blades for your saws and the saws themselves to your computers all cost money.. Your lumber, your finishing supplies, your time should even cost money..
Other than what few donations come in, and the little advertising he gets from the blog, all of what Steve does for us, comes directly out of his pocket... (from my understanding anyway).
I realize that many of us are retired, or on disability or such.. and things are REAL TIGHT at home (mine included).. but I suggest that we try to help Steve out as much as we can... when ever we can.. It's not fair that he keeps working his tail off for us, and we don't show some sort of appreciation when ever we can.. ESPECIALLY since this all comes out of his own pocket for OUR benefit..
I may be new to most all of you and not very well known yet.. (maybe not very well liked either.. LOL) but it's the right thing to do.. True???
Had it not been for YOU Steve, I probably would not have kept up with the scroll sawing... and when I think of all the smiles and hugs and thank U's I would have missed out on from all the gifts I have given away so far.. it's enough to break one's heart.
I for one thank you for being who you are and standing up for what you believe in.. helping others learn all the ins and outs of this craft.. helping us all to be on the receiving end of so many smiles and hugs..
Ok, we now continue with your regular scheduled programming... carry on...
Ez