and the quantity of products shown is phenomenal. But that
is only the tip of the iceberg. By clicking on different advertis-
ers and looking at their websites, another universe of prod-
ucts comes to life. Many of these are small sole proprietors
that work out of their homes on a shoestring budget. Yet the
variety of products and services they provide is astounding.
When I reflect on my early days in the hobby, the variety and
the quality of products available were nowhere near what
we have available to us today. Technology, the Internet, and
a host of other factors have contributed to what is currently
available to us.
New methodologies and techniques have built upon,
improved, and raised the standard of what we expect, and is
acceptable. Kits and ready to run products that are available
to the beginner would have been considered craftsman qual-
ity work two decades ago.
I believe that we are at the beginning of a new golden era of
the hobby. It is time to be thankful and enjoy what we have.
As technology and manufacturing techniques improve, the
products and services available to us will grow. However, it is
up to us, the hobbyist.
Are we willing to share with others, be thankful for our bless-
ings, and support the manufactures of the products with our
hard-earned dollars? It is time to share with others what a
gem of a hobby we have.
Assistant Editor’s editorial - 3
MRH-Nov 2014
