That's a good question, Jerry. Let me begin with
The Virtual Weber Bullet, because without that, there would not have been this discussion forum.
Back in 1997-98, discussion about the WSM was happening mainly on Ray Basso's
The BBQ Forum. I noticed that new people would come online and post questions that had been asked before, and helpful members would post answers that had been posted before...which is a very common circumstance on a forum. And I had gotten into the habit, maybe like some of you here on TVWBB, of printing out interesting threads containing good info.
I organized those print-outs into a binder. In fact, here's something I've never shown anyone...the red binder that started The Virtual Weber Bullet:
Then I realized three things. First was that the binder contained a lot of great info that could form the basis for a static reference website about the WSM. Why should the same questions be asked and answered again and again? A static reference site, like an encyclopedia of WSM information, would be a great resource. Second was that creating a website would an excuse to learn HTML and that would help me in my job at HP. Third was that there were some not-so-special barbecue website already out there, and I thought I could do it better.
After a few false starts, I first published The Virtual Weber Bullet in June, 1998. It turned out to be a great way to learn HTML and to exercise creativity through website design, writing, and photography. Also, it was gratifying to get feedback from people that they found the site useful and informative and even entertaining. So those are all reasons why I did TVWB.
As for the establishment of the discussion forum, it was just part of the natural progress of the static website. There needed to be a place for dedicated WSM conversation (which later broadened to become dedicated Weber product conversation). I realized that there was no way I could know everything and write everything about the WSM on a static website...but that by posting messages on a forum, members would create new content about the WSM above and beyond what I could do myself.
So why I did the discussion forum was really about extending the reach of the static website and its content. I didn't really think of it as a place where people would meet and become friends and socialize, yet it has become that in many ways.
Why do I do it now? What keeps me going? It's hard to say...it's like spinning plates on wooden dowels...but without the tuxedo.
Once you start, it's hard to stop. It doesn't take
no effort to keep going, but it does take
some effort every day. 7 days a week. When on vacation. When on business trips. Every. Single. Day. But it's gratifying to know that it's a great resource that people enjoy. It satisfies the urge to make a small contribution to a field that you love. I will never be a television personality like Raichlen or a prolific cookbook author Purviance or a renowned competition champion like Soo, but TVWB and TVWBB are successes in their own way, I'm proud of them as accomplishments, and that's enough reward for me.
As for the money...let's just say that if you broke it down into an hourly wage, I am
severly underpaid! I have not been able to retire because of the success of TVWB and TVWBB! I have 21.5 years at HP and 3 years at EMC to thank for that.
Back when I started, I didn't have a domain name and TVWB was hosted as part of my household ISP plan. I used to shoot photos on film (!) and have it developed at Long's Drug Store and pay for it out of my own pocket. I didn't care...just having content online was the thing. As things grew and expanded and expenses increased, I turned to Amazon and PayPal and Cafepress for help, and so many people over the years have helped in that regard. I'm able to pay for the hosting and bandwidth we need, I'm able to get the hardware and software I need to create content, I'm able to line-up prizes for you guys and gals occasionally.
It's all good. A sincere thank you to everyone that helps support what's going on here. You make a difference!