After years of other stuff getting in the way, I have finally begun work on a new suspension bridge. The new bridge will be similar to the first only in that the parts will be constructed off-site. The new bridge will have a different connection system as well as a different way to anchor the posts. It will have a hand-rail system, too. That’s one reason I am building it – to try a different approach to building a bridge. Plus we’ll have a complete hiking circle on our property on both sides of the creek.
I plan to continue the project right after I recover from my second knee-replacement surgery. I’ve have already cleared the two landing sites and built several components for this 100-foot long bridge. I’m using metal posts this time and they have been cut to length. The biggest job after the prep work will be planting and backfilling those posts and anchoring them.
So, the only unknown is, will we publish a book about the new bridge? Unlike our first bridge, this time we’ll have a ton of photos. As explained in Building a Small Cable Suspension Bridge, we weren’t really thinking “book” when it was constructed and our camera used floppy disks and film. This potential book could have far more illustrations of the process.
But frankly, the process isn’t all that complicated. It could just be a blog post, right? We had a couple of reviewers suggest that for the first title. But here’s the thing: should we write and publish the information and instructions for free? It appears that a lot of people have come to expect writers, artists, photographers, and musicians to just give it to them for nothing since they already pay to have internet access. Creators should just give their creations away while these same people demanding free content punch a timecard and get paid for their work, right?
That makes no sense to us. Maybe YouTube with some annoying ads for those with a free account would produce a little beer money. And people who love to have a book for reference (and are happy to pay for it) would have the option to buy one. Okay, that’s if Robin will do most all the work, because I sure as heck don’t have the time. I’m too busy building stuff (or planting trees)!
We’ll think about it. Meanwhile, belated thanks for the other many positive reviews we’ve had for our little bridge book. Over 2,100 copies have sold to readers all over the world. We think that’s pretty cool. And, after all, books are forever. We hope.
Wildcat Man 