Yurt Forum Acquires Yurtinfo.org and Livingintheround.org

[Jafo]

One of the reasons I have been pretty quiet here the last couple of weeks is because I have been working on acquiring two new sites:

Yurt Info

and

Living in the Round

These used to belong to Becky Kemery who recently passed away. If you have done any research about yurts then chances are pretty good that you have come across her work somewhere along the line. I would like to thank her estate for considering me when it came time to find these two places a home. I just hope I can do her justice and continue growing what she started!

I don't expect any big changes yet, but will be remodeling things after a while and updating information as I have time.

- Jeff

[HawaiiYurts]

Becky put in so very much work on those sites, helping to share a world based knowledge and network of yurt information. Her focus was mostly educating people, with a highlight in helping ordinary people get into the round.

I am very glad you decided to take on the vast collection of her work. Props to you, and thank you, I suspect I speak from the hearts of many in the industry. Let's all continue to try to come together, sharing our knowledge with respect and warmth. Let's work to make bright, happy, sustainable futures ahead!

[Woodyrock]

Thank you for picking up Becky's forum. even though I have not logged in recently due to the major spam attack. Becy will be missed by many.
Woody

[Surely Yurts - Steve]

Big shoes to fill, and an honor to be chosen by Becky Kemery's estate. You are devoted to this forum and, in my opinion, deserve this charge.

Even those of us whom didn't have the pleasure of meeting Becky, I think, developed a special bond with her in reading her book and other writings.

I will say that with this new honor comes a great new responsibility. Becky was always careful not to advertise or 'weigh in' on yurt manufacturers. She believed in people, first and foremost. I think with this new charge, Jeff, you should be careful not to reccomend specific yurt manufacturers as I have seen exercised on this forum.

It is a safe bet to say that Colorado and Pacific produce consistantly good quality yurts, as we all know. But it is not your place as a new mediator and supposed neutral authority to plug those names. With 'YurtForum.com' being recognized by Becky's estate. This now falls into the realm of journalistic integrity. We all trust you here, and thank you for your dedication to spreading the good word about yurts.

Brava!

[Jafo]

Actually Becky's sites had multiple advertisements for various yurt manufacturers. She did indeed advertise them. I have since removed these ads for now because I am not currently seeking to monetize my sites. I do however reserve that right to do so. There is a lot of work that goes into creating a community like this and there may come a time where I would like to be compensated for it in some way. Most of the people out there who build yurts, make a profit of some kind, and I don't think that makes their work less authentic in doing so.

I feel my place here is to speak about my experience while creating an even larger area for others to do so too. When people ask what kind of yurt I would recommend, then I feel I should give my opinion. I don't believe there is any conflict of interest there. I do not (yet) receive any direct compensation from any yurt manufacturer so I do not see how my opinion adversely affects my integrity. If a day should come where I do have business interests with particular manufacturers, I will be sure to note that when giving my opinions.

My goals are still the same the day I started yurtforum.com, and that is to try and create a repository of information and discussion about yurts. This includes all yurts, be they traditional, architectural, solid, or even metaphysical .

[djspn]

Originally Posted by Jafo

. When people ask what kind of yurt I would recommend, then I feel I should give my opinion.

Thanks......... and please keep it up.

[Surely Yurts - Steve]

Hey Jeff,

I didn't mean to quibble, suppose I was just throwing my two cents in. This forum is becoming a valuable resource for people interested in yurts. Sorry if I was being antagonistic, that was not my intention.

Keep up the good work and thanks again for you're hard work here on the yurt forum. Happy New Year!

[Jafo]

We're all good, don't think twice about it! It's good everyone knows where I am at with that kind of stuff anyway.

How did your yurts do with all our snow this year? That first one was wet, then it got real cold and froze it, then we got all that other snow afterwards. You should have heard it come off my house last night. It sounded like the world cracked in half.

[Surely Yurts - Steve]

The yurts all held up! I checked in with everyone and everything is fine. My newest yurt out near Rochester had an issue of the valance flap riding up (like a wedgie type deal). So, I came out this morning and added some guy lines (with para-cord) that run from the valance grommets down to the wooden base. This yurt is in a wind-tunnel, way more violent than any of the other installation locations I've ever built on (no wind protection what-so-ever). This was covered under their warranty and we all had a great afternoon in the yurt with the woodstove going and the customers/new friends are happy! I'm out at a B&B with the GF tonight and were going to hit the town tonight for dinner. All other yurts are doing great despite all the harsh weather this year. I checked out your yurt pics and it looks sweet!

-Cheers!

[Jafo]

Boy, that is one beautiful looking yurt right there. Do you ever recommend any bracing inside?