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Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Tell Me What You Think

I've been thinking..........



 I know, I know, yes it does hurt, A LOT.





No really, I have been thinking on my next project. The solar laundry room is in full go and I will be done with it as money allows. I still need to put a shade over it, build a folding station and restructure my clothes lines in a more user friendly configuration.
Being I am half way though with that project I need to start thinking on my next build so I can have it figured out by the time I need to start it. The problem is I can't come up with nothing.
Of course my project list is still several pages long, I just don't know what I want to start on, if any.

My work shop has been at the top of the list for a long time now. It is always shuffled down because it is such a massive cost and time consumer. Even with collecting scrap and crap, I will still need to purchase a lot more materials to accomplish such a huge undertaking.
I am thinking on just saving up and buying a completed building. I have waved the cost and I can get a bigger bang for my buck if I did. The one problem with that will be time. It will take over a year to save up for it meaning there will not be any extra money for other projects.
I don't know, I'm conflicted.       


On another thought, tell me what you think about this. 
I have been bouncing around in my head about writing up some illustrated, step by step how-to books on the projects I have built here at the Mini Farm.
I just don't know if it will be a big waste of time or if there was enough interest to make it worth it.

If you don't mind, tell me what you think on this and any pointers would help.









27 comments:

  1. Probably a worthwhile project but would take a lot of work to break even, you would have to consider it a labor of love mostly.

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    1. I have thought of that Duke. I am not looking to get rich or anything of the sorts. Just something a little different.

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  2. I definitely would want the Solar Bath House instructions!
    Shar

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    1. Thanks Shar. That will be like the third one I do.

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  3. I think the books would be interesting. I think you would get enough people wanting them. You might not get rich, but like Duke said, it could be a labor of love. lol

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    1. SFG, I am not looking for fame, riches and glory. If it just covers the cost of printing I would be happy.

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  4. hey there...quite a few bloggers on self reliance and self sustaining blogs are starting to do this- patrice at rural revolution and enola gay at paratus familia have done up books, brochures, and simple projects as well. check them out if you have'nt already...i think your idea sounds great...and would for sure help bring in a little bit of extra cash for the workshop project too. my husband is always grousing (in fun of course) that uh oh, wife has been on internet and now has ideas and get out the tools honey!

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    1. Thank Anony, I wonder how they are doing it?

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    2. patrice at rural revolution is doing up brochures/booklets (like e-books) on canning and food preservation for $2.each. and of course she has a craft/marketing book and another book that she sells online as well. enola gay at paratus familia makes and sells feminine reusable products, tea cozies and has written a book about natural remedies and first aid stuff that she sells on her blog too. i make quilts, aprons, potholders, toys etc...that i sell through facebook to "friends" who like what they see and want originals. what i dont sell on facebook gets sold at consignments and festivals etc... i do not do etsy or e-bay...and though i do not get rich from it, i have made enough to buy the things i need like stove, refrigerator, a new large shed, the plumber, the electrician and so forth..and even take a vacation now and then. (not often enough though). like babysitting money, it adds up over time,and i am not pressured into doing anything on the clock.

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    3. Anony, We do sell a lot of stuff made and grown from the Mini Farm. This book thing is new to me so I think I might give it a try. The E-Book thing will be completely new but it looks like that is the way to go.

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  5. I think the how to is a great idea. How many of us have asked questions throughout it all.

    As for the workshop idea. Why not build a smaller building that can be and "it will do" until you can have your bigger building? I know you will have no problem re-purposing the smaller building once you upgrade. - Genevieve

    Btw, you knew I couldn't resist reading this post with a title like that even if I am behind on my reading.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Genevieve, always a pleasure.

      I do not want to build a "will just have to do" workshop. It would be too much trouble moving in and out. The shop building will be 14'X24' barn roof with lofts, anything smaller would defeat the purpose of it all.
      I have waited my whole life for my perfect shop, I guess I can wait a little longer.

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  6. I think the books would be great, especially if you offered them as PDF files that could be emailed. No shipping and no printing! Customers could print them out if needed.

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    1. Thanks Lady, I have a geek buddy of mine who said he can make that happen.

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  7. I would definitely buy the books MDR, especially the one for the bath house and the washer.

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    1. Thanks Stephanie, The washer was going to be the first one I did.

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  8. I would think with your connections you could come up with a building (shed) for a work shop. What about an old U-haul truck box or along that line?? How much room do you need?? Think about it.

    ebook would work.

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    1. Rob, believe me I have exhausted all leads to obtain what I need for a building.
      A box trailer would work but is only nine feet wide and too hot in the summer, same with a u-haul truck bed. I need a 14'x 24' building, barn style roof with lofts. By the time I bought and delivered two cargo trailers and coated the outside and insulated the inside, you are looking at 8 grand. The building I need is 4,000.

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  9. The book would be a best seller. How about an outdoor kitchen?

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    1. Thanks John.
      The kitchen is on the list of projects as well and just like the shop, is has been pushed back due to cost. I can't do anything half way so this outdoor kitchen design is the kitchen to die for.

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  10. I just discovered your blog, and I love it! I would buy your books. The way to go is ebooks. That way, the only cost is your time. I buy lots of ebooks and I love the freedom it gives me to read on the computer or print as many copies as I like.

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    1. I am glad you found me Still standing.
      Thanks for the input on this. I think I will get started on these as soon as I can.

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  11. I think you need to back off the building stuff for a little while so you can do some stuff with them while they are home some they won't be there long before they go back to school after you build me my washer like yours that is my birthday is coming up next month ya know your girls are important and they need time with their dad

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    1. That is true Mom, but they do work all the time and are never home.

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  12. MDR, buddy - i would definitely be interested in your books!

    your friend,
    kymber (email coming)

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