Well, if you've read the intro, you now know how I got into this but not why I stayed. To tell the truth, I never expected to get quite so involved in any of this, but it just "felt right" and snowballed into the smoking-maniac that I've become. I loved the challenge of making something where the weather and equipment fought you at every turn. I liked to tell people that it took me 12 hours to cook a roast. I liked cooking stuff that wasn't readily available in my area (unless you're talking McRib...see BBQ Taboos). I loved to play with fire (but not in the crazy sense...well, maybe just a little crazy). But I think that the thing I loved the most was the PEOPLE. The people are just awesome, and I feel that I know many of you even though we've never met in person (one of those Geeky Internet things, I guess). The ironic part is that normally I don't even LIKE people (traffic, crowds, etc.), but for some reason I love helping people (some Freudian "Lone Wolf" mixed with "White Knight" complex). That's probably why I got so absorbed into the BBQ Forum. I was able to learn from experts, help the newbies, yet still be safe at home...typing in my bunny slippers....and enjoying every minute.
When I started this hobby last year, there was virtually no information on barbecueing on the ECB or Weber Grill. I looked and looked but I only found stuff on offsets and WSM's. Also, many sites I visited only talked about traditional recipes. I'm here to tell you that there's more than ribs, briskets, and butts, in MY version of barbecue (though I love all three). This website is all about what I've learned over the past year, some of the ideas that I've tried, some of the failures I've had, and 100% PERSONAL OPINION. In no way will I claim that this is the Best and Only way to do things. Moreover, it is an attempt at showing what works for me, and maybe give you some ideas on things to try. I'm completely open to learning new ways or points of view, so if you have some, SHARE.
I have no immediate plans to make this a commercial site. In that way, I'll try to stay "real" and remain free of obligations to any "sponsors". (this message brought to you by the Squid Jerky Emporium.....just kidding). If I endorse a product or supplier on this page, it's because I own or have dealt with them personally and like them. I will, however, need to reserve the right leave this option OPEN since I AM paying for the site with my own money and it would be cool to expand it without spending any more cash (for example, I'd love my own domain name: www.RandyQ.com.....BING!....$70 bucks please.......a bigger webhost? BING! another $100 bucks please...and so on). If some rich corporation wants to give me a buhzillion bucks to put a banner up, I'M THERE! But, I won't endorse it unless I believe in it.
I'm having fun doing this and will continue to do this as long as it's fun. I love receiving the positive feedback and constructive criticism, so keep it coming. I also want to hear about stuff that you want covered, or cool things you want me to post for you. At the point where it ceases being fun, or no one is interested anymore, I'll move on to something else (Hmmmm, I've always wanted to try out homebrewing....wonder if there's a forum for it.)
Thanks go out to Lee (Qsis) for welcoming me into this fine group of people and encouraging my "one-off" recipes, Dylan (Q.N.E. tyme) for making me laugh more times then I can count, ChrisA (VirtualWeberBullet.com) for giving me tips on website creation and all that priceless WSM content, Ray Basso (BBQ Forum) for creating a great place for losers like me to hang out, and...Aw Hell, everyone else (I only have 50MB of space on this server, and there's too many folks to list!)
Anyway,
Enjoy!
Randy