Talk about feeling alone!īut it didn't take long to start hearing from fellow woodworkers who were searching for content and chances to connect and learn. When I started my show over five years ago I was the only podcast on the Internet until Marc came along. I'm sure it came as a result of some magazine subscription that sold my name.īut you're absolutely correct about people not knowing of the online communities of woodworkers or even real world guilds and clubs. I received one of those discs several years ago too. If I might bite on the DVD and the promises it offers, others most definately would. And I still stumble upon locations and information completely by accident. Now, I know a handful of people in "Real Life" who work with wood, as well as several people from the various online communities. The one store I knew of was in the process of closing, and I did not know anybody else who did any woodworking. I have caught a few episodes, completely against my initial will, and the quality of the production has definately improved.īut before three years ago, I was completely at a loss for any wood working knowledge.
Now, I realize that Tommy Mac has the high production television show because, in part, of his podcast. The video quality was grainier, the accent difficult to chew through, and the lighting felt very dark and secretive. In comparison, I also opened a podcast from T-Chisel, and was completely unimpressed. Marc's voice was clear and understandable, the camera angle was back far enough I could see what was around the bench as well as the work being done at the time, and there were no shadows in the video. I happened to be searching through iTunes for wood working podcasts. I stumbled on the website for the Wood Whisperer completely by accident. It comes down to stumbling across the links, or having someone direct you to them. Not having received this DVD, I cannot state what information is presented. Then again, I don't even subscribe to magazines anymore.Yes, there are people out there who do not know that there are wood working communities online that can provide as much or more information as this guild. These organizations also get substantial revenue from selling information.
Their end goal is to provide just enough perceived value that they can maximize their profit from each (level of) subscription.which is no different than any other business, honestly, but still.the buyer has to decide if it's worth it or not to them. Pretty much all of these organizations, whether for woodworking or any other thing out there (they exist in nearly all types of activity focuses that people get involved in) these are for-profit businesses that specifically leverage our emotions and interests to create cash flow. Costs change "in the background" and can sneak up on you, especially if you opt for or are required to have auto-renewal. The bottom line I've taken from them is that if you take value from the membership and enjoy the particular benefits you get for the price you pay, go for it, BUT.be very careful about what's just been warned about here. There have been a number of discussions over the years about organizations like this. I very much like the instruction there and plan to remain a member once my current Platinum subscription expires sometime next year. I've been able to send questions which they've answered as another benefit.
Video content is archived for later viewing if you aren't able to catch it live.
They also have live events on specific topics - the most recent of which is a series on using your bandsaw.
George Vondriska, a senior editor and the most prominent face of WWGOA, hosts a free live event the second Tuesday evening of each month where he fields questions from viewers. Each tier of membership brought additional benefits, in terms of downloadable video content and project plans and access to live events. Once I was at the Gold Level, they introduced a new Platinum level, which i subscribed to near the end of my Gold membership for another $15 or so. I started as a regular member then was presented with offers for their Gold membership level. Your first three years as a member there can come at a quite low cost. They offer a number of paid classes on specific topics which are well-organized and well-produced videos. They have a ton of video instruction content and post new content frequently. I've been a member for a bit over two years now and have gotten well more than my money's worth out of the membership.